|
3rd annual long boat races to take place November 15 & 16
Provincial, City and local administrations prepare for the big event
Suchada Tupchai
The 3rd annual long boat races are set for this coming
November 15-16 at the Mabprachan Reservoir, drawing rowers from around the
country in the 30 and 50 rower classes to Pattaya in what has become a
nationally broadcasted event.
 Competitors
dig hard for the finish line at last year’s event.
Rewat Ponlook-in, deputy director of the Chonburi
Provincial Administration Organization (DAO) and Surapol Tiensuwan,
Banglamung district chief held an organizational meeting with committee
members at the Nongprue district office to lay out plans for the event.
The event, now a major item on the annual calendar, is
now in its third year, with teams of rowers competing for the coveted HRH
Princess Sirindhorn Trophy in the 55 rower class and the Princess Soamsawali
Trophy in the 30 rower category.
This year Sontaya Khunpluem, minister of tourism and
sports, will preside over the opening ceremonies at the Mabprachan area and
will fire the starter’s pistol to set the expected 20 teams racing across
the water. The races will be broadcast live around the nation on channel 11.
Mai Chaiyanit, Nongprue DAO chief said, “This event not
only promotes Thai culture and sporting activities but attract thousands of
visitors, both Thai and foreign, to watch the event from the shores of Lake
Mabprachan. I expect we will see a greater number of spectators this year
than previously.”
Winners of anti-drug slogan
contest awarded
Promoting the anti-drugs campaign to the nation’s youth
Damri Muangkaew
Mayor Pairat Sutithamrongsawat and Chanyuth Hengtrakul,
managing director of Sophon Cable TV Pattaya Co., Ltd., jointly presided over
the anti-drug slogan competition award, held in a collaboration of Sophon Cable
TV Company and the Pattaya Education Office.
 Judges,
winners, family, friends and organizers gather for the anti-drugs slogan
competition award ceremony.
The contest was organized as a tribute to Her Majesty Queen
Sirikit on the occasion of her 6th Cycle birthday (coming in 2004) and to
promote the anti-drugs campaign among the nation’s youth. The competition was
divided into 5 levels: elementary, junior high school, high school, university,
and general. The winners were picked from students and residents in and around
Pattaya.
Chanyuth said, “We are all very proud and happy to have
taken part in this honorable royal activity. Activities like this contribute
much to educating our young people about the dangers of drug abuse and Sophon
Cable TV intends to continue such activities in the future.”
Mayor Pairat commented, “Everyone must realize the
seriousness of this issue and come together to help resolve the drug problem.
This anti-drugs theme activity, held by Sophon Cable TV Company, is really
healthy for children and youths in Pattaya. Over 3,000 people participated in
this competition and we view it as a huge success. I am happy to hear the
company will continue to hold more such productive activities in the future.”
Hungry 5-meter python raids prized
chicken coop - terrorizes residents
Tries to eat prized birds, ends up being eaten by villagers
Patcharapol Parnrak
Even the fierce fighting cocks in Thailand are no match
for predators many times their size. But not to worry, too much, as local
residents came to the rescue, killing a massive yellow python during its
attack on valuable cockerels in a Sattahip village.
 The
expensive (now deceased) chicken, the big snake that tried to eat it, and
the villagers that defeated the snake - it all sounds like a fable, but in
fact it is just another true story from Pattaya.
The snake, measuring almost 5 meters in length, was
caught and killed by Suntorn Fuengkasem and his wife near the townhouse
where they keep fighting cockerels. The hungry serpent slithered out of its
lair in the middle of the night, apparently in search of a snack.
The couple awoke to the sounds of screeching birds as the
serpent made its way into the chicken coop. The elderly couple managed to
beat the snake to death, and only lost one of the birds. However, they said
that the bird was valued at around 200,000 baht on the market. That’s one
expensive chicken!
The snake was divvied up among the family and nearby
residents and cooked into a tasty dish, in part as revenge for its slimy
activities, and in part just because it tasted good.
Exercise project organized
to celebrate King’s birthday
Public exercise activities to take place December 21
Damri Muangkaew
The Olympic Committee of Thailand and Pattaya City jointly
held a rehearsal for a public exercise project titled “Health for Liberty”
in commemoration of the HM the King’s birthday and Thailand’s national
Fathers Day. Thailand’s Olympic committee is under the King’s patronage, and
Rutnirun Peuwsook, secretary and member of the board of sport for public
department, presided over the rehearsal at Pattaya School No. 8. The “Health
for Liberty” activities will take place at Bali Hai pier on December 21, 2003.
 Students
exercised with their trainer, getting ready for the “Health for Liberty”
project.
Rutnirun Peuwsook said, “Since the government declared
December 21 Thailand’s National Sports Day, the Olympic Committee of Thailand
organized an athletic program in collaboration with provincial organizations.
This year Pattaya was picked to be the model of this healthy project. Other
provinces may organize such athletic programs in the future. We have received
good support from Mayor Pairat Sutithamrongsawat and Pattaya City ... This
project aims to urge people to realize the advantages of exercising. The
highlights of the event on December 21 will be public exercising activities.”
Pattarapun Kritsana, a representative of individuals confined
to wheelchairs said, “Everyone should get a chance to join in these
activities, no matter whether they are youths, elderly, or even handicapped.
Exercising and sports not only promote good health, but also relate to all walks
of life. This sport project also helps handicapped people feel they are an
important part of our society.”
The project aims to use sport as a tool in promoting unity
among people, developing quality of life and reducing the drug problem. Also,
this is in line with the central government’s policy that wants to extend
sport into every community and heighten it as potential career for youths.
New police station officially
opens in Soi Nernplubwan
Built from donated funds
Boonlua Chatree
Residents in the Soi Nernplubwan community can heave a
sigh of relief after a new satellite office for the Banglamung police was
officially declared open on Friday afternoon.
Over 100 people including community and religious leaders
from the nearby mosque attended the ceremony, presided over by Surapol
Tiensuwan, Banglamung district chief.
 Over
100 people including community and religious leaders from the nearby mosque
attended the ceremony, presided over by Surapol Tiensuwan, Banglamung
district chief.
Built at a cost of 299,400 baht, the funds were donated
by a number of local businesses and housing project developers. The new
office will house police and serve as a base for patrolling officers in the
area and will operate around the clock.
The rapid growth in population in Soi Nernplubwan is
estimated at around 12,000 with many using the busy Soi to travel in an out
of Pattaya where many of the residents work.
Pattaya Market hosts seminar to boost confidence in potential vendors
Due to open in January
Suchada Tupchai
An 18 million baht advertising and promotional campaign
began for the Pattaya Market at the Grand Sole Hotel last Saturday
afternoon. The Pattaya Market, currently under construction on the old site
of the Pattaya Palace on Second Road, is due to open January next year.
According to Thanakorn Tehlanm, managing director of
Market Incorporated, the new market, set to be the Chatachak of Pattaya, is
already 60 percent full.
“After we announced the project in August, we have had
numerous inquiries and the venue is now 60 percent booked with mostly local
business operators and a number from other provinces. The project is also
now around 60 percent complete and we expect to open as scheduled. We have
one of the nation’s top construction firms handling the project,” said
Thanakorn.
The seminar was held to attract further interest from
vendors and boost confidence for investment by announcing a number of
monthly activities to draw customers for the best possible benefit in the
business and tourist sector.
The new market will be run by Chatree Sophonbanaruk, aka
‘Meng Chatachak, who successfully built and marketed the now famous and
popular market in Bangkok.
Crocodile found swimming
in pond at golf driving range
Feisty motorcycle taxi driver captures beast
Boonlua
Chatree
Staff got a nasty surprise when they discovered a
1-meter-long crocodile in a pond located behind the Thepprasit Driving
range. Assistant manger, Tiew Sudsaen called in the media and Sawang
Boriboon personnel to aid in the capture of the creature.
 Brave
or foolish? As Fox News advertises, “We report, you decide”. When local
officials were having troubles catching this rogue croc found behind a
driving range, motorcycle taxi rider Tut Darayen (left, holding crocodile)
did his best Crocodile Dundee impersonation and jumped in to capture the
reptile.
Tiew said they discovered the croc when staff heard a
yelping dog near the pond. Upon investigating they found the reptile
attacking the hapless canine. Staff members grabbed a piece of wood and rope
in an attempt to capture the croc but failed when it beat a hasty retreat
back into the pond.
Numerous attempts to catch the animal failed until Tut
Darayen, a motorcycle taxi rider gathered up the courage to plunge into the
40 by 80 meter pond. A 20-minute wrestle ensued and Tut emerged victorious,
bringing the crocodile up from the depth of the water.
Driving range assistant manager Tiew suspects that the
animal was released by someone in the area. The reptile was relocated to a
new home at the Crocodile Farm in Pattaya.
Pattaya police enforced strict standards during APEC summit for safety of visitors
Entertainment venues told to obey the law or be closed down
Suchada Tupchai
With the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative economic summit in
Bangkok last week, local law enforcement agencies began a clampdown on crime and
advanced operations to weed out narcotics in Pattaya and Banglamung within 60
days.
 Surapol
Tiensuwan (left), Banglamung district chief and Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanh Khamtieng
(right), Region 2 police commander announced the APEC crackdown operation, as
well as their plans to eradicate drugs from the region before the King’s
birthday on December 5.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Sanh Khamtieng, Region 2 police commander
said, “With Thailand hosting the APEC conference, the central government
allowed government offices in Bangkok to close for the week as a means to reduce
traffic congestion. Many of these people visited Pattaya and the eastern region.
As a result, we had to ensure their safety and that of any visitor who was
connected with the conference that may have traveled here. The national police
bureau asked everyone to become the eyes and ears of the police to prevent any
acts of terrorism throughout the meeting.”
 Pattaya
police were out in full force during the APEC conference in Bangkok, and will
continue to try and weed out all narcotics in the area before December 5.
Surapol Tiensuwan, Banglamung district chief, also announced
that as of October 1 and until December 5, the goal is to eradicate narcotics
from every corner of the district as part of this year’s birthday celebrations
for HM the King.
Acting on instructions from the Thaksin government, officials
and residents from all communities are requested to report any suspicious
activities to the relevant law enforcement offices.
Other strict enforcement will include the 2 a.m. closing time
for entertainment venues, restriction of minors in these establishments, a
crackdown on weapons, prostitution or lewd entertainment, gambling and drug use.
Those establishments breaking the rules will be closed for 30 days. Repeat
offenders will be permanently closed. Currently 17 establishments have succumbed
to the 2-strike rule and are now out of business.
Cops nab purse-snatcher
10 minutes after theft
Thief said he wanted to enjoy Pattaya’s nightlife
Boonlua Chatree
Local crime suppression officers on late-night patrol
arrested 21-year-old Sakdichai Puangphan just 10 minutes after it was reported
that the youth had snatched a bag belonging to a young Thai woman and a
Portuguese tourist in a South Pattaya internet cafe.
 The
victim (right) meets the accused (left) after the latter allegedly snatched a
bag from the former.
The crime occurred at 1 a.m. Wednesday, as the couple was
leaving the internet cafe. The victims immediately reported the theft and fast
action by police officers led to the capture of the thief as he ran towards
Chaimongkol Temple.
Caught red handed with the victim’s mobile phone the
criminal confessed to his crime, saying that he had committed many in the past.
Sakdichai, from Udon Thani, told officers that he had intended to sell to the
phone to a secondhand store and use the cash to enjoy a bit of Pattaya’s
nightlife.
The man was charged with theft and now enjoys a nice comfy
cell in the local lock-up. His night on the town will have to wait until he
finishes his jail time.
Police bust Jomtien karaoke bar for offering extra
backroom services
Five women and bar owner arrested
Boonlua
Chatree
During a police investigation, officers raided the Dream
Forever Karaoke Bar in Jomtien Beach when an undercover(s) operation
revealed that the venue was offering sexual services for male clients.
 Oops,
caught literally with her pants down, this time it seems the women would be
the ones to “pay for play”.
Plainclothes officers sat in the bar for a while before
being offered various services, which they agreed to. Then they used marked
bank notes, and once the cash was paid, police revealed themselves,
prompting the squad waiting outside to storm the premises. Five women and
the bar owner were arrested and taken to Soi 9 police station for
questioning.
The five employees, aged between 28 and 43, were fined
500 baht each and had their details recorded, while the owner, Jinda
Saraham, was charged with operating an unlicensed entertainment venue and
allowing prostitution on the premises.
Police confiscated the all equipment in the venue and
kept the marked bills as evidence.
Another karaoke
bar falls
Regional police discover extra-circular services in the back room
Boonlua Chatree
The Nara Karaoke Bar in Central Pattaya was the latest to
fall in the current crackdown on prostitution. Regional and local police
joined in setting up and executing the raid on the venue. Undercover female
officers acted as agents looking for girls to provide services to customers.
The bar was charging 1,500 baht a night to provide a little extra comfort
for guests at a nearby hotel.
 Twenty-one
services girls and three managers were arrested for a laundry list of
offenses relating to prostitution.
With the bait taken, police stormed the bar arresting 21
services girls and the three managers. The girls were fined 200 baht each
for engaging in illegal activities.
The three managers, each with ownership in the Nara
Karaoke, were detained and charged with running an illegal business,
offering prostitution, using the premises for illegal activities and opening
a bar without the appropriate licenses. All three are now waiting court
proceedings.
Foreign tourist found dead in Soi 8 hotel
Police surmise suicide
Police were called to a hotel in Soi 8 after staff
reported the death of a foreigner inside. Police arrived at 11.30 p.m.
Sunday to find the door to the tourist’s room locked from the inside. A
spare key was used to open the door, whereupon police found the body of
44-year-old Dutch national, Gerdus Boregian (sic), fully dressed lying on
the bed with a black garbage bag over his head and a plastic zip lock
fastened around his neck. An initial examination suggested that the man had
been dead 4-5 hours.
Investigating officers found the room was in order and
the sliding door was locked. However, forensic officers were called in to
sift through anything that might be used as evidence.
A member of the housekeeping staff reported the death,
and told police that she was in the process of cleaning the floor. She said
she knocked on the door to ask to take out the rubbish, but when there was
no answer she called police, suspecting something was wrong.
Hotel staff told police the man checked in on October 9.
He was last seen dining with a young foreign lady in the hotel coffee shop
earlier that evening. The young lady allegedly presented the man with a
white rose, after which the man returned to his room alone.
Police sent the body for a post mortem examination, where
it was concluded the man died of asphyxiation. The case was closed as a
suicide, as police found no evidence to suggest otherwise.
Police briefs
Boonlua
Chatree
Two dead and
three in critical condition after bus accident on Sukhumvit Road
Heavy rain, speed and negligence were the cause of a
serious bus accident on Sukhumvit Road last Friday evening, which killed 2
people and seriously injured 3 others.
Police and rescue personnel arrived at the accident scene
to find an overturned bus lying on top of another vehicle near the Naklua
intersection. The body of one man, identified as Siengyom Khamduang, 60, was
thrown from the bus. Twenty-eight year-old Nicho Nima from the southern
province of Pattani, still alive, was lying under the overturned vehicle. He
was rushed to Banglamung Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Three
other passengers were also taken to Banglamung Hospital in critical
condition.
Witnesses said that the bus was traveling from Chonburi
to Pattaya when another car cut in front of it. The driver braked, causing
the large vehicle to lose control and overturn, hitting other stationary
cars waiting at the traffic lights. The driver of the bus fled the scene of
the accident and police are now searching for him for legal proceedings.
Depressed and jobless man throws himself in front of
moving train
Police were called to a section of the railway line in
Soi Wat Thamasamakee after local residents reported the discovery of a body
on the tracks. The man apparently died instantly when a freight train
traveling from Maptaput ran over him.
Rescue personnel and police found the dead man’s wallet
and he was identified as 25-year-old Rumkwan Pewsupan from Nong Khai.
Investigations revealed that Rumkwan had been drinking
heavily at a nearby karaoke bar and was overheard complaining about losing
his job and that he would rather die rather than be faced with the hardship
of being unable to support himself.
Rumkwan’s remains were transferred to the morgue
awaiting funeral rites.
Banglamung district chief closes down disco for serving
minors
Local officials are apparently getting serious about
underage persons visiting entertainment venues. Surapol Tiensuwan,
Banglamung distinct chief and Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj, Pattaya
police superintendent recently let a team of officers on a raid at the Ban
Tek Disco in South Pattaya just after midnight.
The music was ordered to stop and lights were switched on
for law enforcement officers to check all ID cards of the 100-plus
partygoers.
Eleven people were detained for not carrying their
national ID cards as required by law, and were found to be under the legal
age of 20.
The manager of the South Pattaya venue, Surakij
Khaoprasert, was detained and charged with allowing minors on the premises
and a further charge of operating an entertainment venue without a license
was also added. He now awaits legal proceedings.
Husband and wife drug dealing team arrested
Pattaya police announced the capture of a husband and
wife drug dealing team from in front of the Welcome Hotel. The couple had
750 amphetamine tablets and an automatic pistol with 8 rounds of ammunition
in their possession.
The girl, aged 16, identified as Pranee and her 19 year
old husband, Teerapat were charged with possession with intent to sell class
1 illegal drugs and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Further questioning of the pair revealed that they were
part of a group of dealers that had conveniently escaped capture during the
sting operation. Police are still investigating the case.
|
