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Pattaya remembers 151st anniversary of King Chulalongkorn the Great
Suchada Tupchai
Hundreds of community representatives, business owners,
students and press participated in local ceremonies on October 23 to pay their
respects to King Chulalongkorn the Great.
 Chawalit
Saeng-Utai, Banglamung district senior clerk presided over the official
district ceremonies near the ceremonial flower arrangements and wreaths laid to
remember King Chulalongkorn.
The ceremonies held at the King Chulalongkorn monument in
front of the Banglamung district offices were led by Chawalit Saeng-Utai,
Banglamung district senior clerk at 8 a.m. last Saturday.
Following the formal ceremonies local and district
government officers, community leaders and residents joined in spreading the
anti-drug message throughout the community following the central government’s
renewed war against drugs.
Chulalongkorn Day, held annually on October 23, saw ceremonies performed
throughout Thailand to mark the day that the great King passed away in the year
1910.
New mini bus service to begin in January 2005
Will not interfere with baht bus customers along Sukhumvit and Jomtien
Suchada
Tupchai
Suriyont Glindee, operations manager for Pattaya Beach
Bus Co. Ltd. announced that Pattaya’s mini bus service will go ahead as
scheduled. “At this time everything is ready to go, the only thing
remaining is a public relations campaign to inform residents of the new
service. We will begin service on January 25, 2005,” Suriyont said.
Some people, however, are not convinced it will help.
“As far as an increase in traffic jams, this will certainly happen in some
areas but the city administration is in the process of reviewing traffic
regulations. The mini bus service is a new dimension for public transport
and is a sign of the city’s commitment to development. We don’t believe
that the new service will create problems for Pattaya’s baht bus operators
because the buses will run on different routes and the target passengers are
tourists and residents who prefer to use the air-conditioned service as a
primary mode of transport,” Suriyont said.
 The
planned bus routes due to begin in January 2005.
Suriyont went on to say that he believes the service will
benefit residents and that it is a positive step in the development of
Pattaya’s public transport system. “The service will add quality of life
to residents and tourists because of added safety and convenience. This is
just the first step in providing a comprehensive public transport system in
Pattaya,” he said.
“This will also lead to an increase in tax revenue for
the city, which in turn will allow other areas to be developed,” added
Suriyont, who also cited an increase in employment opportunities, and that
this will make the city more accessible to people outside the center.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn told reporters that this
year is the start of Pattaya’s transport development and the new mini bus
service is just one of the methods planned to reduce traffic problems.
“Currently the city is facing many traffic problems and
this is an opportunity for private enterprise to help reduce these problems.
It (the mini bus service) will benefit residents and tourists, and conserve
valuable energy resources,” said the mayor.
“The aim is also to reduce the amount of vehicles on
the road, especially during weekends and public holidays. Recent figures
have shown that Pattaya has 200 new vehicles on the road each month and on
weekends and holidays these figure soar due to the numbers of people
visiting the city, which causes major traffic problems,” added the mayor.
The mayor also went on to say that plans are now underway
to improve the roads, which includes computer controlled lights using sensor
technology along Sukhumvit Road and at major intersections, as well as
widening and resurfacing two roads. The first, a 10 kilometer stretch along
the railway line and the new Jomtien Second Road which is already through
the planning stage and due to begin construction in the very near future.
“Apart from this, future plans include the possibility
of reducing the number of private vehicles in a 54 square kilometer section
of the city and build a large parking facility which will be serviced by
buses and/or a small train or tram service. We have requested a consulting
company to look into the feasibility of the project, as well as look into
traffic planning on a short, medium and long term basis, especially with the
opening of the new Suwanabhumi Airport next year when we can expect to see a
20 percent increase in visitors,” added mayor Niran.
The Pattaya Beach Bus Co. Ltd. received permission from
the Land Transport department on September 28 and has a 7 year authorization
to operate.
They will begin servicing 3 main roads with 5 routes;
Route 1: From Kratinglai 3-way intersection to Wat Intanararam to Jomtien
Beach via Thappraya Road, Pratamnak Road, Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua market,
Banglamung district office and to the Kratinglai 3-way intersection (6
buses).
Route 2: North Pattaya bus station, North Pattaya Road,
along Sukhumvit Road to Jomtien Beach, Thappraya Road, Pattaya Third Road
and along North Pattaya bus station (5 buses).
Route 3: From Soi Potisan (Naklua) along Sukhumvit Road,
South Pattaya Road, Chaiyamongkhol Temple, along Pattaya Second Road and
Pattaya Naklua Road to Soi Potisan (7 buses).
There will be three types of services: 18 Air-con buses
on general routes, 4 buses designated for special tourist routes, and 2
buses specifically for disabled passengers.
Three colors will define the routes: Yellow (Route 1) 20
kilometers in length with 6 buses providing general service and tourist
service, including 2 buses for the disabled. Green (Route 2) 12 kilometers
in distance including general and tourist services. Red (Route 3) 16
kilometers in length providing general and tourist services.
The bus service is scheduled to run from 6 a.m. to
midnight daily with adjustments to be made according to demands.
Proposed ticket prices are: One way - 30 baht for the entire length of
route; One day ticket - 90 baht; Three day ticket - 180 baht; Monthly ticket
- 900 baht. City administrators have suggested that Pattaya residents be
eligible for a discount of 50 percent of the monthly ticket purchase,
bringing the price down to 450 baht, as well as provide a student monthly
ticket for 350 baht as part of the New Year gift.
City tells underwater tour operators they must meet environmental standards
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn told the two potential
underwater tour companies that they must meet environmental standards and
gain approval from the appropriate government departments.
The mayor made his views known at a recent meeting in
which Pattaya’s two underwater tour companies presented plans for their
underwater tour businesses.
At the meeting on October 15, the two companies, Viman
Underwater Co. Ltd and the Hi-Tech Submarine Company presented business
plans and operating procedures on how they intend to run their tour
businesses.
Both will run underwater tours in accordance with strict
guidelines so as not to damage the delicate underwater environment or create
problems for local fishermen and tour boat operators. City department heads,
council members and private enterprise attended the meeting.
Krisada Bhiromkraipakdee, Viman Underwater Co. Ltd
managing director said, “Our business is in underwater tours. Our vessel
is 20.61 meters long, 3 meters wide and 3.75 high. It is 95.5 tons and
carries up to 48 passengers and can dive to a depth of 100 meters. It uses a
Belgian designed battery and hydraulic system to traverse the water.
“We currently have two underwater vessels, and, like
the Hi-Tech Submarine Company intend to conduct underwater sightseeing
tours. We have already received safety certification from the relevant
safety organizations and are just waiting for the go ahead for the tour
route to be approved by the relevant city departments,” Krisada said.
Krisada went on to explain that there is already a
working service under testing, located 120 meters from the north end of Sak
Island. A survey shows the route does not interfere with regular boating
traffic. “We have also received approval from the Ministry of Interior and
are ready to operate in the very near future,” added Krisada.
Mayor Niran informed the tour operators that the city is
responsible for the pier where boats are moored as well as the routes. Niran
added that that his administration must ensure that the tours do not damage
the environment or interfere with other boating traffic or tour operators.
“Each company must coordinate with the navy and ports
authorities as well as the Environmental Office for further approval. As for
Pattaya City, I suggest that the Viman Underwater Co. Ltd. move their
boarding point to 300 meters from the shore of Sak Island and away from
Hi-Tech Submarine Company, which has already received its approval to
operate,” said the mayor.
The Hi-tech Submarine Company is set to begin operations
in December running a 1 kilometer tour.
The mayor concluded by saying, “Both companies must apply for approval
from the relevant government departments.”
MOI begins enforcing revised entertainment venue laws
Most everyone still confused about zoning and closing times
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Ministry of Interior on Oct. 26 began nationwide
enforcement of its revised entertainment laws. In Pattaya, the initial
reactions were quiet, most likely due to wide spread confusion over which
category individual entertainment venues fall into. Most venues, however,
are now required to close at 1 a.m. instead of 2 a.m., as they have been
doing since the Ministry of Interior passed its revised statutes back on
January 13 this year.
This
sticker being handed out by the Ministry of Interior reads, “Going home
before 1 a.m. reduces crime”. The upper left corner translates to, “The
Interior Ministry cares for you,” and in the lower right it is written,
“Thais unite in heart and body to organize social order.”
The new entertainment laws were made official on
September 1, but the initial stage of enforcement has just begun. Preecha
Kamolbutr, Chonburi deputy governor, acting on orders from Governor Pisit
Ketphasook, handed down the policies to provincial, Banglamung and Pattaya
government department heads on Tuesday morning, October 26.
Over 100 people, including community and business leaders
attended the meeting at city hall on Tuesday.
The new regulations imposed by the Interior Ministry
requires all entertainment venues inside Pattaya’s entertainment zone to
close no later than 1 a.m. All venues outside the zone must close no later
than midnight, although some types of venues outside the zone need to close
earlier, such as massage parlors.
Chawalit Saengutai, Senior Banglamung District Clerk and
acting district chief said, “... The law came into effect on September 1,
and we shall enforce it accordingly.”
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn seemed sympathetic; “The
law will definitely damage Pattaya’s entertainment industry, and we (the
city) are not sleeping on the issue. We will petition the Interior Ministry
and the Tourism and Sport Ministry to allow Pattaya businesses to legally
operate outside the rest of the country, and ask them to present our case to
the prime minister.”
However, the mayor followed this with a caveat; “Since
the law has been placed into effect, the populace must follow it to the
letter.”
Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate, Pattaya police superintendent
added, “My duty is to follow the law, as I have always done, and I will
enforce it. This will not please many business operators but if I do not do
my duty then I am negligent. I also intend to keep them informed through a
public relations campaign and hand them documents from the Banglamung
office.”
Chanyuth Hengtrakul, advisor to the Tourism and Sports ministry
commented, “Business operators will face difficulties, but in the meantime
they must follow the law. I urge everyone to sign a petition, which can be
done at the Thai Rak Thai Office, Sukhumvit Road, Central Pattaya (near the
highway police). Provincial administrators will then take the next step to
resolve the matter.”
Walking Street’s 101 listens to latest plan
ASDECON presents their proposal for future South Pattaya project
Suchada Tupchai
Owners of Walking Street businesses last week listened to the
latest plans to develop and change the Walking Street area. Not all were
impressed.
The project would allow 40 meters from Walking Street to the
sea to remain intact, but also includes removing parts of buildings that are
infringing on public property, to make way for a 1 kilometer concrete road,
boardwalk and parking facility. The structure would be built over the water,
allowing the tide to ebb and flow unhindered.
The details include:
1. A boardwalk in front of the buildings, 10 meters wide with
shop fronts being remodeled.
An artist’s
rendering of the proposed new South Pattaya Walking Street.
2. A 14 meter wide, 4 lane road to be built allowing two-way
traffic. The road would be a continuation of Pattaya Beach Road down to the Bali
Hai pier and onto Pattaya Third Road, and is aimed at easing congestion. Walking
Street would then be permanently closed off to traffic with the street being
refurbished to take on extra activities.
3. Public Gardens: Design for a garden/park area on the
eastern side of the project leading down to the water’s edge allowing for
activities and visitors to rest.
4. Annex facility allowing children to play as well as
activities to be held, located next to the garden/park area.
5. Car Parking: A large car park for cars and buses with
easily accessible entrance and exit points and reduced traffic congestion.
The working team also intends to conduct a detailed study
including an environmental impact report, potential benefits in the overall
picture of image, economics and to residents and costs. The results of the study
will be compiled into a comprehensive report to proceed with the project in
which they (ASDECON) believe will ease traffic, beautify the area and provide
new business opportunities, especially for vendors on public property in
accordance with the law, with rent being paid to the government.
Once the report is complete, further information will be
collected from business operators and presented to the research committee in
regard to environmental implication for further assessment. The process is
expected to take some time to complete before the package is given to Parliament
for approval. Providing there are no snags in the process, the project will go
ahead.
One snag might be the owners of the 101 businesses along that
stretch. They were invited to attend the proposal announcement. Community
leaders, government representatives, academics and private enterprise were also
present.
Sukum Wiputtharnont, representing the 101 businesses said,
“We have already elected representatives to oppose this project, as it is
unfair and will cause major problems. The 101 businesses have been there for a
long time and realize that they are an important part of Pattaya’s tourism
industry. City councilors have visited Walking Street and the businesses and
everyone feels that it is not appropriate to remove parts from any building
because it is an economic center in the city. It is appropriate to preserve what
is already there and not make alterations. We have conducted a survey among
residents and visitors and the majority feels that it not necessary to change
what is already there. This has been handed to the minister of tourism and
sports with a suggestion that if changes are to be made they would be to further
beautify the area. We (101 businesses) are united and will fight to the bitter
end any efforts to remove parts of buildings.”
Another meeting is scheduled for next month to assess follow-up studies.
Chonburi administrators meet the people of Pong sub-district
Free services and open dialogue improves community
Suchada Tupchai
The Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization held
a public meeting at the Huay Pong Temple School to discuss current issues
within the Pong sub-district and exchange views on how to find solutions to
local problems in the area. Fun activities and needed services were also
provided on the day. Piyakul Wongwiboonchai, director the organization
presided over the meeting.
 An
OTOP booth set up during the event attracted interest.
The meeting was geared to help authorities and residents
develop a dialogue on how to improve social conditions, raise living
standards of the community, reduce crime and drug abuse, and advance
education.
The day’s activities included free haircuts, motorcycle
and electrical repairs, pet vaccination, mobile medical aid, and
distributing of plant seeds. OTOP product booths were set up and
children’s activities were organized.
In the afternoon a friendly football match was held at
the school between VIPs from the Chonburi family court and administrators
from the Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization.
These community meetings are meant to be casual and promote an atmosphere
in which residents can relate to officials on a friendly basis.
Belgian man arrested in Pattaya after escaping foreign courts five years earlier
Boonlua Chatree
Belgian national Michel Altruy, 55, was arrested October
16 at his Jomtien Nivate home. He was wanted in Belgium for embezzlement.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Panya Mamen, tourist police commander
announced that he had received information from Thai-Belgian Embassy
officials, through Interpol, that Michel Altruy was residing in Pattaya.
 Michel
Altruy was arrested in Pattaya and will be escorted back to Belgium to face
charges of embezzling money from a trust fund.
Altruy had fled a court case in Brussels, Belgium, where
he was sentenced to 5 years in prison for embezzling funds from a Belgian
trust. An arrest warrant for Altruy was issued from the Thai criminal
courts on August 18 of this year.
Pol. Col. Supapol Arunsit, tourist police squad 3
commander led a team of officers to Altruy’s Jomtien Nivate home where
they waited for the Belgian. When Altruy exited his house, police called
out to him to inspect his passport. Once a positive identification was
made, they served Altruy with the arrest warrant.
It was revealed that Altruy fled his homeland in the
wake of his conviction to set up a charter boat business in Pattaya. He had
bought a home in Jomtien Nivate over 5 years ago.
Altruy confessed to police that he was indeed wanted in
his home country but refused to divulge any further information, only that
he had purchased the charter boat for 3 million baht.
Pol. Col. Supapol Arunsit remanded the Belgian national into custody
before transferring him to Bangkok where he faces deportation, escorted by
Interpol, to face justice for his crimes abroad.
Angry wife cuts off her husband’s private parts
Police officers sent to retrieve missing part
Boonlua Chatree
When a local Thai man, identified only as Sornram, went to
sleep on October 18, he might have dreamed about how he had finally won an
argument with his wife, Rungnapa. When he awoke abruptly just a few hours
later, however, he learned the hard way that he hadn’t, and that Rungnapa
had indeed gotten in the last word, or in this case, vindictive revenge.
Later, as Sornram lie in agony in a hospital bed at
Banglamung Hospital, he told inquisitive police that his wife Rungnapa Pong-Aree,
32, had sliced off his penis in a fit of rage and ran off.
A helpful neighbor, Thong Ekwong, 62, brought Sornram to
the hospital, but evidently Sornram was in a hurry to seek relief, and
instructed Thong to leave the severed willy alone.
This left the attending physicians without a lot of options
regarding reattaching the missing appendage, and when police arrived to
investigate the commotion, surgeons requested they return to the scene of the
slashing, gather up the evidence, and bring it back to the hospital.
Police obliged this oddly gruesome request, and after
searching the bedroom officers found the item in question between the bed and
the dressing table. They promptly delivered it to the surgeons.
Doctors said there is a 50 percent chance that the penis
will again come up to standards.
The helpful neighbor, Thong Ekwong, told police that he was
convinced that it was Sornram’s wife, Rungnapa, who had indeed inflicted the
wound. It is unknown how he knew this, but apparently the couple had a stormy
relationship and Thong believes that Sornram’s jealous wife cut off her
husband’s organ in his sleep.
Police are searching for Rungnapa to question her as to her
involvement in the mutilation.
Devilish partiers bust through police blockade at Lucifer Disco
Officer injured when all hell breaks out
Boonlua Chatree
50 police officers raided the Lucifer Disco on South
Pattaya’s Walking Street on October 17. They alleged that surveillance
indicated the venue was a den of iniquity and a haven for drug users and
underage drinkers.
Customers
fought back at police during a raid of Lucifer Disco on Walking Street.
Crime suppression officers and their team stormed the venue
at 1:30 a.m. to search for drugs and conduct urine tests. The police locked the
entrance before ordering the music stopped, the lights turned on and announced
that all customers stay quiet and prepare their ID cards for inspection.
But this displeased the over 500 Thai and foreign customers.
Some shouted, threw glasses on the floor, and one police officer was injured.
Chaos broke out and many customers escaped without being checked.
Disco employees shut off the air-conditioning and as it
proceeded to get hotter, and after 20 minutes of ID card inspections, unruly
customers began busting their way out the only door. Out-numbered, the police
couldn’t block the fleeing patrons. This put a quick end to their drug checks.
Customers broke through the door, and one foreigner who
recently had an operation performed on his left leg fell down and was trampled.
Police brought him to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
After the dust settled, police inspected the premises, which
is decorated like an exotic cave.
Police alleged that employees had allowed about 1,000
customers to enter the establishment, that the venue had also used incorrect
construction materials for the building, had no fire exit, and no provision for
acoustics to protect patrons’ hearing.
Police made a report to the Chonburi provincial governor and the disco may
face closure if it is found to have breached construction regulations.
Youth gang arrested for illegal possession of firearms
Threaten people with firearms
in South Pattaya entertainment area
Boonlua Chatree
A pick-up truck carrying pistol-packing youths was caught in
a police block at 3 a.m. on October 16, as they attempted to elude capture after
threatening people with firearms in South Pattaya’s entertainment area.
Police received a report that Thais in a black pickup truck
were threatening bystanders with guns in the streets in South Pattaya, before
heading up Pattaya Central Road towards Sukhumvit Highway. Officers immediately
set up checkpoints and a patrol car stopped the gang on Pattaya Central Road.
Just before officers could coral the offenders, one of them
passed the guns to friends on a motorcycle that was following the truck, to
avoid having them on him during the arrest. But fast moving police stopped the
two women on the motorbike and confiscated two 12 gage pistols and 3 rounds of
ammunition.
The police hauled the hoodlums off to jail. The offenders in
the truck were identified as Nanthawut Sanee Ngarm, 20, and Bancha Rodgorn, 17.
The two on the motorbike were identified as Anothai Chanlek, 22, and Piyachat
Panklan, 18 years old.
During questioning, Nanthawut and Anothai said they bought
the gun from a friend for 5,000 baht for self-defense. As the story went, they
got drunk in South Pattaya and were being harassed by other teenagers who were
blocking their path. They said they used the guns to intimidate their
tormenters. When they left South Pattaya they spied the police on their trail
and called 2 friends to come and pick up the guns and hide them. Unfortunately,
their plan went astray and all were arrested.
Police charged the offenders with possession of illegal
firearms. The truck and the motorcycle were impounded as vehicles used in
illegal activities.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Tourist police stop teen
with stolen motorcycle
As part of an ongoing effort to reduce teenage crime in
the area, tourist police are patrolling the district’s villages and inner
city communities, keeping an eye out for youngsters who may be up to no
good.
On patrol in Naklua on October 13, officers spied a Thai
teenager who was behaving oddly whilst riding a motorcycle. Suspecting the
vehicle was stolen, they stopped the 17 year old for a routine check. The
young man could not present documentation for the motorcycle. A further
check revealed the motorcycle had been reported stolen on September 10 by
Wayne Gregory Roger. The 58 year old American had reported that his
motorcycle had been stolen when he parked it on Pattaya Second Road in front
of the Big C Department Store.
Officers detained the young motorcycle thief and brought
him to the tourist police station for an interview. During questioning, he
gave a statement saying he had purchased the motorbike from his friend Mr.
‘K’ (surname unknown) for 2,500 baht a month before. He said he didn’t
know it was stolen until the police stopped him. Officers are still
investigating the case.
Jomtien Go-go bar raided
for nudity and lewd shows
following police probe
Pattaya police, led by Pol. Lt. Col. Methee Preecha,
raided the ‘We are the Champion” go-go bar on in Jomtien at 1 a.m. on
October 20. The raid followed a police investigation into lewd activities.
Undercover criminal investigation units, armed with a
hidden camera recorded the lewd activities in which the ‘showgirls’ used
a variety of props on stage.
Once signaled, police made the move. As they approached the door,
hostesses signaled the performer to the leave the stage and hide upstairs.
Aware of the woman’s actions, police waited before entering the premises.
They searched the building to find 5 ‘showgirls’ hiding upstairs. With
video evidence of the activities the girls were each fined 500 baht for
their lack of modesty, while the DJ and owner were detained for allowing
such inappropriate activities to take place. The DJ was charged for playing
pornographic movies in the venue. The bar was closed and both men were
charged accordingly.
Preparations underway for
Larn Island natural power generation and waste incinerator
City to budget 300-400 million baht for project
Boonlua Chatree
Following Pattaya City’s study tour to Korea to look at
alternative energy production through the use of natural resources, Pattaya
City Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn spoke with Pattaya Mail in an exclusive
interview.
 Pattaya
officials toured the KEMCO power production plant and were able to watch,
first hand, wind turbines in action.
The mayor revealed the decision to visit the Korean
projects was made after studying the idea at great length and what benefits
it would bring to Larn Island residents.
“I think is a good project for the 2,000 families on
Larn Island. The island’s population sits at around 10,000 and is a
popular and important tourist destination for the city. At the same time the
island is severely lacking in a reliable source of electricity, which is not
enough to support the island. We (Pattaya City) are preparing a budget of
300-400 million baht to proceed with the construction of natural electricity
generators and an eco-friendly waste incinerator,” Niran said.
The trip to Korea, by 14 of the city’s administrators
and engineers, was an invitation made by the Pattaya Folk Village Co. Ltd,
which is a representative of KEMCO. The company paid all expenses relating
to the trip. The 5-day visit has proved beneficial for Pattaya, specifically
in terms of using solar and wind power generating technologies.
The final decision as to whether the project will go
ahead has yet to be made and the company has only recently made a proposal
to the city. KEMCO has expressed great interest in dealing with Pattaya City
and if the projects go ahead Pattaya will be the first in Thailand to use
the technology.
“We still need to ascertain if the project is a
worthwhile investment,” added Mayor Niran.
He went on to say that once further studies are complete
it will be put to the city council for approval. “I believe it will add to
the value of the island and the city as a tourist destination and not just
benefit Koh Larn Island residents,” said the mayor.
Niran concluded by saying that the most important aspect
of the proposal is the availability of funds and whether there is enough
room in the city budget for the project.
“It will definitely benefit Larn Island residents and businesses as
they would have almost free electricity, whereas now they must use fuel for
generators to produce what they need. We (Pattaya City) have been trying to
find a solution for many years. Again, it’s up to the council as to how
residents would be billed for usage. In my opinion it should it be free.
Currently residents are having to cope with the rising cost of fuel to run
generators and are already facing problems,” concluded the mayor.
EDITORIAL: Pattaya’s New Year gift
Suchada Tupchai
The mind boggles: when Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn
announced, “As we welcome in the New Year, Pattaya City will give
residents a New Year’s gift. A new air-con minibus service will begin to
serve residents and tourists.”
There are 24 buses set to start operating in January
2005; the announcement did not surprise those present at the announcement.
The oddity is that when city officials first brought in the mini bus service
as part of the Transport Research and Development project run by the King
Mongkut Institute of Technology, the bus service was cancelled despite the
majority of passengers favoring the service.
Rather than excitement, residents are skeptical, citing
the city’s unsuccessful efforts to control increasing traffic problems.
Some view this project as just an increased amount of traffic on the
city’s already congested streets and side sois. Many voices are in favor
of upgrading Pattaya’s transport system but there are also many who say,
“More traffic jams to come.” Pattaya’s traffic problems are already
evident, even without the mini bus service; the topic, and how it causes
headaches for motorists, is frequently discussed.
Despite Mayor Niran’s adamant stance on providing
clearer traffic guidelines for Pattaya, the results are yet to be seen. He
said that the service is intended to compliment the songtaew (baht bus)
routes, but that Pattaya’s 700 baht buses will be subject to new, stricter
guidelines, which include barring them from parking in designated bus stops.
Most people see this as an effort to improve the quality
of local transportation service and promote greater ease of transport, but
there are also those who see the fares as the greatest hurdle. The higher
fare structures would be a hardship for many ordinary residents who must
face the daily struggle to survive. They see that baht buses must remain
despite people having to put up with their poor manners, despicable driving
habits and frequent unfair pricing for which the baht bus community has
become infamous.
However, many still ask the question: will the new bus
service improve their quality of life in terms of transport, or will it not?
In reality, over the past 10 years city administrators have been unable to
fully rectify any traffic problems, not even certain issues such as keeping
the 70-odd baht buses in order.
The baht bus issue has, for some time now, plagued the
city. Officials are able to do little to govern this unruly lot. Very few of
the operators follow the guidelines, not many are polite or accept the fact
that their presence creates traffic problems. In addition to this, the Baht
Bus Co-op more or less refuses to accept outside opinion about the fact that
many of their members are the source of many problems within the city, or
that such behavior causes problems for residents and tourists and creates a
negative city image.
If one looks deeply into the subject, the success of
Pattaya’s plan may lie with implementing a full public transport system,
but if it fails, the effect would be similar to adding clean water to a
dirty glass. No matter how much clean water you put in it, it will still
become dirty water once it mixes with the dirty water.
The important issue is, will the plan be able to reduce
traffic problems by pulling those unruly groups into line? Residents and
visitors are still wary. Problems like this are definitely not easy to solve
but we must take a ‘wait and see’ approach as to how this ‘new gift’
pans out in the long run.
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