NEWS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Residents encouraged to report suspected drug activities

City educates community leaders and students to watch over the local environment

Officials move out to help residents

Provincial administrators call for 3-year development plan

City security committee set to enforce tight controls on boat operators

Discussions continue over Bali Hai management

City officially takes over town planning responsibilities for region

City officials talk rubbish

Jomtien Mini-mart robbed at gunpoint

American man drowns

Local policeman’s nephew shot dead in North Pattaya

Woman commits suicide after argument with partner

Scot injured in scuffle with German

Police briefs

Residents encouraged to report suspected drug activities

Government’s war on drugs, phase 4, to begin April 1

Phase 4 of the government’s war on drugs is scheduled to begin April 1, and locally, Banglamung district residents are being encouraged to report drug related activities to the Banglamung Drug Operations Center.

The center has outlined a “road map” plan to defeat the drug problem within the district. The plan is to gather information from residents and members of the community. These residents are being encouraged to report suspected drug activities to relevant officials with the aim to reduce the drug problem where it no longer presents a danger to society.

It was decided that 10 people from each community would be delegated to provide reliable information to enable law enforcement agencies to act on suspicious behavior, as well as prevent further spurts of activity in each area.

Through this plan, district officials once again hope to eradicate drugs in the area.

To discuss and begin implementing the road map to defeat drugs in the district, Worawit Supattanpol, Banglamung district chief, last week chaired a meeting with officials from the Banglamung Drug Operations Center. The meeting took place at the Banglamung offices, and police, community leaders and members of the private sector were in attendance.

Phase 4 is scheduled to conclude September 30 this year.


City educates community leaders and students to watch over the local environment

Narisa Nitikarl

Local community leaders from 27 villages, students and teachers packed into city hall last Thursday as part of a volunteer training seminar. The seminar offered further insight into the responsibilities required to care for the local environment.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presides over the opening of the seminar.

Wannaporn Jamjumrat from the Pattaya Health Hygiene and Environment Department told them, “The environment and natural resources are important and as of now we must look at development to sustain them, especially in Pattaya. The Pattaya Health Hygiene and Environment Department has instigated a volunteer project for community leaders, students and teachers to learn and spread the word among their peers to preserve our environment.”

The environmental volunteer program began with a 2-day seminar in which practical demonstrations were given on how to better care for the environment. Lecturers from the provincial department were on hand to give advice on waste reduction, recycling processes, and compost creation, the later being taught by the Wat Yarn Agriculture Vocational Training Center.

On the second day of training, attendees left the confines of city hall to inspect first hand what was required.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn presided over the opening of the seminar and said, “This training program on environmental care will greatly benefit everyone ... people of the community, especially those volunteering, will be able to develop important conservation efforts throughout the city and make Pattaya a better place to live and visit.”


Officials move out to help residents

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

The Larn Poh area in Naklua was the latest target for the city administration’s mobile service unit. The monthly project aims to provide services to residents and address their problems.

Residents turned out in droves for free haircuts, medical and dental checkups, and pet vaccinations. The mobile unit also provided needed supplies to those less fortunate.

Free haircuts to those in need.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn was joined by his deputies and city councilors in providing advice and listening to various issues.

The garbage recycling project, where residents exchange items for eggs, yet again proved successful, whilst city administrators handed out dried foods, clothes and consumables donated by local department stores and supermarkets.

The city is growing rapidly and there are people who are being left behind in the progress. Local administrators have had the foresight to see their plight and have carried out this project every month, giving advice and listening to residents. City officials see these people as an important part of their work to ease suffering and create a better quality of life for all citizens. Many of them are also eligible voters.


Provincial administrators call for 3-year development plan

Focus on improving quality of life and ports

Suchada Tupchai

As part of the government’s strategy, provincial officials were given the task of providing a strategic development plan to improve the lives of citizens. Chonburi administrators called a meeting with over 290 district and sub-district officers to lay down the policies for development.

Pisit Boonchuang, Chonburi deputy governor, chaired the meeting at the Tide Resort in Bangsaen, outlining the needs for strategic plans for 2006-2008. The focus for each municipality and district is to improve the quality of life for residents, further industry and improve local infrastructure. Plans will be updated annually.

Pisit Boonchuang, Chonburi deputy governor chairs a meeting at the Tide Resort in Bangsaen with over 290 administrators from the province to discuss a 3-year development plan.

Pisit laid down the guidelines for local administrators to enable them to grasp the need for planning and development in Chonburi if it is to get ahead of other provinces.

“This seminar is to present the 3 year development plan for the province from 2006-2008. We see the importance of Chonburi being at the forefront in development for each area in economic and social growth. It is important that we also maintain the same ideals to move forward as one,” said Pisit.

The seminar also focused on environmental planning issues, local governing by administrative authorities and a leap in researching the correct course of action in building stable growth in all facets of industry and society.

The aim to improve the Laem Chabang port was raised, since it is the main port for Thailand and rated 16th in the world.

The deadline for completion of the 3-year plan has been set for June 2005.


City security committee set to enforce tight controls on boat operators

To ensure tourist safety

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Pattaya boat operators from Naklua to Jomtien, sea rescue personnel, water police and marine transport authorities met at city hall on Monday, March 14 to implement stricter controls on marine activities.

Pattana Boonsawat, deputy mayor and Pattaya security committee chairman presided over the meeting, which looked at enforcing tighter safety controls on the city’s 1,000 plus boats.

Those attending the meeting were in favor of the new guidelines which separated vessels into four main categories; First being dining and entertainment vessels officering food, drink and live entertainment; Second, passenger boats from Pattaya to Koh Larn and boats for hire; Third category for the city’s 990 speedboats and 25 banana boats; and Fourth for jet skis. The new standards include all vessels (subject to the category) to have life preservers and lifejackets for passengers, and stricter mooring controls with vessels being anchored out of high traffic areas.

At the close of the meeting it was decided that all boats and operators are to be registered with the relevant authorities to enable officials to inspect the vessels and operators. Further details of how and when are to be discussed at a further meeting in the near future.


Discussions continue over Bali Hai management

Rental fees still undecided

Suchada Tupchai

The issue of who will manage the Bali Hai pier remains unresolved with officials unable to place a real figure on rental fees for the building. The latest meeting, held at city hall last week, made little progress on the issue.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn chaired the meeting with officials to hammer out further details on fee structures. First on the agenda were fees for boat moorings. Initial rates mentioned included passenger vessels using the pier at 100 baht per time, yachts 500 baht per time, jet skis 20 baht per use and supply vessels 50 per use. Boat operators would also have to register with the city to be allowed a concession on the rates with large boat paying 500 baht per year and smaller boats at 300 baht per year. The suggestions were noted, with further details and a final decision to be made after officials meet with operators.

City officials still can’t decide how much to charge to rent facilities at Bali Hai pier.

Setting times for allowing vehicle to use of the pier was also raised, with yet again no conclusion forthcoming. The initial morning and afternoon periods of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. were discarded. The latest suggestion is to ban vehicles from the pier from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Finally, rental fees for the four rooms in the Bali Hai building were discussed, with initial suggestions put at 8,000 baht per month per room and additional fees for operating the bathroom facilities for 60,000 per month, parking lot at 30,000 per month. The suggested monthly fee for the terrace, which is to be used as a cafe style facility, was 120,000 per month. Some officials said that the rates were over inflated. However, suggestions were based on figures from volunteers operating the pier that selling food and drinks averages an income of 12,000 baht per day. No definitive figure was decided on and discussions are set to continue at the next meeting.


City officially takes over town planning responsibilities for region

Part of new self-governing strategy

Suchada Tupchai

Earlier this month, an important signing ceremony took place at city hall. During the ceremony, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Thanu Srichoo, Chonburi civil engineering and town planning director, signed the paperwork necessary to combine town planning between Pattaya City and surrounding districts without having to go through a provincial approval processes.

This allows the city administration to proceed with town planning under its own authority.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn (right) and Thanu Srichoo (left), Chonburi civil engineering and town planning director, sign the paperwork necessary to combine town planning between Pattaya City and surrounding districts without having to go through provincial approval processes.

Chonburi Governor Pisit Ketphasook was also present at the signing ceremonies when provincial authorities officially handed over town planning controls to Pattaya City.

Local government administrators, government department heads, city councilors and members of media witnessed the ceremony at Pattaya City Hall at 1:30 pm on March 2.

Anawat Suwandech, city plan analysis officer said, “The central government’s policy is to decentralize authority and to transfer duties to local administrations. City planning is just one of the duties the local administrations must take over. The announcement to combine Pattaya City with outlying districts came from an Interior Ministry order on May 22, 2003 and will expire on May 21 2008.”

This order for Pattaya covers Pattaya City, Na-Jomtien Municipality, Huay Yai Municipality, Nongprue sub-district, Nongplalai sub-district, Pong sub-district, and Na-Jomtien sub-district.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn said that city administrators will be able to handle this responsibility, but in order for it to work most effectively, administrators need cooperation from each department.

Governor Pisit Ketphasook commented that this is an important step towards developing a good layout plan for the city, regarding utilities, traffic, and construction, and continue to develop Pattaya as an international tourist location.


City officials talk rubbish

Meet with East Waste Management Company representatives

City officials and department heads met with East Waste Management Company representatives to review and resolve problems associated with the company’s garbage collection contract. Tawit Chaisawangwong, city council chairman, and Wuttisak Rermkijakarn, deputy mayor in charge of public health, chaired the meeting at city hall on Tuesday, March 15.

Wuttisak said that since the company has taken over the contract in 2003, the results have been quite satisfactory, but there are certain problems that need to be corrected.

Issues such as foul smell, liquid waste leaking from the collection trucks and increased numbers of large refuse receptacles were raised. City administrators called for the company to taken action on the various points and continue to improve their services.

“The company operations are quite satisfactory,” said Tawit. “As far as the problems associated with collecting waste, residents must also do their part to ensure such issues don’t arise. A public relations campaign would benefit everybody, specifically on timing and how to properly dispose of waste,” said the city council chairman.

City health officers pointed out two areas where the campaign was needed, along Sukhumvit Road and Pattaya Third Road where specific timings are needed or the problem could eventually escalate.

“A firm plan of action is needed to resolve the problem and keep these areas clean,” said Pramote Supsaeng, Pattaya Health Department supervisor.


Jomtien Mini-mart robbed at gunpoint

Reign of terror in Pattaya continues

Boonlua Chatree

Armed robbers made off with 12,000 baht in cash and pistol whipped the cashier last week at the Orange Mini-mart and Internet Cafe in Jomtien.

Officers from the Dongtan police box in Jomtien were called to the store at around 1 a.m. on March 18 when the woman tending the register at the mini-mart reported the robbery. Officers arrived on the scene to find Rungtip Potecharlie, 18, visibly upset and bleeding after the robbers had pistol whipped her.

The Orange Mini-mart cashier was visibly upset and bleeding when police arrived.

She told officers that two men, aged 17-19 years, entered the shop and pretended to shop. One of the youths stepped up to the counter, produced a gun and demanded money from the cash register. Rungtip complied with the demands and handed over the cash, but the young thug then hit her over the head. She said the thieves also made off with over thirty One-2-Call telephone cards priced at 300 baht each. She said the pair sped off on a motorcycle in the direction of Pattaya.

Police attending the scene radioed officers in an attempt to capture them, but were unsuccessful and both men are still at large.

This latest robbery is just one of numerous crimes that have been committed by gun toting teens, from ordinary snatch and grab robberies to beatings of residents and tourists and armed holdups in convenience stores and banks. Despite their efforts, police appear to be unable to stop the crime wave now sweeping the city.


American man drowns

Boonlua Chatree

American citizen Jean Eugene Mesnard, 69, drowned in Pattaya Bay on March 14.

A security officer and some bystanders took him to Pattaya Memorial Hospital in Central Pattaya to try and save his life, but it was too late for the medical team to revive him.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Anan Thamachaikul was called to investigate, and an initial police inspection revealed no signs of an attack or struggle.

Police were unable to determine where he was staying, only that he had taken a walk on the beach in front of the Royal Garden Plaza in South Pattaya.

The American Embassy has been notified.

Following standard procedure, the body was transferred to the Police Forensic Institute in Bangkok for further examination.


Local policeman’s nephew shot dead in North Pattaya

Boonlua Chatree

Sakdichai Ditbunjong, 20, the nephew of a local policeman, died on his way to hospital after being shot in the chest three times with a .38 caliber.

Witnesses told police that three men, aged 19-21, had followed Sakdichai and shot him before fleeing on an unregistered motorcycle.

The shooting took place at the intersection of Pattaya Third Road and North Road at around 2 a.m. Thursday, March 17. Witnesses told police that they saw a man waiting at the lights, and that three men rode up and shot him.

Investigations revealed that Sakdichai Ditbunjong had been to a nearby club, and that a rival gang had turned up and began to create problems. According to the dead man’s friend they left the pub to avoid trouble, but the gang followed them. One of the gang members was identified only as Pad.

It was also revealed that before the shooting, the armed teens were seen talking to a security guard. Police are interested in talking to the guard to find out the identity of the shooters.

Sakdichai Ditbunjong’s body was sent to the forensic institute for a post mortem examination.


Woman commits suicide after argument with partner

Boonlua Chatree

Police were called to a Pattaya Third Road residence at around 2 a.m. on March 14 to investigate a report of a suicide. A woman, later identified as Woraporn Khumduang, 22, had apparently hung herself from the curtain rod.

Police examined the body and presumed that she had been dead at least an hour before being discovered. Officers recorded the details and sent the body to the Police Forensic Institute for a post mortem examination.

Police questioned the woman’s partner, a 57-year-old Englishman who appeared to be in a state of shock over his girlfriend’s death.

Officers discovered that the pair had lived in the house for around 1 month and had had an argument that night before going out for the evening.

Neighbors told police that they heard the argument. A while later, the man came out of the house in a distressed state and said that his girlfriend had hung herself.


Scot injured in scuffle with German

Boonlua Chatree

A 57-year-old man from Scotland suffered minor head injuries during a scuffle with a German man at a beer bar in Soi Yamato at around 2 a.m. on March 18. Hans Maier, 46, from Germany, allegedly hit Eric Murray over the head with a bottle.

Eric Murray received a bottle upside the head when he rang the bell at a bar on Soi Yamato.

When officers arrived, the two men were still engaged in a confrontation. Police broke up the fight and led both men to the station, with the Scot bleeding from the head.

Murray told police that he had come to Pattaya with his family and was visiting the bar on the night in question. In a good mood, Murray rang the bell, buying a drink for everyone, but apparently Maier took offense to Murray’s gregariousness.

Maier allegedly assaulted Murray, hitting him over the head with a bottle.

At the station, Maier confessed to his actions and agreed to pay for medical treatment and provide compensation of 50,000 baht.

The pair agreed in front of police and the details were recorded before both were released.


Police briefs

Man dies at the hands of teenage gang

Srinual Bunpot, 50, died on the way to hospital after he was beaten and shot in the chest by a gang of 5 teens. The man apparently yelled at the teens for making too much noise in front of his house in the Takientia sub-district. The gang, riding motorcycles, turned around and attacked the older man in his front yard.

Police responding to the report of the shooting later arrested a 17-year-old youth, identified only as Jack. The teen was part of the same group and told officers he did not pull the trigger but did partake in the beating. The boy told police that a boy by the name of Pui had shot Srinual in the chest.

Moonlighting
painters arrested
for drug dealing

Suriya Yarnsingoor, 37, and Nares Klongtintoen, 27, were arrested in a police sting operation. The pair was caught with a total of 100 methamphetamine pills and 8,000 baht cash in the Soi Chaiyaopreuk operation.

The arrest comes following a police investigation into the men’s activities, both known to be painters in a Sattahip housing project.

Suriya and Nares confessed to police that they were selling the drugs on the side to supplement their income. They added they were preparing to deliver a stash of pills to a Pattaya customer when they were caught.