pattayamail.gif (2145 bytes)
 
News
Business News
Features
Columns
Letters
Sports

Happenings
Classifieds
Backissues
Index

Advertising
Subscribe


  

 

  NEWS

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:
  
HRH Princeess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presides over Orthopaedic meeting

Just another night in Jomtien...

Environmental conditions worsen in 3 areas

Suspect arrested for murder of British tourist

18-month-old boy brutally tortured

Jet ski accident injures tourist

Miniature boats displayed at Royal Garden

Walking Street Community announces Loi Khrathong festivities

MUST 99 coming in December

Young people’s group receives trash receptacles

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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?

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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.

Back to News Headline Index

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