United Charities of the Eastern Seaboard renovate Wat Khao Pho Thong School

On September 8th, the United Charities of the Eastern Seaboard (UCES) held an official ceremony to celebrate the completion of the expansion of Wat Khao Pho Thong School in Banglamung District.

This work the UCES donated to the school, through the hiring of a contractor, consisted of constructing a concrete floor, installing a suspended ceiling, fitting doors & window frames, forming a concrete hard stand to the front of the building, installing electrical wiring & fittings, painting the building, constructing toilet & shower facilities, renovating the internal works of the classroom, extending the main roof over the building, fitting floor tiles to the kindergarten, fitting floor & wall tiles to the toilets and shower room, constructing a block & glass partition to form a library, supplying and fitting all sanitary fittings, and refurbishing all electrical wiring and fittings. The contractor E+S Construction also supplied a wash area for the children consisting of a tiled basin with 3 faucets free of charge. The work was completed 31 August 98.

This project was originally started by the Pattaya International Ladies Club in 1993. Lacking the necessary financial strength, the PILC presented the project to the UCES. This project was then given to the PSC, who, under the wing of Ron Herbert, finished off the original project.

Mr. Nithet Buatoom, Head of Elementary Education, presided at the presentation which included over 50 guests, including Pratheep Malhotra, Owner and Publisher of the Pattaya Mail and President of the Pattaya Sports Club, Harry Riley of the PSC, President Catherine Bond, Past President Celia Waters, Past President Jo Hall, and Pat Burbridge representing the PILC, Past President Dennis Stark representing the Rotary Club of Jomtien Pattaya, along with representatives from the Lion’s Club of Pattaya, the Lion’s Club of Phra-Tam-Nak, Pattaya, the Rotary Club of Pattaya, the YWCA of Bangkok-Pattaya, and the International Ladies Club of Rayong.

The original building was a single story make with a steel super-structure, cement walls, a tile ceiling and ceramic floors.

Following the presentation, Mr. Nithet thanked the various clubs who had so very generously donated the building.

The Wat Khao Pho Thong School is in the Banglamung School District and teaches 1st -6th grades. There are seven teachers and the principal is Khun Pratheep Sriraksa.

Last year, the Pattaya Mail sponsored a football game to buy sports equipment for the school.

Acharn Kittisak Khamthong promoted to Editor

Acharn Kittisak Khamthong has been appointed Editor of the Pattaya Mail.

Pratheep Singh Malhotra, Owner and Managing Editor made the announcement on September 2, 1998.

Acharn Kittisak is known for his intelligence, creativity, efficiency and total dedication to his job. We at the Pattaya Mail were happy to learn of Acharn Kittisak’s appointment. Scrupulous in reporting, Acharn Kittisak has a masterful command of language, writes lucidly and has a ‘wicked’ sense of humor. Whether serious reporting or a ‘tongue in cheek’ jab, Kittisak finds exactly the right words and viewpoint.

Kittisak Khamthong is 38 years old and was born in Petchburi province, the northernmost of southern Thailand. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Technological and Innovative Education from Petchburi Teacher’s College. He has the equivalent of a Master’s Degree in Buddhist Studies from the Mahatat School of Buddhist Studies.

Kittisak became a journalist in 1991. He has worked at TV Channel 7, the Thai Rat and Daily News newspapers and was a contributing journalist to the Than Sethakit economic magazine, Pattaya Office.

Kittisak joined the Pattaya Mail staff in 1995 as a reporter in the editorial office. He was promoted to Assistant News Editor in 1997 and is now the Editor.

Kittisak said he is very proud that this trust is being put in him and never thought he would hold the title of Editor in his entire life.

Kittisak realizes that the new job brings many new responsibilities and said he will do his very best to help the paper progress. He firmly believes that a newspaper has a responsibility to the people to report the news in a fair and accurate manner.

He said his two main goals are to keep his idealism and maintain the Pattaya Mail’s ethical manner of journalism.

Russians caught operating illegal tour business

Police arrested Russian nationals operating an illegal tour business. The Tourist and Guide Commission and a squad of 10 officers apprehended Ivan Anachkin, 43, and Tatiana Arina, 46, in their flat which had been modified into a tourist office. They called their company Thai-Russian Tours. The husband and wife had operated the unlicensed company for over a year. The couple were charged with conspiracy and operating an unlicensed business. They await the full “majesty” of the law.

City Hall continues to discuss new “microbus” system

Many hurdles still climb

On September 1st Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat presided over a meeting at city hall to discuss the proposed new microbus system in Pattaya.

It is hoped that the new system will help alleviate some of the problems associated with the current baht-bus system.

The meeting was also attended by Sutham Panthusak, Member of the City Council who originated the idea, Jamlong Sukhphrom, President of the Mini-bus Co-operative in Pattaya, Niphon Palaphan, the Public Transport Director for Chonburi, and Suphadit Maneerathcharatsri, Head of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association.

Sutham retold that many problems have arisen from the baht bus service in Pattaya. Tourists continue to have bad experiences and the problem has not been solved despite many attempts. Sutham suggested a ‘mini-bus’ service be run by the city of Pattaya itself. This would erase one of Pattaya’s main problems. Tourists are constantly being overcharged and often attacked by rapacious ‘baht-bus’ drivers.

On May 27th this year the Department of Land Transport in Chonburi saw the need for a local bus service in Pattaya. Three routes were proposed, one around the city, one on Third Road from North Pattaya to Thepprasit, and one around Photisarn-South Pattaya.

At this meeting, the idea was received enthusiastically and it was suggested that the vehicles should be air-conditioned microbuses. The idea would be presented to the Land Transport Department of Chonburi.

Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pajchimanan, as head of this department, would then present it to the Ministry of the Interior. The Ministry of the Interior would then funnel the presentation through the proper channels and announce it to the public for bids. It is predicted that this should all be done by 1999.

Jamlong Sukhphrom, President of the ‘baht-bus’ cooperative which now operates in Pattaya, said if this program indeed does become reality, there should be no reason to stop the ‘baht-bus’ service. The number of ‘baht buses’ running might be reduced in order to give the microbus service a chance.

Suphadit Maneerathcharatsri, Head of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, said there should be healthy competition between both organizations, as there is in all business in Thailand.

The bidding on the mini-bus service would be forbidden to the ‘baht bus’ cooperative, as that would leave the people of Pattaya no choice, competition in service providing would not happen, and the old problems with aggressive drivers might actually increase.

It is up to Pattaya Administrators’ sincerity to see if this all becomes reality.

Magic Mushroom

by Boonleua Chatri

Thailand is a Buddhist country. This great philosophy teaches us that we should not get attached to material things. Of course, this is not always the case. As you read in the Pattaya Mail, gambling is very popular here, as is the lottery. People look for miracles and magical ways to divine the elusive lottery number using the most ingenious ‘methods’. Not to say that the general public is superstitious. Just resourceful.

The latest ‘apparition’ which has given hope to those wanting to win the lottery is a ‘holy mushroom’.

A local discovered a wild mushroom of epic proportions growing in cement. The man knew that this was a sign from the infinite. Residents also noted that the mushroom’s shape was not unlike that of the revered ‘King of Sea Serpents.’ This fungal phenomenon was over 30 centimeters long. Gingerly picking up the holy champignon the finder put it in a washing basin.

Offerings of incense, flowers, fruit and the finest viands are made to this refugee from Walt Disney’s Fantasia three times a day.

People came from far away and kow-tow to the much-loved Stroganoff ingredient.

A woman who lives near the finder’s home says she once saw Kwan Ying, the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, accompanied by two of her celestial animal servants. The Goddess told her to Kow-Tow to the mushroom which, being white, represented purity. The Goddess told her this would bring great luck. When the woman learned that it could be financial, she rushed to the mushroom.

The populace is now receiving lottery numbers from the mushroom telepathically.

This is not the same type of ‘magic mushroom’ as one finds on Samui Island and this reporter guarantees that the people swear the story is true.

Hopefully this fungus will make the economy mushroom.

Amazing Thailand, Amazing Mushroom.

Rebuilding the Royal Jomtien

The debate continues...

by Kittisak Khamthong

Pattaya City recently held a meeting concerning the modifications being made to the existing structure of the Royal Jomtien Hotel. The owners of the hotel hold the view that structure is architecturally sound and can be repaired.

The meeting at Pattaya City Hall drew more than 100 people from all sectors of the city and all branches of the media were in attendance.

City Manager Songsak Yomjinda moderated the meeting and his opening remarks concerned the tragic loss of many lives in the fire that occurred on July 11, 1997. He reminded the owners of the hotel that this event was major news throughout the world.

The owners of the hotel are requesting the city to allow them to repair the building based on three premises:

1. They say the building’s basic structure is sound.
2. There will be fire safety measures which strictly follow article 33 of the Fire Safety Laws.
3. The effect on the environment.

The city found the company’s documents to be very detailed, but due to the interest of the media and a desire for transparency, felt an open meeting should be held. Construction experts, architects and members of the public wished to be informed of the company’s plan in detail. The experts and public also wished for a ‘question and answer’ session, in which they could voice their opinions and concerns.

The experts were very interested in the ‘testing’ methods used to prove the structure was sound. Architects who designed the building and the various electrical and structural systems fielded these questions. Information gathered in this meeting will be the major factor in the city’s granting approval for repairs.

The meeting was also to counter accusations that there were corrupt elements in the city who would give permission to the company. Mr. Songsak said there was no truth in this.

The first order of business was a video tape comparing the architectural design and building of the hotel before the fire and after the repair. This showed the differences between the ‘old’ and ‘improved’ design, using computer graphics. The presentation was prepared by the Arun Chai Seri Consulting and Engineering Co. Ltd., an engineering and consulting firm to insurance companies. The film lasted approximately 20 minutes.

The floor was then opened for questions. The questioning followed the same topic: Had the all-important first through third floors, which are the ‘foundation’ of any building’s structure, deteriorated in any way? It is these three floors which would be the epicenter for any future problems and if they were not totally sound, the repair should not be allowed.

The worried architects and mechanical engineers asked extremely probing and academic questions in such detail that a textbook could have been compiled from the discussion. The general public, not understanding all of the discussion, was nevertheless pleased to see that such a thorough interest was being taken by people with real knowledge and suspicions that the hotel was not really suitable for repairs.

This meticulous discussion continued for more than 2 hours. No conclusions have been drawn yet. The experts seemed to be satisfied with the answers the owners of the hotel provided in the theoretical sense but were not convinced that it could actually be carried out.

Chanyuth Hengtrakul, former Leader of the Provincial Council and current President of the Pattaya Media Association, suggested that a budget be allotted from Pattaya City to hire an architectural consulting firm to supervise the architectural firm which did the repairs on the hotel. This would give ‘transparency’ to the project. Mr. Chanyuth said this would also give the public confidence in the project.

The second important question raised concerned the environmental impact which the construction would have. The Office of Environmental Plans and Policies notified the owners of the hotel in notice number WW 0804/9675 that, “As the repair of the hotel will only include those areas which were damaged by fire and the improvement of the fire safety system, an environmental impact analysis is not required.” It was surprising that this notice received so little interest as it had been handed out to all who attended the meeting.

Mr. Suchart Hirankanokkul, the Head of the Board of Directors of the hotel, was cornered by a group of media, who had questions for him on many different subjects. The subjects on which all spoke with the same voice were:

“Why did you sneak in and begin repairing the hotel without permission?”

“Why haven’t you paid compensation to your employees, which amounts to over 10 million baht?”, and

“Is the hotel really going to be safe after repairs?”

Suchart told reporters that the repairs were going on as the city had not forbidden entry to the hotel or modifications to the hotel in writing. He only knew that it had been declared a ‘fire zone’. He said he saw no signs forbidding entry or exit from the burned building. He told the media he repaired the front doors and windows to discourage looters. He told reporters that upon learning that his actions were illegal, he paid the necessary fines to the courts. After this, he requested to make permanent repairs and this meeting was the beginning of the process.

He denied owing employees any money. He said that even if he did, he did not have that kind of money to give away.

Mr. Suchart also swore before the monument of His Majesty King Taksin the Great which stands in front of City Hall that he had never given any bribes to any politicians whatsoever.

He continued, saying that the hotel would indeed be safe and that new equipment to contain smoke in ‘compartments’ was being added to the building. If there were smoke on the third floor, this equipment would contain it totally and not allow it to spread. New fire escapes were being added to the outside of the building. These met with standards specified in the Fire Safety Regulation Laws of 1992.

When questioned about the hotel’s image as a ‘death trap’ preventing it’s success and damaging the reputations of other hotels in Pattaya, he replied that decor of the hotel would be changed, the gardens changed and other cosmetic features which would remind people of the disaster. The name would also be changed and the hotel would become a 4 star establishment, with another building being added.

Suchart said the target customer group would be foreigners if the repairs were permitted. He said the hotel would be open in 1999.

Burnwess and Associates would be the consulting firm on the basic architecture. The 2RN Engineering Company would be in charge of construction and design.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Songsak Yomjinda added that all the opinions and concerns expressed at the meeting would be used as information in the consideration process for granting permission.

He continued, saying that even if permission were granted and the construction completed, if it did not meet with the required standards, the hotel would not be permitted to open.

Mr. Songsak reminded everyone of the great loss of life. He said that the feelings of those who lost loved ones in this tragedy must be considered.

Eight year overstay

Crime Suppression Division Police arrested Yugoslavian national Emir Subid, 36, to whom the United Nations had granted political asylum eight years ago.

The asylum granted him permission to stay in Thailand for a period of 4 months, however, he did not leave when the permit expired eight years ago.

Officers found him living in a rented room in Pattaya. Searching the room, they found nothing illegal.

Subid told officers that he did not leave Thailand due to his great love for the country. His family sent him money regularly.

Officers charged him with being in the country illegally and his deportation is now in process.

Showdown at Hollywood

Old rift leads to imbroglio

On September 5th, an old vendetta led to a scuffle at the Hollywood Pub in Pattaya. When police arrived on the scene they found Bancha Khamnuan, 29, and Somsri Konrat, 36, scuffling over a pistol which Konrat held in his hand. Checking the weapon, a Baretta 36 handgun, police found it was unregistered.

From interrogations, officers learned that Bancha was sitting drinking at the Hollywood Pub when he saw Somsri working as a waiter. Apparently Somsri had stolen his car from Khonkaen and Bancha had reported it to police. He later found the car in Pattaya. Becoming angry, he began shouting at Somsri and challenged him to a fight outside.

The two began to battle outside the pub but Somsri was apparently out of shape and was losing. Crowds began to gather, making hasty bets on the outcome of the fisticuffs.

Somsri, knowing that defeat was at hand, pulled out the Baretta pistol. The gamblers quickly changed their bets and the odds soared. But Bancha was ready and brushed the weapon aside. The gun went off and hit the side of a motorcar.

Still in a clinch, Somsri’s cronies grabbed the gun and removed the ammunition.

The police arrived and charged Somsri with attempted murder and carrying an unlicensed weapon, not necessarily in that order.

Somsri refused to confess and said he wasn’t afraid as he had a ‘godfather’. Police arrested him.

Later, back at the police station, ‘Tee Lek’, former owner of many illegal gambling establishments in Pattaya, came and tried to make the police an offer they couldn’t refuse. But Bancha did refuse, saying that if he didn’t brush the gun aside, he would have been killed. Bancha said he wasn’t afraid of anyone. He said if ‘Tee Lek’ and the Pattaya Police didn’t treat him fairly, he would complain to high-ranking police as he knew some people too.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand
Tel.66-38 411 240, 411 241, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sungwanlek.