THE 20 QUESTIONS DECEMBER 2018

Every month the Pattaya People News Magazine will ask “The 20 Questions” to a person, who have done something positive in the Pattaya community. This month we feature Richard “Richy” Rhodes, who is one of the major driving forces of the successful yearly “Burapa Bike Week” and very helpful in bringing the various biker groups in Thailand together in peace and harmony.

RICHARD “RICHY” RHODES

Richard Rhodes was born on 18. January 1944 in Kettering, England. He went to Northampton College of Technology. Business: Founder of Corium Leather Garments, director of Carapace Fashion Leather Garment Company, founder of the Nirvana Group of Hotels and Resorts in Thailand. Now Entertainment director of the yearly Burapa Bike Week.

1. When did you arrive in Pattaya and what brought you here?
– In 1978, I wanted to come during the Vietnam war, but was put of by (bad) advice from the UK government.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
– Lived in Istanbul, Turkey for 5 years.

3. What surprised you most about Pattaya?
– In 1978, what a wonderful unspoiled perfect place it was.

4. Friends are in Pattaya for a holiday – what must they absolutely see or do?
– Jomtien beach and Walking street (but only once).

5. What is your favorite Thai food?
– Sea Prawns with lightly cooked fresh vegetables.

6. What is never missing in your refrigerator?
– Clean pure water.

7. What is your favorite Thai word?
– Chai.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
– Cruising the Cotswalds.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
– I’ve already had music, fashion and hospitality and yearn for the career of total retirement with charity work.

10. What’s a job you would definitely never want?
– A boring one.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
– Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
– Cannes, France.

13. What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
– Buddy Holly and hunting (which I now regret).

14. Apart from temptation what can’t you resist?
– Ice cream.

15. Red wine or white?
– Red wine at room temperature when in Europe, white or rose wine ice cold when in hot climates.

16. Book or movie?
– I am a movie producer that loves books.

17. Morning person or night person?
– Now a morning person.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
– Locally: The polluting of Pattaya beaches, Internationally: The destruction of our heritage and freedoms.

19. What area do you like most, Pattaya city or Nongprue (the Dark Side)?
– Pattaya city.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
– Believe in yourself.