Pattaya Mail — News

TAT Governor visits Pattaya for “Amazing Thailand” promotion

Seri Wangphaijit, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, visited the Pattaya City Council on Monday, September 29, enthusiastically promoting ‘Amazing Thailand Year.’

TAT Governor Seri presented a high-tech slide show, highlighting the many positive aspects of Pattaya. He also offered encouragement, saying that Pattaya is well on its way to recovery and that the government is putting a lot of effort into promoting Pattaya for the upcoming national campaign. He continued, telling of his high hopes the promotion would further enliven the tourist industry in Pattaya.

At this time, the central government is doing its utmost to promote Pattaya as a tourist destination, which can be seen in the government’s investment of 3,600 million baht to improve public utilities for tourists. Tourist areas with problems are receiving constant attention from the government, including new wastewater treatment plants, scheduled to be completed by 1999.

Other large projects to help Pattaya include the International Convention Centre, a Pattaya Festival planning Centre, a Pattaya Personnel Development Centre, a Pattaya Tourist Development Research Centre, and a Larn Island Tourism Development Authority.

Other equally important projects are the Pattaya Second Road, Chaiyapruek Junction and the landfill project.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand projects that 17 million tourists will visit Thailand during the promotion and spend six hundred thousand million baht. Seri said this goal would be difficult to meet but the planning committee had done its homework.

To achieve this goal, private businesses, government enterprises and civil servants must all support the promotion. Seri continued, saying that Pattaya had many advantages with its diverse topography, bracing air and marine beauty. In the past, these had all brought many tourists to the city.

Seri predicted the ‘floating baht’ will be a real advantage as it will make Pattaya and Thailand an economic place to visit, and went on to state that Thailand is now the cheapest tourist destination in the world, with the best tourist services in the world.

Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pajchimanan told the meeting that everyone must work together, take care of the environment and stop extortionist practices on tourists.

All forms of the media will be involved in promoting ‘Amazing Thailand Year’ and the promotion will surely bring Thailand’s economy back in line very quickly.

The meeting was organised by the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA). More than 200 businesspeople from the Pattaya area attended.

Watch Pattaya Mail for upcoming information about Pattaya’s "Amazing Thailand" activities, including the Pattaya Festival, Pattaya Carnival, Pattaya International Marathon, water sports in Pattaya as part of the Asian Games, and many more.

German murders mother, flees to Pattaya

Jörg Guido Winterschied from Bonn, Germany, was arrested at the Beach View Hotel in Pattaya on the 25th of September at 15:15 hrs., charged with murdering his mother.

On the afternoon of the 14th of September 1997, Jörg allegedly called on his mother, Anna Maria Winterscheid, in her apartment in Bonn, and stabbed her eight times with a kitchen knife. The victim died as a result of the injuries inflicted upon her.

Afterwards, Jörg took money out of his mother’s purse and took the next flight to Bangkok. He then came to Pattaya on 18 Sept., where he spent his last week of freedom before turning himself in to the authorities.

Jörg, who does not speak any English, confessed the chilling tale through the help of an interpreter.

Photo: Joerg Guido Winterscheid spent his last days of freedom in Pattaya before telephoning the German embassy to tell them he had murdered his mother.

"I have always been angry at my mother. She cut me out of the family since I was very young, and never wanted to contact me. I have lived a lonely life, and tried hard to get near her, but that was not what she wanted. She didn’t even want to look at my face.

"Then I was sent to many mental hospitals for therapy and so on, because she believed that I was mentally sick. In the beginning I was not, but now I don’t know anymore. What I know is I really hate her and that was the reason I did what I did.

"About two days ago, I called up the German Embassy in Bangkok to tell them that I have killed my mother and have run away from Germany, and that I am now in Pattaya. I have no money to carry on living and need help."

After receiving the call, the German Embassy contacted police authorities in Bonn to confirm the unbelievable story. When police confirmed everything that Jörg Guido Winterscheid said, the German Embassy in Bangkok revoked his passport, and with the cooperation of the German Liaison Officer, contacted Pol. Lt. Thanomsak Indhrabutr of the Pattaya Tourist Police to arrest the man and to extradite him to Germany to stand trial.

The staff at the hotel told Pattaya Mail that the man had lived in mysterious seclusion since his arrival. He never talked to anyone willingly, was never seen to smile at anyone, and did not have any relationships with any girls. Jörg paid his room bill on arrival, but owed over 2,000 Baht for food, and laundry, which he willingly paid with the money left in his possession.

German police authorities had already suspected Jörg of having committed this murder, having gathered evidence from statements made by eye witnesses, and objective evidence from the apartment of the victim.

"The missing link was that no one knew that Jorg had left Germany and come to Pattaya," said Uwe Jurgensen, police officer with the Narcotics and Organized Crime Liaison Office for South East Asia.

On the 14th of September, just before her death, the victim had told one of the witness on the phone that she expected her son to come to her apartment in the afternoon that very day. Another witness stated that he had heard cries for help coming from the multi-storey building on that particular afternoon.

"This gives rise to the suspicion that the mother of the alleged murderer was actually killed on that particular afternoon," Uwe concluded.

Thai star busted for hit and run death

On September 23rd in Sattahip, Thai superstar Pete Thongchua was remanded to custody for his involvement in a hit and run accident that left a 57 year old motorcycle driver dead.

Phantakarn ‘Pete’ Thongchua, 27, star of stage, screen and television, was behind the wheel of his automobile when he collided with a motorcycle driven by 57 year old Boonsong Boonprakorb. Boonsong was thrown off his motorcycle onto the shoulder of the road, and died on impact. Pete Thongchua then fled the scene.

Thongchua has previously been charged with criminal assault several times in the recent past.

Police officers from Pattaya, Banglamung, Sriracha and Chonburi City were called in to find and apprehended the driver.

An officer of the Banglamung police department, checking a car parked behind a factory in the Rong Po Market area, found Thongchua sitting inside the damaged car with a friend, Ms. Wanna Benjatanan, 27.

At Sattahip police station, where the two were taken for further questioning, the star said he had no intention of committing a hit and run, but decided to drive around a while after the accident to ‘get his bearings.’ He told officers that he and his friend were driving back to Bangkok after shooting a television show. He said that the motorcycle had shot out in front of his motorcar and he was not able to avoid it or stop in time.

Thongchua was charged with reckless driving leading to the death of a human being and hit and run. Navy Captain Athichai Fungladda of the first division of the Sattahip Naval Base posted bail.

Relatives of the deceased demanded 160,000 baht in funeral costs and damages, which Pinyo Thongchua, a wealthy businessman, was willing to pay. Paying these damages means that no civil suit can be filed, but the actor still faces a criminal suit, which prosecutors are preparing now.

Locals tell tale of fraud

by Kittisak Khamthong

This story of a husband and wife engaged in ‘confidence’ scams was related to the Pattaya Mail by the owner of a small convenience store near the Grand Solé hotel on Pattaya, Second Road.

Mr. Khamrob Jongpaiboon told reporters that about 5 months ago, he met the personnel directors of a hotel in Chonburi. Mr. Amnaj Kijpraset and Ms. Jiranan Buathong, about 45-50 years of age, had bought goods in his shop. After this, they came to visit his shop after closing time and the three became acquainted.

Later, Mr. Amnaj asked for advice concerning a personal matter; apparently he and his wife had received death threats from family members and had to come to Pattaya. Amnaj said the problem began when he inherited 40 rai of land from his paternal grandmother. The land was allegedly behind the Police Academy in Nakorn Pathom, a most choice location.

He went on to tell his new "friend" that problems ensued with his paternal uncles, who felt that part of the land should be given to them. Amnaj’s uncles threatened him with death if he did not comply with their wishes.

This caused Amnaj great worry, he said, as he had already made a verbal contract with a Taiwanese national. Amnaj had promised to sell the land to the man for 2 million baht per rai.

Mr. Khamrob said that Amnaj had shown the land deed and sales contract to many people. He had bragged that selling this land would make him instantly wealthy, as the sale to the Korean would earn him 60-70 million baht. He boasted that after he received the money he would pay off his debts, buy an expensive car, a motorcycle, diamond rings, cameras and land in Pattaya upon which he would build a mansion. Amnaj told eager listeners that the he would purchase at least 4 additional rai of land.

Seeing the contract and deed for the land in Nakorn Pathom, locals believed his story. After Amnaj got to know these people better, he borrowed money and their motorcars, promising them as soon as the sale was closed he would return the cars and repay the cash ‘loans.’

When the time came for the couple to pay back their loans, they disappeared. By the time the credulous got wise, they found out through investigations that the land contract and deed were fakes.

Amnaj and his wife Jiranan had 3 children, who never attended school, as mom and dad were busy defrauding people and had to move too often for the children to obtain the necessary residential papers to attend educational institutions.

As Amnaj had worked in the personnel department of hotels in many provinces, it was possible for him to write himself the highest of recommendations when leaving a job.

The wily couple defrauded Mr. Khamrob out of a motorcycle, cash and other goods.

Complaints have been filed against the couple with the Pattaya police, who are currently searching for the couple.

Needy students receive scholarships

On September 29, the Business Administrator’s Association of Pattaya presented scholarships and food funds to disadvantaged primary school students of four schools in Banglamung District.

The BAAP presented each school with 5,000 baht, with the funds coming from the Charity Rally held on August 3rd of this year.

Schools receiving the donations were Huay Khai Nao School, Rai SR School, Mab Fuk Thong school, and Thung Ban Klom School.

After the principals from the four schools accepted the gifts with effusive thanks, the board of the BAAP went to the Mab Fuck Thong school and provided 50 children with a hot lunch.

Mr. Pattana Chalermchat told reporters that this was the first stage in a program of BAAP’s to help children who come from low-income families. The Association wishes to help the economy by developing the most important resources society has, its children.

Anyone wishing to give help with the lunch fund or other programs for children may contact the schools or the Primary Education Office in Banglamung. Those who wish to help, but do not speak Thai, may contact the Pattaya Mail which will see that gifts and donations reach the proper destination.

Dinner to discuss economic crises

Guest speaker Graeme P. Maxton, Associate Editor, Automotive Publications of the Economists Intelligence Unit (EIU) will give a talk on "The Economic Crisis in Asia: The Outlook for the Automotive Industry" at a special dinner sponsored by the British Chamber of Commerce at the Amari Orchid Resort Pattaya on Tuesday, October 7 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Graeme Maxton is also a partner in strategy consultants, Autopolis. He writes regularly for the EIU and is the author of many of its best-selling reports. He co-authored "Driving Over a Cliff", a best selling book on the future of the motor industry which was nominated for the Financial Times Best Book About Business Award.

Before joining the EIU and Autopolis, Mr. Maxton was in the automotive practice of Booz Allen and Hamilton in London and Paris. As a consultant he has worked for many automotive manufacturers and component suppliers, government agencies and financial institutions. Recent clients include: Nissan, Volvo Asia-Pacific, Lucas, GKN, Samsung, Citicorp and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Mr. Maxton is currently working for the Thai Ministry of Industry in part of a year long project aimed at developing Thailand’s automotive industry.

By special arrangement with Mr. Maxton, the British Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be hosting a dinner in Pattaya which is open to non-British Chamber members. The cost of dinner is Baht 600 net per person, including wine and soft drinks (purchase of other drinks is on personal account).

Police Briefs

Tangled Two

A female police officer and a police sergeant recently had a dangerous misunderstanding concerning their relationship. Police were called to the scene at the ‘Lovely Home Hotel’ in Pattaya, where they apprehended the female police officer for shooting a gun in the air outside the hotel. She told the officers who had restrained her that the police sergeant, whom she had known for three years, had taken her to a hotel and tried to rape her.

The sergeant said the officer had entered the hotel room willingly. A quarrel over money ensued whereupon the sergeant tried to calm the officer by making amorous advances. This angered the officer further and she picked up a gun and began shooting in the air. Police are investigating this confusing situation.

Doughty police nab low rollers

Captain Samai Somchit of the Crime Suppression Division of Banglamung led a squadron of 10 doughty officers to catch a den of gamblers in Banglamung. Storming a house in that area, police caught six Thai matrons brazenly playing cards. At the police station, the women, whose ages range from thirty to 64 years, confessed to gambling. Officers confiscated 1 pack of cards and 20 (twenty) baht in cash. The women were charged with gambling.

Flying Spinach set ablaze

A fire broke out at The ‘Spinach which Floats in the Air’ Restaurant in South Pattaya. The restaurant is named for the technique used to serve the specialty. After frying the foliage, the cook throws the vegetables to a waiter at the other end of the parking lot, who catches the airborne victuals with a plate. What foreign bodies the greens pick up in their flight is anyone’s guess.

The fire was caused by an electric fan in the employees’ living quarters. Two young men were asleep and awoke when the fan in their room short circuited and the room caught fire. The fire caused approximately 100,000 baht in damage but no-one was injured.

Hubcaps ‘R Us

A hubcap thief was caught plying his nefarious trade in Banglamung, where he had managed to pry all four hubcaps off a car parked in front of the Liberty Insurance Building. At the police station, the criminal refused to yield to police and give his name. Officers found this quite annoying but they did determine he was from Nakorn Ratchasima, as one of the officers at the station is from that province and recognised his accent. He was charged with theft.

Night of speed busts

Police Lt. Colonel Atthaphon Namnark of the Crime Suppression Division led a special squadron of officers in a ‘speed bust’ on September 24th. The squadron managed to apprehend three speed dealers in one night. The three dealers, each operating independently of the other and apprehended at different places, were found to be in possession of a total of 299 tablets of methamphtamine, worth about 20,000 baht. Various police agencies have made over ten arrests of small amphetamine dealers in the past month, but have not yet made any arrests of large dealers or producers.

Lost and found

by Ariyada

Ronald Hartmann of Straubing, Germany, although confined to a wheelchair, is a very experienced traveller. Within the past 20 years he has flown approximately 70 times to destinations of his choice, including 8 times to Thailand. But his latest trip to Thailand was the most adventurous and memorable.

Ronald arrived on September 13 on one of the larger German charter flights. As soon as the plane landed, he asked one of the German speaking stewardesses to bring him his wheelchair. Friendly and polite, she told him she would return with it in one minute.

As the passengers slowly filed out, Ronald patiently waited for his wheelchair to arrive. As the cleaning crew entered, armed with brooms and buckets, Ronald waited. He asked the first to call somebody to get him out of the plane, and received a friendly nod, yet none understood what he needed. Carefully trying not to disturb him, they cleaned around his feet, always smiling at him, though a few gave him strange looks.

When the cleaning crew left, Ronald was left sitting alone. Hot and thirsty, he began to wonder how long he was going to be in the plane, if they ever would find him, and when they did, which country he might be in.

After almost an hour, the new crew came on board. The stewardesses looked at him in surprise, but were too busy preparing for the new passengers to bother to listen to his calls.

At last, the pilot arrived. He also gave Ronald a surprised look and asked him, ‘for God’s sake what are you doing here?" A deep sigh of relief escaped Ronald’s throat and he admitted that he didn’t know himself.

The pilot, a man of action, started to scream at his crew after he learned what happened. The wheelchair was ordered by radio and not long afterwards, arrived - only to reveal that it was Ronald’s very own, which was a huge one and couldn’t be brought inside the plane. Five helpers (Ronald is a very big man) were willing to carry Ronald to the wheelchair, but he refused (he had had bad experiences with helpers who had no knowledge how to handle a paralysed man and had to spend a few months in a hospital because of it). No problem! A smaller wheelchair was ordered via radio and was soon brought, finally enabling him to disembark from the plane.

But his tale doesn’t end there. One member of the airport crew, a Thai, wheeled Ronald to the luggage area. A single suitcase, looking exactly like his, was left on the carousel. The Thai checked the number of the suitcase and packed it on Ronald’s own wheelchair, which was waiting for him as well. The taxi driver, who had come to pick up Ronald, was luckily still waiting and finally Ronald was on his way to the Thai Garden Resort in Pattaya.

Upon reaching his room, Ronald wanted to take a shower and change his clothes. He tried to unlock his suitcase, but - surprise, surprise - the key didn’t fit. By then, Ronald realised that this wasn’t his own suitcase. He called the reception, who called the big German Charter Company in Bangkok, but were told that Thai Airways was responsible now.

Reception reported the case to the office of Thai Airways in Pattaya, and on the 15th of September, after two days of waiting and more phone calls and faxes to the office, Ronald, carrying a certain smell already, finally received an answer. He was told that he must go to Bangkok to exchange the suitcase with the man who had Ronald’s suitcase, which was rather clever on the agent’s part considering that the other man was staying at a hotel in Jomtien.

Only after Ronald refused to do so, suggesting that the suitcases could be exchanged in Pattaya, did Khun Ekkachai Sukhagganot, a representative of the big German Charter Company, come to the hotel to see him, without Ronald’s suitcase.

Even though he didn’t get his own suitcase back, Ronald was ready to pass on the wrong suitcase, but he insisted on getting a receipt for the hand-over, which was loudly refused. When he asked shyly about his own suitcase, he was told to pick it up himself at Thai Limousine Service.

The hotel offered to do this for him but, in the evening of the same day, they brought him more bad news; they were refused.

The next morning, Ronald, who had borrowed a shirt from the General Manager for this special occasion, went to pick up his long lost suitcase. He didn’t receive it, however, until he had paid a fee of 300 Baht for the lost & found report.

He now is a bit confused and wonders why he had to pay the fee for all the trouble he had to go through. It truly is an Amazing Thailand.

Copyright © 1997 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaez