|
Paying respects to a revered King on Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
People turn up in masses at
Chulalongkorn Memorial in Banglamung
Songklod Kaewvisit
A multitude of people turned out for the official
ceremony in observance of King Chulalongkorn Day held at the Rama V monument
of the beloved King of Thailand located in front of the Banglamung district
office building on the morning of October 23rd.
The ceremony is performed all over Thailand on October
23rd and marks the day that the great King passed away in the year 1910.
District chief officer Chaen Chuensiva presided over the ceremony as
everyone attending laid bouquets of flowers, reefs or garlands with sacred
offerings in front of the monument.
The crowd of people attending included the Pattaya Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, city officials, and people from the business
community, members from local charitable organizations, the private sector
as well as many local residents; all paying homage to one of the greatest
and most highly revered Kings of Thailand.
Chuen
Chuensiva Chief of Banglamung District, pays homage to King Chulalongkorn
the Great.
King Chulalongkorn was instrumental in modernizing the
Kingdom of Thailand with many accomplishments including the establishment of
the Council of State setting up 12 different ministries reorganizing the
government administrative system and abolishing slavery
Other achievements included contact with foreign
governments and modernizing the country by introducing revolutionary changes
such as police security, a postal system, hospitals, and railroads.
The great King was instrumental in maintaining the nation’s sovereignty
during a critical period when powerful nations were expanding their
influence and colonizing neighboring countries.
Pattaya Vs London at the Skål World Congress in Cairns, Australia
Minister of Tourism and Sports gives his blessings
This week marks another milestone in the re-birth of
Pattaya as the premier international resort city in Thailand. Despite the
recent bombing in Bali and threat of terrorist activity, it is business as
usual for the Skål tourism group, when the 'heavy-weights' in the
local tourism and hospitality industry address the World Congress of Skål
International, one of the world's most prestigious travel conferences, on
behalf of Thailand at Cairns in Northern Australia, November 3 - 8.
H.E.
Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports (center) listens intently
as Pratheep Malhotra, (left) Vice President of Skål International-Pattaya
and East Thailand briefs him about the impending bid in Cairns. Chanyuth
Hengtrakul, Advisor to the minister (2nd left) and Santsak Ngampiches Deputy
Leader of the Chart Thai party also pledged their support.
The Skål National Committee has put forward Pattaya
as the venue for the Skål Club's World Congress in 2006, and we have
to present our credentials to the leaders in this world tourism and
hospitality organisation, who are all present in Cairns Australia to hear
our proposal.
The bid is being pursued with the official blessings of
Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports, the governor of the
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mrs. Juthamas Siriwan, and the national
carrier, Thai Airways International.
In each year, the annual congress attracts 2,000 of the
world's top tourism and airline professionals who meet and discuss common
issues under a banner of friendship.
"It is an extremely influential group of professionals and we want
to win the bid to help showcase Thailand as a safe and popular destination
and at the same time reintroduce the delegates to Pattaya and the Eastern
Seaboard," said Andrew Wood, general manager of the Royal Cliff Beach
Resort, a local Skål member and a member of the working committee.
Murray 'Braveheart'
Hertz, President of Skål International, Pattaya and East Thailand
declares war on London.
"We have spent so much effort improving the quality
of the sea water and general infrastructure of Pattaya amounting to billions
of baht. Along with the venue-PEACH, the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention
Hall, we believe we have a world- class resort capable of competing with the
best," he added.
Thailand has been short-listed to the last two. The vote
will take place on November 5, with Thailand, represented by Pattaya,
pitched against London.
They will be told about Pattaya, the seaside resort which
has been described as being similar to an a la carte menu - everything is on
it, it is just up to you what you choose! Golf? There are 18 world standard
golf courses within 40 kms of Pattaya with mid week green fees as low as 400
baht ($9 US) and your caddy is just another 200 baht (US$4).
Dining Out and Restaurants? Pattaya has over 300 at last
count, from the ultimate fine dining restaurants where haute cuisine will
cost less than US$20, through venues specialising in every national cuisine
in the world, all the way to wonderful roadside eateries where dinner for
two can be had for less than a dollar a head.
Of course, as a visitor to any new city, you have to be
able to get about. Queue and wait for the next public bus in 60 minutes? Not
in Pattaya! Our unique 'Song Taews' take 10 people at a time around town for
around 10 cents each. Waiting time? Around 60 seconds at worst!
Of course we do have all the usual day time tourist
attractions that are expected: elephant rides, zoos, shopping for exotic
oriental art and knick knacks or clothes, tropical island hideaways,
snorkelling, yachting and other water based adventure sports, go-karting,
horse riding and much more, or just perhaps to lie under a palm tree on the
beach while the concessionaire brings you beers and brunch.
Nights? Pattaya is famous for its nightlife which runs
the whole gamut from incredible Las Vegas style cabarets (expect to pay
around US$12 which is however very much cheaper than Las Vegas) to night
club discos that can hold 6,000 dancers, to authentic British pubs, to
American diners, to small intimate 'bar beers' where you will never be
lonely.
The World Congress will be told of Asia's top conference
facility where meetings can be catered for up to four or five thousand
people. Where? At the hotel which has just picked up the award for the best
meeting and convention hotel in the Asia-Pacific region. Where? In Pattaya,
at our own PEACH (Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall), part of the Royal
Cliff Beach Resort, where else?
The Skål delegates will also be told of our
accommodation ability. At the last census we only had 275 hotels and 75
guesthouses ranging from the 6 star Royal Wing and Spa, and the 5 stars
Dusit Resort and Royal Cliff, to funky little places overlooking the beach
where you might spend up to US$ 10 for a night. We do have something for
everyone and somewhere to stay as well!
The Skål delegates at the World Congress this year,
enjoying the warmth of tropical North Queensland, Australia, will also be
told of the alternative venue for the October 2006 World Congress - that of
London. Will overcrowded London's attractions such as the packed tube
trains, bus queues and 10 degree Celsius wet weather get the nod for 2006,
or will Pattaya's tropical resort and 30 degree Celsius sunny days be more
appealing?
Our delegation from Thailand will be led by Skål
National President Malai Sakolviphak, and will be accompanied by the
president of Skål International Pattaya and the East, Murray Hertz,
the club president from Bangkok, Brian Sinclair Thompson and the Phuket
president, Eric Hallin the general manager of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort,
Andrew Wood; the managing director of the Pattaya Mail Publishing Company,
Peter Malhotra and international hotelier Bob Lee will let us know the
outcome of our bid to host the 2006 Skål International World Congress
on their return.
Early this week Vice President of Skal Pattaya, Pratheep
Malhotra briefed H.E. Sonthaya Khunpluen Minister of Tourism and Sports at
Bangkok International Airport of the upcoming trip to Cairns and our
impending bid to bring the congress to Pattaya. The minister urged the Thai
delegation to do their utmost to secure the bid. He said that he was most
confident that Pattaya had the better chance and the victory would do
Pattaya and it's citizens proud. The Minister wished the contingent luck and
stressed that the ministry would support this bid and do what ever is
necessary to make the congress in 2006 one of the best ever.
The congress is expected to generate 500 million baht in
revenue for Thailand and Pattaya.
Pattaya City to sign new waste management contract next year
City management wants tighter controls
Dissatisfied with the overall performance of waste
management in the city, a new company may be contracted to carry out the
work in the future. Chart Thai Company is still under contract to do the
work, but does not bear full responsibility for waste management. Pattaya
Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijikarn recently met with officials to discuss
measures on how to improve waste management in Pattaya City.
Currently, Chart Thai Company manages only 70% of waste
collection in Pattaya and its environs, therefore the municipality is
bearing the load for the remaining 30% which includes Naklua District.
Since the tonnage of waste in the area is rapidly
increasing, a new contract with tighter controls is now being hammered out.
Chart Thai wants to renew its contract with the city; however, their
performance up to now has not been satisfactory due to misunderstanding of
how the current contract should be enforced.
When the new contract comes up for tender, tighter
controls will be implemented. Having learned from bitter experience, the
city is now drafting stricter regulations in order to respond to the barrage
of complaints received over the past year from residents who are fed up with
the irregularity of garbage collection. The new contract will be good for 7
years. It starts May 1, 2003 and is valid until April 30, 2010.
The deputy mayor said that while Chart Thai Company is
still eligible to bid for the contract, any provider that contracts to
manage waste for the region will be forced to comply with all regulations.
He sited the example of Bangkok’s new policy of installing black boxes in
all garbage trucks which scrupulously monitor operating schedules, and can
evaluate each truck’s efficiency. Wutthisak said, “This is a very good
idea and we may introduce this measure.”
City announces D-Day coming soon for bike and car rental companies on Beach Road
City aims to reduce vehicles by 50% to provide easier access for pedestrians
The packs of rental motorcycles and cars that line
Pattaya Beach Road and prevent ordinary pedestrians from exercising their
right to use the city’s public sidewalks will soon have their numbers
reduced by half. Authorities plan to issue orders for these rental companies
to find another location to park their vehicles and will introduce hourly
parking fees for those who operate on Beach Road.
During the monthly meeting of local government department
heads, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat addressed the city’s social and
logistical problems. One of the major issues discussed was how to reclaim
the streets and footpaths from motorbike and car rental businesses.
The volume of traffic in this area is increasing and
since the road parallels the city beach options to improve traffic flow are
limited. Vendors and rental companies have long been a major source of
obstruction in this area. Residents and visitors are complaining that
belligerent peddlers and those renting vehicles have deliberately damaged
their cars for parking in what are actually legal parking spaces. These
public parking areas have been illegally ‘commandeered’ and a
territorial turf mentality keeps most law-abiding motorists from challenging
their right to park there.
Creating order out of this chaos has been difficult since
this group of business operators refuses to comply with requests for
corporation. City Hall is now demanding that these operators relocate 50% of
their vehicles to another location, perhaps somewhere else in South Pattaya
or at a specified place on Pattaya Third Road. To put teeth in the policy a
proposal was made to charge operators for the spaces.
Senate Committee for Labor looks at foreign work permits in Chonburi
Another push being started to get closing hours extended
Veerachai Somchart
Chonburi’s labor department says it’s understaffed
and overworked. This condition and the issuing of foreign work permits were
topics of recent discussions at city hall.
Impending new regulations concerning approval of work
permits in certain provinces around the nation prompted members of the
Senate Committee for Labor in Chonburi meet at Pattaya City Hall last week
to discuss the matter.
Dr.
Permsak Piyayaru MD, head of the Senate Committee for Labor in Chonburi said
the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has initiated new regulations and
conditions for foreign nationals seeking work permits, specifically for such
areas as Pattaya and Phuket where foreigners (Asian or otherwise) seek to
take jobs away from Thai citizens.
Dr. Permsak Piyayaru MD, committee president addressed
committee members including those from the provincial employment office,
Pattaya immigration officials, police, provincial department heads including
Deputy Governor Virawit Wiwattanvanich, Pattaya Mayor Pairat
Suttithamrongsawat, members of the Thai Hotels Association-Eastern Chapter
and the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA).
At the meeting Suphawdee Toncharoenpon from the
provincial employment office said, “The office is currently experiencing a
staff shortage and an increasing workload. We have 2,379 people on our books
who have received work permits. The greatest numbers of work permit holders
in the province are British nationals; not Germans or Russians as reported
by some of the local media.”
Suphawdee continued, “We still have a large number of
people requesting work permits on the books. Most of these involve technical
positions, engineering positions or teachers, and make up 58% of the total
number. Another 40% are those in higher management positions such as
managing directors or company presidents. Apart from this we still have a
large number of Asian nationals seeking work permits with an additional 161
still under consideration for approval.”
Suphawdee added that another main concern for her
department was the vast number of foreigners attempting to seek permission
to operate tailor shops, Internet shops, retail outlets and beer bars.
“These people mostly use accounting offices or law
offices to undertake the process of obtaining work permits for these kinds
of operations,” said Suphawdee.
Dr. Permsak informed the meeting that the provincial
employment office has new problems to deal with. He said the Ministry of
Labor and Social Welfare has initiated new regulations and conditions for
foreign nationals seeking work permits, specifically for such areas as
Pattaya and Phuket where foreigners (Asian or otherwise) seek to take jobs
away from Thai citizens.
Once they are finalized the new regulations are expected
to be announced sometime in November.
Dr. Permsark said in regard to law firms and accounting
offices that have been creating headaches, all will be required to register
with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare. Accurate registration will
show how many foreign nationals are on the books and a conclusive report
will be sent to the ministry in order to comply with any new regulations.
It was acknowledged that many foreign nationals are
working in the kingdom, mostly from Burma, Cambodia and Laos. Records show
that 18,206 of these people have requested legal work permits. Only 9,053
have showed up to receive their approvals. The remaining 50% have yet to
re-register and are assumed working not only in Chonburi but elsewhere in
the kingdom.
The province expects to complete registration by November
6 and be ready to enforce new regulations. Illegal workers will be detained,
then deported.
On another note, the meeting also included a discussion on closing times
for entertainment businesses. Committee members disagreed with the current
2:00 a.m. closing hours in popular international tourist resorts such as
Pattaya and Phuket. A suggestion was made that pressure be put on the
Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to give special consideration to these
towns to allow establishments to remain open until 3:00-4:00 a.m. It was
decided that a special request for this dispensation could be made to the
Ministry of Interior and wait for a decision.
Chonburi police ready to safeguard tourists and World Scouts during upcoming high season
Boonlua Chatree
In a determined effort to guarantee the safety of
tourists in the region during the upcoming peak season and to reassure the
thousands of Scouts, friends and families who will be visiting the area
during the World Scout Jamboree, Chonburi and Pattaya police met to refine
strategies for crime control and safety precautions.
Pol.
Maj. Gen. Sanae Khamthieng, commander of Chonburi police is overseeing
preventative measures to keep terrorist elements from disturbing our
peaceful resort.
At Pattaya police station, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanae
Khamthieng, commander of Chonburi police recently called in Pattaya police
officers, Pattaya immigration officials, Pattaya tourist police and special
units of foreign criminal control to discuss social safety regulations and
confirm a high level of readiness. All responsible units have orders to
remain alert, strictly maintain the peace and enforce the law. Any
deterioration in social order will be swiftly dealt with.
The commander said law enforcement units are fully aware
they will have their work cut out for them and will be under pressure to
perform as there are many big events to be organized in Chonburi Province.
It is expected that over 50,000 family members accompanying Jamboree scouts
will be staying in Pattaya December 28 through January 7.
Orders have come down from the National Police Bureau to
scrupulously monitor criminals disguising themselves as tourists. Any
attempt by the criminal element to stir up trouble in Thailand, particularly
popular tourist destinations such as Pattaya will not be tolerated.
Research figures show that Pattaya and its environs
receive visitors from more than 70 nations. Authorities intend to ensure
their safety and assure tourists their holidays here will be enjoyable and
peaceful.
Commander Sanae is confident that the region will remain
safe for tourists. He said that Thailand does not have a history of
uncontrolled violence and retains excellent relations with neighboring
countries.
The commander stressed that even though Pattaya is a busy and highly
diversified city, provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies are
resolved to make every attempt to avoid the kind of tragic incident which
happened in Bali, Indonesia. This craven act of violence perpetrated on
innocent tourists has increased awareness of the necessity to step-up
security measures and monitor suspicious behavior more closely.
Interior Minister downplays fears of possible terrorism
Interior Minister Wanmuhamadnor Matha played down
mounting fears of possible terrorism in Thailand, saying the country has not
been involved in conflicts with any particular group of international
terrorists.
Commenting on concern that a terrorist attack might
happen, particularly in the South of Thailand, he said he had not received
any information that international terrorists planned attacks in the
country.
Interior Minister Wanmuhamadnor said the government has
instructed state agencies concerned to beef up surveillance and be on alert
for any untoward incidents.
Wanmuhamadnor said, “At the same time, we want to seek
the public’s cooperation. They must not be careless if they feel some
irregularities could happen. If the public stays alert, they can help
safeguard against untoward incidents.”
Asked whether some armed militants in the South would
join hands with terrorists in neighboring countries to stage similar
attacks, he said he believed it would not happen because the situation is
different. He said Thailand is not engaged in conflict with any
ill-intentioned groups in neighboring countries. Therefore they have no
motive to cause violence in the country.
The interior minister, who is Muslim, said he did not
believe Muslims in the South would be instigated to stage a violent incident
because the Thai government has good relations with all Muslim countries. It
has never supported any military action against them. (TNA)
Chadej Insawang named Permanent Secretary to Ministry of Tourism and Sports
Business operators in Pattaya and the province see
appointment as a good sign
Songklod Kaewvisit
Past provincial governor Chadej Insawang has been
appointed permanent secretary to the new Ministry of Tourism and Sports. He
has also been appointed as director of the Land Department under the
Ministry of Interior.
 Chadej
Insawang, permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Business operators in Chonburi Province, particularly in
Pattaya City, see this as a good move. They are optimistic about the
previous governor’s appointment and see it as an indication of a bright
future for the region. They cited the many positive results carried out by
Chadej while he was governor of Chonburi, including the improvements he made
inside the provincial administration and his acute understanding of the
region.
Business operators also spoke of how Chadej stood firm on
many issues and implemented tough crackdowns in Pattaya to conform to the
former Minister of Interior’s ‘social order’ campaign. The MOI’s
campaign demanded a coordinated effort throughout the nation to fight drug
abuse, keep youngsters under 18 out of entertainment nightclubs and
eliminate lewd sex shows in public venues, tighter controls on prostitution
and a reduction of foreign criminal elements.
Business and community leaders are also confident that
the future of tourism and sports in the province is bright now that newly
appointed Minister of Sport and Tourism Sonthaya Khunpluem is at the helm.
Born and raised in Chonburi, Sonthaya has great understanding of the region
and is eminently qualified to put the process of development on a fast
track.
Jomtien General Committee vetoes use of an electric golf carts for tourists in Dongtan Beach area
Suchada Tupchai
Citing a potential for accidents, the Jomtien General
Committee vetoed a request to keep electric golf carts operating in a
restricted zone on Jomtien Beach.
The issue was atop the agenda of the committee’s 2nd
general meeting at Pattaya City Hall, presided over by Setthapol Boonsawat,
president of Jomtien General Committee.
Paisan
Bundithayanont, owner of Rabbit Resort and president of the Dongtan Beach
Conservation Circle had his request turned down to continue a free electric
golf cart service through a restricted area of Jomtien Beach.
Regulations are now in force that prohibit motor vehicles
from entering a restricted zone along Dongtan Beach from 8:00 a.m. to 4.00
p.m., and an exception for free electric golf cart service for tourists will
not be made.
Paisan Bundithayanont, owner of Rabbit Resort and
president of Dongtan Beach Conservation Circle said, “I agree with the
regulations restricting motor traffic along the Dongtan Beach area. This
restriction makes the beach area much more attractive and relaxing. However,
since the distance from the beach to Pattaya Park is 1 kilometer, this
places a hardship on those who cannot walk that far. The idea of a free
electric golf cart service was for the comfort of tourists. They are quiet
and non-polluting.”
Paisan concluded, “However, if the committee passes a
resolution to cancel this service because of potential accidents, I am not
concerned because it does not affect my business.”
The committee decided to cancel the vehicle service in
the interests of safety. Even though the carts are not noisy and do not
pollute, the committee was worried about the potential for accidents to
beach users.
Following the resolution, other pressing issues such better garbage
pick-up, enforcing vendors to keep their spaces clean, poor street lighting
along the beach and crime control were discussed.
Fishing boat capsizes 20 nautical miles off Pattaya shores
Cambodian crewmember found dead in engine room
After engine failure and a three day attempt to tow local
fishing boat ‘Chokchai Sathaporn 2’ back to shore, the hapless vessel
capsized near Bamboo Island (Koh Pai), after a commercial shipping vessel
cut across the smaller boat’s path. One Cambodian crewmember died during
the accident.
The owner of the fishing vessel, Wandee Sukhkasaem called
Pattaya police to report the death after the vessel had been towed back to
the Naklua port. Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel arrived at the port to
find the boat partly submerged and tied up at the pier. It took over three
hours for rescue personnel to free the body of a Cambodian citizen,
identified as 24 year old Jiang, still trapped in the vessel’s engine
room.
Police questioned the fishermen who had tried to bring
the boat back to port for repairs after the engine broke down near Bamboo
Island. Witnesses said that while they were towing the ‘Chokchai’, a
huge cargo ship cut across their right of way, swamping the limping fishing
boat and finally capsizing it. They had to leave the helpless boat at sea to
fetch help. Three days later they received assistance from the Sawang
Boriboon Life Foundation Rescue Unit and other fishermen in the area to tow
the ‘Chockchai’ back to the Naklua pier. They said they had no idea that
a crewmember was in the engine room at the time.
Ominous looking laundry sends residents scurrying for cover
Police to the rescue - diffuse the threat
Concerned local residents living near a factory in the
Banglamung area called in a report that a large heavy bag lying on the
roadside might contain a bomb. Police rushed to the location to diffuse the
threat.
When officers reached the site in front of a fertilizer
factory they found a crowd of very nervous workers and onlookers waiting.
They pointed to a green bag lying in the long grass. The large zip-locked
bag looked suspicious and ominous enough, so police approached it with
caution. Gingerly prying open the bag, they discovered 2 pairs of overalls,
a bank deposit book and documents.
Much relieved, police took the contents into custody.
Ladna Sapsarjan, a worker at the fertilizer factory told
police that the previous night, while resting in her room near the factory
she thought she had heard gunshots in the same area but did not venture
outside to investigate. It was only when she took out her garbage the next
morning when she noticed the suspicious looking bag. After the incident of
the gunshots, she feared the bag might contain a bomb to blow up the
factory, so she called authorities to check out the situation.
Number of AIDS orphans nears 300,000
The latest number of orphans in Thailand whose parents
died of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is nearly 300,000 and
likely to reach almost 400,000 in the next eight years according to a senior
official at the Public Health Ministry.
Vallop Thainua, the ministry’s permanent secretary,
said AIDS has spread since 1984, causing the number of orphans in the world
to increase significantly because their parents died of the deadly disease.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported
the latest number of orphans aged below 15 ears whose parents succumbed to
AIDS was 13.4 million in 88 countries. It expected the number would reach 25
million in the next eight years, most of which are in Africa.
In Thailand, he said, the number of the orphans
nationwide rose to 289,000 last year and was projected to reach 374,000 in
2010. The expected number was lower than 380,000 predicted previously for
2006 because strict measures to curb the disease had been efficiently
implemented.
Dr Wallop said the rising number of orphans was
considered a new wave of the AIDS-caused crisis which needs to be urgently
solved. The orphans must be taken care of properly so they can grow up and
become quality human resources of the country.
He said the ministry has given the orphans the right to
free medical treatment for life. It has also provided educational support to
the orphans whose parents died of AIDS in line with His Majesty the King’s
wish to see these children become quality members of the population and key
members of the workforce for national development in the future. (TNA)
Electrical fire razes house
baht bus driver perishes in the blaze
One man died when a short circuit in electrical wiring
caused a fire to break out in a 2-story wooden house in Takienthiah
District. Smoke prompted residents to call the fire brigade which fought for
an hour to contain the fire before it spread to other houses.
Banglamung police and firefighters along with rescue
personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation rushed to the residence after
neighbors reported smoke coming from a nearby house. Upon arriving at the
scene firefighters found the house ablaze. Once the fire was bought under
control firefighters and police founded the charred remains of 45-year-old
Chamnan Rodphirom in a downstairs bedroom.
Village headman Prasit Prakoptham said Chamnan was a
Pattaya baht bus driver. Chamnan’s wife had left him about 6 months
previously and the headman said the man was often seen wandering about and
muttering to himself.
Initial examination of the site led investigators to
believe that faulty electrical wiring could have started the fire. They
will, however, continue to investigate.
Chamnan’s body was transferred to Banglamung Hospital
while relatives arrange religious ceremonies.
Police smash drug ring in Pattaya
Confiscate over 5,000 speed pills
Local crime investigation officers broke up a small
organized gang of drug dealers in a raid last week, arresting 5 people and
confiscating 5,200 methamphetamine pills during the operation.
In a press conference at the Pattaya police station,
Police Chief Lt. Col. Padungsak Ubekkanon announced that Wachara Suttitham,
aged 24, Ton Maigert, aged 34, Kunthika Sarnkrakorn, 47, Jamlong
Srinjancharoen, 30 and Oonjai Kittisriwornpan, were taken into custody after
an investigation led police to Wachara and Ton, who supplied the illegal
pills to customers in Pattaya.
After interrogating the suspects, it was revealed that
the group picked up supplies from the northern region of Thailand in lots of
10,000 per trip from an agent who has already been put on the blacklist by
regional police.
In addition, Ton Maigert had only recently been released
from prison after serving a sentence for selling amphetamines.
The gang was charged with possession and distribution of
a class 1 illegal substance and was detained in custody awaiting trial where
they could face life imprisonment, or possibly even the death penalty.
Swedish tourist found dead in hotel room
Last weekend, Swedish national, Kenneth Carvisson (sic)
was found dead in his hotel room in South Pattaya when a visiting friend
discovered the body. The man’s friend was identified only as ‘Tuktik’.
Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel were called to the
location to inspect the circumstances of the man’s death. An examination
of the room and body revealed no signs of violence. However, officers did
find several empty beer bottles in the room and a pool of vomit in the
bathroom. Investigators believe the man died some 7-8 hours prior to
discovery.
Tuktik told police that she came to visit Kenneth that
afternoon. She knocked on the door for some time but no one answered.
Worried about her friend, Tuktik requested hotel staff to open the door to
the room. Her fears were confirmed when they discovered the man had passed
away. During questioning Tuktik told police that her friend was a heavy
drinker.
Judging by the state of the body and the empty bottles of
beer, police suspect that the man became ill from drinking and may have
succumbed to a heart attack.
The body was transferred to the police forensic institute
for further investigation into the cause of death.
German national dies while reaching for medication that could have prevented his death
Fifty-two year old Manfred Raiter, a German national,
died in his apartment last week while trying to reach for blood pressure
medication that could have saved his life.
Police were called to an apartment building in the
Pratamnak area on October 24th by the dead man’s wife. Local officers and
the Sawang Boriboon rescue units rushed to the location to find Raiter’s
body on the floor of the bathroom. A preliminary examination showed no signs
of foul play.
The man’s wife Achara Kaewgrajarn told officers that
she had stayed with her husband for over two years and during that time he
was under constant medical care. His condition made it necessary for him to
have equipment (a sphygmomanometer) used for measuring blood pressure in the
room at all times.
Achara said that earlier her husband seemed normal but
when he measured his blood pressure, it was very high and went to the
bathroom to take his medication. Then she said she heard the sound of
something falling. When she went to investigate she found her husband on the
floor. She immediately called for friends to help. One of Raiter’s friends
quickly administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation but to no avail.
The man’s body was transferred to the police forensic
institute for further investigation into the cause of death.
|
