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National Elections this weekend
Sale of alcohol banned during elections
National parliamentary elections are being held this Sunday,
February 6. Central and local government officials and Election monitoring
committee members are urging all eligible voters to vote.
In Pattaya, volunteers will stand by to monitor the ballot
boxes. Tough regulations to stamp out vote buying and discrepancies will be
enforced.
Once the votes have been counted around the country and the
election monitoring committees have been satisfied, the winners will be
announced.
Pattaya City inhabitants who wish to vote on February 6 must
vote at the Election Units, and voters can check for their correct election
unit at Pattaya City Hall. The public must also protect against voter fraud by
not allowing out of district people to sneak into the census registration.
Voters can vote for members of the house of representatives,
and for a political party.
Under the law the sale of alcoholic beverages nationwide
will be banned from 6 p.m. Saturday February 5 until midnight Sunday, February
6.
Note: In Pattaya, these laws will be enforced, as many bar
and restaurant owners and managers have learned in the past after being handed
stiff penalties and fines.
Pattaya City welcomes 170 police
officers for education session
Suchada Tupchai
Deputy Mayor Weerawat Khakai, administrators, and Pattaya
City officials welcomed 170 police superintendents and law enforcement officers
for training at the Police Development Institute on January 21. They were led by
Pol. Col. Theerachon Pratummanee, director of police precinct course Group 85,
in legal education, administration and management of Pattaya City. The training
session is regularly held for law enforcement throughout the kingdom.
 Deputy
Mayor Weerawat Khakai) gave a welcome speech and information about the visual
education training
The training aimed to increase knowledge, efficiency in
administration and keep law enforcement officers abreast of changing social
conditions, technology, crime suppression and prevention. Pattaya was chosen due
to its unique character, location and because it has a special self-governing
administration.
During the training seminar a video presentation was
introduced regarding the international characteristics of Pattaya City and its
administration system and how the city uses new technology in law enforcement. A
question and answer session allowed attendees to exchange information and trade
ideas for future use.
Weerawat said, “Pattaya City has developed very fast in many ways; however
with rapid development future problems such as security for the residents and
tourists are sure to follow. Other tourism problems with prostitution,
cleanliness, and especially the traffic in Pattaya City are top priorities on
our agenda. We are aware that the city needs strict law enforcement to maintain
its good image of an international tourist destination.
New teaching
curricula in effect
The new curricula and teaching procedures
for primary and secondary schools have come into effect, the
Secretary-General of the Office of the Basic Education Commission (BEC),
Pornnipha Limpaphayom, told journalists on January 26.
“Under the new program, teaching will be
student-centered and classes will be pleasurable rather than tiring.” said
Pornnipha.
The curricula will focus on tailoring lessons to students
needs through a natural approach, rather than rote learning. Subjects will
be divided into three groups—those involving basic academic knowledge,
including mathematics, science, English and computer science; those
involving basic social skills, including history, ethics, economics, civil
duties and etiquette and physical education.
The third group will include recreational activities,
aesthetics, arts and appreciation, managerial kills, music, sports and self
development.
The subjects in groups one and two should be taught in
the morning, while students’ mental and physical capabilities are still
fresh. Group three should be taught in the afternoon, and may be outside the
classrooms, and will not require grading. (TNA)
City administration and traffic police call on motorcycle taxis to abide by traffic laws
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
In attempt to create further bliss on city streets and reduce
crime, Pattaya administrators and traffic police called a meeting with Pattaya
motorcycle taxi riders. Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn chaired the
meeting held at city hall on January 25.
More than
200 motorcycle taxi drivers attended the meeting.
Senior police from the crime suppression and traffic
departments revealed that a number of complaints on unfair pricing and criminal
cases plagued the city’s motorcycle taxi riders. The meeting focused on
encouraging the 200 plus motorcycle taxi ranks in Pattaya to abide by the laws
and act as extra ears and eyes for police to reduce the incidence of street
crime. Pattaya administrators also said that the city will take control of the
taxi ranks to ensure tight standards and a more professional operation.
Pol. Lt. Col. Nattasit Boonruam, Pattaya deputy
superintendent in charge of crime suppression said, “The current problems are
such that it is important for everyone to take responsibility and in February
the Pattaya police will begin recruiting more crime prevention volunteers. All
residents, male or female, over 20 are eligible to register and training and
uniforms will be issued at the expense of the Pattaya police and the city
administration.” Nattasit added that crime prevention was essential and called
on for further assistance from motorcycle taxi riders.
Pol. Lt. Col. Somchai Phongsai, Pattaya traffic inspector
said that the traffic department has already begun to enforce tighter controls
on the city’s streets adding that many of the taxis had registered with the
with authorities. “There will be only four jacket colors for taxis; red,
green, blue and yellow. All motorcycle taxi riders will need to have special
number plates to signify the bikes being taxis but right now we must focus of
behavior and fairness for all passengers and that everyone follows the road
rules,” Somchai said.
The meeting concluded with officials stating that there would be no further
taxi ranks allowed and that applications would be considered only if the area
was suitable and the service deemed necessary.
AIDS seminar for students
Thai youth are more at risk than ever
Suchada Tupchai
On January 24 Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over
the opening of the seminar about AIDS for the youth in Pattaya City in the
schools, an annually held activity. This year students from 10 schools in
Pattaya City participated in this colloquium.
Students
listen attentively to Professor Pichet Charoenket.
The training session was held from January 24-25. Speakers
included Professor Pichet Charoenket, from the Public Health Department at
Burapha University.
The Health and Environment Department of Pattaya City
continuously organizes this seminar every year because they realize that the
problems with AIDS transmission are prevalent among the population. This is an
important issue and affects the Thai lifestyle, especially in some levels of
society.
From the data collected in 2004, it was discovered that over
one million people had AIDS, and it is estimated that in 2005 approximately 70
to 80 people will contract this disease at per day.
The newest people infected with AIDS has changed from the
past because it is less prevalent in people who work in service bars and that
is because they insist that customers must condoms. Now the groups that are
more at risk are the teenagers and housewives. Teenagers have sexual relations
at school age and are mot aware of how to protect themselves and their
partners. They also change partners frequently, and this is another important
cause of the transmission of AIDS.
Mayor Niran said, “AIDS is a dangerous disease and has
become a national problem. It affects the economy and society, especially being
a problem for our youngsters who are the future of the country. Parents must
educate their children on these matters, so that they may think twice before
taking any risks. Pattaya especially is a high-risk area.
Protection and solving the problem of AIDS for the entire country must be
taken further. We must address this problem in the family and the general
community. We must get the message out to the general public so that they will
understand the devastating effects of AIDS and how to avoid transmission.”
City discusses beautifying beach road and Sukhumvit traffic islands
City administrators and government department heads met
at city hall on Wednesday to discuss improving and beautifying roadside
areas. The focus of attention was the 15 kilometer stretch of Sukhumvit Road
traffic islands and Beach Road promenade.
Mayor Nirun Wattanasartsathorn opened the meeting saying
that there was a need to beautify the Sukhumvit traffic islands from the
Kratinglai intersection (Rayong bypass)to the southern most area of the city
limits.
Suggestions were made to create better drainage and
lighting along Sukhumvit as well as feature many activities now available in
Pattaya ranging from sporting events to cultural activities.
Nirun said that a budget for the project needed to be
considered with private enterprise creating the design. “It is important
to maintain a good image for visitors,” said the mayor.
The mayor also voiced the opinion that further
conveniences and further beautification of Beach Road needed to be
considered because it is a major attraction for visitors.
Discussions also touched on the new park on Pratamnak
Hill, which is still under construction and that the beach view park should
feature a small area where residents can perform religious activities and
pay their respects to deities. A final decision on the topics will be made
at future meetings.
Mayor rearranges city hall parking for residents’ convenience
Suchada Tupchai
In the spirit of goodwill, Pattaya’s mayor, Nirun
Wattanasartsathorn, announced that all government workers would park their
vehicles outside city hall. The announcement came as the mayor inspected
the building site where two new buildings are currently under construction.
Mayor
Niran inspects the progress of the construction site.
“Residents contacting government departments have
complained that there is no convenient parking available. The new city
parking facility is still under construction and until it is ready, city
employees will be able to park in a specified area of Tesco Lotus, North
Pattaya and walk across the road to their offices. As of January 25,
residents will be able to have convenient parking when contacting city
departments, at least until construction is completed. Everything will
return to normal after that,” said Mayor Niran.
The two new government buildings, currently under construction, will
include a 10-storey car park and a 6-storey annex building. The 155.5
million baht project began construction on December 8 last year and the
contractors, Bangsaen Mahanakorn Managing Partners Ltd. are scheduled to
complete the project on January 11, 2006 - a total of 400 days.
Education Ministry in drive to uphold Thai culture
The Ministry of Education recently unveiled
strategies to ensure that school children absorb Thai cultural traditions,
including a requirement for all pupils to learn at least one Thai musical
instrument.
The proposals, thrashed out during a meeting of Education
Ministry and Culture Ministry officials, represent a four-pronged approach to
conserve Thai values and combat the growing infiltration of western culture
into Thai society.
Piyabutr Chonvicharn, Vice-Minister for Education, said
that the plans would see 7,000 monks seconded to schools to teach courses on
ethics and morality. At the same time, children will be required to learn at
least one traditional Thai musical instrument, with young children starting on
the Thai flute and then progressing to more complex instruments.
The plans will also seek to ensure that more school
children and students use the nation’s museums and libraries, with linkages
formed between the National Library and libraries in schools and universities.
Piyabutr admitted that the scheme would be expensive, but
described it as necessary, saying, “We need to ensure that children absorb
Thai culture and Thai traditions once again.” (TNA)
Ratchapat University holds ‘Developing the Environment’ seminar
Suchada Tupchai
Held at the Grand Sole Hotel on Pattaya Second Road at
8:30am on January 23, Pattaya Mayor Nirun Wattanasartsathorn, presided over
the opening of the ‘Developing the Environment’ Seminar at Pattaya City
2005' event. Officers, concerned department officials, members of the
business community, and students were in attendance.
Mayor
Nirun and Winai Sua-udom join in a group photo at the end of the seminar.
Winai Sua-udom, seminar project president said,” The
seminar was organized by the Student Administration Program from Ratchapat
University (Pattaya campus) for Education Year 2001 because they realized
the environmental problems with the government and private organizations.
They tried to find a way for development especially in Pattaya City, which
is a well-known tourist location on the east coast, and has many tourists
visiting every year. Pattaya City has grown and expanded very quickly and
still continues to do so. All this development is the real reason that
Pattaya City has environmental problems, for example the increase in
garbage, which the sanitary landfills do not have enough space for.
Wastewater from the industrial enterprises is not handled correctly, and
this problem affects the environment, especially the seawater. The green
areas in Pattaya are decreasing because of building construction and
commercial buildings, including increases in air pollution from cars.”
Winai Sua-udom continued, “This pollution affects
people in the environment and the public realizes this problem, and that is
why they organized this ‘Developing the Environment Seminar at Pattaya
City 2005’event. All people concerned know about the environment and
understand the problems, and cooperate to solve them. This includes more
people presenting ideas and suggestions to be useful in solving and
developing the environment for the long term.”
Honored speakers including Pattaya City Mayor Niran,
Thanet Supornsaharungsi, Pattaya Business and Tourism Association president
and Bandit Siritanyong, restaurant entrepreneur and mayoral advisor,
addressed the group and presented ideas and suggestions on how to solve the
problem.
The seminar attracted many people who participated to gain knowledge and
understanding about the matters of principal, methods, and ways to develop
the environment in Pattaya City. They also realized the importance about the
environment, and will distribute and practice in taking care of their homes
and residences.
Irishman kills friend and business partner
Claims he was cheated out of his share
Boonlua Chatree
Shortly after 1 a.m. on January 31, police were called to
a stabbing incident on soi 6. The victim, Ernest Brennan, 45 of Ireland
sustained two stab wounds at the hand of Patrick Farrell, 61, also of
Ireland. Both Farrell and Brennan were business partners in the Jimmy’s
Place Food & Drink Bar.
 Patrick
Farrell sits casually at the bar as if nothing happened; police handcuffed
him and later charged him with the murder of Ernest Brennan.
Brennan was rushed to the PIC Hospital on soi 4 but was
pronounced dead on arrival. He sustained a slash wound to the back of the
neck severing a major blood vessel and a stab wound in the chest.
Police attending the scene arrested Farrell who was still
in the bloodied bar after the incident. Farrell still had the kitchen knife
in his possession.
Witnesses at the scene, bar staff and the dead man’s
wife told police that the pair had argued frequently over the past few days
and that on the night of the stabbing they were drinking when an argument
erupted with Patrick Farrell producing a knife and stabbing Brennan.
Farrell was taken in for questioning where he claimed
that he had been cheated out of his share of the takings and justice was
due. Farrell told officers that he had taken the knife from his Soi
Chaiyapoon apartment along with him to the bar.
Patrick Farrell was charged with first degree murder and
could face execution or life imprisonment for his crime.
Overzealous security guard fights the law - and the law won
Boonlua Chatree
The tune rings true, even today in Pattaya! A security guard
at The Market Pattaya found what it was like to lose against the local police.
The report of an assault committed by security guards at The
Market Pattaya led to the arrest of one guard for unauthorized gun possession.
The guard attempted fight off police efforts, but without avail.
 Manote
fought the law, and the law won.
At around 1.30 a.m. on January 24, Chaiwoot Rumdupwong, 30,
reported to police that a group of security guards at The Market Pattaya had
assaulted him and that one of them was carrying a gun.
Police officers went to the Second Road premises where they
observed the unusual behavior from one of the security staff. He was later
identified as Manote Noicharoen, 32. Police made their presence known and
attempted to detain the armed man. Manote shouted for backup from his fellow
guards as he tried to fight off police. Eventually police wrestled the gun from
Manote and took him for questioning.
The gun was identified as a German made 9mm pistol and was loaded with 9
rounds of ammunition in the full magazine. Manote Noicharoen was charged with
carrying a loaded weapon inside the city without sufficient reason or
authorization, and resisting arrest.
Four injured as crazed man shoots his mobile phone
Boonlua Chatree
Four people sustained minor injuries when bullets fired
into a mobile phone ricocheted. The incident occurred at around 3 a.m.
earlier this week at the Niran Condo complex in Central Pattaya when a man,
known only as ‘Woot’ became enraged and fired six rounds into his phone
after throwing it on the ground. Those injured included two foreigners and
two women; all were taken to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
 Police
collect spent .38 caliber shells from the ground at the Niran Condo, Soi
Arunothai where four people were injured.
Woot is known to work for a loan shark in the condo
complex and when police arrived witnesses were reluctant to come forth for
fear of retribution.
Police attending the scene picked up the damaged phone
and 6 shell casings from .38 caliber pistol. Officers questioned the victims
who said they said they saw the man talking on his mobile before flying into
a rage. After firing off six rounds he allegedly turned around and
threatened witnesses before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Police know the man’s identity and are in the process
of locating him to commence with criminal proceedings.
Banglamung shooting leaves two men injured
Good Samaritan shot whilst trying to help
Shortly after 1.30 a.m. on January 24,
Banglamung police were called to the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital following the
admittance of two men with gunshot wounds.
Upon arriving at the hospital emergency room police
learned the men’s identities and injuries: Vimol Ampueng, 40, the brother
of a Chonburi Member of Parliament, had been shot and beaten about the head,
and Ghislaiin Backceki, 43, a German national had been shot in the legs;
both were unable to talk to police at the time.
Initial investigations revealed that the shooting
occurred in front of a small restaurant in the Nong Gateyai area.
Ghislain
Backceki was shot in the legs when he tried to help Vimol Ampueng.
According to witnesses the foreigner had tried to help
Vimol who was being beaten by 6 drunken youths when one pulled out a gun and
shot Backceki and Vimol before fleeing the scene.
Police had to wait for both men to regain consciousness
before continuing their investigations but according statements from
witnesses, police know the identity of the attackers and are in the process
tracking them down.
Police briefs
Boonlua
Chatree
Teenager arrested after South Pattaya grab and run theft
A 15-year-old boy was detained by a Good Samaritan in
South Pattaya after the youth stole a handbag. Parichart Punthong screamed
for help after two teens stole her handbag as she was entering her apartment
building on Soi Yensabai.
Police arrived in South Pattaya, following the call at
around 2 a.m. on January 24, to find the 15-year-old boy being held by
Saknarin Pakdee, 20, who stepped in to help the distressed woman. One of the
young thugs managed to escape. The captured teen, later identified only as
‘Yar’ still had the stolen bag in his possession and was taken into
custody.
The boy, originally from the northeastern province of
Udon Thani, confessed, telling police that he and his friend intended to
steal the bag and sell the items for cash so they could go out for some fun.
The youth was charged with theft and remanded into custody pending legal
proceedings.
Tourist injured
in Pattayaland 2 beating
Boonlua
Chatree
The notoriety of Soi Pattayaland 2 has again been
highlighted with the recent assault on a Swiss tourist. Police picked up the
unconscious man and took him to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
 An
unconscious Paul Lindgrane being treated at Pattaya Memorial Hospital after
being attacked in Soi Pattayaland 2.
Officers radioed for assistance shortly after midnight on
January 25 when they discovered Paul Lindgrane, 56, from Switzerland, laying
unconscious on the footpath. The foreigner sustained multiple bruises from
appeared to be a vicious attack.
Witnesses in the area told police that they saw Lindgrane
in state of inebriation after drinking at a number of bars. They told police
that a group of Thai and foreign men, carrying lumps of wood attacked him
until he was unconscious with no one attempting to help him. The attackers
arrogantly later moved on to a nearby bar apparently not caring if police
showed up or not. Police are searching for the perpetrators.
Pra Thepkittipanyakhun passes away
Boonlua
Chatree
One of the region’s most beloved Buddhist abbots, Pra
Thepkittipanyakhun succumbed to heart failure. He was 69 years old.
Pra Thepkittipanyakhun had heart disease for a long time
and was suffering from increased breathing problems. A nurse from the
Banglamung Hospital who cared for him saw that he was feeling better, so all
of his followers asked him to go to the Nakhonthon Hospital.
 On January 21, he agreed to travel to Nakhonthon in
Bangkok with relatives and followers. At the Chonburi bypass in the
Nongmaidaeng Sub-District relatives noticed that he was having difficulties,
so they decided to rush him back to the Chonburi Hospital but the holy man
succumbed before reaching the hospital.
Pra Thepkittipanyakhun Kiitiwutho’s former name was
Kittisak Charoensathaporn and he was born on June 1st in 1936 in
Nakhonpathon Province. In 1949 he completed primary class 4 at the Banglen
School in Nakhonpathon. There he studied the Buddhist religion and learned
to read and write Pali as well as Chinese and English.
Pra Thepkittipanyakhun, a monk for 47 years, was an
assistant abbot at Borommaharatchawang, Sub-District, Pranakhon District,
and in 1967 he became the assistant director of Jittapawan College,
Banglamung. He was also the managing director of the Apithammahatat College
Foundation, Mahatat Temple, Pranakhon District, in Bangkok.
Pra Thepkittipanyakhun Kiitiwutho was a devoted preacher
of the Buddhist religion and his followers greatly loved him. Before his
death he had plans to increase the status of the Jittapawan College to be an
extension of Chulalongkorn University.
His death saddens the community and his many devoted
followers grieve for the loss of a great teacher and mentor. May he rest
peacefully in the arms of Lord Buddha.
Pattaya Chinese New Year Celebrations to be best ever
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
On January 27, 2005 at Pattaya City Hall,
executives of Pattaya led by Wirawat Khakhai, Pattaya deputy mayor, The
Walking Street Committee, and representatives from The Tourism Authority of
Thailand, Central Region 3 office met to discuss plans for Pattaya’s
Chinese New Year Celebration. The name of the event this year is called the
“Pattaya Chinese New Year Celebration 2005”, and this meeting was in
full attendance by departments associated with the event.
Wirawat
Khakhai, Pattaya deputy mayor is flanked by the Walking Street Chinese New
Year Organising committee.
This event is renowned throughout the tourist community
for the diversity of culture in Pattaya City. These activities attract vast
numbers of interested tourists. The prominent festival at the beginning of
the year is the Chinese New Year. This celebration was promoted to preserve
the Thai people’s lineage of Chinese customs, and to promote tourism. This
includes creating a lasting target tourist group that will come to join the
Pattaya Chinese New year celebration every year.This year the group
presenting the event is preparing to lay plans for many interesting
activities. They will change Walking Street’s appearance to be a mock
Chinatown, with a food arch and diversified products of China and Chinese
cultural events.Activities will include a show with a golden dragon, a big
parade of people dressed up as lions, and the highlight of the activities
will be cooking Emperor Noodles in a large pan, including a Manthow (Chinese
bun) eating competition.Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum reported about
the wondrous festival. Everyday will also have many other activities such
as; the showing of dramatic mixed art from Thai and Chinese cultures, an
angel blessing show, the showing of modern Chinese dance, and a special
activity consisting of a Manthow eating competition. Ninety-nine people have
already registered. The competitors must eat the most amount of Manthow in
12 minutes to win. The winner will receive an honorary plaque and many
awards.Anyone interested in competing can ask for details at the Promotions
and Tourism Development Department in Pattaya City, Tel. number: 038-410200
ext. 108.These activities for the Chinese New Year will be held from
February 9-13. February 9 at 9:00 p.m. will mark the official opening on
Walking Street in South Pattaya, and the many interesting and customary
shows will be held from February 10-13 starting at 9:00 p.m. on Walking
Street as well.
These activities for the Chinese New Year will be held from February
9-13. The official opening of the festivities will be held on February 9 at
9:00 p.m. in South Pattaya, and the many interesting and customary shows
will be held from February 10-13 starting at 9:00 p.m. on Walking Street as
well.
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