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The ‘hard’ ground shook as the rig ‘rocked’ and rolled over
Suchada Tupchai
The ear-splitting sound of a giant steel pile driving rig
crashing onto the concrete and into a parked car shook the grounds of the
Hard Rock Hotel on Monday afternoon. The 15-meter rig, located on the
adjacent property, fell across the hotel entrance-exit road damaging a
parked car, cutting off power and phone services in the process. One man on
the construction site was seriously injured in the accident.
This
beautiful piece of German engineering marvel had no chance under the massive
weight of the rig. Fortunately no one was inside the car.
At approximately 3 p.m. police officers inspected the
site of the accident. Workers of the STC Constructions Ltd., were in the
process of driving piles on the property next to the hotel when the accident
occurred.
Nineteen year old, Somboon Gaeprung, a contractor working
on the rig when it fell, received serious injuries to both his feet, ankles
and suffered fractures to his spine as a result.
Technical personnel on the construction site told
officers that they needed to change the rig footings and pile driving
settings to prevent the structure from falling and Somboon had climbed to
the top to change the knot settings. Unfortunately the changes were not made
in time.
As a result of the accident power and telephone lines
were cut to the hotel and a disruption on the power grid sent lights
flickering.
A light blue BMW owned by Wassana Wattana was severely
damaged when the huge steel rig crashed down on it. The force of the heavy
structure all but destroyed the front end of the vehicle. Fortunately she
was in the hotel carrying out her business and escaped serious injury had
she been in the car.
Shortly afterwards, city hall officials inspected the
damage. Supakorn Chusilptong, director of Pattaya Building and civil works
department told reporters and hotel management that the company’s building
permits were appropriate and in order. However, the accident will be
investigated further and charges of negligence may be filed. "STC
Construction Ltd will be held responsible for the damage to private
property, hotel and government property," said Supakorn.
Hotel management was suitably shocked by the incident,
shaking their heads in disbelief.
"I’m appalled at the lack of safety and security
measures taken by the construction company. What if someone was standing
underneath, walking or driving past when the huge steel monster fell? It
would have been be disastrous," said one Hard Rock manager.
The hotel was left without electricity, telephone lines,
a broken water pipe and a stone wall crushed under the immense weight of the
rig.
Needless to say Khun Wassana, the owner of the BMW was
rendered speechless.
APEC Tourism
Forum is
definitely on
Veerachai Somchart
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that the
22nd APEC Tourism Working Group Meeting and 3rd APEC Tourism Forum will
definitely be held on June 7-14 at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention
Hall (PEACH) at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Atthapol Wannakit, deputy director of Tourism Authority
of Thailand Central Region 3 announced the new dates at the meeting of
Pattaya Business and Tourism Association.
The recent severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
health scare that spread throughout the region caused the sudden
cancellation and postponement of the APEC Tourism Charter meeting that was
scheduled to take place last month in Pattaya.
Atthapol said, "This is a very good sign and a great
opportunity for Pattaya City to welcome over 200-300 national and
international world economic and tourism business leaders to the
meeting."
"Over 20-30 million baht short-term cash flow is
expected to be generated into the city’s economy during the week of the
meeting. "The city will once again be showcased as one of the
best-prepared international cities to host big events such as this
one," he added.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was formed
in 1989 through the teamwork of 19 Asia and Pacific countries and 2 economic
zones. Countries whose delegates are expected to attend are, Australia,
Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Chinese Taipei Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua
New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, USA, and
Vietnam.
APEC main policy is to create equality and fairness among
member countries and to work in harmony with non-members in order to set
international standards for free trade and investment, facilitate members in
establishing these goals, and urge members to cooperate economically and
share useful information.
The themes of these upcoming APEC meetings are ‘A World
of Differences: Partnership for the Future’ and ‘Purpose-Progress-Prosperity’.
This year plays host to four meetings at four venues. The
APEC Trade Ministers meeting will be held in Khon Kaen in early June, the
APEC SMEs Ministers meeting will be held in Chiang Mai in August, Phuket
will host the APEC Finance Ministers meeting in September and the 22nd APEC
Tourism Working Group Meeting and 3rd APEC Tourism Forum will now take place
in Pattaya next weekend. The APEC summit meeting will then be held in
Bangkok in October.
The TAT deputy director went on to say, "Thailand
can yet again show the world the kingdom’s unique culture and tradition,
tourist attractions, fine cuisine, 5-star hospitality and service, potential
world-class industrial products, and the exhibition of the "One
Village, One Product".
City officials order removal
of illegal buildings along
Pattaya Second Road
Encroaching structures and signs must go
Civil authorities have already removed illegal signs
along Pattaya Second Road and are waiting for owners to collect them.
Pattaya City Mayor, Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and
Supakorn Chusilptong, director of the city building and construction and
planning department and a team of engineers surveyed the site of a number of
buildings infringing on public walkways in the area of Pattaya Second Road,
Soi 1 and down to Central Pattaya Road.
The inspection was the result of a city order to business
operators to remove parts of building structures from public property to
comply with current local legislation.
The recent survey was conducted because some of the
operators have yet to comply with the order for a variety of reasons.
The mayor ordered that the illegal structures be removed
immediately and that their advertising signs placed on the footpaths must be
removed.
Owners have been warned and Pattaya City officials intend
to dismantle encroaching structures within the next 30 days.
Pattaya City hosts annual seminar on
prevention and control of hemorrhagic fever
Suchada Tupchai
The annual seminar on the prevention and control of
hemorrhagic fever in Pattaya was recently held at the Soi 6 Public Health
Clinic. Officially opened by Pattaya deputy mayor, Wuttisak Rermkijikarn the
seminar was attended by over 50 teachers and students of the region’s
private schools.
Wuttisak Rermkijikarn
Pattaya
deputy mayor
In previous years the number of hemorrhagic fever cases
had reached high levels, citing that in 2001 there were 4,946 cases reported
in which 218 people died from the disease. The disease is spread by
mosquitoes.
Last year figures recorded in Pattaya and its surrounding
districts slated the region as 25th highest in the country for hemorrhagic
fever. The disease is prevalent from May to September each year.
The seminar focused on methods of prevention by
eliminating breeding areas, where water remains stagnant, such as water
buckets, plant pots and trays and other vessels where water becomes stale
and allows mosquitoes to breed. By taking care of these simple prevention
measures the possibility of spreading the disease will reduce drastically.
Wuttisak said that the annual project on educating the
populace has met with some success in reducing the number of cases of
hemorrhagic fever in the region.
Saen Sukh Network Co, Ltd. offers
4 world-class channels copyright to
cable TV business operators nationwide
Sophon Cable TV adds 4 new channels
Songklod Kaewvisit
Last Friday at Cosy Beach Pattaya, Pongsak Nanthawanit,
general manager of Saen Sukh Network Company, the authorized possessor of
STAR Group channels copyright in Thailand, proposed a broadcasting agreement
to local and regional cable TV business operators.
Pongsak
Nanthawanit, GM of Saen Sukh Network Company,
The 4 international channels include Channel [V]
International, STAR World, Adventure One, and FOX News.
Pongsak said the cable TV proprietors were deemed to
purchase the copyright to broadcast the channels. Pongsak said during the
current economic downturn, the charge would not be very high. Pongsak
encouraged the operators to purchase the rights and said he was sure that
people would love to see good programming on their TV.
Athasit Chuachuchart, general manager for Sophon Cable TV
told the Pattaya Mail that Sophon is in the process of including another
four channels to broadcast.
"The contract has been signed and we are in the process of changing
over to add the extra channels. Star World, Channel V and Adventure One are
on air already and Fox News is due to begin shortly. It is our policy to
provide an increasing number of entertainment choices to Sophon Cable
viewers."
Walking Street to organize
‘Fancy Lighting’ contest
Prime tourist area of Pattaya gets ready to shine
Songklod Kaewvisit
Ideas to create a classier, more sophisticated image for
South Pattaya’s tenderloin district, Walking Street were recently
discussed. One of the proposals was to give the area a more glamorous
atmosphere for nighttime strollers by improving the lighting in the area by
encouraging businesses to create striking displays.
Sunthorn
Kangsirikul
At a committee meeting, Sunthorn Kangsirikul, president
of Walking Street Committee said that during the low season tourist numbers
have diminished, therefore the time is ripe to implement creative activities
which could help ease the slump
The committee has come up with a fancy light decoration
contest and is urging the 101 business operators in Walking Street to
participate to win the many prizes which will promote incentive.
Participants are allowed to decorate their electric
signboards and showcases in front of their venues but the decoration should
not block the passage of fire or garbage trucks, and must be at least 5.50
meters in height.
The committee will also fund the street’s
beautification efforts including the repainting and repairing any
deteriorating parts of the Walking Street entrance archway.
Sunthorn said the activity would help to attract those
who come to enjoy the vibrant nightlife and boost business revenue.The
committee will select the shops that have the most stunning and fascinating
decoration and present them with awards.
Pattaya Mass Media Club re-elects president at annual general meeting
Mass media requested to act in city’s best interests
Suchada Tupchai
The president and board of directors of the Pattaya Mass
Media Club were elected at the club’s annual general meeting in the Grand
Sole Hotel. Thonglor Umpueng was re-elected as president for yet another
year as were some of the committee members.
Thonglor
Umpueng was re-elected as president of PMMC. At left is Farook Wongborisut,
Pattaya city counsellor
During the formalities, Thonglor told members of the city’s
mass media that they must act in the interests of the community and the city
to improve their overall image and maintain the trust of it’s residents by
their accurate reporting of news.
Board members were also requested to carry out their
duties in their respective positions to the best of their abilities to
maintain the strength of the association as well as outline the necessary
duties entrusted to members of the media.
Once the elections were completed members and guests
settled in for a buffet dinner and an evening of relaxation.
Honored guests of the evening were Chansak
Chawalitnittitham, Chonburi MP, mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, Somsak
Yonokphan, Banglamung district chief, council members and the Pattaya Chief
of police, Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj. Everyone was treated to
sumptuous meal and an evening of entertainment, enjoying a much needed break
from the daily grind of official duties.
Muang Pattana Company expands the Keha Center Market
Songklod Kaewvisit
Five years after its inception The Muang Pattaya Company
has decided to further expand the Keha Market area to encompass another 7
rai as to accommodate the increasing demand for selling space. The area also
includes the biggest local food center in Pattaya.
Gen.
Kanit Permsub addresses the crowd during the grand opening celebrations of
the Keha Market on Thepprasit Road.
The Keha Market was initiated in 1998 when Thailand was
facing a severe economic slump. Numerous staff lay offs by many companies
initiated new careers for many former employees in order to survive.
One of the businesses that became popular was selling
second hand clothes at various markets and from the car boots. Starting in
Bangkok, the idea quickly caught on in several provinces.
The success of such businesses prompted the further
establishment of open markets such as the Keha Market on Theprasit Road in
Jomtien.
Directors Pongpipat Wimuktayon and Thanin Tangsophon
revealed the expansion plan was aided by the use of highly sophisticated
computer systems to plan rental areas and zoning for their clients.
The Muang Pattana Company recently held the grand opening of the Keha
Market on Thepprasit Road. The formalities were conducted by Gen. Kanit
Permsub.
‘Pang Duenpen’ gives birth to a bouncing baby boy elephant
Patchapol Panrak
Nong Nooch Gardens has yet another new addition to the
family of elephants. Seventeen year old Pang Duenpen gave birth to her
second calf just after 2:00 a.m. on May 10th. The female was mated with the
garden’s bull elephant Plai Bird 22 months earlier. The new baby is yet to
be named.
Mother
elephant gently nudges as the mahout tugs, to help the baby elephant stand
on it’s own feet.
Pang Duenpen’s mahout, 74-year-old Subin Wongkaew, said
that in all the years of raising and caring for elephants, this is the first
time he has actually witnessed a birth. He added that by nature the
elephants prefer to give birth in total privacy, it was a rare experience to
watch a delivery.
Duenpen labored for 3 days and nights, wracked with pain.
As the rain fell and thunder and lightning flashed in the sky, the young
mother finally gave birth to a ‘tiny’ son.
The new calf was officially born at 2.07 a.m. on the 10
night of the 6th lunar month in the year of the goat. The new calf is
destined to inherit the great skills and abilities of his mother.
Later as word spread, Nong Nooch Gardens received
telephone calls and letters from interested people requesting for some of
the elephant placenta, which is believed to help cure a number of ailments
in humans.
Both mother and son are reported to be doing well!
Chonburi authorities launch
another Anti-drugs campaign
Complying with government’s national policy against drug use
Songklod Kaewvisit
The central government does not intend to allow the
positive results reaped from the recent crackdown on drugs and the hard-won
progress gained to reinstate social order in the kingdom to deteriorate. The
Ministry of Interior ordered the concerned departments in provinces around
the nation to maintain a tough stance on drug abuse and trafficking. The
government is insisting that illegal drugs be effectively eradicated in
every city and village in the kingdom.
Chonburi Province has organized an anti-drugs campaign
geared to keep track of known offenders. Colonel and Doctor Sumol Boonrod,
deputy director of Wiwat Polamuang School, Nawamintarachini Camp, Chonburi
and president of East Youth Administration Network, another well-known
charitable organization leader in the society, chaired a meeting under the
theme ‘Unity Against Drugs’ campaign.
The project is considered a passive move to monitor drug
addicts who have been through rehabilitation programs and have seemingly
kicked the habit.
The new campaign will take a less confrontational
approach by promoting psychological support and encouraging families to deal
with this problem with love and understanding. Those who have been arrested
for drug abuse will be supervised while they await trial, and kept under
surveillance to make sure they don’t fall back into their old ways or
negatively influence youngsters in the villages.
The Unity Against Drugs organization is comprised of
officials in different levels of ruling department that have lent a hand in
suppressing the spread of drugs in their own hometowns and include district
chiefs, sub-district heads, heads of rural administrations, heads of
villages, and many representatives from the non-governmental organizations.
Banglamung police arrest mafia style drug gang
Information leads cops to source in Bangkok
Songklod Kaewvisit
Narcotics officers are still keeping a sharp eye out for
drug dealers in the region. Another bust in Banglamung sent a signal that
the serious crackdown around the nation is not waning.
Banglamung police paraded a group of methamphetamine
traffickers in front of cameras during a press conference on May 23.
Officers organized a raid on the mafia-style gang who were arrested in Lung
Maak village, Banglamung. Police confiscated 49,000 ‘yaba’ pills in 24
packages, 1 motorcycle, 1 pick-up truck, 1 Toyota sedan car, and 3 mobile
phones and arrested Passorn Pungprayoon, age 32, Prayong Khamkor, age 23,
Suchart Nongnoot, aged 42, Eaksit Paankla, aged 16, and Winai Mansitong, age
39.
During surveillance officers witnessed Passorn and
Prayong delivering 5 packages of speed pills to Suchart and Eaksit. Police
revealed themselves to interrupt the transaction and took the four offenders
into custody.
After police learned that the gang received the illegal
drugs from Bangkok resident Winai Mansitong, they arrested him as well.
All were detained and charged with possession and sale of
class one illegal drugs.
Two youths die after playing a game of motorcycle ‘chicken’ on Jomtien Beach Road
Hard-headed competition leads to tragedy
Boonlua Chatree
Police were called to a location on Jomtien Beach Road in
the earlier hours of May 20th after receiving a report of the death of two
youths on motorcycles.
Officers arrived on the scene to find two wrecked
motorcycles and the bodies of the riders not far away. Both young men
appeared not to be wearing helmets and died almost instantly after crashing
into each other.
Witnesses told police that the two young men were playing
a game of ‘chicken’. When neither refused to submit to losing they
crashed head on into each other. The idea of the game is to drive
full-throttle head on until the opponent gives way and pulls over. Egos are
at stake here. In this instance neither of the youths gave way and both died
as a result.
The bodies were transferred to the Banglamung hospital
where relatives were contacted to commence funeral rites.
Pattaya City says Anti-Child Sex Tourism project is bearing fruit
Campaign against pedophiles and child exploitation has reduced incidents
Suchada Tupchai
The Anti-Child Sex Tourism project was initiated and
funded by Pattaya City Hall. It was started last year and the project aims
to educate the public and tourists that the city is taking a tough stance on
pedophiles and would not tolerate assaults on juveniles.
Phisit
Boonchuang, deputy governor of Chonburi Province chaired a seminar on
Religion and Thai Cultural Heritage Preservation at Pattaya City Hall.
Phisit Boonchuang, deputy governor of Chonburi Province
chaired a recent seminar on Religion and Thai Cultural Heritage Preservation
at Pattaya City Hall. Those in attendance included Surat Mekhawarakul, past
president of Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, Atthapol Wannakit,
assistant director of Tourism Authority of Thailand, Central Region 3,
Pattaya, and members of Pattaya City council.
Assessing the results of the campaign Surat said,
"The project promoting Anti-Child Sex Tourism has been quite successful
in Pattaya City. When the project began, the city produced 3,600 glue
stickers under the theme of Anti-Child Sex Tourism and posted them around
town, especially in the adult zones to cut down the numbers of juvenile
physical assault crimes and pedophiles in Pattaya."
Surat added that the campaign was quite fruitful and should be continued.
However, he suggested that the campaign stickers be printed in bright
colors. The ones now are transparent and are difficult to see. Surat also
said the committee should print large, eye-catching posters to be more
widely distributed and step up public relations with an effort to increase
the effectiveness of the message.
Hong Kong tourists fined for smoking marijuana
5 fun-loving smokers nabbed while doing taste comparison in a public street
Boonlua Chatree
During a routine street patrol, Pattaya police officers
spotted 5 Hong Kong tourists standing in front of a disco on Pattaya/Naklua
Road smoking marijuana.
The cops stepped in and spoiled all the fun. All five
were taken to the station where they were questioned and fined.
One member of the group said they thought smoking dope
was legal in Thailand. Wanting to try the taste and effect of local ‘ganja’
one of the tourists bought a whole package for 1,000 baht and happily shared
it with friends. All smiles vanished when the fine turned out to be a lot
more than they had paid for the illegal drug.
Young Russian tourist robs
Thai woman at knifepoint,
then binds her with duct tape
Angry residents thrash mugger and handcuff him before police arrive
Boonlua Chatree
Twenty-six year old Russian national Roman Nechaev was
beaten, handcuffed and held until police arrived after he mugged a young
Thai woman taking her gold and other valuables.
A
police officer searches the handcuffed and beaten Russian and finds stolen
jewelry worth 19,200 Baht.
Pattaya Police were called to a location Soi Skaw Beach
at 2.30 a.m. on May 21 after nearby residents reported that a group of
people were assaulting a foreigner in the lobby of a small hotel. Officers
arrived on the scene to find the man on the floor, unconscious, bloodied and
handcuffed.
The foreigner had tried to steal expensive diamond
jewelry at knifepoint from a service girl. Nearby residents heard the woman’s
call for help. They ran to her aid, beat up the foreigner and handcuffed
him. Then they waited for the police to arrive.
Police searched the man’s pockets and found a 5 baht-weight
gold necklace, another two 3 baht-weight gold necklaces, (1 baht gold is
worth app. 6,800 baht) gold rings and cash totaling 19,200 baht.
The victim, 26 year old Namooy Mektup, identified the
items belonging to her and said the foreigner had threatened her with a
knife, handcuffed her and used duct tape to restrain her legs before making
off with the booty. The Russian was taken into custody and charged with
aggravated assault and theft.
While the charges were being processed another woman,
identified as Pongsri Unjitr, arrived at the police station and told
officers that the same man had also taken 19,000 baht in cash, 2 baht gold
necklace, 1 baht gold bracelet, a gold ring and her mobile phone at knife
point the day before.
Police looked up the daily report from May 20 and the Russian received an
extra charge of aggravated assault and theft. Nechaev now awaits trial on
all counts.
Pattaya City moves out for another
mobile community service campaign
for residents in outer lying communities
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya City mobile community services unit led by the
mayor of Pattaya, deputy mayors, council members police and service
providers visited communities in the Soi Wat Thamasmakee area as part of the
city’s continuing commitment to serving the greater needs of the region’s
less fortunate residents.
Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (left) hands out a package of daily necessities to
a dweller of the Soi Wat Thamasmakee area.
This month residents received free dental and health
check ups, hair and beauty services, and even vaccinations for pets were
part of the activities. The mobile unit provided people in the communities
with an afternoon meal, distributed food and other daily necessities. The
"eggs for trash" project urges community residents to collect
trash that can be recycled in exchange for eggs.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat said, "In spite of
Pattaya’s continuing development in many areas, some smaller outer lying
communities have missed out. And since residents in these communities are
low income earners or unemployed the city has taken it upon itself the
responsibility of aiding these people by providing such services. It is
important that we care for the community and listen to their problems and
try and solve them in an effective manner."
The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by Pattaya police officers
who are aspiring to become singers on the side. This friendly atmosphere
greatly boosted the morale of residents and enhanced relationships with the
police.
Cabinet ministers take sight-seeing stroll down Walking Street
City shows off new “Hansa, Pattaya-Chonburi”
project at Bali Hai pier
Boonlua Chatree
Prior to the mobile cabinet meeting held at the Royal
Cliff last week, visiting parliamentary ministers toured Walking Street in
South Pattaya to view the opening of the "Hansa, Pattaya-Chonburi"
project, newly opened at the Bali Hai pier.
(from
left) Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat; Gen. Thammarat Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya,
Minister of Defence; Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism & Sports and
Nikorn Jamnong, Deputy Transport Minister enjoy a stroll along Pattaya’s
Walking Street in South Pattaya.
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, Pattaya City Mayor and city
administrators led ministers, Sontaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism &
Sports, Gen. Thammarat Isarangkul Na Ayuthaya, Minister of Defense and other
cabinet members on a sight seeing tour of the city’s vibrant nightlife in
this popular section of Pattaya which has served as draw card to many
tourists over the years.
The ministers spoke with residents and tourists during
their tour while inspecting the order of things.
Walking Street - determined to put its best foot forward
- had been thoroughly checked out by municipal and tourist police officers
before the honored visitors paid a call.
The local constabulary was on hand to ensure safety of
the political heavyweights and make sure the laws were being enforced. All
in all, the cabinet members were happy with what they saw.
Walking Street was a beehive of activity, mostly due to
the presence of visiting U.S. military personnel in town for this year’s
Cobra Gold exercises, who were taking a break to enjoy the city’s
entertainment venues in South Pattaya.
Minister of Defence, Gen. Thammarat Isarangkul Na
Ayuthaya, received a small token from a representative of the US contingent,
saying that they felt welcome and safe in Pattaya.
Following the tour, cabinet members returned to their respective hotel
rooms to rest for the two-day meeting held at the Royal Cliff Resort.
Government to spotlight One Product, One District scheme
Outstanding districts producing most impressive products to be promoted by government departments
Suchada Tupchai
The "One Product, One District" scheme
organized by the government to promote economic self-sufficiency in small
communities around the nation was the main topic of a recent meeting chaired
by Sermsak Pongpanich, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior (MOI) at
Jomtien Palm Beach Pattaya. Government officials have introduced an
initiative to select outstanding districts with impressive products.
Sermsak
Pongpanich, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior (MOI) addresses the
assembly at Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel.
Attending the meeting were Chonburi’s governor,
representatives of Community Development Department (CDD), Industry
Promotion Department, Export Promotion Department, Farmer Union Promotion
Department, and district chiefs.
Officials from the MOI and CDD visited Pattaya on a
mission to inform all districts of the regulations and criteria involved in
the committee’s process of selection.
Sujarit Nantamontri, director of community development
department said the MOI tasked the Community Development Department to hold
the OTOP Product Champion Competition to evaluate districts and their
products.
Earlier this month the Community Development Department
OTOP committee members met at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi
to set guidelines in selecting the winners and organize a road show to
promote them throughout the central, northern, northeastern and southern
regions of Thailand.
The department will choose 6 outstanding districts in 6
categories including food, drinks, garment and clothing, utensils and
ornaments, art pieces and souvenirs, and herbal products.
The products should be well displayed, well packaged, and well presented
for buyers.
Thai born US Air Force recruit visits his birthplace after
30 years in the United States
Songklod Kaewvisit
Over the years many Thai born US military personnel
rediscover their roots in the Land of Smiles. This year is no exception. For
34-year-old Second Lieutenant Paradorn Silpsornprasit with the US Air Force,
this is the very first time he has set foot on Thai soil in 30 years.
Thai
native Paradorn Silpsornprasit, a Second Lieutenant with the US Air Force,
is rediscovering his roots in the land of smiles.
Second Lt. Paradorn who is based in Hawaii returned to
the land of his birth on May 12 after leaving Thailand with his mother at
the age of 3. He grew up in the US, studied hard and passed the entrance
exam to join the Air Force and is the first posting abroad in which he is
part of the public relations team for Cobra Gold 2003.
"I never thought Thailand would so beautiful and
developed," said 2nd Lt Paradorn who is still able speak a smattering
of Thai after being taught by his mother.
With all those years abroad Paradorn is unable to read or
write Thai having mainly focused on English as his first language.
When asked if he would like to return to Thailand to
live, Paradorn said, "I would like to stay but Thailand is too hot.
However, I have already contacted my relatives in Bangkok including my
grandfather on my father’s side."
Paradorn explained to reporters that he contacted his paternal relatives
but hadn’t been able to meet his father as yet, but that Cobra Gold has
enabled him to return to his birthplace and this has made him feel very
happy to have such an opportunity to do so.
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