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Crude oil washing up on Jomtien Beach
Jomtien residents and
tourists have been complaining to Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat about
crude oil seeping onto Jomtien Beach. They say not only is the crude oil
destroying the beauty of the beach, but it is also causing skin problems
for beachgoers.
The mayor said oil spilled
from commercial shipping in the Gulf surges into Pattaya Bay this time of
year during storms at sea. Floating garbage and debris often ends up on
the area’s beaches during the rainy season due to tide and wind changes.
At this time of year,
monsoons in the area cause tidal surges and high waves. Currents also
change from offshore to onshore, and combined with strong winds blowing
onshore, anything that floats has a tendency to head this way.
After an examination of the beach, the
mayor ordered his crew from city hall to clean up the crude oil, which is
scattered in patches along a 2-kilometer stretch. Afterwards, the mayor
announced that the beach has returned to its normal condition.
Chonburi governor defends his stance after receiving negative comments from Minister of Interior
Says police not turning a blind eye to illegal acts
Suchada Tupchai
Chonburi governor Chadej Insawang said that provincial
authorities are doing what they can to continue the crackdown on illegal
activity in Pattaya. He did say, however, that he is willing to make
adjustments to achieve better results.
The governor made these remarks in response to the
Minister of Interior’s recent inferences about Chonburi Province’s
apparent inability to conform to the edict of the federal government’s
‘new social order’ campaign and that local authorities are not doing
their duty.
The recent raid at Top Secret Pub in South Pattaya,
which took place Sunday August 18 and resulted in the arrest of 60 people
who tested positive for illegal drug use, was pointed out.
The governor was asked why, after a supposedly
dedicated and sustained crackdown on these illegal businesses, are
incidents like this still commonplace in Chonburi Province and
particularly widespread in Pattaya City?
Defending his position, Governor Chadej said that after
a dedicated 10-month clampdown on illicit entertainment businesses, some
progress has been made.
More than 20 of these illegal venues had been raided,
fined, closed down and offenders had been arrested. However, the governor
stressed he will accept any changes the MOI may introduce in order to
conform to the central government’s policy.
Governor Chadej said that in the case of the raid on
Top Secret Pub in Soi B.J., South Pattaya, local police were not simply
“turning a blind eye to the illegal acts going on in the pub.” Chadej
explained that responsibility for enforcement of these laws falls on all
involved departments, not just police officers.
He said that a special force has been set up to monitor these outlaw
businesses, not only in Pattaya but also throughout the province.
He said that if these measures are not adequate he is willing to make
adjustments and changes which will produce better results.
The MOI’s campaign to restore social order includes 5
‘iron-clad’ laws: the prohibition of illegal drugs, keeping patrons
less than 18 years old out of bars and nightclubs, strictly enforcing the
2:00 a.m. closing time for entertainment establishments, public sex shows
are illegal, and possession of weapons in entertainment places is
forbidden.
Cases where raids and arrests are made must be reported
directly to the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok.
Jomtien Beach vendors complaining about new ‘beach order’ policy
City administrators ask for patience
Beach vendors are complaining about the space allocated
to them by Pattaya City’s authorities and disagree with orders on where
and how they can set up their chairs and stalls.
Fifty of the area’s vendors turned up at city hall on
August 22 to try to hammer out an agreement with city administrators. Deputy
mayor Niran Wattanasatsathorn met with the Jomtien Beach Vendors Association
in an effort to resolve the issues related to the lack of cooperation from
the vendors in maintaining order around the Dongtan Beach area.
 Deputy
Mayor Niran Wattanasatsathorn told beach vendors that if they’re patient
and obey the new rules, they will soon see that the rules will benefit
everyone.
During the meeting the deputy mayor reiterated the beach
order policy handed down by the provincial governor whereby beach chair
vendors are to set up their areas in an orderly fashion and allow a free
space available for tourists to choose whether or not they want to use
vendors’ facilities. However, vendors complained that some of their
counterparts are not complying with the policy and are using more space than
the rules allow.
Vendors also argued that they could not see the reasoning
behind the allotments. They feel that the allotment of 7 x 7 meters (with 2
meters of free space) is not adequate. Vendors attending the meeting
requested that the lots be increased to 7 x 14 meters with an additional 4
meters of free space between each lot to better enable them to keep order.
Deputy Mayor Niran called for a compromise of 3 meters of
free space. He stressed that organization and tidiness must be maintained on
the beaches and regular inspections will be conducted to make sure vendors
are sticking by the rules.
Niran explained that these new policies are in the best interest of the
city and if vendors cooperated with the regulations, they will, in time, see
how they too can benefit from the new policy. He said an enjoyable ambiance
at the beach will make visitors happier and more satisfied. He predicted
that the vendors will eventually come to see that this more relaxed
atmosphere will decrease problems between vendors who do business in the
area.
Community pushes “Scouts in - Yaba out” campaign
300 Scout Club administrators converge on Chonburi
Pattaya Garden Hotel in Chonburi welcomed around 300
Scout Club administrators from the East and West regions of Thailand.
Supot Laowansiri, deputy governor of Chonburi opened the seminar held to
promote knowledge, understanding, and working methods to various Scout
club administrators. These administrators are the core people that will
improve and develop standards of the clubs.
The clubs will help local communities to build strength
to protect Thailand’s three most revered institutions: nation, religion,
and the kingdom’s Royal Family. The main duties for local scout club
members are to monitor, protect, and preserve good people from drug use,
especially methamphetamines, which is locally referred to as ‘yaba’.
The slogan, “Scouts in, Yaba out” is being emphasized to create better
cooperation between the Drug Use Protection and Execution Office of Border
Police and Local Scouts Centers.
The local Scouts Club was established 30 years ago,
spearheaded by Pol. Col. Somkuan Halikul, who currently holds the position
of director of the club.
HM The King and HM The Queen support the club’s
activities and have donated around B350 million through the years.
Every 6 months, reports are submitted to HM The King,
and he is always willing to listen to the problems the clubs might have.
The clubs have worked hard to recruit more members in
the province including Loei, Udonthani, Nongkai, Nakorn Phanom,
Phitsanulok, Sakol Nakorn, Kalasin, Roi-ed, and Bangkok. In 2000, there
were at least 6 million local scouts members throughout Thailand.
Charity Bicycle Tour raises funds for medical assistance for the poor
Hundreds of avid cyclists turned out to take part in
the 1st Charity Bicycle Tour Competition to raise funds for medical
assistance to the underprivileged local communities who cannot afford
medical care.
Sponsored by Aparkom Kietwong Hospital and Sattahip
Naval Base, the event was held over the weekend of HM Queen Sirikit’s
birthday, starting from Luang Chumporn Gardens in Sattahip.
 Twin
recording artists Fundee and Funden participated in the 1st Charity
Bicycle Tour Competition in Sattahip as part of the Navy team. The two are
now both in the Navy.
Chonburi governor Chadej Insawang and Vice Adm. Anand
Thoprasert of Sattahip Naval Base presided over the opening ceremonies and
fired the starter’s gun.
Cyclists got under way in two distance categories. The
first category was General Tour with a distance of 37 kilometers and the
second, VIP category of 21.1 kilometers.
Apart from raising funds for charity the aim of the race was to promote
sports and healthy living in the community.
Public and private sectors organize activities for homeless children
Guiding them towards leading a better life
Children at the Child Welfare Home Banglamung were
recently treated to fun activities aimed at bolstering their self esteem.
The activities centered on the importance of good physical and mental health
in leading normal lives.
Public and private organizations, including the
Children’s Welfare Organization, Welfare Department, Labor and Social
Welfare Organization, Mental Health Department of the Public Health Ministry
and other pertinent authorities concerned with homeless children organized
the activities to help the youngsters boost their self esteem and set goals
for their future.
Admiral Vichate Karun-yon-wanit, representing the Gen.
Prem Tinsulanond Foundation, revealed that the social problem of run-away
and homeless children is becoming serious, with many children addicted to
drugs and often taken advantage of by unscrupulous elements of society. This
foundation understands the situation and has therefore allotted a budget to
concerned organizations to set up these activities.
Pertinent
authorities concerned with homeless children recently held activities at the
Child Welfare Home Banglamung to help the youngsters boost self esteem and
set goals for their future. The activities centered on the importance of
good physical and mental health in leading normal lives.
The activities are structured to help develop a better
standard of living for the children. There is also an agenda being
implemented to improve the skills of officials involved in tackling problems
besetting these unfortunates.
The 3-day program is expected to motivate these homeless
children to gain skills, acquire better physical and mental health, and give
them a chance to learn how to successfully interact with society. The goal
is to provide positive experiences for the kids in hopes they will
eventually evolve into good citizens.
The program was held from August 15-17 at the
children’s welfare home where over 90 homeless kids from Bangkok, Chonburi
and Rayong participated.
Rotaract and Interact Clubs hold 11th annual District Conference
"The story of Rotary and the world will have to be rewritten again and again"
The 11th annual conference of Rotaract and Interact
clubs of R.I. District 3340 and 3360 was held on August 16th. This year
the Banglamung School Interact Club hosted the conference, held at the
brand new campus of Thammasat University near Pattaya. The conference was
attended by members of Interact and Rotaract Clubs and Rotarians from both
the districts.
The gathering brought these privately funded clubs
together for an exchange of ideas in order to enhance future cooperation
amongst the club members. The conference provided a vehicle in which
shared experiences and knowledge would increase effective administration
of the clubs. Members also received help to improve their skills in
conducting meetings.
Interact is an international organization of service
and social clubs for young people of secondary school age that fosters
leadership and responsible citizenship and promotes international
understanding and peace. The name was created by combining the words
"international" and "action." Interact clubs are
sponsored by Rotary clubs as a program of Rotary International. Rotary
clubs provide guidance and inspiration, but the Interact clubs are
self-governing and self-supporting. Clubs take a variety of forms, both
single-gender and mixed as well as large and small. The membership base of
a club can be drawn from the student body of a single school or from two
or more schools from the same community.
In Pattaya, these students, who seem to have unlimited
energy, work under the guidance of the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya on a
variety of projects ranging from cleaning up parks, beaches and
playgrounds, to collecting toys and used clothing for children and the
underprivileged.
Manop
Khemarak (far right) conducts a “game show” during the Rotaract and
Interact Clubs of R.I. District 3340 and 3360 11th annual conference.
Each year, Interact clubs complete at least one
community service project and at least one project that furthers
international understanding and goodwill. Interactors develop a worldwide
network of friendships through exchanges with local and overseas clubs.
Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative
while meeting new friends.
Bruno Keller, president of the Rotary Club of
Jomtien-Pattaya, said he was proud of every Interact and Rotaract member.
He said their dedication to community service was greatly appreciated. He
quoted Paul Harris' words, "This is a changing world, and we must be
prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary and the world will have to
be rewritten again and again." Bruno stressed that every single
member who belongs to the Interact club also belongs to Rotary.
President
Bruno Keller
"Bhichai Rattakul, president of Rotary International 2002-03 tells
us to 'Sow the seeds of love' and we should take these words to heart by
giving back something to society. Actions speak louder and words."
Officials to expand Highway 7 to accommodate future growth
Two more lanes being added in both directions
Highway No. 7 from Chonburi to Pattaya
is being expanded to accommodate the expected growth of
the area.
Surasak Jenphanichsap, head highway
construction engineer for the Department of Highways,
Ministry of Transport and Communications said, to ease the
problems of traffic congestion in the cities, lanes have
to be increased. The department is preparing to pave two
more lanes on each side, and reduce the cut across lanes
and U-turns.
Drivers will be required to pay tolls
at three different locations and at various prices: for 4
wheelers one baht per kilometer, 6 wheelers 1.60 baht per
kilometer, and 10 wheelers 2.30 baht per kilometer.
However, some local residents
complained that they would be inconvenienced if the cut
across lanes and some U-turns were closed down. They said
that industries and agricultural factories need easy
access for their trucks, and locals want to be able get
home without going miles out of their way. They also
opposed the fees collection policy set by the department.
The department said people can submit
their ideas and proposals for better measures to the
Department of Highways, but they were warned there is a
strong possibility the plan as it stands will be carried
out.
PBTA on the road in Cambodia
The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA)
is on a ‘road show’ to Cambodia, scheduled to finish on
September 1st, which is a joint effort between Pattaya City, TAT
Central Region 3 and the PBTA.
Before they left, the PBTA held a meeting at
Mike’s Shopping Mall, presided over PBTA’s president Surat
Mekavarakul. The discussion centered on preparations for the Road
Show to Cambodia and the allocated budget of 100,000 baht for a
public relations campaign in Germany.
Businesspeople involved in the tourist sector,
such as hotels and tour agencies, are participating in the road show
with an aim to meet potential buyers in Cambodia. The event is being
presided over by the Thai Ambassador to Cambodia and is being
attended by many dignitaries.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included
the PBTA’s 100,000 baht budget allocation for Pattaya public
relations material to be sent to Germany, and the reception of Miss
Hong Kong and 30 representatives of Hong Kong including members of
the Hong Kong media.
Sichang Island residents to hold commemorative ceremony for King Rama V
Boonlua Chatree
Sichang Island mayor Damrong Patra announced that a
special celebration will be held to commemorate 100 years of Juthathuchratan
Palace, built in 1902 during the reign of King Rama V. Residents of Sichang
will hold the ceremony on September 20th which is not only King Rama V’s
birthday, but also National Youth Day.
There will be many traditional activities including
Thai-style sports, and water sports. A Sichang exhibition will be staged
showing the old style of living during that period. Thai dance and
traditional performances will also grace the celebration.
Minister of Science, Technology and Environment Sonthaya
Khunpluem has been invited to attend the gala dinner as the guest of honor.
Members of Laos’ broadcast and print media visit Chonburi to boost international PR
Boonlua Chatree
By official invitation from the Thai government, 15
Laotian consul officers led by Vice Consul Somchai Thongbor and other
officials from Thailand’s Embassy in Laos, together with members of the
media visited Chonburi and Pattaya on August 26.
The group started their morning tour with a visit to
the National Broadcasting Station and Channel 11 TV station in Chonburi.
After lunch at the Crocodile Farm and a tour of the Million Years Stone
Park, the group arrived at the offices of Pattaya Mail and Pattaya
Blatt. Managing director, Peter Malhotra and his crew cheerfully
greeted the group at the publishing office near Grand Sole Hotel on
Pattaya Second Road to give them a warm welcome to the region, and
exchange views on various subjects.
Members
of Laotian media visited the Pattaya Mail offices during their recent trip
to Pattaya.s
After that, the group made trips to several places and
were particularly impressed with Viharnsian, Kao Chichan, the Big Buddha
image, and Nong Nooch Gardens.
The official invitation to the group was part of a plan by the Thai
government, Department of Information, and the Foreign Ministry to
stimulate better relationships with Laos through cultural exchanges and to
promote visits to Thailand by Lao tourists.
American resident commits suicide after quarrel with girlfriend
Boonlua Chatree
Firefighters from Pattaya Fire Department found
American citizen Larry Graham, age 48, dead in a sitting position in the
bathroom of his home after he allegedly ignited 2 LGP gas tanks in what
police believe to have been a successful suicide plan.
During an interview with Graham’s girlfriend Laongdao
Angkaew, 26, she explained that she had met Larry 8 months previously and
had moved into his home 4 months afterwards. Laongdao brought her 4
children and some relatives with her and they were all living in the house
together.
She said that Graham had a medical condition and was
taking daily medicine for a heart problem. Laongdao also said Graham
complained that she did not take care of him properly.
Worried about Graham’s medical condition, Laongdao
said she pleaded with him not to wander off alone. Prior to the tragedy,
she said, the couple had an argument when she attempted to convince him to
stay home where the family could keep an eye on him. She said Graham
became angry and started throwing things belonging to her relatives into
the front yard. She said he also allegedly threatened to burn down the
house and everyone in it.
Laongdao said Graham then swallowed approximately 50
tablets of various medicines, hooked up lines to the LPG gas cylinders
into the bathroom, locked the doors and windows and waited until the gas
filled up inside the house. She alleges he then ignited the gas and the
home burst into flames.
The secret's out - Top Secret raided
Sixty people test positive for drugs, arrested
The Top Secret Nightclub on Soi BJ, just off Walking
Street, is no longer a secret to police. A cooperative effort of over 100
Pattaya police and tourist police resulted in 60 drug related arrests at
the popular nightspot.
During the round up, 150 partiers, including Thai
service women, foreign tourists and residents were queued up to pee in a
bottle to provide urine for police to test for illegal substances. Police
and officers from the medical science unit of Chonburi Province found 19
men and 41 women under the influence of various types of drugs, including
Ecstasy, K, and marijuana. Drugs were also scattered on the floor
throughout the pub.
The
party’s over - police led away 60 handcuffed customers of the Top Secret
Nightclub on Soi BJ after all 60, nearly half of all customers tested when
the police raided the place, tested positive for illegal drugs.
The owner, Daeng Vichit, aged 37, was detained and
charged with using the premises for illegal purposes and possessing and
selling first and fifth category drugs.
Police estimated that around 200 more patrons escaped by breaking the
pub’s windows, while some allegedly threw pepper spray into the
air-conditioners to hinder police.
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