Full Moon Friday the 13th

However, some scientists assert that the full moon has no proven scientific influence on bizarre human behavior. The Discovery Channel recently ran a documentary trying to prove or disprove the phenomenon. Researchers were stationed at hospitals and rode with police cruisers on one full moon night. They looked at police logs and hospital logs for a one-year period, comparing full moon nights to all other nights. Their conclusion? No discernable difference in the number or type of crimes or injuries reported on full moon nights, despite the fact that many of those involved in the study talked of a “different feel” on the night.

Regarding Friday the 13th, the belief that 13 is an unlucky number may have originated more than 5,000 years ago in the Middle East - Mesopotamia in particular. Sevens, 12s and 40s were considered good or lucky numbers in Mesopotamia, and because 13 came after lucky number 12, it was associated with evil.

And Friday does have its dark side. The Bible pinpoints Friday as the day Eve gave the apple to Adam. Execution day was Friday in Rome. And Good Friday exists because it is the reported day of the crucifixion of Jesus. Judas Iscariot was the “thirteenth” apostle. The ill-fated Apollo 13 space mission was launched at 13:13 hours, from pad 39 (the third multiple of 13) and was aborted on April 13, 1970. Many hotels and skyscrapers are built without a thirteenth floor. Doctors have a name for it: Triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13).

Some scientists admit that there may be a correlation between “bad luck” and Friday the 13th, but only because people erroneously draw connections between neutral phenomena and good or bad events that immediately follow those phenomena, and that superstitions are a normal response to our often-random world.

Superstitions can be self-perpetuating, because people look for anything that can support their belief in the superstition. If you have a superstition about Friday the 13th, you’re going to look for something bad to happen to you that day, and you’re going to pay attention to it.

Is Friday the 13th just an excuse on which to blame those everyday woes? Or is there really something to it? We leave it up to the readers to decide what they believe in.

One thing is for sure; Koh Phangnan will be busy tonight.

South Pattaya's 101 face tough fight to hold off destruction

Central government threatens to implement Article 17 of the Revolutionary Council

The cabinet has now approved the South Pattaya land reclamation project and has sent orders to the Chonburi Provincial government to get the project underway. The Chonburi provincial government has since sent orders to the Pattaya administration to begin the demolition of the 101 businesses on the coastal side of Walking Street.

If this is not done in a timely matter, the cabinet and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment have threatened to implement Article 17 of the Revolutionary Council to initiate forced action to remove the 101 businesses. Article 17 is a civil disobedience clause leftover from the days of frequent uprisings and coups. The article is still on the books and can still be used. If implemented, the Construction Department of the Ministry of Interior could be called in with wrecking balls and bulldozers to forcibly tear down the ill-fated 101 businesses.

Construction work is already underway at Bali High Point.

In response to the central government’s latest moves, the Walking Street committee, led by Naris Pedcharat and Lt. Sukum Wiphutanon, has mobilized forces and are now collecting signatures on a petition that they hope will delay, if not halt the reclamation project.

The finalized petition with supporting documentation will be presented to the National Assembly of Attorneys before October 16. The committee is trying to get the matter into the courts before Article 17 is implemented, fearing that once Article 17 is implemented, they will be unable to stop the destruction.

On October 7, Lt. Sukum Wiphutanon led a group of committee members to the new offices of Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization Advisor Chanyut Hengtrakul, requesting his assistance. Two days later they presented the same plea to Pattaya’s mayor.

Chanyut said he supported the position of the 101 and said he believed the Pattaya city council was also sympathetic. Chanyut has discussed the situation with Wanchai Sornsiri, a national level attorney, and the Chonburi PAO Advisor will take the problem before the administrative court on behalf of the committee.

First, however, he said the grievance must be presented before the Pattaya city council. The constitution affords local governments some new independent administrative controls, and obtaining the city’s backing would be that much more supportive evidence in court favoring the committee’s plea for just treatment.

Representatives of the 101 have already presented their plea to the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives, Santsak Ngamphiches, and have joined forces with a number of associations and various committees in Pattaya to block the government’s plan. Their pleas have gone all the way to the office of the Prime Minister, but have yet to receive a favorable reply.

Proper land ownership documentation is another matter that is complicating the struggle. However, compensation has been offered to the business owners who can show proper land ownership documents.

The members of the Walking Street Committee are asserting that the entertainment businesses and restaurants identified for removal are a important tourist attractions known the world over, which draw continual crowds of visitors and are accountable for a large amount of revenue brought into the city and into Thailand. The Walking Street committee has also instituted many new improvements that have drawn approvals from visiting tourists.

The committee members have challenged government accusations claiming the 101 businesses were responsible for polluting the coastal waters, asking why they are being singled out, “when there are scores of hotels and other businesses lined up along the coast polluting the ocean”. The committee also says that some of the people in business in the area have been residents at the same locations for over 100 years.

Committee members also held that it was all together unfair how the entire matter is being discussed in Bangkok circles with no attempt to consider views from the owners and operators of the businesses identified for removal.

Dismantling the 101 businesses is part of an overall plan to rebuild the area, put in a new boat pier and public parks, and give the area a “new face”.

The community supports morals training for local children

A three-day “Moral Camp” was held for local children at the scenic Bangpra Reservoir at Khao Kheow October 8 - 10. Deputy Mayor Wattana Chandrawaranont presided over the opening in honour of the 100th birthday of the Princess Mother.

120 children aged between 8 and 14 years, from six school districts, attended the weekend camp. It was a community effort that attracted the sponsorship and support of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club, Thai International, the Pattaya Sports Club and Pattaya City Hall.

Children and volunteer teachers listen intently at the familiarization assembly.

Wannapa (Ju) Wannasri, from the Pattaya City Education Office, was concerned about the declining morals and family values of our youth in this unfavourable economy, and decided to do something about it. Ju invited Kasemsook Bhamornsatit, president of the Trikaya Cultural and Academic Travel Services Company, to instruct teachers in a moral camp programme.

Kasemsook, who instigated the morals camp training programme together with the Body and Mind Solution Course, is a trainer for Thai International and a firm believer in positive attitudes. Training seminars were commenced for seventy volunteer Thai teachers under the co-ordination of Alvi Sinthuvanik.

“The objective in a ‘moral camp’ is introducing proper values and instilling behavioural traits in young people that will eventually realise positive social changes in Pattaya’s youth,” said Wannapa.

Members of the public and private sector show unity and support for the moral camp project.

The cost of each camp for 100 plus children is approximately 100,000 baht, and the Pattaya City school system’s educational office has turned to the Pattaya community for financial support. The first cries were heeded. President Erika Keller of the Jomtien-Pattaya Rotary Club pledged financial support of thirty thousand baht, Thai International 20 thousand baht for travel and accommodation expenses for the volunteer trainers, and Somsong Steele attended the proceedings and was so touched by the spirit of goodness that she immediately helped with a 10,000 baht donation.

The Pattaya Sports Club also donated funds for the transportation expenses of the children. Peter Malhotra, president of Pattaya Sports Club said, “I believe this is a valuable community endeavour that will improve our children’s attitude and upbringing and help develop their character. The Pattaya Sports Club is vitally concerned with children’s future in our community and is a major sponsor of their education and scholarships.”

In the serene Bangpra no-hunting reserve, surrounded by a lake, birds and old tapioca trees, 100 of our fortunate youngsters were taught the values that should be their birthright, but which have been largely neglected in this stressed economic environment.

The children were taught music appreciation to develop their emotional capabilities, nature appreciation and watching the birds to develop compassion, meditation and how to give alms to the monks to encourage serenity, and games to create unity.

They were shown slides in becoming an artist or artisan, and everyday Thai culture, and were taught Thai history. Basic health and hygiene was not neglected either, with “fun with brushing the teeth” and more intimate personal hygiene matters being addressed.

Kasaemsook initiated the morals camp teaching programme specifically to develop children’s abilities, unity, happiness and freedom. She started with the children of friends and gradually reached out to others. Eleven years of experience demonstrated to her that, “Teaching music, nature and cultural appreciation with gentle love and understanding reveals the capability, empathy and self respect in every child.

“Children are the heritage of the future. In these times of high pressured society the morals and values of our youngsters should not be neglected. They should not be condemned to follow the drug road because of a lack of internal love and understanding. These problems can be solved with a joint venture of the family, the children and the teachers,” Kasemsook said. “We are looking for community support to bring this moral camp training programme to our children.”

With the community’s support, it would be ideal to take this programme to the children twice a month. Donations may be made to: Alvi Sinthuvanik, M.A. Language Centre, tel. (01) 864 5754, (038) 420 872 or Wannapa Wannasri, Pattaya City Education Office, tel. (01) 295 1490, (038) 410708.

Gold shop owner shoots innocent bystander during robbery

Thief gets away

A 50-year-old South Pattaya vegetable vendor was injured last week when a gold shop owner shot her in the hip whilst trying to chase down a thief.

Mrs. Srinual Boriboon was innocently tending her vegetable stand when Mrs. Nobhaporn Rasaneemanon, owner of the Rung Charoen Gold Shop on South Pattaya Road near the Chaiyamongkhon Temple, burst out of her shop and fired one shot from a .38 revolver in the direction of a thief who had just pilfered a two-baht weight gold chain.

Mrs. Srinual was rushed to Pattaya Memorial Hospital where she was treated for a gunshot wound in her left hip.

50-year-old South Pattaya vegetable vendor Srinual Boriboon was shot in the hip by a gold shop owner trying to catch a thief.

Mrs. Nobhaporn was still standing in front of the gold shop and holding the weapon when police arrived on the scene. After police had cautiously approached and disarmed her, Mrs. Nobhaporn Rasaneemanon, age 54, frantically told them she had no intentions of shooting the woman. She described how a young man had entered her shop and feigned interest in purchasing a two-baht weight gold chain. She said she withdrew the gold from the showcase and gave it to the man to inspect. She said he then took the gold and ran from the shop.

Mrs. Nobhaporn said she immediately screamed out for help, then withdrew the handgun from the counter drawer and chased after the thief. She said she saw him getting on a motorbike parked about five meters from the shop and as he drove off she fired off one shot, missing her target and wounding the vegetable vendor down the street.

Mrs. Nobhaporn was unable to describe the motorbike, but gave a fair description of the thief. Police radioed the information to area police and departments in neighboring districts before taking Mrs. Nobhaporn into the station. She has been charged with discharging a firearm within city limits and recklessly shooting an innocent bystander.

The wounded market vendor, Mrs. Srinual, later told investigating police that she did not intend to press charges against the gold shop owner for her poor marksmanship and reckless decision to shoot the weapon, but said she should be justifiably compensated until fully recovered and all hospital bills met. She said the street was crowded with people and the gold shop owner should never have fired the weapon to begin with.

The thief has so far been able to evade police.

Women’s handgun training safety course being offered

Teaching women how to protect themselves

The assistant managing director of Tiffany’s, Miss Alisa Phantusak announced a Lady’s Handgun Training & Safety Course will be offered at the Pattaya Shooting Range starting on October 15.

Miss Alisa said, “The course is designed to teach women how to defend themselves during these current times when the streets are full of gangs and desperate people on drugs who have little regard for other’s safety and little respect for personal property.” Miss Alisa described the current social situation as, “a serious threat for the unwary, prompting many women to take precautions.”

The course is based on National Rifle Association (NRA) guidelines from the United States. Qualified instructors will provide instruction on gun handling, safety procedures, gun laws, maintenance and care.

The courses, which are being limited to 20 people in each class, are being offered to females 12 years old and up. Classes will run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. The Pattaya Shooting Range is located behind Tiffany’s Show on Pattaya 2nd Road. For additional information call: (038) 421700-3 ext. 119-120.

Young Kuwaiti tourist pronounced DOA

Cause of death as yet undetermined

Abdullah Alrubah, a 19-year-old tourist from Kuwait, was pronounced dead on arrival at Pattaya Memorial Hospital at 4:22 a.m. on October 2. Doctors found no unusual marks on the body, and the cause of death has yet to be determined.

A baht bus driver and hotel security guard brought Abdullah’s body to the hospital.

The hotel security guard told police he was contacted by a young bar girl who had stayed the night in the man’s room. She had requested his help in taking the man she described as “passing out” to the hospital.

Police contacted the 22-year-old bargirl, Miss Butdee Talwaewwao, who told police she had left the room, and upon returning, found Abdullah unconscious and lying on the bed.

Police searched the room but did not find anything out of the ordinary.

The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation transferred the body to the Police Forensic Lab for further examination. Police are waiting for the results, hoping they will help determine the cause of the man’s death.

Bartender stabbed by girlfriend's former lover

Wound requires 80 stitches

Ruangryt Khunsombat, age 20, a bartender at Honey A-go-go, had his throat slit by his girlfriend’s irate former lover. Ruangryt survived the attack, but his wound required 80 stitches.

Ruangryt Khunsombat gets patched up in the hospital after his girlfriend’s former boyfriend slit his throat.

Ruangryt told police he was standing outside the bar and was overtaken by a man with a knife on the evening of October 4. He said the man came up to him, grabbed his throat and said that he should have gone after some other girl who didn’t already have a man. He said after he finished his words, he branded a knife and slashed Ruangryt about the face and throat.

Ruangryt could only identify the man by his first name, “Wich”, sometimes called “Cherd”, who is the former boyfriend of Miss Nitaya, now having a close relationship with Ruangryt. Apparently, Wich had no intentions of ending his relationship with Miss Nitaya.

Police continue to search for the broken-hearted Wich, wanted for the crime of passion stabbing his former girlfriend’s new lover.

International community’s input may also be sought

City administrators recently sent out 800 questionnaires to solicit public opinion about the city’s future direction. The survey was part of the city’s assembling a 5-year development plan to cover the years 2002-2006.

The questionnaires, written in Thai and containing 61 questions, prompted 741 responses. The main problems identified in the responses concerned traffic and trash collection.

However, not all administrators were pleased with the responses. At a recent city planners’ assembly at city hall, chaired by Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and attended by representatives from government offices, local business, the private sector and members of the Pattaya City Development Committee, the general consensus was that survey respondents concentrated more on problems relevant to individuals, rather than providing relevant direction for developing the city or providing any significant input for the 5-year development plan.

Surat Mekawarkul, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA), summed up the consensus when he said that the opinions expressed in the survey were individually oriented, and that only a fraction of the overall community was surveyed in what is considered to be an international city. “Pattaya has many foreign tourists returning on a regular basis, as well as many foreigners who have taken up legal residence here. More are legally working in and around the area. Therefore,” Surat suggested, “the same questionnaire should be sent out again in English, German and Chinese to sample the foreign community’s opinion.”

The general consensus was that surveying opinions from foreign tourists and the foreign community in Pattaya just may be the next step to gaining input for future city development plans.

Other matters discussed at the meeting included correcting the street children problem, improving marketing and public relation plans to improve local tourism, more research on the city’s weak and strong areas in fundamental projects and administrative areas, and submitting more practical plans so that they have a better chance of being effectively implemented.

Huge crowds turned out to see the latest that Thailand’s auto industry has to offer in this year’s Sriracha Pacific Park Business Center’s “Pacific Motor Show” from September 29 until October 9.

A record number of local auto makers participated in this year’s “Pacific Motor Show”, drawing large crowds to the many displays.

The motor show also enjoyed its largest ever participation from local auto industry companies, with Toyota, Nissan, Ford, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Mazda, and BMW amongst the participants. The displays included KVA Auto Center’s Benz and new Beetle, as well as automobile music systems from Pioneer and JVC.

Industrial centers in the eastern region produce 70% of the overall number of vehicles made in Thailand, and the motor show was a chance for the many industrial estates in the area connected with the auto industry to show off their stuff.

Chonburi governor Sujarit Pachimnan, Sombun Warapanyasakul, the managing director of Sri Racha Nakhorn Ltd., and Sri Racha district chief Chaen Cheunsiva presided over the opening ceremony.