NEWS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Father Brennan denies British tabloid report that the orphanage caters to pedophiles

Walking Street to host giant Chinese New Year party

Walking Street committee members consider allowing food vendors back to the streets

Hotels and entertainment complexes in Pattaya City complain about shortage of tap water during high season

Larn Island residents follow up on land rights

‘Aerobics for health’ still a hit with locals and city officers

Eighteen nations show interest in participating in or observing this year’s Cobra Gold exercises

Foreign tourist dies mysteriously in his apartment

Police raid nets over 1000 items of pornographic material

Man shot in the foot during an alcohol-induced argument at an annual staff party

Caretaker shoots and kills would-be thief

Foreign tourist dies in motorcycle accident after hitting a mobile food cart near Nernplubwan market

Five teenage boys arrested for gang raping 14-year-old girl

Father Brennan denies British tabloid report that the orphanage caters to pedophiles

Says he is concerned that the article will hurt his kids

By Pattaya Mail
staff reporters

Father Ray Brennan, founder of the Pattaya Orphanage who has helped thousands of children over the last 33 years, denied allegations by a British tabloid newspaper that he arranged meetings between wealthy pedophiles and children in his care.

Father Ray Brennan, founder of the Pattaya Orphanage, emphatically denied allegations by a British tabloid newspaper that he arranged meetings between wealthy pedophiles and children in his care.

The article, which had no byline, was published last Sunday in the British weekly tabloid “The People”. Excerpts also appeared on the front page of a Thai national daily newspaper.

In a press conference at the Pattaya Orphanage on Tuesday morning, Father Ray said, “I have called the press conference to safeguard the reputation of my children and to clear my name.”

To this Father Ray added, “I have never been involved in, or, arranged any pedophilic rendezvous during my whole life. I condemn pedophiles, totally.”

Father Ray acknowledged that a man identified himself as a UK Lottery winner and told him that he was willing to make a 1.8 million pounds (125.5 million baht) donation to the orphanage. Father Ray said that the man, who identified himself as Robert Merlin, said he wanted to give a donation to the orphanage to get the children off the street. The money was apparently going to be used to help the children and build a bigger place for the kids to stay.

“Now I realize that this was a provocation and manipulation,” Father Ray said. Father Ray has lived in Thailand for over 40 years and founded the orphanage some 33 years ago.

The article stated that Father Ray, “Invited wealthy pedophiles to meet children in his care, allow them to take (the children) on picnics at the beach and public park, as well discuss the best places to pick up young boys.”

Suporntham Mongkolsawat, head of the Redemptorist Vocational College for the Disabled gives Father Ray a basket of flowers to show his support.

“I agreed to meet him because he asked to come here … He wanted to come and give a donation of 1.8 million pounds (to the orphanage), so I invited him so come.

“We had a one-hour conversation, during which Mr. Merlin asked me many questions. It was at that time we discussed the pedophile situation in Pattaya. I was uncomfortable with the conversation. He took bits and pieces of the conversation and turned them to serve his purpose.

“I’ve worked all my life here for children and you’re all welcome to go to any project - the blind school, deaf school, the orphanage, the home for kids off the street, the vocational school for handicapped young people - and you can ask anybody you want anything you want. You’ll get nothing negative about our way of doing things here.

“I’ve spent 42 years here helping people and I’ve taken care of kids with no parents, kids with no money … I have given them an education. I have 20 kids in university. I spent my whole life working for the children, not to hurt them.”

“I’d like to ask this man what he’s done during his life?” he added.

“I’m afraid it (the article) is going to hurt my kids first of all, because their parents read the papers. Then I’m worried about the reputation of the orphanage, second, and finally myself.”

“This is a thing that will stick, this is a negative point on my life for the rest of my life whatever I do. I have helped thousands of children and these are kids who had no hope for anything, not even money to go to school, so I got them to school and all my schools are free. I do that that because I want to help kids, certainly not to hurt kids. That goes against the whole way of my life. I’ve only done the opposite.”

“I’m not bothered about being hurt, I’m 70 years old and probably don’t have long to live, but the orphanage does and these kids do, too.”

The Pattaya Orphanage and its other projects survive solely on donations locally and internationally, with most of the funds coming from donations and child sponsorships.

It is usually sponsors or somebody associated with the orphanage for a long time who request to take children on day tips. “We always have somebody to go along with them. You have to be known to the orphanage and a sponsor. Even then we have a teacher that goes along with everybody,” said Gary Bruton, a volunteer at the orphanage for over seven years.

“The article gave the impression that there was a ‘ring’ of rich pedophiles taking children out on day trips. In the seven years I’ve been here I’ve never seen anything like that. The idea is totally absurd for someone to think this way,” Gary added.

Father Ray reiterated, “I probably wouldn’t have let them (take the kids out) because at that time I was getting a little frightened. I never let them take any kids out and they didn’t take any kids out. Our general policy is: a kid goes out, there’s a chaperone!”

Father Ray said he would not take legal action against the publication because it would cost too much to bring it to court. “No, I will not take legal action, it would cost me an arm and a leg and they haven’t really accused (me) of being anything except willing to cooperate with them on a different term than they thought.”

In the close of the statement Father Brennan condemned all pedophiles saying that he rests his case on the thousands of children he has fed, educated and given love and care to over the last 42 years.

Father Banchong, who is the director of the orphanage, told the Pattaya Mail there is absolutely no chance of anything happening like what was stated in the article. “We help children and never refuse any child that calls for help. Father Ray has done everything for the kids and he has an open door to those who wish to see him. Everybody here loves Father Ray.”

Shortly afterwards another press conference was held at the Town in Town Hotel, where some 300 police officers had adjourned to lunch after the first half of a training seminar. The commander of the Thai Tourist Police, Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit Miphan spoke to the press on a range of subjects, including the incident concerning the orphanage.

“I understand there has been a press conference already … the tourist police are already investigating the matter. We should have the results of the investigation soon. Father Ray is responsible for himself and if there is any wrongdoing, anywhere, we will take the necessary steps. The orphanage has been operating for over thirty years and if there has been any impropriety, it would have closed long ago,” Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit Miphan said. “This is Thailand and we will support those who do good for the society as a whole, and those who seek to do the wrong thing, they will face the full force of the law.”

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit also said officers in the region will be inspecting all associations and charity organizations for correct registration and documentation, and said that for many years the orphanage has all the correct and proper documentation in place.

Concerning pedophiles in Thailand, the police commander said that the entire police force has been instructed to strictly enforce the law pertaining to child molestation. Perpetrators face a 10-year minimum jail sentence and a hefty fine, and information will be passed from embassies regarding potential offenders. “Thailand is taking a strong stance against predators of children. They will be blacklisted. Thailand does not want sex tourists, no country wants pedophiles.”

The issue of foreign freelance, fly by night reporters writing sensationalist stories destroying the image of Thailand just to sell a story, as was the case with the tabloid article on the Pattaya Orphanage, was raised by Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail. Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit responded that, “This concerns the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and immigration officials, the tourist police can help but it’s not really our responsibility.”

“Speaking as a Thai citizen, we don’t want these sort of people here. In the foreign media there is generally the name of the author attached to the article and if it is severe this name can be added to a blacklist if need be,” Sanit added.

The article in the British Tabloid, both in the national newspaper and on the internet edition, failed to give the author’s name.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanit Miphan also said that he had made personal donations to the Pattaya Orphanage in the past, seeing it as a worthy charity to contribute to.


Walking Street to host giant Chinese New Year party

Songklod Kaewvisit

It looks like Walking Street will be the place to be this year to celebrate Chinese New Year, as the city plans to organize grand festivities to mark the occasion on February 1st.

Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat announced that a big parade and a number of thrilling shows are on tap to mark the event.

The parade will start at Pattaya City Hall where candles will be lit to commemorate King Taksin the Great. The parade will then proceed to the Sawang Boriboon Foundation to collect more attendants, then continue on to Walking Street, South Pattaya at around 6 p.m. Beach Road will be closed from 4.30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the day.

In the evening, a 7-headed dragon will be roaming the street, climbing poles and sprinkling holy water on people to wish them well during the New Year celebration.

The 7-headed dragon is 69 meters long, with a green body similar to the Great Snake or Phaya Nak, which Thais believe is the guardian of the sea and water. Its fins are golden, similar to the dragon that Chinese believe lives in heaven, portrays the god of wind and rain and protects the people on earth who pay respect to it. The 7headed dragon needs over 100 people to operate. This will be a rare chance for those who have never experienced this extraordinary demonstration to see it for themselves.

The next highlight of the night will be a “9 dragons in 9 colors” show, plus 2 more dragons in rainbow colors. These dragons will be controlled boys 6 - 10 years old.

People of Chinese heritage believe that dragons can chase away evil, and it is an honor for the family to have one at home to protect the house and family members. It is something that one should not miss on Chinese New Year, February 1st at Walking Street, South Pattaya.


Walking Street committee members consider allowing food vendors back to the streets

Songklod Kaewvisit

Food vendors have been creating a nuisance on Walking Street by setting up their booths on public sidewalks. Although authorities have tried to limit this practice or at least force vendors to keep their areas clean and allow pedestrians room to walk, enforcement has been difficult.

Soontorn Kangsirikul, president of Pattaya Walking Street sub-committee.

Soontorn Kangsirikul, president of Pattaya Walking Street sub-committee recently chaired the 3rd meeting of street vendors in order to come up with a fair solution. A group of 40 vendors submitted a letter of request to set up their booths on Walking Street. But shop owners on the street have been complaining to City Hall that these vendors create a mess on the street and do not clean up after themselves. The committee then issued orders that the vendors had to comply with regulations or leave the area.

The committee is now willing to compromise, insisting that vendors must strictly follow a few strict rules set by the authorities if they are allowed to return.

The vendors have been instructed that they must provide their own black plastic bags for waste disposal and not leave any piles of garbage in the streets. If they are cooking, their carts must have a chimney to direct smoke upwards. This includes vendors cooking with woks as well as barbequing.

Vendors must choose a spot and stay there and desist from roaming around in the street. Finally, the committee said that food vendors should place a rubber mat under their booths to protect the area from oil and cooking grease.

As yet permission for food vendors to return has not been given. The committee president wants time to discuss the issue further with business owners in the area.


Hotels and entertainment complexes in Pattaya City complain about shortage of tap water during high season

Veerachai Somchart

Pattaya’s major businesses and hotels are suffering from a critical shortage of tap water due to the increase of users during the peak tourist season. Business operators complain they have had to spend a lot of money to buy water from private companies to supplement their water supply.

Sawang Srisakul (middle), Chonburi governor sits as chairman the meeting, along with Preecha Kamolbutr (far left), and Phisit Boonchuang (far right), Chonburi vice governors.

In an attempt to identify the problem and find solutions, a government and private sector problem-solving committee was set up to discuss measures to address the issue.

Distinguished officials including Sawang Srisakul, Chonburi governor, Veerawit Wiwatwanit, Preecha Kamolbutr, Phisit Boonchuang, three vice governors of Chonburi, heads of various private and governmental departments in Pattaya, Banglamung, Sriracha, and Sattahip districts attended the meeting.

Sawang said authorities have recently received a barrage of written complaints from private business operators and many hotels situated on Pratamnak Hill, Jomtien Beach Road, North Pattaya and Pattaya Second Road.

In response, the Chonburi governor selected a committee to investigate the situation and report its findings to him immediately.

Sawang said a report on tap water supply service from an official at the Pattaya tap water bureau showed that each day 12,000 cubic meters are transferred from Huay Chark Nok reservoir and Sattahip tap water bureau to supply Pratamnak Hill, Jomtien Beach, Thepprasit Road, Ban Amphur, and Sattahip District areas. Sawang said this should be an adequate supply. If there is a serious water shortage, an explanation is in order.

Sawang said he is now waiting for the committee to investigate the matter. There is a possibility that some officials are allowing illegal water usage. He also revealed that the Pattaya tap water bureau set aside 40 million baht to improve water pressure through the underground pipes and to repair main pipes in North, Central and South Pattaya. The work is expected to be completed in about a month.

Governor Sawang said the authorities will not turn a blind eye to this matter. He said he recently reported the problem to Chaturon Chaisaeng, deputy prime minister in charge of eastern region land development. It has been proposed that a new Khlong Luang reservoir be built in the Panasnikhom area.

Currently Pattaya and other areas in Chonburi are supplied with tap water from 6 reservoirs and this should be enough to satisfy the needs of residents in Chonburi.

Governor Sawang concluded that Pattaya tap water bureau must improve on effectiveness of water supply soon. The report on the shortage of tap water in Chonburi was carried forward to the Ministry of Interior on January 27 for further budget allocation to improve the situation and prevent damage to the local economy.


Larn Island residents follow up on land rights

Paperwork to be issued by authorities

Songklod Kaewvisit

Banjong Parnsorn, chairman of Larn Island’s sub-committee and members recently met with Niran Wattanasatsathorn, Pattaya deputy mayor and representatives from the Chonburi Land Department, Banglamung Land Bureau, and Tourism Authority of Thailand at Pattaya City Hall to discuss land title deeds which proclaim ownership rights for residents.

Officials from the Land Department admitted that they would need more time to address the issue of ownership rights. If the department issued the title deeds to Larn Island residents, they would have to be completely prepared to issue deeds to other people in different regions as well. Islands are regarded as national properties no matter where they are in the kingdom and the public cannot own them, the officials said.

Currently, Larn Island needs infrastructure development, especially at the beach areas because houses and buildings were built without proper planning.

The deputy mayor said that Pattaya City Hall should try to manage this issue with the locals on Larn Island in a diplomatic way until a more effective solution can be created. But he reminded the sub-committee that national properties such as beaches, hills, and forest must remain unoccupied as stated by national law to protect the nation’s natural resources.


‘Aerobics for health’ still a hit with locals and city officers

Dance their way to fitness at Pattaya School Number 8

Suchada Tupchai

Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat recently led city management and city council members in yet another aerobics program for the Chaiyamongkol Temple community at Pattaya School Number 8 in South Pattaya. The activity is becoming very popular and drew a large number of residents to participate.

The Aerobics Group Exercise Activity is part of the city’s focus on health education. City leaders view exercise as a way to improve citizens’ quality of life and help reduce stress through daily fitness activities such as the aerobics campaign.

The first aerobics program began at the Thamasmakee Temple at School Number 6 last month. School Number 8 was the second venue.

Mayor Pairat said he is happy to see that residents have a place where they can exercise close to home and that so many are interested in looking after their health. He feels the end result can only be better community relations and a feeling of unity among residents.

Following the opening speeches, Pattaya City management and council members joined residents in an hour of aerobics exercise.

The program will continue for another 45 days from 5:30 p.m. till 6:30 p.m. daily in the school grounds at Pattaya School Number 8 in South Pattaya.


Eighteen nations show interest in participating in or observing this year’s Cobra Gold exercises

Veerachai Somchart

Lt. General Phitsanu Urailert, director of the Directorate of Joint Civil Affairs announced that discussions were underway as to which countries will be invited to participate in this year’s Cobra Gold military exercises.

General Surayut Chulanont, supreme commander of the Thai military, has approved extending an invitation to 5 countries, including Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore, to participate in the exercises as they are important centers to the US in the Asia Pacific Region.

Major General Niphatr, director of the office of military training said that the Cobra Gold exercises will begin in May this year and will involve military personnel from Thailand, the United States, and a contingent from Malaysia and the Philippines. An additional 18 countries are interested in observing the exercises in 2003, including Pakistan, which has shown interest in observing the Cobra Gold exercises to learn from the event and to gain experience from the participating countries.

Cobra Gold is the largest military exercise in the Asian region and leads to important technical and experiential exchanges within military circles.

Cobra Gold 2003 will include anti-terrorist strategies staged in Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Lopburi and Phitsanulok provinces between Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and United States military.

Cobra Gold is now in its 23rd year and has received approval from the Thai Defense Ministry for the Thai Supreme Command to host the annual Cobra Gold exercises for another five years. The recent attacks in South East Asia were taken into consideration, and the exercises will continue as planned in Thailand in order to prepare for further terrorist activities that may occur in the future.

Each year vast experience is gained both on and off the battlefields of the world through the continuing change of technology. As Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations try to stay abreast of new developments, particularly with the potential threats of chemical, biological or nuclear conflicts, the intent is to maintain peace and stability in the region.

While in Thailand, visiting military forces will also conduct Community Relations Service Projects (Comrels) in which military personnel interact with local communities through building projects, and by teaching and sharing information which helps create good relationships with the people of Thailand.

Further updates on this year’s Cobra Gold activities will be released sometime in April.


Foreign tourist dies mysteriously in his apartment

Police send the man’s body to the forensic institute to determine cause of death

Boonlua Chatree

The body of 62-year-old English tourist, Dennis Reidy was taken to the police forensic institute to examine the true cause of death after questions arose as to how he died.

Earlier this week police were called to a hotel in Soi 9 after receiving a report from hotel staff that one of their guests had passed away. Officers arrived at the hotel to find the body of Mr. Reidy on the floor of his hotel room, with another English tourist, apparently Reidy’s brother, grieving over the man’s body. The deceased’s common-law wife, 34-year-old Phisamai Narmjumpee was also in the room.

Initial investigations showed that Dennis Reidy had suffered a broken neck, and there was evidence that the man had just finished having sex.

Police questioned the woman, who claimed to have been living with Reidy for 5 years. She told police that two had just finished their bedroom activities when he collapsed, hitting his head on the bed.

Phisamai went on to say that when Reidy failed to gain consciousness she called establishment’s staff to call the hospital. Staff then called the police.

Criminal investigation police think the man could have suffered a heart attack after strenuous sexual activities, or that he may have collapsed from exhaustion. However, officers were suspicious about his broken neck, since there were no signs of head injuries from a fall to the floor. Police will await the outcome of forensic tests before proceeding with the investigation. Phisamai informed the embassy of her ‘husband’s’ death.


Police raid nets over 1000 items of pornographic material

Pattaya police officers raided a shop on Central Pattaya Road last week after an investigation revealed that the shop was selling pornographic magazines and CDs. In the sting operation officers used marked bank notes to purchase the materials as evidence before arresting the shop’s 47-year-old owner, Nopaporn Srimar with the goods and the marked bank notes on the premises.

Pattaya’s police chief, Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj and his officers “inspect” the confiscated pornographic material before “booking” Nopaporn Srimar for selling it.

Officers confiscated 86 magazines, 180 VCDs, and an additional 860 pirate CDs before taking Nopaporn to the police station for further questioning.

Nopaporn confessed to his infidelities, admitting that he didn’t have the correct authorization to sell such copyrighted CDs and VCDs but had been doing so for the last 6 months.

Nopaporn said he had purchased the items in the Klong Tom markets in Bangkok for 20 baht per CD and 5 baht per magazine, making inflated profits by selling them in Pattaya. He said that this was the first time he had ever been arrested.

He was charged with illegal distribution of tapes, CDs and pornographic literature.

Pattaya’s police chief, Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj said that people selling such lewd material would be swept from the streets of Pattaya.


Man shot in the foot during an alcohol-induced argument at an annual staff party

Boonlua Chatree

A company staff party got out of hand when two employees got into a drunken argument and one man shot his co-worker in the foot.

When Pol. Lt. Col. Krit Siriprasertchoke and Pattaya police officers went to Chart Thai Company, a waste and garbage management enterprise located on Sukhumvit Road, they had little trouble finding the victim, 21-year-old Suthas Noppadej, as he was on the ground screaming in pain from the gunshot wound to his foot. Suthas then apparently passed out, and was eventually transferred to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.

After Suthas regained consciousness, he told officers that on that particular night, the company held a small staff party for all the workers. While he was enjoying drinks with his friends, a co-worker, 38-year-old Somwang Toychaturas walked up to him and asked for a garage key where they kept petrol. Suthas refused to hand over the key, saying he didn’t have it. Somwang became furious, pulled out a 38 caliber pistol and fired a shot into the ground. Full of booze, Somwang’s aim was a bit off and the round “accidentally” hit the victim’s left foot.

Somwang fled the scene, leaving Suthas moaning in pain. Police are searching for the drunken shooter, who at press time was still at large.


Caretaker shoots and kills would-be thief

Later turns himself in

Boonlua Chatree

Somsak Sriprom, a 37-year-old caretaker on a 21-rai property in Banglamung, shot and killed a thief who was in the process of removing valuables from a speedboat last week.

Police officers arrived on the scene to find the body of an unidentified Thai, aged between 20 to 25 years old lying dead on the ground with a gunshot wound to his face. Seven meters away were two shells from .22 caliber rifle, which were kept as evidence.

Somsak told officers that he had been a caretaker at the property for over 10 years. He and wife were asleep in their room when they heard a noise outside. He got out of bed to see the thief leaving with items from the speedboat stored in the garage.

Somsak said he drew his weapon and ordered the man to stop, but when the thief refused to stop, Somsak said he squeezed off two shots. One hit its mark, felling the thief.

Somsak said he then called police to give himself up and turn in the weapon. He was charged with manslaughter and taken to Pattaya police station where he awaits trial.

The identity of the dead man was unknown and Sawang Boriboon personnel transferred the body to the police forensic institute for further examination.


Foreign tourist dies in motorcycle accident after hitting a mobile food cart near Nernplubwan market

Boonlua Chatree

Police from Banglamung precinct received a report of a motorcycle accident in the area of the Nernplubwan markets in which the rider had died from injuries sustained during a collision with three-wheel food cart on the evening of January 20.

Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel arrived on the scene to find the body of 23-year-old Englishman Paul Woodcock lying on the street. Nearby, a friend was grieving the loss.

The bike was a twisted wreck and close by was the damaged food cart. The 28-year-old owner of the cart, Rattanasak Sirikarngate sustained some injuries and was transported to the hospital by a local resident before police arrived.

Witnesses at the scene told police that just prior to the accident they saw the motorcycle traveling at a high speed with no lights on. Upon reaching the crowded market area it crashed into the food cart. The young Brit died shortly after from serious head injuries sustained in the collision.

Police then mapped out the accident before taking the motorcycle to the Banglamung police station and the body of Paul Woodcock to Banglamung Hospital.


Five teenage boys arrested for gang raping 14-year-old girl

Boonlua Chatree

Last week police received a report that a 14-year-old girl, who allegedly spent the evening at karaoke bar on Pattaya Third Road with a group of teenage boys, was later lured back to an apartment where she was raped until dawn.

The girl told officers that she knew one of the older boys by his nickname, a 17-year-old boy named Lai. She went on to say that Lai had picked her up the previous afternoon to go for a ride on his motorcycle. She described how later Lai took her to a Third Road karaoke club where 9 or 10 of his friends were drinking heavily and stayed for quite some time. At 2:00 a.m. she told Lai that she wanted to go home. Lai didn’t want her to leave and instead took to his apartment off Thepprasit Road.

When they reached his apartment, her supposed friend Lai and four others - two of them identified only by their nicknames Tom and ‘A’ - repeatedly raped her until daybreak at which time she managed to escape and inform the police.

After the report was made female police officers then took the victim to the Banglamung Hospital to seek treatment for her physical injuries and take samples for evidence.

Criminal investigation police then headed to the address where the crime occurred and arrested Sum, aged 17, and Sant, aged, 16, both students in Pattaya.

Both denied the allegations of rape saying they were only involved in the process of drinking at the karaoke bar; however, both were remanded into custody.

Criminal investigation police, armed with a court order, were later able to track down and arrest the remaining 3 teenage suspects at their respective residences, Eakpob Chuangmuanpak, aged 18, Amorthep Wanwongka, aged 18 and Jaturong Warana age 20. The three are students at a local technical school.

All three denied the charges saying that they were not part of the crime and were not even at the scene. They instead pointed the finger at two other young men called ‘A’ and Od. Their story, however, was not strong enough to convince police, since the victim identified the three men three times in a line up.

The five teenagers were charged with deprivation of liberty and rape of a minor under the age of 15.

Shortly after the lineup, the victim’s mother told police that relatives of the suspects went up to her in front of the police station and pushed her and threatened her life. Afraid, she reported the incident to Pol. Capt. Siriprapa Suparatanachote, who is in charge of women and children’s cases. The police captain took note of the incident and told the mother to inform criminal investigation officers as further evidence in the case.