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Sorry! No room at the Inn
Baby elephant attempts to check-in at a local hotel - much to the distress of guests and employees
Boonlua Chatree
It seems nowadays everyone wants to holiday in Pattaya.
Most guests are warmly welcomed but sometimes innkeepers must draw the line.
A one-year-old elephant that had broken out of the
control of its careless mahout, attempted to check in to the Lek Hotel on
Pattaya Second Road late last Wednesday evening. The young elephant rushed
through the front door, breaking the glass and sustaining minor cuts in the
process, causing guests and staff to scatter. The 1-year-old proceeded to
perform a righteous temper tantrum inside the lobby after being refused a
room.
The hotel manager called in the police to put a stop to
the ruckus and detained the mahout for causing extensive damage to hotel
property. The rambunctious jumbo was eventually calmed down after thirty
nerve-wracking minutes inside the hotel.
When police questioned the elephant’s mahout,
27-year-old Somchai Saenglar, he told officers that he and his charge had
arrived from Surin 15 days ago and were currently staying at the Pattaya
Elephant Village. Somchai said he brought the elephant into the city to look
for some extra income by selling fruit to tourists to help pay for his daily
expenses. He added that his baby elephant was cranky and hungry and as a
result he could not control the animal when it charged into the hotel.
Somchai apologized profusely and agreed to pay for any
damages incurred. The damage bill was estimated at around 10,000 baht.
Nefarious “women of the second category” attacking tourists and residents
Looming on or around Beach Road,
looking for quick baht
Brendan Richards
The city is under attack by violent “women of the
second category”. In a recent spate of incidents, a number of tourists and
foreign residents have been mugged by aggressive lady-boys. Some of the
victims lost copious amounts of cash.
 Jim
Fox, a retired gentleman from Kansas, was the latest victim to suffer a
vicious and cowardly attack by “katoeys” on Beach Road.
Jim Fox, a retired gentleman from Kansas was viciously and
cowardly attacked from behind on Beach Road at around 10.30 p.m. as he was
walking out from Soi 5. The pair of ‘girl-wannabes’ jumped him from behind,
pushing him to the ground. No sooner had Fox fallen, when they rifled through
his pockets, taking his wallet containing 5,000 baht in cash. A Thai man, known
to Fox, saw him on the ground and ran to help as the two men in women’s
clothing flitted off into the night and disappeared in Soi 5.
Fox said that he was not able to get a glimpse of his
attackers but say they were at least 5ft 6" to 6ft tall.
Bloodied and battered from the ordeal, Fox is now facing
financial difficulties as he waits to receive his pension at the beginning of
the month. “I’m keeping my head above water but I’m taking it day by day,
just a 100 baht short of my daily rent,” said Fox.
Some kind hearted locals are helping Fox until his next
cheque arrives but he still faced with the daunting task of having to pay rent,
even if the building owners are slightly sympathetic and have lowered their
rate.
Whilst Jim’s story may sound unique, in fact, it is not all
that uncommon. The question remains as to what steps are being taken by the
local authorities to rid Beach Road and side sois of these menacing individuals.
With all the fuss over APEC summit and the central government
and the national police bureau stepping up patrols around the country, and in
tourist areas such as Pattaya for added safety, what happens when the meeting is
over and government leaders attending the economic forum leave with a false
sense of how the country really operates?
Local authorities’ occasional sweeps of the esplanade along
Beach Road have done little to relieve the problem. City administrators have
proposed more lighting but are hard pressed for a time frame to complete this,
after meeting some resistance from city engineering departments.
Jim Fox’s story is not the first, and this week on page 4
carries another report of a tourist robbed by two ‘women of the second
category’. There are also a number of incidents that are not reported,
particularly on foreign residents living in the city who were able to fend off
their cross-dressing attackers that often move in pairs or groups of three or
four.
This does not mean to say that all ladies of the second
category are on the scrounge looking for a quick baht, just the ones that
frequent the shadows, scaring and robbing the very people that city is trying to
attract - tourists and long stay residents.
So where does that leave Pattaya now? Local law enforcement
officials must take firmer stands on this problem.
Admittedly their resources are already strained from the
increased crime rate perpetrated by bored youths, unable to visit their favorite
entertainment venues due to age restrictions and the 2 a.m. closing hours for
nightspots. But even that is debatable as the Banglamung District Chief
discovered a few weeks ago.
Currently little is being done to remove the ‘ghosts under
the palm trees’ along the city’s popular Beach Road, who lay in wait to
accost and rob innocent strollers. So what are we to do in the meantime? While
the authorities are endlessly discussing measures to curb crime, with no real
solution on the horizon, it looks like residents and tourists will have to look
out for themselves. Let common sense prevail and take precautions when walking
along Beach Road. Take care with valuables and if you see a ‘ghost’
approaching, beat a hasty retreat.
Local police sweep city of crime and vice for APEC forum
Thais urged to be on their best behavior when top brass visited Pattaya
Boonlua Chatree
Thailand wanted to make sure it put its best foot forward
to create a good image for the kingdom while it hosted the APEC forum. The
central government’s face saving gestures also included Pattaya. Last
weekend, Pattaya police officers and crime prevention volunteers were
instructed to enforce the government’s policies on crime and lewd behavior
in Pattaya and strictly implement the regulations set forth under the
Ministry of Interior’s ‘social order’ campaign.
 Officers
and volunteers set out from Pattaya police station to hunt down people
exhibiting Mafioso style behavior, arrest drug traffickers and users, and
track down criminals with outstanding warrants.
The Thaksin government ordered all Thai nationals to be on
their best behavior to create a good impression for the economic summit in
Bangkok. Thais were being reminded that each citizen can be an ambassador to
their country and can contribute to good public relations by being helpful and
friendly.
Since Pattaya is a well-known holiday destination and the
government considers the city to be a gateway to Thailand’s tourism industry,
officials wanted to ensure the well-being and safety of visiting tourists.
Officers and volunteers set out from Pattaya police station
to hunt down people exhibiting Mafioso style behavior, arrest drug traffickers
and users, and track down criminals with outstanding warrants.
The APEC meeting saw many top ranking government officials
from member countries attending the summit in Bangkok and the government was
taking no risks when they set out to eliminate all things that might disgrace
them on the world stage.
Pattaya set to host the National Chamber of Commerce meeting
5,000 participants expected to tour the city and visit attractions in November
Damri Muangkaew
Pattaya City is preparing to host businessmen from around
the country from November 21-23 at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel for the
annual National Chamber of Commerce meeting.
An estimated 500 million baht is expected to circulate
during the meeting as approximately 5,000 participants - including their
families and colleagues - will most likely spend their free time off the
hotel’s premises, touring the city and visiting the region’s many famous
attractions.
City administrators are already setting plans into action
for the meeting by preparing PR publications and a welcoming show. The city
has asked for a budget allowance from the Chonburi Provincial Administrative
Organization to cover expenses. Welcoming banners will be placed along the
roadside with flags to officially welcome the group.
Easy nationality change still denied to foreign husbands
Foreign men married to Thai women hoping to change their
nationality through the same fast-track process offered to foreign wives had
their expectations dashed on October 9 when the Constitutional Court ruled
that foreign husbands would have to follow the same complex nationality
procedures as any other foreign men.
The court threw out the plea by Justice Minister
Phongthep Thepkanchana, the chair of the House sub-committee on social and
political legislation, who warned that the 1965 Nationality Act could
violate the Clause 30 of the Constitution, which pledges equality between
the sexes.
Under the 1965 Act, foreign women married to Thai men can
request Thai nationality using special channels outside the normal
nationality procedures. However, the foreign husbands of Thai women can only
seek Thai nationality through the regular channels.
However, the court’s secretary-general, Noppadol
Hengcharoen, stated that the majority of judges had ruled that the
legislation was constitutional and did not violate international laws. The
ruling was carried by nine judges to four, while two judges abstained. (TNA)
PBTA prepares for national and international road shows
To encourage more tourists to Pattaya
and the eastern provinces
Veerachai Somchart
The board and members of the Pattaya Business and Tourism
Association (PBTA) met at the Green Park Hotel for their monthly meeting.
The association invited a number of government officers and people involved
in the tourism sector to discuss further road shows to attract more visitors
to Pattaya and the eastern region.
Thanes Supornsaharangsri, PBTA president proposed to move
the road show to the northeast of Thailand originally scheduled for
September, and rescheduled for the end of October, to early November due to
fact that many participants were not yet prepared.
The proposed road show will cover the major provinces of
Nakorn Rachasima and Udon Thani. A previous road show in Bangkok proved very
successful with an increase of 40 to 50 percent of visitors from Bangkok.
The upcoming Isarn road show has also received great support from similar
organizations in Rayong, Trat and other eastern provinces.
A Malaysian road show is planned with the PBTA proposing
a video and VCD presentation of the Eastern Seaboard at a cost of 25,000
baht.
Other issues discussed were plans for the PBTA annual
general meeting. As yet, the date and location has not been confirmed, but
it is expected to be scheduled for some time in November.
The committee said that they would invite Chonburi
Governor Pisit Ketphasook and other local dignitaries to talk about the new
government structure whereby the governor acts as the provincial CEO and how
such changes would affect Pattaya and local businesses.
Charity organizations hand over new house to crippled man and son
Life is slowly getting better for Suradech Suttiwat
and his son Anupong
Damri
Muangkaew
Some time ago the plight of Suradech Suttiwat and his son
Anupong was brought to the attention of the ladies from the YWCA Pattaya.
Through their efforts and with the assistance of the Lions Club, Sauber
Club, the Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya, the Queen Victoria Inn and the
Pattaya Sports Club, Suradech, who is paralyzed from the waist down, and his
young son took possession of the new home in Sattahip last Friday morning.
 Thanks
to the ladies from the YWCA Pattaya, members of the Lions Club, Sauber Club,
the Rotary Club of Taksin Pattaya, the Queen Victoria Inn and the Pattaya
Sports Club, a recently paralyzed man and his young son now have a roof over
their heads.
Built next to their previous shack, the new house is equipped
with electricity, running water, a wheelchair access ramp and the basic comforts
of modern day life - a far cry from what life was like just a few months ago.
Nittaya Patimasongkroh, president of the YWCA Pattaya, first
saw the pair in a hut in one of the poorest areas of town, where she found
Suradech laying in bed unable to move. He told her that he had been involved in
an accident at work that had left him paralyzed from the waist down. The
employer has just abandoned him and is not paying him or giving him any sort of
allowance so he can support his family.
Suradech also explained that his wife could not work to
support the family because she is in jail for a drug offence. This left him to
try to fend for his young son, Anupong, who is only 9 years old.
The father and son are now ecstatic over the generosity of
the community that has completely changed their lives.
Nittaya Patimasongkroh explained that the entire cost of the
building, 120,000 baht, came from donations. Other items such as a fridge,
wardrobe, fans and two wheelchairs were also donated. Once the handover was
complete, a religious ceremony was held to bless the house and a delicious lunch
was provided for all.
Pattaya prepares for Loy Krathong celebration in November
This year’s theme: “Trendy tourism and relaxing music in multi-cultural Pattaya City”
Suchada Tupchai
This year’s Loy Krathong festival is fast approaching, so
Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat recently called a meeting at city hall to sketch
out plans for the event. Attendees included city officials a team of organizers.
 Phinit
Phoonsiri, head of Pattaya City’s activity and tourism department, aims to
make this year’s Loy Krathong festival “trendy”.
Phinit Phoonsiri, head of the activity and tourism department
of Pattaya City said this year’s concept of the Loy Krathong festival would be
“Trendy tourism and relaxing music in multi-cultural Pattaya City”. Phinit
said this year’s theme would cater to everyone’s tastes and he hoped the
many activities planned would be enjoyable for all, and even better than last
year’s celebration.
The Loy Krathong Festival 2003 is due to take place between
November 7 and 9 on the activity ground opposite Soi 4 Beach Road.
On November 8, Minister of Tourism and Sports Sontaya
Khunpluem will be the honorary guest. A Miss Loy Krathong pageant, traditional
Thai music and dance, food stalls, and a contest for the most beautiful Krathong
will be the highlights of this year’s festival.
Phinit said, “This year, two special events have been
planned. The Miss Loy Krathong International and international krathong contest
will allow foreigners to sign up for the activities. Three million baht was set
aside for the preparation of the event.”
Mayor Pairat, “I want this year’s Loy Krathong festival
organized to have more quality rather than quantity. This year’s Pattaya
Festival, which was due to be held in November, was cancelled due to lack of
time and original ideas. The upcoming Loy Krathong festival, however, will prove
that Pattaya is capable of staging an entertaining event which will provide
great satisfaction for international tourists and locals alike.”
The mayor said many aspects of the preparation must be
carefully calculated including the pattern of the event, content of the shows,
and limitation of space. The mayor said the organization team should emphasize
the fun and enjoyment that tourists will receive from it.
Public works department and city planners
attempt to resolve Pattaya’s flooding problems
Better city street signs and signage for government offices and tourist attractions to be erected
Suchada Tupchai
Department heads, city council members responsible for
public works and local construction control officers met at city hall last
week to outline forthcoming plans to resolve the endemic problems caused by
flooding throughout Pattaya. Plans for improved signs for city streets and
more signage for government offices and tourist attractions are also being
drawn up.
This year Pattaya City has suffered flooding in many
areas due to construction, heavy rains, and clogged drainage. During the
discussions, city engineering and responsible personnel were urged to
resolve the blocked drainage situation as quickly as possible.
One of the main points raised in the meeting was that of
street signs and signage leading to important locations, such as government
offices and tourist destinations. The idea was proposed that before the
tourist season gets into full swing they should begin placing additional
signs clearly signifying such locations. It was suggested that street signs
be erected denoting shortcuts to aid in easing traffic flow, especially for
tourists who are not familiar with the area.
Isrin Boriburanakom, committee member on the civil works
board said, “In any case, it is important to place signs that clearly
state the location of government offices and shortcuts. All too often, the
signs are misleading or not clear enough for people to follow, particularly
when it comes to pointing out shortcuts for traffic.”
“Apart from this, the committee is looking into ways to
improve traffic flow including reviewing U-turns that are effectively safe
and appropriately placed as well as signs from the private sector that
encroach on public property. We must continue to survey the region before
taking affirmative action,” said Isrin.
English resident detained in connection with murder of Robert Henry
Denies involvement, but blood found in his car
Boonlua
Chatree
The investigation into the murder of Robert Henry, who
was shot six times in the back and head, took a turn just days after
discovery of the dead man’s body in a Na Jomtien klong after midnight on
October 10.
 Paul
Cryne sits in the police station, accused of involvement in the murder of
Robert William Henry.
Criminal investigation officers discovered an old BMW at
a car repair garage on Siam Country Club Road. Inside the car there was a
large amount of blood on the passenger’s seat. The vehicle belongs to Paul
Cryne, one of the main suspects in the murder. Police impounded the vehicle
and forensic and DNA tests are being performed to identify the origin of the
blood.
Region 2 and Pattaya police detained Cryne at his home on
Soi Thepprasit and took him to Pattaya police station for questioning on
October 14. Police interrogation lasted 10 hours, but police learned little,
as Paul Cryne denied any involvement in the case.
During questioning, however, the suspect inexplicably
said that the blood in his car belonged to his daughter, who he said had
been bitten by a dog. However, police had not yet mentioned anything about
blood being found in his car.
As police questioned the Englishman further, Cryne then
changed his story, saying that the blood in his car belonged to one of his
dogs after it got into a fight.
After 10 hours at the Pattaya police station, Paul Cryne
was taken to the Sattahip police station for another grilling session. After
20 hours of grueling interrogation police detained the Englishman and
charged him with the murder of Robert William Henry.
However, Paul Cryne continued to deny involvement in the
murder, saying that he had no reason to kill Robert Henry, he didn’t need
money and he has a family to take care of.
As members of the media were taking notes while charges
were being filed, Cryne threatened retribution for anything that may
eventuate from the case, good or bad.
Pol. Gen. Senh Khamthiang, head of Region 2 police said
investigators are still searching for further evidence. He said they still
believe that Cryne is in some way connected to the killing since he took his
car to the repair shop and it may have been his intention to destroy any
evidence in the car.
Officers suspect that Robert Henry was driven to the Na
Jomtien location and shot by someone else. Investigations are continuing and
authorities are appealing to witnesses to come forth if they have any
information that may assist them in solving the murder. Police still want to
talk to Mr. Henry’s other business partners but they have yet to be
located.
German tourist drowns off Jomtien Beach
Boonlua Chatree
German tourist Han Burdner, age 77, drowned earlier this
month off Jomtien Beach. Police surmised Burdner might have suffered a cramp
while swimming, which resulted in his drowning.
Police officers, led by Police major Supot Amnartmunkong,
and Dr. Prasit Kittiwutkul, director of Banglamung Hospital, were called to
the scene at Jomtien Beach, in front of the Surf House Hotel, but by the
time they arrived, there was nothing they could do.
Hande Burdner, age 75, Han’s wife, said, “My husband
and have been staying in Thailand for two weeks ... While he was swimming I
noticed he was missing so I tried calling for help. Sadly, he could not be
saved in time.”
As is policy, Pattaya rescue workers sent Burdner’s
body to the Forensic Institute for an autopsy.
British journalist convicted
of defamation
Case against Bangkok Post editor dismissed
Boonlua Chatree
British freelance journalist Andrew Drummond, best known
for selling crime stories about Thailand to publications in Europe, was
found guilty in Pattaya Provincial Court late last month of defamation of
character. He was sentenced to two months in prison, fined 20,000 baht and
ordered to publish three half-page apologies to appear in the Pattaya Mail
and Bangkok Post within a period of one month from the date of judgment, at
his own cost.
Since, in the opinion of the court, Drummond “has not
received imprisonment judgment before,” his prison sentence was suspended
for 2 years.
The suit, filed by James Lumsden, manager of a bar and
guest house in Pattaya, centered on a piece written by Andrew Drummond that
appeared in the Perspective section in the May 20, 2001 edition of the
Bangkok Post. The court ruled that inferences made in the article were
damaging to Lumsden’s reputation, and found Drummond guilty of
“Defamation, Offence relating to the Printing Act” of September 30, B.E.
2546 (2003).
A second complaint against Songpol Kaopatumtip, editor of
the Bangkok Post Perspective section, who was also named in the suit, was
dismissed.
The article in question made references to the arrest of
Kevin Quill for smuggling cigarettes stuffed with 100 amphetamines. The
court ruled that the contents of the article inferred that Lumsden and an
accomplice had orchestrated the affair to get at Quill’s substantial
assets, and that the defendants could not adequately prove that this was
true, especially since Kevin Quill admitted that Lumsden and his alleged
accomplice were not guilty as charged by him and that he withdrew the
complaint.
Songpol Kaopatumtip’s defense centered on his statement
that he was not editor of the Bangkok Post, and that he is responsible only
for the articles in the Perspective section. The court ruled that Lumsden
did not prove that the Songpol Kaopatumtip was responsible for publishing
and distributing the Bangkok Post newspaper. The ruling read, “The fact
established is that the first defendant is only an editor responsible for
only part of the Bangkok Post newspaper, i.e. the, ‘Perspective’
section, and therefore the act of the first defendant was then not guilty as
charged.”
Drummond admitted that he was the writer of the article,
and that the wording about unscrupulous businessmen was a warning to
tourists. “In the investment aspect it was a warning to businessmen to
choose other types of business and that they should investigate thoroughly
the company to be invested in. This was aimed to benefit businessmen to
invest in Thailand,” the translated court document read.
However, the court ruled that if Drummond had “intended
to warn businessmen in good faith, it would not have been necessary to
mention names and put the photographs of the plaintiff in the said article.
... This argument of the Second Defendant (Drummond) was not significant and
is not accepted.”
English tourist robbed by ‘woman of the second category’
Two-times unlucky in Pattaya
Boonlua
Chatree
English tourist Alexander Goodman, age 66, was robbed of
30,000 baht cash by a “woman of the second category” while strolling
late at night along Pattaya Second Road in front of Royal Plaza Hotel.
 English
tourist Alexander Goodman has made two trips to Thailand, and during both
trips he was robbed. So much for the “make Pattaya safe during the APEC
conference” spiel from local gendarmes.
Alexander said, “I was walking in front of Royal Plaza
Hotel when a ‘lady-boy’ accosted me trying to show me his wares. When I
refused, he rushed me and stole my wallet with 30,000 baht in it. He escaped
on a waiting motorcycle ridden by another ‘lady-boy’.”
“This was the second time for me in Thailand and for
being robbed in Pattaya,” added Goodman. Goodman said his first visit to
Thailand last year was spoiled when a hotel employee stole 30,000 euros
belonging to him from the safety deposit box in the hotel at which he was
staying.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Three men on a mission of revenge are killed when their
motorcycle slams into brick wall
Police were called to Nongmaikan Road in Nongprue
sub-district around 00.45 a.m. last week when it was reported that a
motorcycle had skidded and crashed into a brick wall.
When officers arrived, 3 construction workers lay dead on
the ground, killed instantly by the brutal force of the impact. In critical
condition, the fourth man was taken to the hospital for treatment. Their
vehicle, a red motorcycle, was found at the scene surrounded by wreckage
from the damaged wall. One of the men still held a 2-foot long sword in his
hand.
Further investigation revealed that the four workers were
on their way to attack their opponents at a karaoke bar in the vicinity of
the scene. The sword was apparently brought along to cut down their enemies.
But as the motorcycle roared down the road at high speed, the rider lost
control, causing the bike to swerve and smash into the brick wall. The
survivor of the crash was later identified as Somkid Chokchaiamnuay.
Gang of motorcycle thieves arrested in connection with
the theft of over 200 bikes in Pattaya
Local police are finally cracking down on the city’s
motorcycle theft gangs. The latest arrests took place on Sunday evening at
around 10 p.m. when Pattaya police captured of a gang of armed teenagers.
The four youths, each 17 years old were arrested in a crackdown on miscreant
racers. Officers confiscated 2 loaded handguns used in numerous robberies
and seven recently stolen and modified motorcycles.
Three of the youths were from Banglamung and one was from
Sriracha. Police told reporters that group was part of one of the many local
gangs responsible for the loss of approximately 200 motorcycles in Pattaya.
They were charged with theft and illegal possession of loaded firearms
within city limits.
Police are holding the confiscated bikes as evidence for
legal proceedings before returning the stolen vehicles to the rightful
owners.
Bogus goods raid nets haul of copied merchandise but
every vendor manages to avoid capture
The intensive crackdown on pirated goods in Pattaya
continues as authorities comb the city for vendors selling goods which
infringe on existing copyright laws. Recently, Lieutenant Krit
Siriprasertchoke, a police investigator at Pattaya police station, led a
team of police officers to inspect goods being sold at shopping centers
around the city.
An inspection of vendor stands at Windy Market Plaza, Soi
12, Beach Road revealed a copious amount of bogus brand named items
including Nike, Polo, Adidas, Diesel, Versace, Timberland displayed at
stalls.
Officers stormed in and confiscated faked goods worth
about 1-2 million baht at street value. But every vendor managed to flee the
scene. Authorities are still investigating and hope to track down the
offenders.
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