Election Committee disallows seven candidates

List includes one Chonburi candidate

After reviewing senate election information of the 78 doubtful candidates from 35 provinces, the Election Committee announced on 6 April seven of the 78 will be disallowed. One of those who will not be able to run for office is Bang Lamung candidate Sombat Phecharatrakul.

The other six senate candidates disallowed are Wacharin Masonphan (Khon Kaen), Sombharn Panya-Ek (Bangkok), Gen. Phuangchaleuy Aniruttathevee (Bangkok), Chusak Traisrisil (Chiang Rai), Thraphan Arunwadsameechot (Angthong), and Sawat Tamprakob (Nakhorn Sawan).

The other 71 candidates passed the Election Committee’s review. However, they will not receive official appointments, and will need to run for senate office in the upcoming election.

Election Committee Member Yuwarat Kamolwech said the details involved in the decisions disallowing the seven candidates will be published at a later date. Preparations are underway to have the seven candidates stand trial.

Two other senate positions have become open due to deaths, and will be included during the 29 April new election. 1,401 candidates will run for the vacant seats in 35 provinces.

Thailand bidding to host 2008 Olympics

Chonburi being viewed as possible site

The Chairman of the Olympics 2008 Organizational Planning Committee, Dr. Sakchai Thapsuwan, with a team of consultants, planners and associated officials met to discuss Chonburi’s qualifications and suitability to host International athletic events.

The results of the 7 April discussions and inspection will be included in Thailand’s bid to host the Olympic Games in 2008.

Chonburi is one of many areas outside of Bangkok considered as a possible host for the games. Events such as sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, beach volleyball and bicycle races top the list. The committee researched the conditions available for the above events and inspected the road and traffic situation, hotel accommodations for sportsmen, and other available facilities.

The consolidated data is to be submitted to the International Olympic Committee in June when further consideration will determine if Thailand can suitably support and host the games.

The country selected to host the Games in 2008 will be announced during the Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Elephant mauls mahout

Mahout killed as Chinese tourists look on in horror

Rob Chimram, a 31 year old elephant trainer from Surin, was killed by a 16 year old male elephant in must. The tragedy occurred on April 6 at the Crocodile Farm in Nong Pla Lai Sub-district as a frightened crowd of tourists from China looked on.

Phanphetsila, a 16 year old male elephant in must, mauled its trainer to death.

Bang Lamung Police did not release details of the death until April 8.

The elephant, named “Phanphetsila”, mauled Chimram with its tusks. Chimram did not survive his injuries.

Veterinarians from Khao Kheow later arrived and were able to sedate the animal.

Witnesses said that the tragedy might have been avoided if Chimram had followed the Crocodile Farm’s regulations prohibiting animals in must from being worked for tourist rides and shows.

Management of the Crocodile Farm has agreed to pay 50,000 baht for the funeral; with the stipulation the family does not take them to court.

Theft arrests set off chain reaction

Nine people arrested, 232 amphetamine tablets confiscated

The arrest of two gold thieves on 29 March set off a chain reaction of arrests for amphetamines and stolen goods.

Wadra Madnak and Dawut Madla, both aged 17, were arrested in connection with the mugging of a 14 year old boy near Soi Pattaya Land 1 on the 18th of March. The boy reported to police that the muggers had made off with his one baht gold chain and Buddha image, along with 40 baht in cash.

The jails got crowded when the arrest of two gold thieves led to seven other amphetamine arrests.

After an intensive interrogation, Wadra and Dawut admitted to police they had robbed Pairat. The two thieves said they took the stolen goods to a man later identified as 29 year old Uthai Phunsawat, who resided near the Yamaha Boat Shop on 2nd Road.

Police officers followed up on the address given and soon after arrested Uthai. He confessed to selling the stolen gold chain to two known amphetamine dealers living in the area. Police raided that location and arrested one man, Manit, and a girl named Sunee. Whilst searching the premises, 237 amphetamine pills, 13,000 baht in cash and young Pairat’s gold chain were found.

Whilst police were completing the search and confiscating evidence, four young people showed up. Police searched each of them and netted an additional four amphetamine pills. This made for a total of nine arrests from the initial report involving young Pairat’s stolen gold chain. All nine later admitted to amphetamine addiction and confessed to a number of robberies. All were charged accordingly.

Chonburi still lacks proper fire fighting chemicals

Administration does not want repeat of Thai Oil disaster

Chonburi’s administration is raising concerns that the province still does not have a sufficient amount of fire fighting chemicals the area requires.

The concerns have been raised in the ongoing aftermath of the Thai Oil Refinery explosion that cost several lives.

Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan and Chonburi Industrial Assembly Chairman Niyom Julaserikul met on 4 April to discuss the amount of chemical reserves required to contain such a catastrophe in the future.

The main discussion focused on the cost of the expensive chemicals and methods to consolidate the necessary funds to stock-pile sufficient quantities. In addition to insufficient chemical reserves, it was noted that maps describing the location and layout of the many industrial complexes throughout the province have not been submitted as requested by the Provincial Administration.

The problems identified during the meeting are scheduled to be discussed further with representatives and owners from the industrial complexes and associated businesses.

Pattaya Police Chief arranges gathering to boost officers’ morale

Trying to put Officer Wiwat’s death behind them

Pattaya Police Officers gathered at the Wong Amat Hotel in Naklua to boost the department’s morale on the evening of 6 April. This comes just after the recent loss of fellow police officer, Pol. Lance Corporal Wiwat Thika. Wiwat died in the line of duty whilst arresting drug dealers.

Pattaya police officers gather for a morale boosting party.

Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Pinit Satchareon described the loss of their fellow officer as a sad incident. He went on to acknowledge the many other incidents occurring each and everyday endangering the lives of the community and the lives of dedicated police officers.

Pinit expressed his gratitude and applauded the performance of his police officers. The hierarchy seems satisfied with the combined actions and achievements of the Pattaya force. When a police officer loses his life in the line of duty, unfortunate as such an incident is, the Chief said it also becomes an important lesson for fellow officers to take added care. The officers involved in the arresting and shooting of Wiwat’s assailant were duly recognized.

Chachawan Phisuttiwong announced the proceedings and Pinit did the honors of presenting a cash award and a step promotion to Pol. Corporal Saiphet Jetinai.

3,000 young Chonburi men in Military Draft selection

Will Sergeant Ryan please step forward!

The Thai Military held their annual selection for service at the Bang Lamung District Building on 4 and 5 April. 3,000 young men from the surrounding community were screened; the majority of those selected are destined for the Royal Thai Army and Navy.

On the first day, recruits aged 21 and up from three sub-districts were brought in for the draft process. Men from another five sub-districts were scheduled for the following day.

Popular Thai performing artists, twins Phandee and Phanden (left), both eligible for the draft, joined thousands of young recruits to go through the draft process.

Initially 2,000 individuals were expected to pass the physical examinations but at the end of the two day procedure only 1,566 made it.

On both days the screening and selection process was a busy affair. Friends and family who attended cheered on the men, providing moral support. Part of the excitement included two popular performing artists from Thailand, twins named Phandee and Phanden, both eligible for the draft, dutifully showing up to be part of the process.

Out of the 3,000 men reporting, 241 submitted reasons for delaying selection until a later date. There are 119 vacant positions in the Thai Army with a few more in the Navy.

On the afternoon of the second day the excitement was more evident as the selection process involving the 1,566 cadets passing the physical exam began by choosing either a red or black marker. If an individual drew one of the 119 red markers he would be assigned to one of the many Thai Army units in the Kingdom. Those drawing the black markers were declined admission.

One person was identified as failing to present himself for the selection process, prompting action that would result in his court case.

Mrs. Sopin Thappajug, Chairman of the Chonburi Juvenile Reception Station Development Program announced that a concert is being planned to help raise money for the program. The concert for young people, themed “Support for Lost Souls”, will take place on the 4th floor of Pacific Hall on June 11. Popular groups such as “Sating” and “Got” are to be invited performers.

Chonburi Juvenile Court Judge Sopin Thappajug (center) chaired a meeting to raise finds for the Chonburi Juvenile Reception Station Development Program.

The concert was planned at a meeting, chaired by Mrs. Sopin, on 5 April to discuss the budget constraints the program has experienced since opening in mid-March.

Attending the meeting were Juvenile and Family case officers, jurors, the Director of the Chonburi Detention Facility, representatives from local radio stations, the Sri Racha Pacific Park Business Center and Chonburi Superior Judge Rewat Sakulkhloi.

A number of charitable organizations and local businesses donated essential items to support the reception station and staff during the 21 March opening ceremony. The Judges Committee, Chanyut Hengtrakul, the Siam Premier Company, Sri Racha Hospital, Chonburi Red Cross, Ban Beung District Chief, Pattaya YWCA, Pratamnak Lions Club and the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital donated items and funds totaling 371,400 baht in helping to open the new station.

Any community organization or agency wishing to provide additional funding or donations to the Juvenile Reception Station may contact the Oom Sin Bank Chonburi Branch, or call 429870, 429675 any day.

TAT trying to persuade tourist boat operators to require them

The importance of using life jackets when enjoying water sports is recognized by many, but some businesses still fail to realize the full seriousness and the consequences of not having this type of life saving equipment available.

Tourists setting out in watercraft are urged to wear flotation devices for their own safety.

Water accidents in Pattaya have raised much concern, and it is now apparent some tourist watercraft operators are implementing the use of life preservers. However, there are still some watercraft operations that are either ignoring the safety procedure or are unable to get boat operators to insist that tourists wear the gear for their own safety.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3 (Pattaya) is attempting to force the issue and get boaters to comply, but it remains a difficult task to control the many watercraft and enforce the wearing of life preservers. The issue is just another problem that is portraying Pattaya’s image of being unable to enforce simple safety precautions for visiting tourists.

Many Life Insurance Companies deny coverage to operators, due to the relaxed enforcement of life preserving equipment on Pattaya’s waters.

A number of the businesses operating boats from Pattaya to Larn Island and other tourist attractions have joined in a combined effort to require their passengers wear life jackets. As yet, there is no authorized or legal control of the matter and there remains a number of watercraft users that are not aware of the parameters surrounding these requirements.

City to clear out squatters from 3rd Road

No such thing as a “free spot”

Over 30 structures have appeared over the last two years along Pattaya 3rd Road. In the past, when the city administration removed these illegal residents, they eventually just reappeared and ignored the city’s orders.

Illegal structures popping up on 3rd Road are targeted for removal.

Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat announced he was planning decisive action to remove the unsightly structures that present a poor image of the city. The area along 3rd Road is not the only location targeted, but is the first area on the city’s agenda. Included in the removals are structures set up as unauthorized businesses.

The mayor announced that he has taken these steps after having previously notified the squatters to vacate the area. He has been engaged in discussions with district officials and local police in combining their efforts in looking for appropriate methods in which to clean up the area.

Copyright 2000  Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
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Updated by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.