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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Environmentally friendly police cars patrol Beach Road

Closing times for nightspots remain in place, for the moment

‘Power to the People’ - public to decide fate of Pattaya’s Free Bus service and the Songtaew Cooperative

Election monitoring committee announces election qualifiers

Bay Watch

Former Mr. Universe, Dennis James arrested for drug involvement

English tourist becomes latest victim of mischievous katoey

New crime suppression inspector vows to reduce crime, specifically cases perpetrated by criminal youths

Teenage gold snatchers finally arrested after stealing from over 30 people

Police briefs

Two Russian thugs mug Thai men and steal their valuables

Environmentally friendly police cars patrol Beach Road

Four new vehicles worth over 1.5 million baht donated

Boonlua Chatree

The emphasis on environmentally friendly transport was placed in the spotlight last Wednesday afternoon when the Global Electricmotor Car Asia Ltd. handed over 4 electric cars to Pattaya police to use on patrol.

Pattaya police are ready to cruise the streets in their new environmentally friendly electric motorcars, thanks to the generosity of Global Electricmotor Car Asia Ltd.

The Gemcar, as it is known in the marketplace, valued at around 395,000 baht, is free from noxious gases and noise pollution and runs at a top speed of 65 km/hr with a battery life of 6-8 hours.

Eakasit Khunnantakul, managing director of Global Electricmotor Car Asia Ltd told reporters that the company views Pattaya as one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and, as such, the need to preserve the local environment is a must, as is the importance of law enforcement. “What better way than to accomplish both at the same time,” said Eackachai.

Pol. Col Kamolchai Tiengrunroj, Pattaya’s police superintendent, was highly appreciative of the company’s generosity, not only for the benefit it has for the environment but to aid local officers in their duties.

“On behalf of the Pattaya police station, we thank Global Electricmotor Car Asia Ltd. for their kind donation and assistance to a government agency. I can assure you the cars will be put to good use in patrolling Beach Road and providing service to Pattaya’s tourists,” said Pol. Col. Kamolchai.

The Pattaya police department has engaged in environmental patrolling methods for quite some time, using officers on mountain bikes to survey the Beach Road and small sois in which standard vehicles find it difficult to maneuver.


Closing times for nightspots remain in place, for the moment

Provincial CEO to decide operating hours for zoning

Veerachai Somchart

Nightspots in Pattaya have received a reprieve on operating hours after business operators in Pattaya, and around the country, called for changes to the implementation of the entertainment law amendments that were due to be enforced on March 1.

In particular, Pattaya bar owners sent notices of petition on the new laws to local and provincial government offices as well as the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The result? Venues will be permitted to continue business as usual, closing at 2 a.m. pending further announcements by the government.

Adding power to the punch, the parliamentary committee for tourism called for a delay in enforcing the laws until the amendments had passed through parliament approval, allowing provincial CEO’s to decide what was appropriate for areas under their control.

Samphan Cholharn, president of the Pattaya Bar Owners Association commented on the issue by saying that bar owners in the city have been vigilant since the policy announcement.

“We have sent our petition opposing these laws to all relevant government departments, including the Minister of Tourism and Sports, but received no response. On February 26 we met with these people regarding the issue, stating firmly that it will not only affect tourism but also create financial hardship for business owners and those who would otherwise be unemployed if they (the government) are to enforce these rules from the first of the month,” said Samphan.

In the latest developments, the parliamentary committee on tourism called a meeting with government officials and business operators, including those in Pattaya, to listen to their views on operating hours and implementation of the new policies.

Committee members said that they would request that the MOI hold off imposing the laws until the final draft was made and allow businesses to operate as normal, giving the authority to the provincial CEO to decide the operating hours inside their jurisdiction after consulting with local administrators, residents and the business sector. CEOs will also be given the task of un-confusing the confusion associated with zoning.

As it currently stands, entertainment venues outside the specified zone will be permitted to operate till 2 a.m.

Business owners cited Malaysia and Singapore as being able to open until 4 or 5 a.m., and pointed out that these two countries have far less crime compared to Thailand. Operators presented their case to the MOI for further consideration, calling for leniency on their opening and closing times, and vowed to heed the current iron clad laws on preventing illegal weapons, drugs or patrons under 20 inside the premises.

The national senate also met on the same day concerning the issue, calling for opinions on the matter and suggested that business owners request further time and consideration before the entertainment act is imposed, specifically in connection where timing is concerned, adding that they would be cutting their own throats in the tourism industry, a prime target of development for the government sector.

Further letters and recommendations were presented to Senator Dr. Prasit Pitwokitja from Nakorn Sawan, as head of the committee handling complaints on such issues for additional consideration.

Vichien Chawalit, director of the investigation and legislative office added, “The focus of the new MOI legislation is the opening and closing times for entertainment venues as suggested by Deputy Prime Minister Purachai Piumsomboom. Ideally they would have venues outside the zone closing at midnight regardless, and those businesses inside the entertainment zone would be able to close at either 1 a.m. or 2 a.m. depending on their classification. For example, venues offering dancing would be able to close at 2 a.m. while others presenting live music and food would close at 1 a.m. These are more in line with the cabinet’s ideas. As for those people sending their comments to the MOI, we will accept them and keep them for further consideration. The Prime Minister has requested the ministry not create unnecessary hardship as result of the changes and as a result they have been postponed.”


‘Power to the People’ - public to decide fate of Pattaya’s Free Bus service and the Songtaew Cooperative

Suchada Tupchai

The continuing battle of the bus service versus the songtaew cooperative took a turn last week when, at yet another city hall meeting, city officials announced that Pattaya residents will decide the fate of public transport in ‘Fun City’.

Last Wednesday afternoon, Sittiparp Muangkham, Pattaya’s engineering chief, met with research officers and the belligerent Songtaew Cooperative to come to some agreement on the issue.

Following the last meeting in which a compromise was reached to reduce the study period from 6 to 3 months and allow the buses to run from 6 a.m. till midnight at 20-minute intervals throughout the day, and changing to 30 minute intervals in the evening, problems caused by songtaew drivers have remained constant.

“A decision was reached at the last meeting between the city, the research department and the Songtaew Cooperative, but there are continuing reports of songtaew drivers harassing and threatening the buses. Disruptive actions include parking in the bus lane and intentionally stalling service by driving slowly as well as other devious tricks. This needless mischief is affecting the quality of the service and inconveniencing the public,” complained one representative of the King Mongkut Institute of Technology in Thonburi’s Traffic Research and Development Department.

Sittiparb Munagkam commented that he was aware of the problems being caused, hence the need to solve these issues created by unhappy songtaew drivers. “The Songtaew Co-op should be more open to change, since the research period is not forever but only for the specified period and for the long term benefit of the city. Researchers are trying to solve Pattaya’s traffic problems and they have already made note of the Songtaew Co-op in their earlier recommendations. To be fair, we need to know what residents and tourists want and need in terms of future public transport,” he said.

“There are 700 songtaews in Pattaya providing service throughout the city, but there are some routes that do not have public transport, such as Pattaya Third Road, etc. In the future the Songtaew Co-op will have to change their thinking and their routes and allow residents and tourists to decide what is best for them, whether it is the songtaew, metered taxis or bus service or a combination of all,” said Sittiparb.

Bunjerd Kaewthongdee, chairman of the Songtaew Co-operative added that, following the last meeting, he had informed all drivers of the changes in the traffic study and that it was for the benefit of the whole city and not meant to create hardship for them.

“I do, however, foresee that some residents will remain confused as to the changes in the system at present as well as service schedules. Many of them think that the buses run every half hour and it will create more confusion if the timetable is changed,” said Bunjerd.

“I don’t think there will be any further problems if there is a strong effort to thoroughly inform the public about the changeover from the bus service to the songtaew in the second three-month period,” added Bunjerd.

After further discussion a decision was reached that after the research period was complete - the public - those who have the most to gain or lose, will be able to decide what they want. A call center will be open to report bad behavior from either the free bus service or the songtaew drivers. The Research Center number is 038-427960, 038-371 123 ext. 191.


Election monitoring committee announces election qualifiers

11 candidates fail to meet criteria

Veerachai Somchart

The Pattaya Election Monitoring Committee officially announced the qualifying candidates after inspecting all documents and assets last Friday afternoon.

The results saw 3 mayoral and 8 city council candidates being disqualified from the race after the committee found they did not meet the criteria for local elections.

According to Chanatpong Juabmee, chairman of the committee, the criteria for running in local elections under city legislation (2002) and the city management legislature (1999), candidates must have been registered as living in Pattaya for no less than 1 year, have paid land, housing or business taxes to the city for three years, have no past criminal record, and not be currently employed by any government agency or office. Those failing to meet any of these requirements would forfeit their right to participate as a candidate.

Candidates who failed to meet the criteria in the race for mayor included No.2 Paisan Bunditaynond, No. 5 Porawit Tongrueang and No. 6 Wanida Suriyakulapanich. As for the seat of city councilor, three from Electorate 1; Cholada Panyabutr, Panya Poromanusorn and Suchapat Kongin; in electorate 2: Pensri Suthithamrongsawat and Adul Adam; Electorate 3: Chana Saithong, Somchai Meesaeng and Sotarporn Sriyoha were each removed from running for election.

Chanatpong Juabmee revealed that since the announcement of the upcoming elections, NGO volunteers had been placed 60 days prior in each of the electorates to investigate and monitor those intending to run in the local elections as well as that of senate.

The stiff regulations designed to stamp out vote buying by way of support for local charities or foundations; cash donations, parties or promises of advertising have and are being carefully monitored to avoid impropriety among candidates.

The committee chairman also announced that currently everything appears to be running smoothly with no formal protests over the top election candidates, but if anyone fails to follow the rules, they will be given the red card and ordered out of the running.

Similarly, when the polls open on March 27, the committee will announce the winners 1 to 2 weeks after the ballot boxes close, or, in a worst-case scenario, 1 to 2 months, in which they will inspect all votes and candidates for correctness. If impropriety is found the election will be re-run with the cost being paid by the perpetrator and legal proceedings will be invoked.

Chanatpong Juabmee also urged all those eligible to vote to do so, adding that residents must notify the electoral roll office not less than 7 days prior to the election if they are unable to cast their ballot. Failing to do so will result in those persons being prohibited from voting in future city elections.


Bay Watch

Barrage of complaints rouse city to repair cavernous pothole

Ekachai Kamolsri

It appears that multiple requests and pushing by the local media have stirred sleeping officials in city hall to finally repair a dangerous roadside pothole in Soi AR. The massive hole near a sharp bend in the soi has finally been repaired.

Located 100 meters from the Nova Park serviced apartments; the gaping hole was deep enough to swallow a motorbike, causing serious injury or worse. And in times of heavy rain it became invisible to the unsuspecting rider. The busy route serves as a shortcut from Pattaya Second Road to Central Pattaya Road and onto North Pattaya. Poor lighting at night made the corner even more dangerous.

As city elections draw near and the almost certain changing of the guard, some last ditch efforts by administrators to maintain votes has resolved just one small danger spot among many around the city.


Former Mr. Universe, Dennis James arrested for drug involvement

Muscle man allegedly caught with ecstasy and steroids

Boonlua Chatree

Well-known Pattaya resident and former Mr. Universe, Dennis James, was arrested by Drug Enforcement and Crime Suppression officers in front of the Universe Gym on Pattaya Beach Road at around 9.30 a.m. on Thursday, February 26.

Police allegedly found ecstasy and steroids in Dennis James’ car parked in front of the Universe Gym on Pattaya Beach Road.

Police searched Dennis’ car, discovering 19 ecstasy tablets, 3 bottles of what appeared to be steroids and 7 bottles of an unidentified white powder. Police said they believe James received the ecstasy pills in a package from Germany.

James was then taken to his house where officers searched for further evidence before taking him to the station for questioning. James refused to speak to police at that time.

Officers are waiting for laboratory results as to the identity of the unknown white substance, but have charged James with possession of ecstasy tablets, which are a class one illegal substance in Thailand.


English tourist becomes latest victim of mischievous katoey

Police successfully bring the ‘perp’ to justice

Boonlua Chatree

Those rascally “women of the second category” were at it again last week, as yet another one tried to relieve a young English tourist of his wallet from in front of the Made in Thailand Market on Pattaya Second Road.

Young Daniel Doyle (right) points to the thieving “woman of the second category” who pilfered his wallet whilst trying to cop a grope of the victim.

Local vendors assisted Daniel Doyle, 17, after the man in women’s clothing lifted his wallet while pretending to try and grope the young Brit.

Daniel told police that he was walking along the roadside when the ‘thing’ approached. Aware that the advances being made may have been disguising an ulterior motive, he tried to fend them off but, alas, the well practiced street creature was quicker and relieved the tourist of his wallet before flitting off to a waiting motorcycle and speeding away.

Police traced the bike to an apartment in Soi Rungland and arrested the perpetrator, identified as 21-year-old gender-confused Teeraguch Meekheow. They charged him/her with theft after the victim made a positive ID. Officers also confiscated the motorcycle used in the grab and run theft, and charged the misdirected driver with theft.


New crime suppression inspector vows to reduce crime, specifically cases perpetrated by criminal youths

Teen thugs target of another police ‘crackdown’

Boonlua Chatree

Shortly after midnight of February 25, Pol. Maj. Sutham Chaosrithongm, crime suppression inspector, deployed teams of officers to patrol the city carefully as part of the effort to reduce ride-by thefts and other criminal acts within the city, and more specifically, crimes committed by gangs of teenage thugs currently wreaking havoc on the city streets after dark.

Pol. Maj. Sutham Chaosrithongm said he would do everything he can to make the streets of Pattaya safe again for residents and tourists alike.

As part of the process Pol. Maj. Sutham ordered officers to inspect and check every group of youths on motorcycles and take their necessary details before informing their parents.

The epidemic of crime committed by these delinquents has escalated over the past year. The rising rate of thefts; muggings and shootings have been perpetrated most often by gangs of youth scouring the city looking for victims. These feeble-minded hoodlums have primarily been targeting foreign tourists and women.

Pol. Maj. Sutham Chaosrithongm said he would do everything he can to make the streets of Pattaya safe again for residents and tourists alike.


Teenage gold snatchers finally arrested after stealing from over 30 people

Boonlua Chatree

Two teenage gold snatchers were arrested at their rented room in Soi Bongkot in Nongprue Banglamung. Identified only as Apiwat, age 18, and Sorasit, age 17, they both casually admitted to the crimes. Showing no remorse, they said that they had been in this prosperous business for quite some time, as it was a very easy way to make money. They said they didn’t care if they were causing hardship to their victims.

Many angry people turned up to identify the thieves. Some told police that the two even threatened them while snatching their gold, saying that if the gold turned out to be fake, they would go back and attack the victims.

Victims said they were relieved that police finally caught the thugs and all said that they will press charges so that the dastardly duo will hopefully stop their evil habits while they do some jail time.


Police briefs

Boonlua Chatree

Police nab gold snatcher - druggie collared in bonus bust

Street patrol police were informed by police radio that two gold snatchers on a Honda Wave motorcycle were heading towards Third Road and made an immediate chase.

Just before the pair made a turn into a soi behind Nong Bo Karaoke, officers blocked their vehicle and were able to apprehend one of the culprits, later identified as Gwin, age 18, while the other ‘wild child’ managed to elude capture.

Gwin admitted to snatching a gold chain from 27-year-old Mali Pengpit while she was about to board a motorcycle with her foreign boyfriend.

While officers were getting Gwin into their car to go to the police station, they noticed a suspicious looking man standing nearby. A body search of Ole Srithamma, age 35, turned up 3 methamphetamine pills. Ole was detained and charged with possession of a class one illegal substance.

Murderer of Cambodian beautician arrested after hiding in Chaiyanat Province

An ongoing investigation finally led to the arrest of three suspects, following the murder of Mrs. Kiri, age 35, a deceased beautician whose body was found with a shoestring tied around her neck. Later identified as Dao, Charan, and Supachai, the murderers had also stolen a 4 baht-weight gold necklace, a one baht-weight gold bracelet, and a mobile phone before escaping.

Ten days later, one of the gang, identified as Supachai Intharakan, was arrested in Chaiyanat Province. Supachai admitted to the crime and in the process revealed the identities of the other two involved in the slaying, accomplices Dao and Charan. He told police that after they had committed the crime, he had escaped back to his hometown in Chaiyanat but he did not know the whereabouts of the other two.

Reenacting the crime, surrounded by a large crowd of inspectors, Supachai showed the officers how he and the other two approached the victim in her room and talked with her before the three pushed her to the floor and strangled her with a shoestring.

Supachai is now under police custody awaiting trial for murder while the other two are being sought after.

Con woman walks away with a 4 baht-weight gold chain and 1,000 baht cash in exchange for a fake

Police received a report from Paweena Kerdsrichang, age 47, that while she was shopping at Big C, a woman described as having a dark complexion and curly hair approached her. She showed her two 10 baht-weight gold chains which she said she found on the floor in the department store. She said she was willing to share the chains with her if she would just give her the gold chain with Buddha amulet she was wearing and a cash sum of 1,000 baht in exchange.

Paweena said she didn’t quite know how she came to believe the woman but thought the gold chain offered was worth much more than what she had on and agreed to take off her possessions and hand them over to the mysterious woman.

Only after some time did she begin to wonder why the two gold chains that the woman showed her were identical. She thought, since they would most likely have been worth over 100,000 baht, why would the lady want to give them to her in exchange for a cheaper one?

She then had the gold chain examined and discovered it was fake, so she informed the police.

Police recorded the woman’s description, and checked back records, finding that a woman of similar description had a record of committing similar crimes. Police are now on the lookout for the mysterious gold miner.

As for Paweena, she will have to learn to be content with what she has.


Two Russian thugs mug Thai men and steal their valuables

Dragnet captures tourists at dawn

Boonlua Chatree

In a bizarre role reversal of what is the ‘norm’ for street crime, two cash-strapped Russian tourists were arrested after mugging two men in the wooded are near the Cosy Beach Hotel.

Police escort Yuri Ermakov, 19, and Vitaly Derr, 20, both from Russia, to the police station on Soi 9 for questioning. The pair stands accused of beating and robbing two Thai men.

Officers arrived at the crime scene shortly after 4.30 a.m. on Tuesday to find two Thai men covered in blood. The men told police that the foreigners had beaten them with lumps of wood and stole their cash, mobile phones and personal documents.

Chumporn Pranar and Naratip Gratoke both suffered head injuries and a broken nose after the tourists hit them over the head before fleeing into a wooded area. The Thai victims were taken to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.

Vigilant police officers scoured the area until dawn broke through the darkness, and eventually spotted the foreigners as they attempted to flee. Police captured Yuri Ermakov, 19, and Vitaly Derr, 20, both from Russia, and took them to Soi 9 for questioning.

The pair confessed to their crimes, saying they wanted the cash to continue their fun spending spree. Unmoved by their motive, police charged them with theft and causing bodily harm.