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HRH Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn presides over Orthopaedic meeting
Two foreign colleagues
receive honorary membership
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
presided over the opening ceremony of the 4th combined meeting of the
Spinal and Paediatric Section of the Western Pacific Orthopaedic
Association (WPOA) and the 21st annual meeting of the Royal College of
Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand and the Thai Orthopaedic Association. The
combined meeting took place at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort on October
20th.
Her
Royal Highness Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presents honorary membership from
the Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand to Professor Donald
P.K. Chan (above) and Professor Robert W. Gaines (below).
The four day meeting was dedicated to His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 72nd birthday and 6th cycle.
The WPOA was founded in 1962 with members from
bordering countries in the Western Pacific basin. The association has been
holding scientific congress every three years with member nations taking
turns hosting the congress.
Scientific papers, poster video presentations and guest
speakers were invited from the Asia-Pacific area and other countries to
take part in this congress. Exhibitions on orthopaedic implant procedures
and spinal instrumentation devices were on display.
During the special occasion the Royal College of
Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand granted honorary membership to two
colleagues from abroad who have provided invaluable assistance to the
college. 14 members from Thailand were also granted a fellowship.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presented
the certificates of new membership during the opening ceremony.
Just another
night in Jomtien...
Zealous driver gets zealous treatment
On the night of the 20th of October, Paitoon Fuengrod
drove all the way from Chantaburi to see his friend at Jomtien Beach. The
feeling of freedom and the sense of being away while driving alone along
Jomtien Beach gave Paitoon such a thrill that he didn’t realise that his
car was running at high speed. Enjoying the speedy ride and taking in the
breathtaking scenery of Jomtien Beach by night, Paitoon didn’t see that
the police had set up a checkpoint on the corner of Soi Chaiyapruek and
Jomtien Beach Road. It was already too late when he spied the men in
khaki. As panic gripped him, his foot felt like a rock on the accelerator
and he sped through the barricade, almost flattening one of the law
enforcers.
Paitoon
doggedly fought off attempts to unlock his doors with a coat hanger.
Police were caught by surprise at such arrogant
behaviour. Either they felt like they had been slapped in the face or they
came to the conclusion that there was something illegal about the car, so
Pol. Capt. Somchai Nopsiri ordered motorcycle policemen to give chase.
What followed was a high-speed pursuit along Jomtien
Beach Road. Determined policemen on their Honda motorbikes set out to
apprehend a panicking and confused Paitoon in his Honda Civic.
Trying to shake off his tail, Paitoon turned right into
Soi Wat Boon Kanjanaram and sped towards Sukhumvit Road. Looking in his
rear view mirror, he saw determined cops right at his heels. Faster and
faster he drove. At the intersection of Sukhumvit Road he turned left
hoping to gather enough speed to evade the law. But no, our Evel Knievels
stuck to him like glue.
Remembering driving tactics that he had seen in so many
American movies, Paitoon decided to use one of the tricks and veered into
Thepprasit Road, sending
dust and sand flying into the quiet and clear night and into the faces of
his pursuers. However, the motorcycle police were not to be out-smarted.
Their driving skills were also not to be taken lightly. Right behind him
they stayed.
Paitoon was running out of manoeuvres fast. He slipped
into the Daraphan housing estate and stopped. Locking his car, he hoped
the police would not notice him and would drive on by. But the hawkeyed
cops were not to be fooled again. They surrounded the car and ordered
Paitoon to open the door and step out.
Police suspected that the way Paitoon was trying to
evade arrest must have meant that he was probably involved in something
illegal. Police were determined to search his car. But try as they did,
neither kind words nor threat could make Paitoon come out. That made them
even more suspicious, and frustrated.
There was nothing left to do but to call for backup.
Within minutes, hundreds of law enforcers and “rescue” units stormed
into the quiet surroundings of the housing estate. By now word had spread
like wildfire that a very nasty incident was taking place and that the man
locked inside the car was a dangerous man and must be approached with
caution.
Residents swarmed out of their homes to investigate the
cause of all the commotion. All they saw was a very frightened young man
inside a car surrounded by scores of loud and angry men.
Finally
pried from his motorized fortress, Paitoon wasn’t going anywhere with
this group guarding him!
At first, the police and their helpers tried knocking
on the car windows, but that didn’t work. Then they tried to unlock the
car door by using coat hangers, but that failed too. Exasperated, the
would-be law enforcers and rescuers resorted to thumping all over the car
and throwing all mannerisms of insults at Paitoon, who by now must have
thought that if he stepped out he would be scrummed to death for sure. Air
was let out of his tyres lest he try to drive away.
During the ruckus, one of the rescuers managed to
unlock the car door with a coat hanger. Police immediately pounced on the
poor hapless lad and attempted to drag him out. However, Paitoon was not
one to give up easily. He clung on to his car seat for dear life.
The human tug of war lasted a while. Police had grips
on his arms and legs and finally managed to pry him off of the car seat
and out into the open. Because of the aggravation caused, Paitoon was
given a good going over before being handcuffed and unceremoniously thrown
into the back of the paddy pickup truck.
On conducting a thorough search of Paitoon’s car,
police were unable to find any materials that would have been considered
illegal. Paitoon was then taken to Banglamung Hospital for a urine test
for drugs, but that also turned up negative.
At the end of the night police were only able to charge
and fine Paitoon for reckless driving and not obeying the orders of
policemen on duty. He was then released.
Paitoon, when talked to by reporters said, “What were they thinking?
Did they think I was a criminal or a terrorist? The way they brought out
the whole force just to get me. I’m not the bad guy, but all these
officers... The way they treated me, with their abuse and the barbaric way
they smashed my car and windows, letting out the air from my tyres. Even
photographers climbed on to the bonnet and roof of my car. Others even had
the audacity to try and break in using a coat hanger. All these actions
are trespassing on my rights and destroying my property. Even the
policemen did not try to stop them, and had I come out of the car during
their barbaric actions I would have been physically harmed for sure. Who
was to protect me, when the policemen themselves were a threat to me?
Environmental
conditions worsen in 3 areas
Islands, beaches and industrial estate cited
The Chonburi Environmental Office (Area 3) released the
results of their yearlong environmental study, which showed that
environmental conditions are worsening in Loi and Si Chang islands in
Sriracha, the Naklua-Pattaya Beach, and the Laem Chabang Industrial
Complex area.
The statistics, released on the 4th and 20th of October
1999, at the Meyer Factory, show that the pollution levels are increasing
at an alarming rate and require immediate corrective action.
A
yearlong study has proven what many have guessed, that the quality of
seawater in some areas is well below acceptable standards.
However, many environmental agencies and
representatives of industry who assembled at a meeting to address the
situation came up empty in their search for answers to the problem.
Surachai Saengtaksin, the director of the Chonburi
Environmental Office (Area 3), said Burapha University was called in to
conduct the environmental studies in the two provinces during the past
year. The study was prompted by the changes the area has undergone from an
agricultural area into an industrial center.
The results of the study show alarming amounts of mercury, lead, zinc
and other evidence of pollution in the three areas.
Suspect arrested
for murder of British tourist
Motive revealed
Saichon Lomkan, 28, was arrested this week for the murder
of British tourist Shaun Morley on October 19. Morley was gunned down at the
White Horse Bar in North Pattaya. Morley’s friend Dean Sheerin was also
shot and is recovering in the hospital.
Saichon turned himself in to the Bangkok police after
receiving assurances from Police Major General Bhirom Boonrawdpanich that he
would not be harmed. Saichon had been hiding in the Sun Route Hotel on Rama
IX Road in Bangkok. At the time of his arrest, police recovered the 11mm
firearm used in the murder.
Saichon, who comes from Angthong Province, confessed to
the murder, but claimed he had no intention of harming the two tourists.
Police originally suspected jealousy over a bargirl as
the motive, but Saichon told them otherwise. He said that he received orders
from Wicha Paophimpha (aka Tee Lek) to collect a 300,000 baht debt White
Horse Bar owner Madee Mayuttapak owed Wicha. Apparently, Madee had used his
bar as collateral. Saichon was ordered to do whatever it took to get the
overdue payment or take over the bar if the debt was not paid off.
Saichon said that when he arrived at the bar, the
owner’s brother Montree was looking after the place. Saichon said he took
a bar stool and threw it over the counter and told Montree to close the bar
right away. Saichon said he created the disturbance to intimidate the owner
into paying off his debt.
This, he said, prompted the two tourists to confront him.
Saichon said he tried to convey to the two men to stay out of the matter,
but one of the men tried to wrap his arms around his head. At his point,
Saichon pulled out his gun and shot Morley four times. He then shot Sheerin,
who by that time was also coming after him.
Police took Saichon to the White Horse Bar to
re-construct the incident for police records, then charged him with
premeditated murder, attempted murder, and carrying firearms without
permission.
Police are continuing the search for Wicha Paophimpha, who is still in
hiding. Wicha is allegedly out on bail and awaiting trial in another murder
that took place just a few months ago in front of the Dance 2000 Pub. In the
meantime, Pattaya Police have ordered Wicha’s Show Girl Bar to be closed
down.
18-month-old boy
brutally tortured
Police search for sadistic suspect
An 18-month-old boy, Nong Nok, was released from hell
last week when concerned neighbors finally grabbed an opportunity to
snatch him away from his brutally sadistic keeper.
Nong Nok had been left in the “care” of a
20-year-old amphetamine addict after the younger boy’s parents were sent
to prison on drug related charges. Nong Nok’s older brother had been
left with another family.
When residents from the slum area behind the Nong Aw
Temple brought Nong Nok to the hospital on October 19th, doctors treating
the boy were shocked at the wounds found on his body. They immediately
notified the Children’s Assistance Foundation, something that obviously
should have been done when the boys parents were arrested.
Nong
Nok was taken to the hospital by concerned residents after being
physically abused by a demented man now being sought by police.
Nong Nok’s body was covered with bite marks,
cigarette burns, he had a badly cut ear, wounds on his head, face, hands,
legs, chest and back, and his rectum and genitals had indications that
something very hot had been applied.
The Children’s Assistance Foundation took custody of
the little boy after his wounds were treated.
Police are now searching for a 20-year-old man,
identified as Sombat, who is suspected of committing the brutal child
abuse.
Neighbors told police that Sombat, who they believe is
an amphetamine addict, somehow convinced the people who were charged with
Nong Nok’s care after his parents’ arrest, that he was fond of
children and would look after the little boy. Apparently, the people
agreed because they were not financially able to do so themselves.
However, Sombat also had no obvious means of support.
After Sombat took in Nong Nok, the residents said they
overheard the little boy crying on several occasions but at first thought
the little boy was crying after his mother.
The screams and crying became worse at times, prompting
some residents to go and investigate. They said that Sombat cursed and
threatened them.
Residents later found out Sombat would take the boy
into the entertainment areas to beg for money, which he spent on his
amphetamine habit.
Persistent screams finally prompted neighbors to
investigate closer, and they discovered that Sombat was physically abusing
the boy. Fearing for their own safety, neighbors waited until Sombat left
Nong Nok alone, then snatched the boy and took him to Banglamung Hospital.
Montree Sinthawichai from the Children’s Assistance
Foundation had harsh words for Sombat, saying the abuse Sombat inflicted
on the young boy was demented, similar to a mad dog.
“If the parents were unable to have the children
properly looked after, both children should have been put in the care of
the Chonburi Children’s Assistance Foundation from the start,” Montree
said.
“Residents,” he added, “must be aware of the
serious nature of such incidents and also become aware of available
agencies that can provide assistance. If people don’t start becoming
more involved in what is happening around them and take an interest in
correcting unacceptable behavior, our society, including the economy, will
never improve and innocent victims and children will continue to
suffer.”
Nong Nok’s parents were notified and were unable to
believe what happened to their son.
Warrants for Sombat’s arrest have been issued and
police expect to apprehend him soon, due to the serious nature of this
crime. The officer in charge of the case said it is fortunate there were
concerned persons in the area who finally took action and rescued the boy,
but it is unfortunate that the incident was allowed to go so far with the
boy suffering so much.
Once Sombat is brought into custody he will be tried for his actions.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of seven years in prison.
Jet ski accident
injures tourist
Tanmin Ru, a 36 year old Chinese tourist, was struck in
the head by a speeding jet ski driven by another tourist off Larn Island.
He received serious injuries and was taken to Pattaya Memorial Hospital
for treatment.
Ru was with a group of 20 Chinese tourists brought to
Larn Island by the ANP Tour Company Ltd., on the morning of October 19.
Mrs.
Shang Shumin (center) accidently ran over Tanmin Ru with a jet ski off Lan
Island.
After he was struck by the jet ski, Ru disappeared
under the water. Luckily, many people witnessed the incident and went to
help. After 5 minutes, Ru surfaced and was brought ashore. A boat rushed
him to Pattaya where he was then taken to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital
for treatment.
The jet ski was driven by Mrs. Shang Shumin, age 42,
another Chinese tourist visiting the island with the Tong Ua Tour Company.
Witnesses told police Mrs. Shang was driving the jet ski in a care free
manner, racing along in front of the beach, which is not clearly marked
identifying swimming areas.
Pattaya Police recorded the incident identifying Mrs. Shang Shumin as
the responsible party for all injuries and damages.
Miniature boats
displayed at Royal Garden
Miniature models of ancient watercraft are the feature
of a “Thai Watercraft Exhibition” at the Royal Garden Plaza being held
to commemorate the birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Deputy Governor of Chonburi Suphod Laowanayasiri
officially opened the exhibition on October 23rd. The Miniature Boat
Shipyard and the Tourism Authority of Thailandm in conjunction with the
Prestika Company Ltd are presenting the exhibition.
The exhibition will continue at the Royal Garden Plaza
until November 5th.
A “Mod” sailboat, designed by His Majesty the King,
is also on display, along with miniature models of ancient watercraft.
The Chulaphorn Institute, the Miniature Boat Shipyard and the Royal
Thai Navy organized the creation of 2,542 miniature boats commemorating
the King’s birthday and are offering the boats at the cost of 2,542 baht
each. The miniature replicas can be obtained by contacting the Bangkok
Chulaphorn Institute coordination center 252-8528-9; or the Royal Thai
Navy Civilian Affairs Office in Bangkok 475-4481, 475-4720, fax 475-3031;
or the Miniature Boat Shipyard and Museum 517-2080; or Robinson Department
Store located on Rachadaphisek Road 248-2626-35.
Working Street
Community announces Loi Khrathong festivities
Beauty contest and decorations
Naris Phecharat, the Walking Street Special Community
Committee Chairman, presided over the committee’s 7th conference where
members from the local community and Pattaya’s Deputy City Manager
Wirawat Khakhai discussed plans for a “Pure Gold Beauty Contest” to
find the sweetheart of Walking Street on 22 November, the day of the
“Loi Krathong” festivities.
The contest may take place at the entrance to the
Walking Street area going all the way down the strip, which will be
brightly decorated for the festivities. Visitors will be asked to dress in
traditional Thai style to promote and preserve the elegant clothing from
different regions in Thailand. The activity will be dedicated to His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 72nd birthday and 6th cycle on
December 5th.
Discussions at the meeting also included preparations
for the number of tourists anticipated in November. The committee expects
that if it is anything like last year, there should be a very large
number.
Other activities are also being planned for the December-January
timeframe, which the Walking Street puts on each year for visiting
tourists.
MUST 99 coming in
December
Over 5,000 expected to attend
The MUST 99 exhibition and conference for industries in
the Eastern Seaboard will convene 2-4 December at the Pattaya Exhibition
and Convention Hall (PEACH) at the Royal Cliff Resort in Pattaya. MUST is
expected to attract over 5,000 visitors and will be the first industrial
exhibition at the new PEACH facility.
The Managing Director of Bangkok RAI Marc de Vries, the
Assistant Secretary General of BOI Boonrat Onkor, the Head of Mechanical
Engineering (KMITL) Professor Akradech Sindhuphak and Community Chairman
of Energy Management Kasem Sotthiwat announced the “MUST 99” event on
22 October at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort Hotel Supper Club.
Maintenance Utility Services & Subcontracting
Technology (MUST) will be a premier exhibition and conference with over
140 industries presenting demonstrations aimed at a variety of industrial
sectors.
Managing
Director of Bangkok RAI, Marc de Vries, the Assistant Secretary General
BOI Boonrat Onkor, the Head of Mechanical Engineering (KMITL) Professor
Akradech Sindhuphak and Community Chairman of Energy Management Kasem
Sotthiwat announced the “MUST 99” event on 22 October at the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort Hotel Supper Club. The event is scheduled for December
2 at the Royal Cliff’s PEACH.
Last year’s inaugural event received great backing
and the organizers of the event, Bangkok RAI have made sure that this
year’s event will continue the momentum. The primary aim of the event
will be to provide vital tools for industry leaders in the Eastern
Seaboard. The event expects to attract over 5,000 visitors.
Bangkok RAI’s managing director, Marc de Vries,
explained, “MUST 99 is a broad based event focusing on professionals
with various positions from key industries. Any person or company with
interest in the Eastern Seaboard Region will benefit from the event.
“Participants will experience first hand the exchange
of information... and will discover a complete overview of the region’s
resources. It is my hope... to bring cooperation to new heights and MUST
99 will establish itself as the region’s annual meeting place.”
The objectives of MUST are to attract more domestic and
international investment, introduce the latest developments, increase
sales markets and enhance the exchange of information.
This year, the organizers have linked with NMEC-13 (the
National Mechanical Engineering Conference), the Thai German Institute,
the Technology Promotion Association, the Environmental Engineers
Association of Thailand, and the Department of Industrial Promotion to
produce a comprehensive and diverse schedule of presentations and
seminars.
The opening ceremony on December 2 will deliver some
key insights into government development of the region with H.E. Abhisit
Vejjajiva from the Prime Minister’s Office scheduled to give a keynote
address on “Self Sustainable Industry and Investment in a Free Trade
World”. The address will be followed by Pairot Sompouti, Deputy
Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI) discussing “Direction
Investment in the Eastern Seaboard”.
An Economic Forum will focus on the role the Eastern
Seaboard will play in the recovery of the Thai economy. Manu Leopairote
will analyze “Promotion of SME’s in Thailand”, while Dr. Pornchai
Rujiprapa from the National Economic and Social Development Board will
discuss “Infrastructure Development in the Eastern Seaboard”.
Another highlight will be the Ecommerce session. MUST
will take an in depth look at the subject to see how companies can take
advantage of this new phenomenon. The session will be managed by the
Department of Business Economics and the Ministry of Commerce with
speakers from the Department of Industrial Promotion, BOI, Thai Chamber of
Commerce, the Internet Service Provider Association and others. Featured
in the discussions will be topics on Government Policy and Implementation
on Ecommerce, Private Sector Strategies and Tactics on Ecommerce, and
Security and CA of Ecommerce.
MUST promises to be an excellent forum for company development of all
industries. For more information on the event contact Bangkok RAI on
9600141.
Young people’s
group receives trash receptacles
Promoting environmental awareness
The Rotary Clubs in Pattaya and Jomtien and the Pattaya
Royal Food Company Ltd. pooled together and donated 200 trash receptacles
to the Pattaya Young People’s Environmental Preservation Project. The
presentation was made on October 18th along South Pattaya Beach.
A group of city administrators and teachers from the
community gathered together to accept the greatly needed items in the name
of the Environmental Preservation Project.
The Pattaya Royal Foods Company Ltd., a producer of
canned seafood, initiated the “Young Peoples Environmental Preservation
Project” to instill environmental awareness in young people.
The president of Royal Foods Company Ltd., Boonprasert Iamsamang and
the Rotary Clubs collectively identified many beach areas in Pattaya to
benefit from the donated trash receptacles. They hope this will help
maintain the cleanliness of the beaches for visiting tourists throughout
the year.
Copyright 1999 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 Boonsiri Suansuk |
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