NEWS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

19-year-old boy drowns in construction hole on Jomtien Beach

Thirty-three new vehicles supplied to Pattaya police station

Royal Navy organizes environmental conservation project

More training for civil volunteers to make city safer

Surveillance cameras along Pattaya and Jomtien beaches approach second stage

Pattaya Council holds first term extraordinary meeting

City cracks down on roaming elephants

Soused Saudi skips out on bar tab

German diamond thief arrested in Pattaya

Two bogus cops slap woman for refusing their sexual advances

Police briefs

Princess Soamsawalee opens 10th PENSA conference at the Dusit Resort

- EDITORIAL -

19-year-old boy drowns in construction hole on Jomtien Beach

Grieving father asks city mayor why no warning signs were posted

Boonlua Chatree

The tragic death of a 19-year-old boy who fell into a construction hole filled with water on Jomtien Beach and drowned prompted his grieving father to demand answers from authorities as to why no warning signs were posted. The father wants authorities to hold the contractor responsible for his son’s death.

Supachai Sridear (far left) met with Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn (center) and Bunlue Kulawanich, city councilor as to why there were no signs posted near the construction site that led to the death of his son Nattakorn.

The tragic event occurred on October 30, while young Nattakorn Sridear, from Bangkok, was walking along a strip of sand in front of Jomtien Beach Resort. As he innocently strolled on the public beach, he fell into a 6 meter deep hole where contractors were laying sewage pipe along the beachfront. The hole was filled with water and Nattakorn could not swim. His screaming brought tourists and residents running to help, but they were too late. His father, Supachai, knelt over his dead son and wept.

The needless death of the young boy was the direct result of negligence by the contractors laying the sewage pipe who had placed no warning signs or indications that work was in progress, the father said. Had there been clear signage and proper precautions taken for public safety, this tragedy might never have occurred.

On November 1, Supachai Sridear, the dead boy’s father, met with city officials demanding to find out who was responsible for the lack of safety signs that led to his son’s death. He was met by City Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Bunlue Kulawanich, Pattaya city councilor.

Supachai told city officials, “I wanted to meet the mayor because I want to ask the reason why there were no warning signs around the construction site telling people of the danger. This is the reason why my son died so unnecessarily.”

Mayor Niran replied, “Pattaya City will take responsibility. It is severe enough not to warrant forgiveness as the city was in the process of laying new sewerage pipes in the area and handed the construction project over to the Bangsaen Mahanakhon Company as the contractor. I have called in the project manager, Surasak Surakijbuar and instructed that the company must also take responsibility.”

Surasak Surakijbuar, project manager for Bangsaen Mahanakhon Company in charge of the Jomtien project met with Supachai Sridear and asked for forgiveness over the tragic loss of his son. Surasak presented 200,000 baht to pay for funeral expenses as compensation. Mayor Niran also said he personally would care for one evening of prayers during the funeral rites.

Supachai was forgiving and accepted the city’s offer, saying that his son’s death should not be needless and that it must be an example of neglect that should not re-occur in Pattaya. He implored the city to post relevant warnings at construction projects throughout the city.


Thirty-three new vehicles supplied to Pattaya police station

Increased patrol of city will reduce crime say donators

Boonlua Chatree

Pattaya police station on Soi 9 was presented with a new patrol car, 2 pickup trucks and 30 new motorcycles on November 4. The vehicles were provided by Pattaya City authorities and council members to help police officers improve their service to the public.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn (center) and city councilors hand over the ceremonial key for the new vehicles to Pol. Lt. Gen. Jongrak Juthanon, Region 2 police commander.

Until now, the station sorely lacked enough patrol vehicles to adequately cover this fast growing city. With the added means of transportation, officers can more effectively perform their duties.

The formalities took place in front of the station and the vehicles were handed over to Pol. Lt. Gen. Jongrak Juthanon, Region 2 police commander, Pol. Maj. General Anan Jaroenchasri Chonburi police commander and Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate, Pattaya police superintendent by Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, accompanied by city council members Pisai Panomwan Na Ayuthaya, Bunlue Kulawanit and Farouk Wongborisut.

Pol. Lt Gen. Jongrak expressed his thanks. “It is my pleasure to receive these new vehicles which are so badly needed, and I want to thank the city and the public for their support for police activities. The vehicles will be used to give added protection for residents and tourists and to safeguard lives and property. Our officers have a large and busy jurisdiction to protect and will now have the tools to more effectively patrol their areas. They will also be useful to provide security for HSH Princess Soamsawalee, who always travels by road from Bangkok to Pattaya for her activities. Therefore the vehicles given by Pattaya City will be very useful for the police to better carry out their duties.”


Royal Navy organizes environmental conservation project

Tree planting and beach cleaning pay tribute to HRM Queen Sirikit

Pacharapol Panrak

This year heralds Queen Sirikit’s auspicious 72nd birthday and many projects around the kingdom have been organized in her honor. One of Her Majesty’s most enduring wishes is to see the kingdom’s natural environment preserved and enhanced.

In a move to honor this wish, Admiral Wichai Yuwanangkul, Commander of Naval Operations in Sattahip presided over the opening of the Dongtan Bay Conservation Project in celebration of Queen Sirikit’s 72nd birthday, in front of the Officer’s Commission Club at Naval Operations.

Seventy three Palmyra palm trees were planted, which are symbolic of Dongtan Bay, and a massive rubbish cleanup was organized by naval personnel and the public to restore the beach to a pristine condition.

Vice Admiral Nakhon Aranyanak, chief of naval operations explained the Dongtan Bay Conservation Project. “Dongtan Bay is a landmark in Sattahip. The bay is beautiful - long and curving - and has thousands of Palmyra palm trees. Some are old and have died because of the cruelties of nature; therefore, the Royal Navy cooperates with official departments, private organizations and residents in the local community to revive and protect the heritage of Sattahip, so the next generation can know its history,” he said.

Dongtan Bay is a natural cove which is vulnerable to refuse that washes in from the sea such as plastic bags, parts of ring nets, and plastic bottles. Since it is a popular tourist area, the beach needs to be kept clean, so the navy and public arrange regular beach cleanups to keep it appealing for visitors.


More training for civil volunteers to make city safer

Suchada Tupchai

A training session was recently held to extend and upgrade education for Pattaya City’s Civil Volunteers to further their efficiency in safeguarding the city’s residents and tourists.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn opened the session, held on October 26 at Pattaya School No. 7, which was attended by 100 volunteers from involved departments. Distinguished speakers from Pattaya police station, Soldier Precinct 14, Chonburi, and Pattaya city officials told volunteers they must increase their knowledge of new methods and technology which are geared towards public safety.

Volunteers register before participating in the re-training.

The new training included aid in natural disasters, guarding the city from crime, helping to prevent damage to life and property, first aid assistance, improving public moral, training on how to handle security risks, civil unrest and to remain in a state of readiness to help safeguard the city.

Commenting on the training course, Mayor Niran said, “We are conducting this training course to increase the education of our volunteers and emphasize their importance as valuable human resources that will enhance our city’s growth, reputation and security. These volunteers will aid in making Pattaya a safe and peaceful city for all.”


Surveillance cameras along Pattaya and Jomtien beaches approach second stage

CCTV monitors to act as crime busters

Suchada Tupchai

Pattaya City is in the process of installing TV monitors along Pattaya and Jomtien beaches to help crime prevention and ensure the safety of residents and tourists.

A recent meeting at city hall was held to finalize the details of more installation points for the CCTV project. The first stage of the project entailed 60 installations from North Pattaya to Jomtien Beach in front of the information center, and is already 50 percent completed.

Apichart Puechphan, Pattaya’s deputy municipal clerk led the meeting attended by representatives of concerned departments, project committee members and a representative Tesco-Lotus Co. Ltd. Discussions centered on the second stage of the CCTV project.

During the session Apichart said, “At the moment Pattaya City uses high quality technology for crime prevention and law enforcement. We are in now in the process of upgrading our technology and the CCTV project is part of an overall move to improve security in the area. The first stage is already 50 percent finished. We now need to address the second stage of the project.

“Pattaya City is studying the second stage of 25 installations by continuing the first stage at the Information Center (opposite Surf Kitchen Restaurant). CCTV technicians say each camera should have a distance of about 4 - 5 km. The control center will be at Pattaya City Hall, which must be updated. Technicians will build a second control center at the Jomtien Information Center, named the ‘Chaiyrapruk Center’. When the 2 projects are completed along the Jomtien and Pattaya beaches they will have one central control in Pattaya City which will connect with 5 sub-branch control centers. This comprehensive method of surveillance should provide a considerable increase in security for residents and tourists and will be a valuable aid to law enforcement agencies in their duties.”


Pattaya Council holds first term extraordinary meeting

Community leader receives royal decoration for donation to school project

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Chaired by city council member Tawit Chaisawangwong, a 3rd extraordinary meeting for the city management team’s first term was held on November 2 and attended by administrators, department chiefs and committee members. The main agenda addressed the district’s school system and rules that regulate it. Donations from community members to support education in the area were also acknowledged.

Respectful recognition was given to Narumol Putthanawarat who donated 1 million baht in cash to Pattaya School No. 1 on September 6 for funding the school’s canteen school construction project. Narumol received a special decoration from His Majesty the King for this exceptional contribution to society and his tireless efforts to improve local education.

The meeting also discussed transferring the Photisamphan Pittayakarn School and Banglamung School from the Education Department in Chonburi to the jurisdiction of Pattaya City. This would upgrade the status of the schools and allow students to come under a more extensive category which would include primary, secondary and pre-college studies.

The proposal will be made to the education management department of Pattaya City. The move would improve opportunities for more hands-on management of the educational curriculum and remove the overlapping jurisdiction which currently exists. This transfer will also allow independent budget allocation for each school in order to improve education and revamp school facilities.


City cracks down on roaming elephants

Authorities enlist public to help

Suchada Tupchai

Everybody loves an elephant. These adorable jumbos are part of Thailand’s heritage and culture, but the big city is not a safe or healthy place for these animals to roam. Pattaya City is appealing to the public to help protect elephants from harm by reporting wandering elephants to the authorities.

Wandering elephants on the road, which are often seen in Thailand’s tourist towns.

Roaming elephants in Pattaya is a longstanding problem. Mahouts bring their elephants into the city to beg from tourists in an effort to make a living from the animal under their care. Not only do the jumbos make a mess on public streets and create traffic hazards, but many tourists are outraged at the sight of these poor elephants lumbering around in an environment that puts their healthy and safety in jeopardy.

Sunai Leetanon, chief of the sanitation department in Pattaya recently revealed that this problem is on the rise. It is illegal for elephants to roam the city and the public is being urged not to feed or give money to mahouts who are exploiting their animals, and to report the infraction to Pattaya City authorities by calling tel. 038-410200 ext. 344, or tel. 038-420823 ext 16.

Participation by the public will help enforce the laws and protect the animals. Pattaya City officials will see that they are relocated into a natural habitat as soon as possible. These precious elephants need our protection and deserve to live a happy life.


Soused Saudi skips out on bar tab

Lady bar owner wrestles him for the bill

Boonlua Chatree

Police received a report in the wee hours of the morning of November 1 that a foreigner was assaulting a Thai woman on the beach in front of the Royal Garden Hotel in South Pattaya. When officers arrived at the scene they found a very inebriated Saudi man attempting to strangle a female bar owner.

Aljrais Ahamad Fahadm found out the hard way that not even trying to strangle the barkeep could keep him from paying his tab.

Police finally broke up the scuffle and questioned both parties about the problem. Amari Bar owner Supaporn Chaisaensuad, 34, told officers the Saudi, later identified as 32-year-old Aljrais Ahamad Fahadm, had been drinking at her bar from the time it opened until closing time and had run up a tab of 1,540 baht. When closing time came round she asked him to pay the bill. By this time he was very drunk. He adamantly refused to pay and walked out. Undeterred, Supaporn, accompanied by one of her employees, followed the man down the street and onto the beach, still insisting he pay up on the 10 bar chits. She said Aljrais lost his temper and tried to throttle her rather than cough up the money.

Too drunk to argue, Aljrais had little to say in his own defense. Supaporn told officers she would let the matter go if the foreigner would pay his bill plus 1,000 baht to compensate her for bodily harm. Alhrais agreed to this and the police gave him a strict warning before letting him go.


German diamond thief arrested in Pattaya

Boonlua Chatree

Acting on a tip off that a German man, wanted for theft in Germany, might be hiding in Thailand, Pattaya Immigration police arrested Carsten Killing, 42, on Pattaya Third Road as he was having his motorcycle repaired.

Evidently there is no statute of limitations for jewelry theft in Germany, as Carsten Killing was arrested in Pattaya for a crime he committed 12 years ago in Hamburg.

Killing is wanted in Germany for the theft of 30,000 euros worth of diamonds in Hamburg in 1992. Authorities moved in after someone tipped them off to his whereabouts. It didn’t help his cause that he had overstayed his visa.

Once in custody, Killing confessed to staying in Thailand for over 2 years on an expired visa. He also confessed to the crime in Germany, telling officers he had fled to Thailand to avoid prosecution. The German also said he was in the process of getting a fake passport and that he was planning to rob a Pattaya bank to leave the country with enough cash.

Immigration police charged him with illegally residing in the kingdom. They have begun coordinating with German Embassy officials for his extradition to face charges in Hamburg.


Two bogus cops slap woman for refusing their sexual advances

S&M doesn’t help

Boonlua Chatree

Two men from Bangkok, wearing police crime suppression T-shirts, approached a Thai woman on South Pattaya’s Walking Street and made her an indecent proposal. When she refused, they became angry and pulled her hair and slapped her. Patrolling police officers spied the struggle and broke up the fight. The trio was brought to the Pattaya police station for questioning.

Trying to bully their way into having their way with a young woman on Walking Street landed these two in the care of Pattaya police. Perhaps flowers, dinner and a movie might work a little better?

The woman, identified as Duangchan Kongkaew, 28, told officers she was buying ice cream on the street when the two men approached her and asked to take her to bed. When she said no, they became belligerent and tried to intimidate her by telling her they were police and she should be more cooperative like the women in Bangkok. She responded by saying that she didn’t care if they were police, she was not going anywhere with them and she had done nothing wrong. Irked by her stubbornness, the men grabbed her by the hair and proceeded to slap her around, telling her they were going to teach her a lesson.

Officers at the station ran a check on the two men, identified as Aram Maneekul and Natthakom Ruangsri, both 46, and found than neither of them were police officers. When questioned about their behavior both men tried to show off by saying they were very important people in Bangkok. Unimpressed, police charged both men with causing bodily harm and fined them each 2,000 baht, before they were released.


Police briefs

Boonlua Chatree

Tipsy Aussie busted for disorderly conduct

Tourist police detained an Australian man identified as Marc Anthony, 35, for causing a public disturbance on Walking Street. Officers received a complaint from concerned citizens that a foreigner was drunk and disturbing customers at a beer bar and they wanted him to desist.

When the cops arrived, Anthony was obviously in his cups and distressed. His friend was trying to calm him down, but to no avail. The Australian sobered up considerably when he spied the uniforms. He was taken to the station and was charged with drunk and disorderly conduct, and paid a fine. After he made a promise to behave himself in the future, he was released. Still not completely sober, he grumbled all the way out the door.

Two jailbirds nabbed with fake pistol - No charges were pressed since gun and shells were not real

Cops recently nabbed a couple of hoodlums with rap sheets after residents made a call to police at 2 a.m. that two Thai men were riding through the streets threatening tourists with a gun.

Pattaya police responded to the report and set up road blocks. Spying the two suspects on a motorcycle on Pattaya Second Road, officers signaled them to stop. The pair sped on by, stripping some of their clothes off and throwing them on the roadside in a desperate effort to disguise their appearance. The ploy didn’t work as the police were in hot pursuit and finally pulled them over near the Dolphin roundabout on the Pattaya/Naklua Road.

The culprits were identified as Panya Khunsri, Akon Phathong, both 21 years old and both from Chonburi. A routine search found Panya in possession of a .357 caliber pistol with 5 bullets, but closer inspection revealed the gun and shells were fakes. Akom was searched but had nothing illegal on his person. Officers brought both men down to the Pattaya police station for questioning.

An investigation revealed that Akom was just released 2 months ago from jail for methamphetamine distribution. Panya had just done 3 years in prison for property theft, and had been released a little more than 2 months ago.

Pol. Maj. Sutham Chaoseethong said that charges couldn’t be levied since the gun and shells found on Panya were fakes and Akom was not in possession of anything illegal.

Man fights thief for motorcycle

Motorcycle theft is rampant in Pattaya. But one owner figured out a way to outsmart the villains. He had a bright idea that an electrician could modify the starter on his daughter’s bike to make it harder to steal. But some thieves just never give up.

Police received a report on from a man who said he was physically restraining a thief who had tried to steal his motorcycle, and the cops should hurry to the scene.

When officers arrived at the Soi Bon Kai residence, Prajak Sophon, 33, had the culprit pinned to the ground. Officers took control of the teenager, identified only as a 16 year old boy called ‘Chok’.

Prajak told officers he had been watching TV in his house and heard someone trying to take his motorbike, which he had parked in front of his house. He found the thief pushing the motorbike away from the house. Prajak said shouted to the neighbors for help, then restrained the youngster.

Prajak’s daughter, owner of the motorcycle, told police she had felt secure from theft since she had a technician modify the electrical system; therefore a thief couldn’t start the motorbike and ride away with it.

Police questioned ‘Chok’ who confessed to the attempted theft and admitted that he had stolen other motorcycles and had sold them to fences for cash. “Chok’ didn’t appear remorseful for his crime. He was charged with attempted theft and held over for court proceedings. This is one perp who bragged he would do it again.


Princess Soamsawalee opens 10th PENSA conference at the Dusit Resort

HSH Princess Somsawali presided over the opening ceremonies of the 10th Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA) conference held at the Dusit Resort Pattaya.

Suchada Tupchai

HSH Princess Somsawali presided over the opening ceremonies of the 10th Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA) conference held at the Dusit Resort Pattaya. The conference of specialists from around the region met to attend a seminar titled ‘The future of Nutrition and Cooperation among the Asian Region’.

Prof. Dr. Jomjakr Chantrasakul, PENSA chairman led the discussions for the almost 500 conference participants. Doctors, nurses, nutritional experts and research scientists from Thailand, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Pakistan exchanged ideas and discussed research on nutrition and how it can benefit the regional population.

PENSA’s first meeting was held on November 6, 1995, for interested members of the scientific community to gather to address the issue.

The event was well supported by Thai and International companies presenting their latest products set up at booths.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sornit Sintham, PENSA committee representative handed over 100,000 baht to HSH Princess Somsawali for use in royal sponsored charity projects. HSH officially declared the conference open, spoke with meeting attendees and handed out certificates.


- EDITORIAL - Sorry! Dangerous warnings...

Suchada Tupchai

Over the past few months, Pattaya’s administration has implemented many projects, including road resurfacing, laying new sewage pipes and even placing all utilities underground along Beach Road. Many of these projects are still in progress and create an inconvenience for residents, making an ugly site at best. Despite this, many residents accept this as part of progress.

The problem of construction and inconvenience faced during projects are not long term but the real issue of warning signs and information concerning the projects is!

The poor system of setting up clear warnings has been a longstanding issue. Prime examples of this can be seen at numerous points throughout the city’s major roads and sois, especially in the high density community areas such as Siam Country Club Road, Soi Nernplubwan and Soi Khao Noi - still under construction. Officials and contractors are essentially racing against time to complete the projects and in doing so have not placed proper warnings at certain dangerous sections for motorists and pedestrians, especially at night.

Such a lack of safety standards has injured many and the latest incident on Jomtien Beach where a young man lost his life is a prime example of the lack of safety consideration given to any particular project. There were no warning signs put up before the tragedy occurred.

This is not the first time the issue of a lack of clear signage and warning to the general public has been raised. Residents, tourists and the media have called on administrators and contractors to rectify the lack of safety on numerous occasions to the point where many are fed up with the lack of response.

Motorists must contend with poor road conditions, often with huge potholes, but again no evidence of proper warning to road users - generally it’s just a piece of reinforcing bar with a plastic bag tied to it. Only those with good enough eyes and quick enough reflexes tend to escape the obstacle course on city sois; many who don’t possess these attributes end up injuring themselves.

As a tourist city, Pattaya has tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe spending time and money during their stay, creating steady growth. Such growth comes at a price, with many less than favorable incidents occurring as a result. In truth, many can be avoided if we stand back and look at the bigger picture. This city is undergoing rapid growth and the Pattaya administration is focusing on taking an interest in the residents, but they are making the same mistakes over and over again.

The mistakes are not earth shattering but administrators should brainstorm on how to prevent history from reoccurring and ensure safe practices during development projects. Public safety must be considered; contractors and officials must take the responsibility and instill the philosophy in various departments. Development projects, once completed, should be looked upon as an achievement, and not having officials say “sorry” again and again for the accidents that occurred during progress due to the lack of clear information.