Laying down the law for elephants

City deals with increase in elephant population

Practically overnight, Pattaya and her surroundings have witnessed the elephant population explode to nearly 200. Most of the pachyderm population has migrated with their mahouts from Surin to seek employment.

Pattaya’s city fathers are now scrambling to deal with this sudden increase in the numbers of the world’s largest land mammal. To address the potential problems associated with the increase, Pattaya’s city council called a meeting of elephant park owners and mahouts to establish rules to control the elephants in and around the city.

Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan took part in the conference, along with the Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat.

Governor Sujarit said, “The elephant is a noble animal that has been highly respected by the Thai people for many years. However, recently there have been numerous incidents involving elephants injuring people and accidents on the roadways. Consequently, the city needs to establish rules and procedures to look after these animals’ welfare, as well as protect the residents and visitors coming in contact with them.”

The two important factors to be considered are medical attention and food provisions for the elephants. Elephants are notorious for the huge amount of food they require.

City council members see the value that the elephants can contribute to the area but also realize there will be negative aspects resulting if proper planning is not put in place. City Manager Nirat Watanasadsathorn indicated that businesses should be restricted to areas outside the city limits to allow the 

elephants more room to roam in a natural environment, rather than having the animals enter the traffic congested areas.

Local veterinarians at the conference agreed with the city manager and emphasized the need for the elephants to be in a clean, healthy environment. The concern is not only for the welfare of the elephant, but the people involved must recognize the fact that if visiting tourists observe mistreatment or uncalled for behavior, these incidents could have a detrimental affect on the reputation of Pattaya and Thailand.

The conference established that a 5,000 baht fine would be applied for elephants caught out after dark. Other small changes to ensure the community’s safety were also implemented.

An agreement was reached to increase the costs for 30 minute elephant rides to 200 baht. Portions of the increased rates will go towards the elephant’s welfare, and if the procedures agreed upon are followed by the seven business owners, the outcome should be viewed as a “jumbo” sized step forward for everyone.

“Massaging” the economy

The Chonburi Employment Office has begun traditional Thai massage training at the Town in Town Hotel in Pattaya. The training is being directed towards laid off workers, as well as for people seeking different or new employment.

Learning the ancient art of traditional Thai massage is helping many people cope with the hard economic times.

The employment office arranged the training sessions after noticing a demand for qualified personnel trained in the ancient art of Thai Massage. The officials see the profession as an additional method of providing an independent income for people seeking employment during this economic depression.

The training is being provided through the combined efforts of the Thai Traditional Medicine Association and the Thai Traditional Massage School from the Phothi Temple. The training program is being supported by funds from the Chonburi Employment Office. Director of the Wad Pho Traditional Thai Massage and Medicine, Mr. Phesachakornpreeda Tangtrongjit is supervising the program.

Of the 87 people applying for and completing the first training course, 60 have already been gainfully employed throughout the provincial area.

Drug smuggling hits the World Wide Web

Lends new meaning to e-commerce

The Police Narcotics Suppression Department was finally able to locate the source of an international marijuana drug smuggling operation that had been using the Internet for sales contacts.

Narcotics police traced the source to an Internet site being run out of Buriram, with the packaged marijuana being sent through the postal service from Banglamung.

British residents David Alastair Handerson and Peter Sidney Well were arrested by Narcotics Suppression Officers in Buriram, whilst Irishman Careth Roghan O’Sullivan was arrested in Naklua.

Irishman Careth Roghan O’Sullivan was arrested in Naklua for his alleged involvement in an Internet based marijuana smuggling operation. (insert: confiscated mailing containers filled with marijuana that were to be sent overseas from local post offices.)

During the arrested of Handerson and Well in Buriram, police confiscated eight kilos of marijuana and equipment used in processing the plant. The marijuana was compressed and neatly packaged in numerous postal mailing cylinders.

The investigation in Buriram brought out information indicating that the postal cylinders were to be delivered to O’Sullivan at the Seaside Villa in Naklua. O’Sullivan, age 38, then arranged for the cylinders to be mailed out of country from the Banglamung area.

O’Sullivan was arrested at the Naklua address as he was enjoying an afternoon, smoking some of the proceeds. When he saw the police approaching he attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended.

In O’Sullivan’s bedroom, police found three of the mailing cylinders weighing 2.5 kilos and three others weighing 1.2 kilos packed with marijuana. They also confiscated equipment used for smoking marijuana.

O’Sullivan confessed that he has been operating the marijuana business in Thailand with Handerson and Well for over a year. O’Sullivan identified Well as the person arranging the method of packaging and transporting the marijuana to him for mailing out of country. Handerson allegedly coordinated the business of selling to buyers through the Internet, mainly contacting individuals in the U.S. and Europe.

Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital celebrates ISO 9002

The Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital celebrated its winning the ISO Certification 9002, following two years of intense preparation. At the award presentation, Arnaud Torcheux of the Bureau Veritas Quality International congratulated the management on such a fine achievement and stated that the ultimate winners in this would be the patients themselves.

Management of Bangkok Pattaya Hospital proudly accept their ISO 9002 Certification from the Bureau Veritas Quality International.

The Managing Director of the Bangkok Hospitals group, Dr. Krittavith Lertutsahakul accepted the certificate and thanked the local committee for their work in preparing the grounding for the ISO award.

Director of the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital, Dr. Pichit Kangwolkit and Assistant Director Neera Sirisampan both agreed that having achieved the certification only represents the first step in forging ahead into the Y2K era.

Reaching standards such as the ISO certification is showing the world that Pattaya can hold its own in international competition.

Laotian worker caught with fake ID

Provincial administration office employees implicated

After the recent arrest of six illegal residents from Laos illegally employed at a restaurant in North Pattaya, the Pattaya Immigration Office investigated one additional person working at the restaurant who produced a Thai identity card with an address in Chonburi District.

He almost got away with it. Bee Sannikon from Laos was caught with a fake Thai ID card.

The card appeared to be authentic, identifying Mr. Narongsak Khao La Ong, age 19. However, the Immigration Superintendent was familiar with the possibilities of obtaining false identification and contacted the Chonburi office who confided that the identity card had some complications. Officials questioned the man more intently until he confessed to illegally obtaining the card and admitted to being a Lao national. He gave immigration authorities the following account as to how he acquired the identity card.

His real name is Bee Sannikon, age 24, and he crossed into Thailand through Nong Khai in 1996. He came to Pattaya on the Nong Khai - Pattaya Tour Bus to look for employment.

He found employment at the Thai House Restaurant where he met with a Mr. Sayan, whose last name was never made known to him. Before Sayan quit the restaurant four months ago he introduced Bee to Mrs. Urai, last name also unknown, who worked on Soi Post Office. She was a relative of Mr. Narong Khao La Ong, the name of the person identified on the Thai identification card.

Mrs. Urai charged Bee 65,000 baht to set him up with the Thai identity card by taking him to Chonburi and introducing him to a Miss Lek, an employee at the provincial administration office. He was not aware of her last name but he told police he could easily recall her face.

At that time he also met with Miss Nitaya Khao La Ong, a.k.a Miss Jaeng, who identified herself as Narong’s older sister. The three met with Miss Lek, who issued the Thai identity card after receiving 40,000 baht from Bee on 21 July this year. Miss Nitaya was given 20,000 baht and Mrs. Urai was paid 5,000 baht for her part in the scheme.

Bee is being charged the same as the other Lao employees at the Thai House Restaurant with an additional charge of acquiring a Thai identity card under false pretences. The fake ID contained the authorizing signature of Mr. Khajornsak Singtokul.

The Immigration Superintendent told reporters he intends to discuss this matter with the Governor of Chonburi to expose the officials involved in the identity card business.

Thai policeman receives Japanese accolades

Awarded for swiftly solving a murder case

Superintendent Supervisor Sadayuki Hori, Chief of the Ibaraki Prefecture Police Headquarters in Japan, awarded a plaque to Police Lt. Wanchai Wongvanich-anan, Assistant Detective from the Klong Luang Police Station, Royal Thai Police in Pathumthani Province.

Superintendent Supervisor Sadayuki Hori, Chief of the Ibaraki Prefecture Police Headquarters in Japan, expresses his gratitude to Police Lt. Wanchai Wongvanich-anan from the Klong Luang Police Station, Royal Thai Police.

The award honored the assistant detective and those who were involved in the prompt arrest and conviction of the murderer of a citizen from Japan.

The Ibaraki Prefecture Police Headquarters had offered a one million baht reward for bringing the murderer to justice, but Lt. Wanchai refused the money due to stringent regulations pertaining to accepting rewards for ensuring the public’s security. He was therefore presented a plaque distinguishing his honorable actions.

Lt. Wanchai and the Royal Thai Police displayed noble behavior, which will certainly add to the good relationship between the two countries.

Lt. Wanchai is the son of Mr. Somsak and Mrs. Busarin Wongvanich-anan, owners of Somsak Motors in Chanthaburi.

Vietnamese officials visit Mayor

Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and City Manager Niran Watanasadsathorn received H.E. Doan Manh Giao, the Minister and Chairman of the Vietnamese Government Office. H.E. Minster Doan was accompanied by a group of officials from Vietnam.

H.E. Doan Manh Giao, the Minister and Chairman of the Vietnamese Government Office, receives a key to the city from Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat.

The visit to Pattaya was to observe the procedures involved in administrating a city with special circumstances involving the tourist trade.

The mayor explained Pattaya’s position as a major tourist attraction for both Thais and foreigners alike. The city provides modern, world-renowned hotel accommodations and is becoming known as a popular destination for athletic events.

The government administration in Pattaya was described as a special case, requiring a city manager, taken from the American system of government. Pattaya obtained the status equal to a municipal city in 1978.

Mayor Pairat told the visitors how the city administration is divided into two segments of government, consisting of the Pattaya City Council with nine elected members in office for a four year term. The Ministry of Interior appoints eight other members to sit on the council.

The city mayor is also chairman of the city council and the council members approve the person to be designated as the city manager for a period of four years. In addition there are also two deputy city managers.

However, the mayor added, Pattaya is in the midst of some changes in local government that will make the administration similar to the system used in Bangkok, giving the mayor more authority in administering the local government. The changes will also require the mayor be elected by public vote.

The Vietnamese dignitaries were welcomed and given the key to the city, and H.E. Doan Manh Giao presented a picture from Vietnam to the mayor to commemorate the visit.

Royal Thai Marine Division Hosts Balance Torch 99-9

by Raquel E. Romero

Last week, the Royal Thai Marine Corps was guest to the opening ceremony of Balance Torch 99-9. The exercise is a Joint-Combined exercise taking place between the RTMC Reconnaissance Battalion, US Army Special Forces and US Air Force. It is one of eight exercises that the Pacific Special Operations Command conducts with the cooperation of the Royal Thai Armed Forces in Thailand.

Troops stand at attention for the opening ceremonies of Balance Torch 99-9.

The exercise brings about 100 United States Army and Air Force personnel to the Sattahip area for a period of three weeks to learn tactics and operational techniques from each other. Major Shreveport is the American forces senior officer in charge of the conduct of the exercise; he will share the command responsibility with Commander Suthep Buranasiri, Commander Reconnaissance Battalion, RTMC.

Captain Suwit from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Division addresses the troops at the opening ceremony of Balance Torch 99-9.

The training will include many facets of operations to include High Altitude Level Operations. If you see soldiers and marines parachuting this week in the Sattahip area, chances are that they are from the Balance Torch 99-9 exercise contingent.

The opening ceremony was officiated by Captain Suwit from the Royal Thai Marine Corps Division. Other representatives were LCDR John A. Romero, Major Bill Chapell and Major Dave Teel from JUSMAGTHAI.

U.S. Embassy Consular Office to visit Pattaya

Consular Officer Demetria C. Scott from the U.S. Embassy, Bangkok will visit Pattaya on October 8, 1999. Her visit will provide the opportunity for Americans residing in the area to obtain a number of consular services without having to travel to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok.

The Officer will be providing services at the following times and locations:

* Friday October 8, 1999 from 08.00 to 12.00 and from 13.00 to 16.00 at the Merlin Hotel, 429 Moo 9, Pattaya Beach Road Pattaya, Chonburi, Tel (038) 428 755.

Below is a list of services that will be provided during this visit.

* Extra passport pages

* Passport applications (be advised, however, the new passports must be picked up at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok - they cannot be sent by mail)

* notarials, including affidavits required by the Thai government for marriage, driver’s licenses and certain types of visas.

* Registration with the U.S. Embassy

* Information on application procedures for Thai citizens seeking U.S. visas (note that applications must be submitted at the U.S. Embassy, Bangkok)

Please note that U.S. law requires $US55 (or Thai Baht equivalent) fee for each notarial service provided. Passport applications cost $US 40-60.

Please share this information with other Americans in your area. Should you have any questions, contact the American Citizen Services at (02) 205 4049.

Pattaya Beach readies

Beach to come alive with shrimp seafood from November 18-24

The Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Industry, in cooperation with the TAT, are arranging a Thai Shrimp Festival to promote both tourism and fish produce exports. The Shrimp Festival was rescheduled and will now be held from November 18-24.

The festival will be held along a two-kilometer stretch of beach in central Pattaya.

Loads of shrimp, shrimp products and other seafood will be on display and for sale at the festival. Popular beverage distributors will also be on hand, along with many foreign chefs in the area. Entertainment will be provided throughout the festival.

Visitors from all over the world are expected to turn out in large numbers, as well as many Thais from the various provinces. The shrimp festival is another way to promote the country’s activities and show visitors what Thailand has to offer.

The planning group has attracted the area’s highest ranking dignitaries, including Minister of Industry Suwat Liphataphanlop, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in Charge of Tourism Mrs. Paweena Hongsakul, Deputy Minister of Commerce Kornphot Adsawin Wijit, Deputy Minister of Communications Sonthaya Khunpluem, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives Sansak Ngamphiches, Chonburi Member of Parliament Chansak Chavalit-Nititham, Mayor of Saensukh Municipality Somchai Khunpluem and Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat.

The Shrimp Festival is being sponsored by both the local business community and the local administration, including the local Fishing Department, Food Industry, the National Industry Assembly, the Processed Food Producers Association, Thai Airways Food Processors, the Thai Hotel Association and the Thai Shrimp Producing Association.

Clean Food - Good Taste

Deputy Prime Minister Korn Thapparangsri visited Pattaya this last week to spearhead the Health Department’s ongoing promotion: “Clean Food - Good Taste”.

Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat (left) receives a plaque from Deputy Prime Minister Korn Thapparangsri to show that Pattaya is aware of and is behind the Clean Food - Good Taste promotion.

In his portfolio as Minister of Health, he addressed the 150 restaurateurs from the Eastern Seaboard region who had attended the Health and Hygiene promotion held at the Royal Garden Resort.

The restaurants were presented with a large sign to be prominently displayed to show their acceptance and understanding of the hygienic standards.

The Royal Garden Resort staff displayed the required testing procedures for food handlers and for eating utensils to ensure they are free from coliform organisms.

Health Minister Korn also indicated that the government was very conscious of the importance of Pattaya in the tourism and hospitality industry and that was why we have become one of the first signatories to this promotion. At the close of his address, he presented Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat with a small plaque to show that this city was aware of and was behind this Clean Food - Good Taste promotion.

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]
Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.