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Published on December 23, 2007

Organisers said more than Bt720,000 was collected from the event, which featured a ball with a James Bond theme ("The Spy Who Rocked Me") and an auction of many donated works of art, gifts and hotel vouchers.

Several hundred local and foreign guests attended, including local officials and members of the Thai-Indian community.

General manager Andrew Khoo said his hotel had a motto - "Take time to be kind" - and liked to give something back to the local community.

"All hard rockers here work hard and play hard. When it comes to helping people, I'm very proud that our band members, with their big hearts, contributed Bt100,000 to our Christmas Charity Light-Up. And throughout the year the band members have also volunteered at community projects."

Money from the event will go to three local charities - the Foundation for the Development of Life for Disabled Persons, the Fountain of Life Centre for Children, and the Melissa Cosgrove Children's Foundation (MCCF).

MCCF was set up by English widow Tracy Cosgrove, who has been helping Thai and Burmese orphans for a number of years as well as construction workers' children within the Pattaya area.

Khoo thanked General Kanit Permsub, an aide to HM the King, and his wife Busayarat for "their remarkable contributions" by encouraging Thais to help support underprivileged people.

"I've always admired Thais as they will always show their love and care to people whose help is needed, especially when it comes to children and disabled persons.

"Last but not least, we cannot forget the excellent support from the expatriate community who live in Pattaya and Bangkok, who continue to help the less fortunate in their adopted home."

Jim Pollard

The Nation