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Prime Minister Thaksin visits Pattaya while on tour of the Eastern Seaboard
PM takes stock of region’s rapid growth and some of its headaches
Veerachai
Somchart
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a stopover in
Pattaya last Thursday during a tour of the Eastern Seaboard.
The PM and various cabinet members visited the provincial
headquarters where he was greeted by Chonburi CEO Pisit Ketphasook and
senior provincial administrators on his way to the Maptaput Industrial
Estate. He also visited the Pattaya Waste Water Treatment Plant.
 During
his visit to Pattaya, PM Thaksin also greeted local Muslim leaders,
including Imam Abdullah Soheng (wearing eye glasses), Imam of Nurulyakin
mosque.
After talking with government officials, the PM mingled
with residents and vendors at the One Tambon, One Product (OTOP) center in
Chonburi.
In his welcome speech, Governor Pisit announced that
Chonburi was growing at an annual rate of 12 percent, with an increase in
foreign exports of 10 percent. Investment in the province’s energy and
production industries, specifically in the auto-manufacturing sector, had
increased by 12.5 percent and the tourism industry by 12 percent.
The governor added that the province is facing a number
of problems arising from the growth, citing two main issues.
The first was the inability to supply enough fresh water
in the province due to insufficient natural reservoirs. This creates
numerous headaches for administrators and residents alike.
He suggested the construction of man-made dams in the
Klong Luang, Ban Bueng and Phanat Nikom areas.
The second issue raised by the governor concerned
transport. The increase in the number of tourists and visitors to the
province necessitates further investment to ease congestion, Pisit said.
“Since Chonburi has two main access routes, Highway 3
and Highway 7 (motorway), which lead to the southeastern provinces and the
major industrial areas, further projects to enable the arterial roads to
cope with more traffic are required,” he suggested.
On behalf of Pattaya, Sittiparp Muangkhum, director of
engineering, gave the prime minister a rundown on the city’s current state
of affairs.
“Pattaya is currently facing water shortages but
administrators are using the water treatment plant facilities to substitute
the use of drinking water to care for the city’s gardens.”
He added that the treatment plant currently brings in 15
million baht in revenue annually.
“The water quality is above standard, with the
Bacterial Oxygen Demand (BOD) factors bettering those required by the
government’s environmental standards.”
The plant produces 65,000 cubic meters of clean water
daily, of which 500 cubic meters are used for agricultural purposes. The
local water board produces around 5,000 cubic meters of water per hour for
public use.
“If the government and the regional water board support
the idea, the use of clean water from the plant could well ease the water
shortages, specifically in the Huay Yai, Jomtien and Nongprue areas,” he
suggested.
Sittiparp also proposed a contract with the Eastwater
Company be signed for water production on Larn Island.
He addressed traffic issues, including the need for paved
roads along the railway line as alternative routes, and the longstanding
issue of the proposed road circumventing the 101 South Pattaya businesses.
Responding to the report, Thaksin said, “The main issue
I can help with is the increase in capacity for the main arterial routes
along Highways 3 and 7 by widening them to 10 lanes into Pattaya.
“A budgeted cost of 24 billion baht has been
investigated. But we will need to reduce that so as not to affect local
residents by setting toll fares. A highway would be preferable to a toll
road.
“This will be particularly beneficial when the new
Suwanbhumi Airport opens, allowing easier access to the Laem Chabang port
area.
“A new high-speed rail link is also being looked at,”
the prime minister announced.
“As for the water issues, I will check with the
relevant departments to consider the projects, specifically in land
reclamation. A budget of no more than 200,000 baht per rai would be
acceptable. Water is an important resource and it must be seriously looked
into because it affects tourism, industry and the potential for further
investment.”
With regard to an agreement with Eastwater, Thaksin
wondered what would be more cost effective in the long term - a water
production plant or an eight-kilometer water mains pipe from the mainland.
“As for the other issues, that will be up to the provincial CEO to
consider. Under the revised system, each provincial CEO will be allocated 15
billon baht for development projects to be submitted to central government
for approval,” the PM said.
Local authorities confident there’s enough water to last the summer
Veerachai
Somchart
Pattaya and its surrounding districts are bracing
themselves for disruptions in water supplies as demand increases with the
approach of the summer season and “technical difficulties” in pumping
water to households.
But the good news is that there should be sufficient water
available until the next rainy season.
“The recent lack of water in Jomtien, Huay Yai,
Chaiypruek, Thepprasit and Khao Noi was due to a number of technical
difficulties, including broken water mains and a lack of electricity to pump
the water through the pipes,” according to Thani Tongprachum, Pattaya Water
Office manager.
Problems are expected to continue as water authorities rush
to repair broken and blocked pipes.
Asked whether Pattaya and its surrounding districts would
experience problems similar to those in 2003, Thani replied: “There was a
shortage of water supply from a number of reservoirs last year, but this year
we can expect enough to last through the summer season.”
The main area of concern is the feed from Charknok
reservoir, which can hold around 7 million cubic meters of water. The water
level has dropped to around 2 million cubic meters.
“However, the level of the Mabprachan reservoir, which
can hold around 16 million cubic meters, is currently at 12 million cubic
meters. That should be enough to last through the summer until the rains
come,” said Thani.
The regional water authority has also begun implementing
back-up measures by bringing in water from Sattahip reserves.
Thani added that some areas may still experience shortages
but nowhere to the extent of last year.
Residents facing a lack of water are urged to call the
Pattaya Water Authority office on 038 222 462-4 ext 104.
Pattaya police get ready for Songkran
Increased patrols to keep vigilance
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya tourism police and security guard volunteers have
been deployed to patrol around the city during the Songkran festival.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Hattapol Boonyanuson and Police
Lieutenant Colonel Naradech Klomtuksing addressed the tourism police and
volunteers at Pattaya City Hall on April 7.
“We should cooperate to protect the public and take
care of any trouble that may occur during the Songkran holidays,” said
Hattapol. “A great number of tourists will be flowing into Pattaya. So the
focus on security and safety at public facilities is becoming very
significant.
Police
officers and volunteers who will make Pattaya safe this Songkran listen
intently to Police Lieutenant Colonel Hattapol Boonyanuson and Police
Lieutenant Colonel Naradech Klomtuksing’s address.
“There is already an increase in the frequency of police patrols in the
city. We hope this will help reduce any problems that may arise in the
upcoming holidays,” he said.
Thailand, Australia to hold joint naval exercises in September
Pacharapol Panrak
The Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Australian Navy are to
conduct joint maneuvers in the Gulf of Thailand.
Plans for the joint naval exercises were recently
announced at a meeting between representatives of the two countries. AUSTHAI
2004, as the event is called, will take place during the first week of
September.
 Commander
Paitoon Prasopsin (left), chief of staff of Frigate 1 fleet, heads the
meeting between Thai and Australian naval personnel, along with Commander
Charles McHardie.
This year’s training exercises will involve navy
frigates from both countries and focus on the exchange of experience and
promotion of bilateral relations. They will also look at the importance of
new strategies and skills in surface-to-surface warfare, submarine warfare,
surface-to-air combat and the use of up-to-date technology.
Commander Paitoon Prasopsin, chief of staff of the Royal
Thai Navy Frigate 1 fleet said, “The meeting took place to plan the
upcoming training exercises for AUSTHAI 2004 and discuss how best to make use
of the time for the best results on both sides and to further relations
between the two countries.”
Senior Thai naval department heads only recently approved
the commencement of the training missions as they met with Australian naval
representatives led by Commander Charles McHardie, head of the Australian
committee commissioned to plan AUSTHAI 2004.
The training exercises between the two nations take place every two years.
This year Thailand is hosting the event.
U.S. and Thailand to hold Cobra Gold ’04 joint exercise May 13-27
The armed forces of Thailand, Singapore, Mongolia, the
Philippines, and the United States will conduct exercise Cobra Gold ’04 in
Thailand May 13-27.
Cobra Gold ’04 (CG-04) is a regularly-scheduled joint
/combined multilateral exercise, and is designed to improve U.S., Thai,
Singaporean, Mongolian, and Filipino combat readiness and combined-joint
interoperability, enhance security relationships and demonstrate U.S.
resolve to support the security and humanitarian interests of U.S. friends
and allies in the region.
CG-04 is one of the largest exercises involving U.S.
forces in the Pacific Command. This year’s training will focus on
improving interoperability between coalition forces conducting a United
Nations sponsored peace enforcement operation in conjunction with
humanitarian and disaster relief operations. As in all previous Cobra Gold
exercises, this exercise will include joint-combined land, sea, and air
operations,
Approximately 13,500 U.S. service members will
participate. Participating Thai forces will number approximately 6,000, and
will include elements of the Royal Thai Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air
Force.
Fish released on the occasion of national fisheries day
Public asked to refrain from fishing April 13-15
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Over 2 million fresh water fish have been given their
freedom, released into public waters.
The Nong Nooch Landscape and Garden Design Co Ltd,
Chonburi Fisheries Office, and Bangsaray and Najomtien district
administrative organizations released tropical fish and crayfish at Nong
Nooch Tropical Gardens on April 7.
 Chonburi
governor Pisit Khetpasook (center) and Anusuk Jitprasop, director of the
Chonburi Fisheries Office, release over 2 million fish to mark national
fisheries day.
Pisit Khetpasook, governor of Chonburi, presided over the
ceremony.
The release of the marine life was held to mark national
fisheries day. It aimed at urging people to care for water resources and to
take part in a conservation and restoration campaign. People are asked not
to go fishing during April 13-15 every year.
The organizations collaborated to arrange the fresh water
creatures’ release into public waters in every province.
This year the Chonburi Fisheries Office - supported by
the Chonburi Fisheries Research and Development Center - released 2 million
crayfish, 20,000 carp fish, 10,000 black fish and 170,000 Nai fish into the
Huaytoo 1 and 2 reservoirs.
On April 8, the Chonburi Fisheries Office, together with
local leaders and fishermen, also released 3.5 million shrimp.
In the meantime, Pisit Khetpasook presented marine life to local
organizations, schools, sub-district officials and farmers in order to
promote a sense of conservation and responsibility for these fresh water
creatures.
City continues to focus on Songkran order
Tough enforcement on alcohol and weapons to reduce death and injury
Suchada Tupchai
Songkran safety for motorists and residents is top
priority for city officials who have announced new regulations to stem road
fatalities and accidents over the traditional Thai New Year festival.
The recently announced regulations include: No water
splashing after 6 p.m. and a prohibition on PVC water canons, dirty or
colored water. Also not allowed are ice cubes, water bombs and powder which
are not part of the traditional New Year celebrations but which have
developed as part of the city’s Songkran madness over the years.
In addition to these regulations, selling alcohol to
underaged and/or already inebriated persons is not allowed. Laws are already
in place to prevent shops from selling alcohol to those under 18. Carrying
alcohol and/or any weapons will be prohibited as well.
Supinda Tongjaroen, Pattaya public relations officer,
said the city was appealing to all residents and tourists to abide by the
regulations.
“We ask for your cooperation in the interest of safety
and to reduce the number of deaths and injuries, as well as to respect the
traditional values of Songkran,” said Supinda.
Police have vowed to take a tougher stance on enforcing
laws on drunk driving.
Local law enforcement officers and volunteers will be out
in force patrolling the streets and stopping motorists for breathalyzer
tests as well as those failing to follow road rules. They will also provide
assistance to tourists.
Provincial administrators are doing their bit to reduce
fatalities as well. Pisit Ketphasook, Chonburi CEO, has issued preventative
and enforcement policies to all departments on active duty over the holiday
period. He called on police to check all drivers and motorcyclists during
this time.
Traditional ceremonies will take place at Wat Potisampan,
Pattaya Naklua on April 18 and at midday at Wat Chaimongkol in Pattaya on
April 19.
The end of Songkran in Pattaya will be followed by the Naklua Rice
Harvest Festival on April 20, with numerous activities taking place
throughout the day before the main ceremonies at 7 p.m.
Bangkok businesswoman conned out of 100,000 baht
Left broke and stranded in North Pattaya
Boonlua Chatree
In the movie The Matchstick Men, Nicolas Cage tells his
“daughter” that “crime pays, just not that much”. Well, a Thai
matchstick man did well for himself last week when he made off with 100,000
baht, leaving his victim wondering what could possibly have just happened.
Napussakorn Amoon, 34, a teak tree exporter, called
police after a man purporting to be a football player on the Thai national
team left her broke and stranded here in Pattaya.
 Napussakorn
Amoon was in shock when she realized she had just given a conman 100,000
baht.
Napussakorn told police that the man invited her and her
friend Kornkanok Butsabok, 31, to go to Pattaya with him in his car. “On
the way, he told me that his friend urgently needed to transfer an amount of
money to him. But he had no bankbook or any number account with him at the
time, so he asked for mine. I thought it was not going to be a big deal.
Then I let him use my Visa credit card to withdraw the money. Unfortunately,
he took out all of my money, a total of 100,000 baht, and then fled the
scene on a hired motorcycle. But I can’t drive so I called the police to
track him,” said Napussakorn.
Apparently the car, a silver Hyundai, was a stolen
vehicle.
The man told the women his name was Arun Chayachun, 39, a
national soccer player. However, a photo of the real Arun Chayachun did not
match the description the women gave of the conman.
Police will continue their search.
Navy men pistol-whip three innocent women at gas station
Face jail terms and court marshal proceedings
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya police were called to the South Pattaya Road
Shell petrol station at around 4 a.m. on April 4 following the report of
three women being beaten by two armed men.
Officers arrived on the scene to find Soawadee
Themsuksiri, 28, Jinda Verahom, 23, and Chanchai Naiton, 23, covered in
blood. The three told police that they had just filled up their motorcycles
and were intending to leave when a car, containing four men, blocked their
exit. They requested the vehicle’s driver to move but instead of doing so,
two alighted from the vehicle, shouted verbal abuse and pistol-whipped the
group before speeding off.
Police radioed ahead to other units with the description
and license number of the vehicle, finally catching up with them in the Na
Jomtien area.
Officers inspected the vehicle and discovered a mini
arsenal of weapons including a loaded 45 caliber pistol, Thai made 12 gauge
pistol and a loaded 38 caliber pistol. Police escorted the men and victims
to the Pattaya police station for questioning and identification.
Two of the women, Soawadee and Jinda pointed to their
attackers, who were identified as Chief Petty Officer 1st Class (CPO 1)
Chalrempon Paoleng and CPO 1 Yingyot Hemjantpetch, both working in the
Sattahip area.
They were charged with three counts of grievous bodily
harm and illegally carrying loaded weapons inside the city without
significant reason. Their superiors were informed, who duly threw them in
the brig to begin court marshal proceedings and jail terms.
Karaoke girl gang raped at gunpoint
Ten teens took turns before setting her free
Boonlua Chatree
A 19-year-old woman was brutalized at gunpoint by ten local
teens last week in another disturbing crime involving delinquent youths in the
area.
The victim, identified as Prisana, told police that 4 youths
on two motorcycles approached her after she had finished working at a Third Road
karaoke bar. The youths pulled out a 9mm pistol and told her to get on the bike,
then took her to a vacant lot behind the Big C shopping center in North Pattaya.
Waiting at the location were a further 20 youths, aged
between 16 to 18, with 10 of them taking turns with her before she was let free.
Two young men known to Prisana, identified as Nut and Em, then took her to
Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment. She reported the incident to her
employer, Sophon Onsomboon, who brought her to the police station to file a
formal complaint.
Female officers from the women’s unit took the young woman
to Banglamung Hospital for further examination.
Police visited the crime scene, but by the time they arrived,
the young thugs were long gone. An unidentified police spokesperson said that
they will continue their investigation until they bring these delinquents to
justice.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Immigration
police detain ethnic
construction
workers for illegally working outside their designated area
Pattaya Immigration police and volunteers converged on a
labor camp in the Na Jomtien area following an investigation into the
presence of an ethnic group of construction worker illegally residing and
working outside their designated area.
The ethnic minority, known as ‘Thai Yai’, hail from
the mountainous border regions in the north of Thailand between Myanmar and
China and have been given special refugee status by the Thai government;
however, as with any foreigner, they require work permits to earn a living.
Immigration officers detained 41 people at the labor
camp, taking them to the local immigration office for questioning and
processing. They told immigration officers that they were paid 120 baht per
day to work on the construction site.
Police also arrested the project owner, Somporn
Wuttichaipissakul for illegally harboring an employing foreign labor.
The construction workers have since been transported back
to their villages, until the next time...
Nine detained in gambling raid
Criminal investigation officers raided a Naklua apartment
just before midnight on April 6. The raid followed an investigation into
illegal gambling that they believe was regularly conducted at the apartment.
Officers stormed the apartment, arresting one man and eight women,
confiscating a deck of cards and the magnanimous sum of 120 baht used in the
heinous activities. All nine were taken to the station and charged
accordingly.
Drug dealers arrested during illicit party
Seven people were arrested during a drug party at a house in Soi Korpai
3, Pattaya at 2.30 a.m., April 2. Boonmeng Buasorn, 30, Chayanee Yangyeung,
39, Supittaya Angko, 20, Noppadol Intip, 21, Parichart Salim, 47, Narin
Hatsatadol, 41, and Suchada Cliffordogson, 23, were arrested on charges of
possessing and using drugs. A search of the premises turned up a stash of
methamphetamine pills. The drugs and property gained from sale of the drugs
were seized as evidence. Four of the seven tested positive for drug use and
were charged accordingly, while three others were charged with possession
and intent to sell.
Reckless policeman allegedly causes vehicle inferno resulting in death
Boonlua Chatree
Speed and reckless driving are the most likely cause of
an accident that occurred at the Sukhumvit North Pattaya intersection at 8
p.m. on April 4.
Pattaya police, rescue and fire brigade units rushed to
the scene to find a Suzuki Vitara ablaze. The driver and passengers
attempted to flee the vehicle but suffered multiple burns in the process.
One passenger, later identified only as Mr. Toy, remained
trapped inside the burning car and was brunt to death.
Firefighters and Sawang Boriboon personnel took almost an
hour to douse the burning wreck.
Pol. Cpl. Eakjakorn Potdokmai, head of a crime
suppression unit in Ayuthaya, allegedly slammed into the rear of the Suzuki
Vitara, which was waiting for a green light at the intersection.
According to witnesses, the police officer’s car was
traveling at high speed before the collision. The force of the impact
ignited the other vehicle.
Pol. Cpl. Eakjakorn sustained minor injuries, as did five
other passengers in his vehicle.
The injured were taken to the nearby Bangkok Pattaya
Hospital for treatment.
Police later questioned them, but found Pol. Lt. Gen.
Chumnarn Suwanrak, past Region 2 police commander in Chonburi already at the
hospital.
The investigation was transferred to Police Internal
Affairs for further processing and to date no further information has been
released as to the progress of the case.
Banglamung police uncover deadly weapons cache in Naklua house
Youth says he bought them cheap
Acting on information and armed with a search warrant, special criminal
investigation police officers raided a house in Naklua where they suspected
bombs were being stored.
 Young
Farrut Sunprasert bought a handgun, ammunition and 3 grenades for 250 baht
each and planned to use them on his rivals.
Officers stormed a private residence around 5 p.m. on
April 2 and arrested 20-year-old Farrut Sunprasert for possession of an
unlicensed gun and three grenades.
During interrogation, Farrut confessed that he purchased the weapons from
an anonymous man in Sakaew for 250 baht each. He said he intended to use
them on his rivals, but unfortunately police thwarted that idea. Farrut was
remanded to custody and charged at Banglamung police station. The source of
the weapons is still under investigation.
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