|
Kamnan Poh to support own
team in Pattaya Elections
Time to change the guard, says Somchai
Veerachai
Somchart
Somchai Khunpluem, also known as Kamnan Poh, mayor of
Saensuk municipality and Pattaya City advisor revealed that he was
unsatisfied with the way Pattaya was managed and would support a team of
city managers and council members in elections scheduled to be held next
February.
 Somchai
Khumpluem calls for drastic improvement in Pattaya City management
“For the last 7- 8 years Pattaya has not developed
adequately and the fault lies with the way the city is managed,” said the
city advisor.
“Even with special status, which allowed its executives
to fully exercise their legal powers and a budget of 1 billion baht with the
opportunity to request further financial support, many of the city’s
projects are incomplete and they have failed to follow up on many issues. I
think it’s time to change the guard in the next election including the
mayor, four deputies and the 24 council members,” said Somchai.
According to the Saensuk mayor, many problems regarding
the current state of Pattaya are due to fact that city managers are not
performing to their full capacity and that they appear to be more concerned
with business operations and voters rather than doing their job efficiently.
“They are afraid to make a decision and follow it
through. This has led to slow development within the city. I will announce
my candidate selections later this month for mayor, deputies and council
members, including some new faces and some old ones. A number of city
councillors have resigned to pursue their own business interests. As for the
city management team and those councillors that work, they will have to take
responsibility for the area. If they see problems they must bring them up at
a council meeting to correct them in a fair and just manner,” added
Somchai.
He added that in the past foreigners and people from
other provinces had invested in the city and the region with only one goal
and dumped their problems onto the city to solve.
“We don’t need this type of investor. I would like to
see those people increase investment and make more commitment to the
region,’ he said.
As pressing issues were pointed out, the obvious problem
of increased traffic congestion was raised. It was suggested that the number
of one-way roads be increased and arterials such as South Pattaya Road and
North Pattaya Road should be widened to 40 meters. Increasing the number of
access roads to the Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya was recommended as well
as adding an extra route from Sukhumvit Road.
A solution must be found for car rental firms that park
their numerous vehicles on the roadside and hinder traffic flow. In the
future they will have to reduce the number to just a few with the excess
being parked elsewhere.
“Around eighty percent of the projects need to be
redone because they have left in a state of disrepair with no maintenance.
The city has become unattractive to visit,” said Somchai.
Somchai said that Pattaya should take a page out of
Bangsaen’s book - hinting at the lack of discipline by retailers and
restaurants - saying they appear to do as they please with utter disregard
for the rules.
“Pattaya City’s officers have allowed these businesses to do what
they want and have not enforced the necessary regulations. As in Bangsaen,
strict enforcement and tight monitoring should be consistent so that these
people don’t dare step outside the law and risk a hefty fine,” concluded
Somchai - more or less summing up the inability of city management to
perform the basic tasks of keeping law and order.
Banglamung community joins the nation in announcing victory in war against drugs
Conquest dedicated to Thailand’s beloved Monarch
Suchada Tupchai
December 2 was an auspicious day in Thailand as the
government announced that they had won the war on drugs. Banglamung was no
exception as over 500 people from the government and private sectors,
residents and students attended the formalities at the end of the final
60-day push to rid the country of narcotics, and methamphetamines. Similar
proceedings occurred around the nation with Bangkok and the Taksin
government being the driving force behind the war on narcotics.
 Surapol
Thiansuwan, Banglamung District Chief supported by the public and private
sector declares Banglamung district to be free of drugs
The final thrust, an end to a turbulent campaign, was
inspired to honour His Majesty the King on his 76th birthday on December 5.
The initial drive, beginning February 1 and ending April
30 this year drew much criticism from other nations claiming that tactics
used in the ‘war’ were “over the top” after more than 1,000 people
died during the first month of the campaign.
The national 60 day deadline, beginning October 1 to
November 30, was a last ditch effort to eradicate drugs from the country
which saw law enforcement personnel seizing a total of over 2.4 million
methamphetamine or ‘ya ba’ pills in the process.
In Banglamung district, which includes Pattaya, 689
people were found to be using the drug and were placed in rehabilitation
facilities, 268 people were arrested for trafficking, and 38 people turned
themselves into police. A total 5,699,800 baht in cash and assets were
confiscated. The success was attributed to strong support provided by the
government and private sector during the campaign.
The third wave of the war on drugs began on December 3
and will continue until September 30, 2004 whereby local officials have
called for vigilant cooperation from all corners of the community to keep
the region free of this social menace.
Chonburi authorities augment local task force to fight poverty
Poor residents in genuine need encouraged to come forth
Suchada Tupchai
The national task force on reducing poverty and hardship
among the populace surveyed the Banglamung district last week. Sujarit
Nanmontree, Deputy Minister of the Interior and in charge of the national task
force was greeted by local and provincial officials on a survey to a number of
villages in the area.
 People
in need register to receive assistance from the authorities
Banglamung, just one of 11 districts in Chonburi is being
targeted for the poverty reduction project. A further 8 provinces are also being
surveyed by the committee to reduce hardship for its residents.
Surapol Tiensuwan, Banglamung district chief led the group on
a visit to a small village in the Nongplalai area. According to official records
the village has 100 people registered on the books and is in dire need of
assistance.
Surapol told reporters, “In accordance with the central
government’s 5-year project for eradicating poverty, which begins next year
and will continue until 2009, we will start by looking at a number of variables.
Research shows the main problem is that these people cannot adequately support
themselves which leaves them unable to meet their daily needs in terms of food
and shelter.”
“Many of the associated problems for people in this sector
include no fixed residence, participation in illegal business activities, some
have been cheated and deceived and there is a high rate of financial debt. We
will also focus on helping students of all ages find appropriate means of
support and attempt to solve other issues, such as homelessness,” added
Surapol.
The nationwide project will begin with 8 main provinces,
starting with Chiangmai and Pitsanuloke in the north, Udonthani and Nakorn
Ratchasima in the northeast, Surat Thani and Songkhla in the south, Nakorn
Pathom and Chonburi in the central and eastern regions.
Chonburi Govenor Pisit Khetpasook was less enthusiastic about
the project saying that he felt it was not a major issue in Chonburi and that
many of the province’s registered residents were reasonably stable despite the
increase in debt.
“The majority of the problems here seem to be caused by
debt among residents and those that have been cheated. I feel, however, Chonburi
will lead the way in resolving all these issues,” Pisit said.
After inspecting the Nongplalai village, Sujarit Nanmontree,
Deputy Minister of Interior added, “We are ready to proceed with the project.
I ask all poverty stricken residents in Chonburi to register their case with the
relevant officers so the government can begin attending to their needs. Whatever
their situation or complaint, those needing help must register. Anyone who
thinks they can cheat these people will have to think again. There are no fees
whatsoever for registration and we will take serious action against those who
attempt to cheat the system or poor residents. Those with genuine needs will
receive help and we intend to carry it through properly.”
The project began on December 6 and registration will end on
March 31, 2004.
Facelift of Fitness Park finally finished
Call for more lighting to enhance safety
Suchada Tupchai
After months of landscaping and infrastructure improvements,
the Fitness Park on Pratamnuk Hill - officially known as Chalermprakiat Gardens
- is looking good and ready for use. The lavish foliage is dazzling and the
drainage system has been revamped. Residents have given the park’s beauty a
‘thumbs-up’ but say there is one missing element - safety.
 The
new landscape of the Fitness Park looks beautiful and inviting.
The city began the project as part of its efforts to beautify
popular tourist spots in the city in accordance with central government
recommendations. The refurbishment project, which began in April at a budgeted
cost of 21,830,000 baht, was officially opened as part of HM the King’s
birthday celebrations.
The renovations to the park focused on providing a natural
environment amid the sky rocketing amount of concrete surrounding the location,
which would give residents and tourists an attractive spot for exercise and
relaxation.
Regular visitors and fitness aficionados who use the park are
pleased with the improvements but have called for more lighting to add an extra
element of safety after dark.
Residents pay homage to Chao Po Ket-gnam shrine on Beach Road
Believed to bestow good luck on vendors and fishermen
Suchada Tupchai
Each year on December 2, local officials and Pattaya
residents pay their respects to the shrine of Chao Po Ket-gnam, located on the
beach side of Soi 6. The shrine, which is identified by the Ket tree planted
over 50 years ago is considered to hold good fortune for vendors, fisherman and
boat operators in Pattaya.
 The
Chao Po Ket-Gnam shrine belived to bring good luck and fortune to those who pray
there.
The story behind the shrine dates back to the day of King
Taksin the Great. In 1993 the Tourism Authority of Thailand together with
Pattaya City administration refurbished the original shrine at a cost of 210,880
baht.
Now in its 10th year, annual ceremonies are held to pay
respects to the spirits of the beach. This year at 6 a.m., city officials and
residents lit joss sticks and prayed at the beachside location.
School scholarships and sporting equipment were donated to
schools and students in Pattaya and over 50 kilograms of rice were handed over
to the Sawang Boriboon foundation to be redistributed to those in need.
After the conclusion of the formal ceremonies, some fun activities were
staged including classical Thai dances, Muay Thai demonstrations, and fireworks
were set off.
Woman gives husband an acid bath for his infidelity
Boonlua Chatree
There is an old saying “hell hath no fury like a woman
scorned”. The truth to that saying was recently experienced by Somchai
Kleedit who ticked off his wife by surreptitiously seeing another woman, and
for his sneaky efforts received an acid cleansing from his disgruntled wife.
 Somchai
Kleedit in the emergency unit of Banglamung hospital after his scorned wife
decided to teach him a lesson about fidelity.
Apparently Somchai’s wife discovered that he was
cheating on her after she observed his behavior and confronted him about the
‘other’ woman. He subsequently denied any allegations to his wife and
went about his daily routine of playing snooker and not doing a lot to
support his wife and three children.
Banglamung Hospital called police after Somchai was
admitted to the emergency room at the hospital with acid burns to his face
and body just after midnight on Sunday evening. The man’s 4-year-old son,
who he had taken to the snooker hall, also received minor burns when the
acid splashed on his ear off Somchai.
Police questioned the man’s wife, Wanida Chalatdee, who
told police that her husband was a good for nothing, who refused to take
responsibility for his family and she was working hard to earn income to
support herself and her three children.
What made it worse was that she discovered that her
husband was cheating on her with a local service girl. She refused to allow
him to abandon them and have to support her children on her own. She said
that Somchai stayed at home while she went to work and in the evening would
‘look after’ a snooker hall on Soi Nernplubwan, which he actually had
nothing to do with.
Blind fury set in and she purchased the acid to teach him
a lesson by literally throwing the issue back in his face, accidentally
injuring their 4-year-old son in the process.
Wanida concluded that if Somchai wanted to make a case
against her that would be fine - she would go to jail and make him look
after the children rather than be left hurt and having to support her
family.
“If he wants another woman, for no reason, now he has his chance.
That’s if anyone but me would have him,” said Wanida.
Gang of motorbike thieves busted
Sting operation smarts as culprits name partners in crime
Boonlua Chatree
An intense investigation by local tourist police led to a
string of arrests, effectively smashing a gang of motorcycle thieves who
have been preying on unsuspecting foreign tourists and residents.
 Twenty
stolen motorcycles were confiscated in the string of arrests and many more
went missing during the gang’s spate of theft preying on foreign tourists.
A sting operation led to the arrest of a man in South
Pattaya, who at the time was carrying pliers and getting ready for his next
target. Officers moved in and detained a 25 year-old man from Supan Buri,
confiscating a stolen motorcycle in the process. Hard-line questioning led
to the further arrest of two gainfully employed men in central Pattaya, also
part of the gang. Police collected yet another stolen bike in process.
Fresh from their operation officers marched on collecting
another two thieves and stolen property.
They hit the jackpot when they arrested Noom Boonuiy,
owner of a motorcycle repair shop. In the man’s possession were a further
20 motorbikes and parts.
The gang of criminals told police that they would target
foreigners who had rented motorcycles and steal the bikes when left on Beach
Road or in shopping centers. Afterwards, they either sold them as spare
parts or took the whole bike to Noom Boonuiy’s shop and another location
on Sukhumvit Road.
All men were charged with theft and possession of stolen
property and await trial.
Dangerous road conditions have residents in uproar
Uncovered drain holes pose threat to life and limb
Suchada Tupchai
Over the past year millions of taxpayer’s baht has been
ploughed into improving Pattaya’s infrastructure by resurfacing roads and
improving the city’s visual image. To some degree, many of the projects
have been successful, despite delays and inconvenience to the general
public. However, one such project has yet to be completed and appears to
have been left by the wayside causing a potentially fatal situation to occur
should motorists and residents be caught unaware.
 Soi 15 on Thappraya Road, just before the Sugar Hut
Resort, has undergone resurfacing but contractors have ultimately failed to
complete the project. Residents in the area are angry at the blatant
disregard for public safety as more than 20 drain hole covers have yet to be
placed.
During the long wait for action dozens of people have
been injured and property has been damaged due to vehicles falling into the
50cm by 50cm meter drain holes. The street is poorly lit at night and a
meager attempt at placing signs to warn people has done little to prevent
accidents.
According to the project board, the road resurfacing
project cost 49,387,000 baht. The names of those responsible for the project
are prominently displayed as is the completion date which is scheduled for
January 7, 2004.
Residents have called for a solution to the problem by
the city, but it appears that those responsible are either not listening or
deaf and blind to the basics of public safety.
How long before some one is killed due to officials’
negligence and lazy contractors’ lack of concern is anyone’s guess.
Pregnant cow suffers broken legs after being hit by car
Animal appeared to be concerned about mate
Patcharapol Parnrak
A small herd of cattle, four to be exact, were decidedly
ambling across Sukhumvit Road near Nong Nooch Gardens when a very pregnant
heifer was struck by a pick-up truck driven by Don Srifeungfung after
visiting relatives in Sattahip.
 This
very pregnant heifer suffered three broken legs, the fate of the unborn calf
is still unknown.
Police arrived on the scene to find the pick up truck
almost totaled on the side of the road. In a nearby ditch they found the
pregnant bovine attempting to stand after being hit by the car but was
unable, due sustaining three broken legs.
The cow was rushed to a nearby veterinary clinic to
receive treatment. Srifeungfung on the other hand, still shaken from the
experience, told officers he was leisurely driving when he came upon the
animals in the middle of the road. The injured mother-to-be, first in the
line, apparently had stalled in the middle of the road, turning around to
see why her mate had not attempted the crossing.
Police are looking for the cow’s caretaker in an effort
to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. Residents in the
area told reporters that there were several animals left to roam freely,
quite often crossing the road at will, posing a danger to themselves and
motorists.
The cow received medical treatment, the car has
insurance, and the driver was a little shaken by safe. The fate of the
unborn calf remains to be seen.
Swiss national found dead in condo
Boonlua Chatree
Banglamung police were called to a condominium in Naklua
after cleaning staff reported the death of one of the residents. Officers
arrived at the 32-storey condo to discover the body of 40 year-old Thomas
Marcel Beutler from Switzerland on the floor of the apartment. Initial
examinations showed no signs of foul play and that the foreigner had been
dead for approximately 3-4 days before being discovered.
Cleaning staff of the condo block said they were carrying
out their normal duties on the floor when they noticed the smell coming from
the apartment. An extra set of keys from housekeeping were used to open the
where they found the man’s body.
Mr. Buetler’s body was transferred to the forensic
institute for a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Police contacted the Swiss Embassy to inform the dead man’s relatives of
Beutler’s demise.
Anti-communist pilots arrested in U-tapao
for dropping leaflets over Vietnam
Urging Vietnamese residents to overthrow communist government
The Royal Thai Navy turned two pilots over to civilian police
after the anti-communist pilots secretly flew over Ho Chi Minh City dropping
leaflets protesting President Clinton’s visit to Vietnam and inciting the
Vietnamese people to overthrow communist leaders.
The two men were later identified as Thira Sukying, a
civilian flight instructor, and a Vietnamese man having American citizenship
named Mr. Vito (aka Ly Tong).
 Civilian
flight instructor Thira Sukying (center) and “Mr. Vito” (right).
On November 17, the Thai Naval Operations Center in Region 1
received a report from Naval Security that a civilian aircraft had disappeared
from radar screens at 4 p.m. The twin-engine aircraft was supposedly on a
training flight in the Gulf of Thailand between U-tapao and Hua Hin Air Base.
Region 1 Naval Commander Vice-Admiral Kittikul Paijit ordered
a reconnaissance aircraft to locate the missing plane, which was later found
flying a trace along the coast. The plane’s pilot was ordered to land at
U-tapao Airbase, and Vice-Admiral Kittikul issued orders to detain the two
pilots for questioning.
During initial questioning, navy investigators learned that
the aircraft had evaded radar tracking and violated Vietnamese airspace. The
plane flew over Ho Chi Minh City dropping anti-communist leaflets just prior to
President Clinton’s historic visit, the first by an American president since
1969 and the first during Vietnam’s communist rule.
Navy Captain Lyychai Iamsrikul and 15 armed navy personnel
escorted the two pilots to the Ban Chang District police station in Rayong where
the two men were placed in custody.
Residents of Ho Chi Minh City reported a small aircraft had
flown over the city on November 17 dropping leaflets urging them to overthrow
the communist regime. The leaflets were signed Ly Tong of the Global Alliance
for the Total Uprising Against Communism.
|
