Time share problem

Dear Editor,

I wish to make a complaint about Resort International. As I was holidaying in Pattaya for about a week I came across some girl near the Royal Garden Plaza who included me in a lucky dip prize. I initially won a suckling pig prize, which the girl said to try again. This time I won a week’s accommodation with the provision that I undertook a 60 minute tour of Talay Villas at Jomtien Beach.

When I arrived there I was greeted by a lady by the name of Donna and she started to present me with all the benefits of the villas and associated time share. I explained to her that I already work in the travel industry, which for me was an advantage as I receive travel benefits. I even told her that if I were to make a decision, I would like to make it at a latter date as I did need time to think about it.

I was already tired from a long day, having started my day in the morning, but this particular presentation dragged on for about 6 to 8 hours. At the end of the presentation I was greeted by another salesperson by the name of Brian who again was trying to convince me with added pressure that I should consider purchasing timeshare. Somehow they convinced me under duress of a long day and I signed a contract.

The next day I telephoned their legal person and asked for a refund, but he seemed reluctant to return my deposit. Instead he wanted to discuss why I wanted to change my mind.

That day I did go to the tourist police in Pattaya for some help in solving the problem. Eventually we ended up in William Lindley’s office and he was very upset, accusing me of embarrassing his staff and himself. He threatened to take legal action against me.

I am a person who wishes no trouble and likes to try and compromise for peaceful outcome, so I withdrew the complaint. I however did not expect to lose most of my deposit of 77,100 baht in return for three year’s usage of the resort or other associated I.I. resorts. At the time I was not fully aware of the contractual agreement with this time share project and I was under the impression that I get most of my refund back if I was not satisfied. I don’t know if it is still possible to get my deposit back, as I am still skeptical about time share projects. I would appreciate any assistance on this matter as this occurred recently on the 20th October.

Yours sincerely,
Feeling Abused

More on the Jomtien Beach footpath

Dear Sirs,

The authorities have gone to great lengths to keep motorcycles off the new footpath. At the Jomtien end, by the Police station, barricades have been erected, whilst at the Pattaya Park end, stainless steel bollards have been set into the footpath.

The only trouble is that at the police station end, cars and motorcycles are permitted to park in front of the barricades, which prevents any access by pedestrians to the footpath. At both ends, families with young children in pushchairs and the disabled in wheelchairs are denied access, and have to clamber over the sand.

Perhaps the authorities will have a rethink, and at the same time, give just a fraction of the attention they have given to the motorcycle problem, to preventing the continuous urination on the footpath by the large contingent of mainly beach masseurs and vendors. It is not the sight of these people urinating that offends, but the vile smell that is forever present.

Whatever happened to the 300 strong police volunteer force widely trumpeted a year or so ago? 2/3 volunteers allocated to the footpath area with the power to fine offenders 500bt+ should provide the required result.

Sincerely,
Nick Fisher

Good hotel, soggy soi

Dear Editor,

I recently visited Pattaya and I had a wonderful time, as always. I stayed at the Orchid Inn, which is in Soi Viking. This is a great little hotel with approximately 25 rooms, swimming pool and good food (24 hours a day) where the staff and management go out of their way to tailor for every need of their guests.

But, there is a problem, not with the hotel, but with the soi it is located in. It is full of holes and dips, which were highlighted on this particular trip during the rainy season. All the ground was turning to mud and pools of water at times made it virtually impossible to get down without a baht bus driving down to the door.

The point I’m trying to make is, there has obviously been money spent on various roads and sois around the city, why not this one where it is very much needed? This would help the proprietors of the hotel who are trying very hard to make a success of their hotel, and their guests who visit Pattaya, but also for the other residents that live in this soi.

Kind regards,
Kevin Philp

Berating Jomtien’s police

Dear Sirs,

I would like to question the role of the police at the Jomtien sub police station. They appear to only sit in their station all day, reading newspapers, watching TV and talking, and are unwilling to accept or deal with any complaints.

Recently, I, along with many local Thai residents, have complained to them about the noise from the Royal Jomtien Hotel which is being rebuilt. Work, with pneumatic tools is carried on day and night, with nearby residents unable to sleep, and those with guest houses and rooms for rent having no business. They refused to accept the complaint, even though they too must be disturbed by the noise. Obviously the local residents are unable to better the payment, no doubt being made by the Royal Jomtien, for the police to turn a blind eye!

The locals will not forget, once the hotel re-opens!

Last week, I again complained to them about the blocking of the new Jomtien footpath with motorcycles, which prevented access to everybody. This obstruction was just 2 metres from the police station, but they refused to take any action, passing the buck to Pattaya City Council. They stated that they had no jurisdiction over the area to the left of the police station!

Surely obstruction of a footpath, and excessive noise 24 hours a day are illegal, and it is the duty of the police to prevent such acts, wherever they may occur.

This is certainly the case in all western countries, but obviously not in Thailand. As a taxpayer, why should some of my money go to paying a police force who are totally unwilling to perform their basic duties?

Future Vigilante

Miss-placed support

Editor;

The Thai prime minister recently suggested that the Jakarta government should have a bigger role in the UN operation in E. Timor. Nothing is further from the truth. We Americans, traditional friends and allies of the Thai nation, are very confused about the high-level Thai government support for the murderous barbarians who committed genocide on the island of Timor, razed the entire E. Timor side of the island, and drove men, women and children from their homes. It is clear that the Javanese and the TNI are the “Serbians” of Asia. Why must Thailand insist on supporting them?

Respectfully,

Charles L. McHenry
Central Point, Oregon USA

Congrats on our web site

Dear editor,

I just wanted to send you a quick e mail to congratulate you on such a wonderful web site. I have been travelling from Australia to Pattaya City for the last 20 years. My next trip there will be trip number 35.

It was only during my last few trips that I discovered the Pattaya Mail, and came to love its’ existence. I would eagerly await each Thursday so that I could buy the latest copy.

I have only just found your wonderful web site, and I get great enjoyment reading each and every archived copy of your publication.

I will again by in Pattaya City next year, and your paper will be a very important part of my reading matter.

Congratulations to your team. Keep up the great web site.

Kind regards,
Mick

Slow buses, fast phone bills

Dear Winebibber,

Thought I’d let you know that on my return from the wonders of Singapore (if only Thailand was even a quarter as smart as that place!) I discovered that the Morchit to Pattaya aircon bus service using the splendid new motorway has been somewhat reduced since I last used it. There are now only six trips per day at 0530, 0930, 1230, 1430, 1630 and 1830. Which is a shame as the m/way route is very much faster than the Chonburi one. I missed the 1630 service by 8 minutes, and I arrived in Pattaya at 1950.

By the way, a few months ago Winebibber disagreed with my letter printed in the Mail about the efficient new service for paying local phone bills. I paid my latest today and was in the office no more than 70 seconds. So that is at least six payments I have made and each time I was in and out in about one minute. You must be unlucky!

Best wishes,
Oliver Minto

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