ISR students to the rescue

On Saturday 10th December a busload of Chinese tourists traveled from Bangkok to Pattaya to witness some of the Asian Games events being held in the area.

Unfortunately the bus crashed, which meant that 30 of the passengers had to be transferred to three different hospitals. At 9 p.m. on Saturday night the Headmaster of the International School of the Regents (ISR) received a telephone call from the Laem Chabang Memorial Hospital asking if the school was able to provide some bilingual Chinese-Thai students to assist with translation. By 10 p.m. 7 students had been dispatched to the hospital. Working in shifts the students shared the responsibility of assisting the patients by translating information with the doctors and nurses at the hospital.

Some very tired but happy and satisfied students returned to ISR on Sunday evening, grateful to have had the opportunity to help others who had found themselves in a strange land and in difficult circumstances.

The ISR students involved were: Pei Won Liao (Yr. 9), Chieng Chung Liao (Yr. 10), Chia Hsing Liao (Yr. 11), Piriya Lowapasuwong (Yr. 11), Supharoek Sirisomphol (Yr. 11), Sucheep Fuengprechavai (Yr. 11), and Dong Heng Chen (Yr. 11).

Father arrested for encouraging son’s suicide

Rights activist Paweena Hongsakul called in to care for abused family

Sattahip Police charged 50 year old Sone Rodyooyen with contributing to the suicide of his 25 year old, physically challenged son.

Two of Mr. Sone’s 3 children are physically challenged.

Coming home drunk one night, 25 year old Prasert complained of wanting to die. Sone responded by giving him a bottle of insecticide, which the young man drank. He later died at the hospital.

Innvestigating the family, Sattahip police heard a horror story which prompted them to call human rights crusader MP Paweena Hongsakul, Assistant to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security.

Ms. Paweena spoke with Mr. Presert’s younger sister ‘Kay’ at his funeral. She told Ms. Paweena a horror story of abuse. The father, according to ‘Kay’, would often get drunk and rape all three of his children. At times, Mr. Son and his friends would gang rape the children. ‘Kay’ said she became pregnant and Son forced the children’s mother to administer medicine to induce a miscarriage. After a time the mother could no longer bear the mistreatment of her children and left the family. Her whereabouts are unknown.

Ms. ‘Kay’ told Ms. Paweena that their father would often throw them off the house, which was 2-3 meters off the ground. They were also allegedly subjected to beatings.

Ms. Paweena promised the girl she would see that she was given care and education at the Center for the Physically Challenged. MS Paweena gave ‘Kay’ 2,000 baht in cash, personal items and a walker.

Police told reporters that they could lodge no charges beyond the ‘causing another to commit suicide’ as the alleged rapes and beatings had occurred too long ago and there was no evidence or way to prove the allegations.

MP Paweena Hongsakul encourages all physically challenged persons to register with the Department of Social Welfare so they may be given proper care and education.

British tourist found sleeping in the jungle

Found by villagers - taken to hospital

A group of villagers found a 64 year old native of London unconscious in the jungle near Soi Country Club. On December 16, workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation took Mr. Stephen Anthony William Dancors to the Banglamung Hospital. His feet were abraded and swollen.

The London native refused treatment, so workers took him to the Pattaya Tourist Police.

Questioning the man, officers discovered he had lost his passport and his visa had expired. The man told police he was not interested in returning to the UK. When he ran out of money, he had to leave his hotel. Not knowing anyone, he decided to head for the jungle.

Officers bought the hungry man a plate of chicken fried rice and gave him a glass of water. After he ate, Tourist Police took him to the hospital for treatment.

Mr. Dancors was suffering from Hong Kong foot (aka athletes foot). After treatment, officers contacted the British Embassy to arrange for the man’s return to the United Kingdom.

Iranian busted for selling heroin

Caught with drugs and a scale

On December 16, Iranian national Mohammad Ebrahim Rasoli, 29, was arrested for selling heroin. The arresting squad of police was led by Head of Immigration, Police Colonel Jiraphan Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya.

Police had been watching Rasoli’s suspicious behavior for some time. When they arrested him, they found he had 6 vials, each containing 0.33 grams of heroin, 0.01 grams of opium and six packets of unspecified amounts of opium resin.

Police charged Rasoli with possession of Schedule One substances with intent to sell.
Police lodged this charge as Rasoli was also carrying an ‘opium scale’.
Officers first noticed him loitering in Soi Thepprasit.
Rasoli denied all the charges.
He was remanded to custody of Pattaya Police and awaits trial.

Extra-marital affair leads to murder

Man shot 5 times with 9mm

On December 17, police learned that a murder had occurred on Soi 21 in Banglamung. At the scene, police found Ms. Pricha Tasanthia, the wife of the victim, cradling Mr. Virachai Khamrien’s body in her arms. Mr. Virachai was been shot in the head twice and in the back three times with a 9 mm pistol.

Mr. Pricha said she and her husband were preparing to enter their house when an automobile drove up and a man dressed completely in black stepped out of the car. Mr. Virachai ran and the man in black chased and shot him.

Questioning neighbors, police learned that Mr. Virachai had been regularly "intimate" with Ms. Nui, who allegedly had been similarly involved with a Crime Suppression Division Officer. The officer had threatened to shoot Mr. Virachai in the past.

More neighbors volunteered that Mr. Virachai had also been beaten by one "Mr. Daeng", a well known thug in the area. Apparently Mr. Virachai was very angry and was planning to kill Mr. Daeng, but he was shot first.

The mother of the victim does not want to sue the Crime Suppression Division. She wished to leave the matter to the police who are now investigating the suspected officer.

Drug dealing MC taxi driver arrested after mowing down tourist

On December 18, a motorcycle taxi driver that ran over a tourist on a sidewalk was arrested after he was found to have amphetamines and an illegal weapon in his possession.

Police were called to the accident on Thepprasit Road. Arriving at the scene, officers found Mr. Sidney Vhry (sic), 50, lying on the sidewalk and a disabled motorcycle with Mr. Chavalit Boonsongwon, 18, a registered motorcycle taxi driver, laying nearby.

Mr. Chavalit had been injured in the fall from his motorcycle and was unable to flee the scene. Checking Chavalit’s pockets for his identification, officers found 41 tablets of amphetamine and a 9 mm pistol.

Officers took Chavalit to the hospital for treatment and charged him with possession of schedule one illegal substances with intent to sell, possession of an illegal firearm and reckless driving leading to the injury of others.

Mr. Vhry was taken to hospital by helpful residents.

German entrepreneurs caught with stolen documents

Using order forms and brochures from another company

On December 15, Ms. Suchada Suthiphonporn complained to Pattaya Police that a company run by German nationals was using brochures and other business documents in the name of her company to sell furniture and wood products. They were also using her order forms, which she said they had stolen from her company.

Pattaya Police, armed with a warrant from Chonburi Court, searched ‘The House of Rosewood’ in South Pattaya, Soi 6 where they found Christian Gerhard Engelmann, 34, and Harald Kramer, 35, running the establishment.

Officers found bills, brochures and order forms from the ‘Rosewood Room’ company, which Ms. Suchada claimed belonged to her and were being used to make sales from the House of Rosewood.

Police invited the two men to the Pattaya Police Station and confiscated the printed materials from the store.

Both men had legal and valid Thai work permits.

Police charged the two men with theft and/or receiving stolen documents. Both denied the charges and tried to contact their attorney. They told Ms. Suchada they would reimburse her for any business she may have lost due to their behavior.

Ms. Suchada was very angry and refused. She said she did not want foreigners to look down on Thai people and think they could be ‘bought off’ so easily.

She said she had warned them many times about doing this but they had replied to her warnings with insults.

Ms. Suchada requested police to pursue the case to the maximum.

Rotary Titans Meet

by Pratheep Malhotra
Past President of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya

It is not too often that one gets the opportunity to attend a Rotary function where a council of some of the best minds, rich in experience and learned in the ideals of Rotary, are assembled into one room. Only a miracle or by some freak stroke of luck could have made that happen.

With some serious planning and pulling a few strings President John Richards of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya made this historical event happen. The club played host to the annual Inter City meeting of District 3340 Rotary International, held at The Royal Cliff Beach Resort on the 19th of December.

The Titans of Rotary: (l-r) PDG Professor Krisda Arunvongse Na Ayudhya, PDG Niwet Khunavisarut, PDG Nelson Alexander, Pol. Gen. Chavalit Yodmani, President John Richards of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya, District Governor Prasart Euprasert (3340 R.I.), PDG Xanxai Visitkul, PDG Gen. Saiyud Kerdphol, PDG Som Indra-payong and DGN Somchai Jieranaiphanich.

Rotarians from clubs in the Rotary District 3340, which covers the Northeast and Eastern regions of Thailand, were in attendance to heed and gain invaluable information from the most distinguished speakers, not only on Rotary topics, but also to gain an understanding on the narcotics problems in the national and international regions. The understanding of the new constitution of Thailand, along with how we could all play a major part in ensuring Free and Fair elections were the highlights of the one day seminar.

The day began with PDG Nelson Alexander speaking on the subject of "Rotary into the 21st Century". PDG Nelson spoke of the importance of Rotary throughout the whole of this century. "The twentieth century has been one of the most eventful centuries in the history of mankind. Rotary has and still plays a vital part in the lives of people, not only for those who have, but also more important for those who have not. It has given the opportunity for compassionate people who understand the meaning of suffering to extend their hand of love and understanding to those who need solace. Rotary has bought out the good in people, to care, to love and to serve others. Now, as the world is changing and we are going into the next millenium, the plight of humanity has changed noticeably. So Rotary will have to change with the times, too. Rotary must develop and adapt its operations of service to fit the new problems of humankind in the next century. But not swaying from the original and most honorable ideals of ‘Service above self’."

The second speaker, PDG Xanxai Visitkul explained the merit of promoting one of Rotary’s noteworthy programs, the "Youth Exchange Program". Children from every nation, regardless of color or creed, have the opportunity to travel to foreign lands to live with Rotarian families in their homes as one of their very own. They learn of the cultures and traditions of their host countries. They experience the warmth and care as a true family member of their ‘adoptive parents’. The experience that these children get teaches them to understand and respect other peoples. They learn to love and honor every human being and that helps to encourage world peace and understanding."

Pol. Gen. Chavalit Yodmanee followed with his very informative talk on "Drugs and its effect on Social Welfare". "Drug trafficking is still a major problem in Thailand. Though it may have diminished in the last few years, the greed for high profits is still too lucrative for some. Of course, in such a dirty business, there is always the fact that a lot of high-powered people are involved. Corruption plays a major part of the scenario. Fortunately Thailand is not considered the main producers and traffickers anymore. Through the encouragement of His Majesty the King, who has successfully taught the people in the north to utilize their land to grow other crops rather than cultivating the opium fields. It has not completely stopped but has been reduced to a very small area." Pol. Gen. Chavalit said that, "Now the business of producing amphetamines (Ya Ba) is a more viable business. It’s production being a mixture of drugs and chemicals, combined with the factor that it can be speedily manufactured by the millions at a very low cost, has made it the new business trend. A strange phenomenon is that Laos does not forbid the cultivation of narcotic producing plants. But it does forbid the trade of buying and selling. Therefore Thais go across the river and plant vast areas of land along the Mekong River. Another ill from the drug trade is the laundering of drug money in Thailand. Measures are being taken to stop this practice."

PDG. Gen Saiyud Kerdphol came to podium and immediately put all in attendance on maximum alert when he pronounced that, "Human beings are political animals". He stressed that the new constitution has changed the limitations, whereby it was previously, "Politics is only for politicians". By giving more freedom to the people to play an active part in politics democratically, we can advance the thinking and actions of the people because, "Politics is the business of everyone". To clean up the workings of civil servants and encourage clean politics. To give the people more power and authority to oversee and control the misuse of power, which is more realistic because "Politics belongs to the citizens". The people are now ready to establish "The People Network for Election in Thailand. The Network will work in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Public sector to ensure that all elections are "Free and Fair". The involvement of the people, especially Rotarians who number between 4-5 thousand people, who are leaders in their community, can help to inspect the elections and see that they are successfully held in a "Fair and Free" manner. You may also join the organisation as a Poll watcher. In closing Gen. Saiyud asked all citizens to play an active roll in the furtherance of true Democracy in Thailand. The four noteworthy points to remember are: "You are the key", "Do what you believe in", "Follow your Dream" and "This is what you can do for the country".

The last speaker of a most exhilarating day of knowledge was PDG Krisda Arunvongse Na Ayudhya. As a former Governor of Bangkok and a Professor in Architecture and past president of the Architectural Association of Thailand, it was only appropriate that he spoke about the "Physical Environment of your City". Professor Krisda explained in detail how Bangkok had deteriorated in the last few decades. Through lack of foresight by some of the city administrators who thought that by filling in the klongs and chopping down trees to widen roads was the smart thing to do. These klongs dug during the reign of King Rama V, Rama VI and Rama VII had a purpose. After the great floods last century the klongs were dug so that Bangkok would have a natural anti flood system. Trees along these routes served a duel purpose of keeping both the streets and the klongs shady. Bangkok suffers today because of all the miscalculations and mismanagement in this respect. His Majesty the King was instrumental in helping solve a lot of the flooding woes of that great city. Through his wisdom and thoughtful planning and advice, canals were dug, dams were built and other solutions to keep Bangkok from flooding were implemented. Another form of air pollution in Bangkok is blamed on the factories in Samutprakarn on the mouth of the mighty Chao Phya River. Bangkok, being only 20 kilometers inland, is the victim of the entire thick haze and smog that is being emitted from the factories. Combined with toxic fumes of motor vehicle exhaust, this makes it unbearable to breathe the air. Bangkok is in the process of zoning the city. But that also is not easy because a lot of citizens are not willing to comply for fear of losing parts of their property to reclamation. Prof. Krisda went on to talk about the problems in trying to build the Mass Transit System, which includes the overhead railway and the subways, and the new International Airport at Nong Ngu Hao, which is only 25 years in the planning. But that’s another story.

Swedish Ambassador visits Pattaya City

H.E. Mrs. Inga Eriksson Fogh, Swedish Ambassador to Thailand, Burma, Laos and Cambodia, in co-operation with the Swedish Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Sweden, Pattaya, held a small informal reception to greet the local Swedish residents and wish them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

In 1993 Sweden became the first country to open a consulate in Pattaya. The consulate has since served the Swedish community in Pattaya and the neighboring provinces of Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.

The Swedish community in Pattaya includes over 50 retirees registered by the Embassy as living permanently in Pattaya. By remitting their Swedish pension payments to Pattaya, this group alone contributes in excess of 25 million Baht per year to the local Thai economy.

Giving street kids a chance

by Emma Malone

Pattaya is a city that relies on tourism. Along with the many benefits that the tourist industry provides, it also brings about increasing social problems as well. The number of children living on the street is increasing. They come from various parts of Thailand. Their stories are all different, but most of them come because of family problems, broken homes, poverty or abuse. The children come alone in hopes of earning some money in Pattaya. Arriving with big hopes, they are quickly lured into a lifestyle of begging, stealing and selling drugs. Some are also drawn into child prostitution. Without any support from friends or family and no one to turn to, the children feel these are the only answers. Without help, their chances of escaping this lifestyle are very thin.

The Pattaya Redemptorist Home for Street Children was created in 1990 in an effort to give children a choice. The primary goal of this home is to get children off the street. It is a place of love and support and understanding. The emphasis is on trust. The staff often go to known street kids hangouts to talk to the children and invite them to the home. They are never forced to visit or stay.

There is a trained staff that lives at the home. The children who decide to stay receive clothing, food, shelter and counseling. They are encouraged to stop their street activities and attend school. They learn basic daily responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning and washing. The hope is to get the children off the streets, get them in school and give them a chance to learn to be productive members of society. The home also hopes to instill a sense of trust, responsibility and hope.

At present they have 42 children. The home is currently full to capacity. These children are bright, enthusiastic, and best of all, off the street. It is a comfort to know that some of the children in Pattaya are being given a second chance.

If you would like to know more information about the Street Kids Home or how you can help please contact the Pattaya Orphanage at 428 717 or 423 188.

Green Tree celebrates her 6th anniversary

On December the 3rd, Khun Charoon, former President of the Lions Club of Pattaya and owner of the Green Tree Pub and Restaurant on Beach Road, celebrated the 6th anniversary of the Green Tree.

The pub is a well known place for Thais, both local and Bangkokian. But many foreigners also attended to join Khun Jaroon in celebration. Many staff from Foster Wheeler, Bangkok Pattaya Hospital and all true friends and customers filled the place.

Khun Kwanta, the resident singer who also acted as the spokeswoman of the night, filled her customers and friends hearts with her songs and fun. Jack Daniel’s sponsored all the presents that were given away during the lucky draw.

All the best to Khun Jaroon and may the Green Tree Pub carry on with great success.

Orphans’ day out at Ripley’s

Ripley’s Believe it or Not! organized a fun-day for app. 80 children of the Pattaya Orphanage, accompanied by teachers and sisters.

After a speech by Khun Nataya Boonvanno, General Manager of Royal Garden Entertainment, stories were told to the children and then they started to play games together with Khun Rapeepan, PR and Khun Rongrong, Marketing. Lots of laughter filled the air and the sparkling in the eyes of the children said more than words ever could.

Of course, they had an exciting ride on the Motion Master, followed by lunch at Pizza Hut. A visit to Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum was on the program as well as at the Laser Trek and Laser Bump.

After all this fun, the children could relax by listening to more stories and competing in singing and other games, and finally were brought home carrying lots of prizes and gifts.

Once again, the Royal Garden Entertainment provided a contribution to the society and showed how easy it can be to make children happy, make them learn something new and enjoy a perfect day out.

Copyright 1998 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 Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.