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City responds to ‘dirty water’ claim in Hong Kong magazine
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Following claims in a Hong Kong magazine that Pattaya uses
substandard water supplies, specifically in the hotel in which the
publication’s reporters were staying, Pattaya Mail spoke with Thanet
Supornsaharungsi, Pattaya Business and Tourism Association president.
 Thanet
Supornsaharungsi, Pattaya Business and Tourism Association president talks
about the damaging article from a Hong Kong magazine.
Thanet told the Pattaya Mail, “The PBTA is aware of
the article, which was given to us by the hotel in question. In conjunction
with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Pattaya City, we have inspected the
hotel and found that in reality a series of incidents led to the
misunderstanding.
“The hotel’s reserve water supply was almost exhausted
and had to continue working for four to five hours before supplies could be
replenished. Once this was done the sediment in the bottom of the tank mixed
with the water being pumped in.”
Thanet went on to say that after incident came to light,
city officials sent inspectors to the hotel and found that the water supply was
good and not as the news story had indicated.
“We have interviewed hotel guests and they understand that
Pattaya is facing a severe water shortage,” said Thanet.
Concerning the impact on tourism in the city, Thanet said
that local businesses have urged the government and relevant departments such
as the Department of Irrigation, Department of Water Resources and East Water
Plc to take action.
“They have accepted the urgency of the problem but in the
short term, hotels must help themselves,” he explained. “In the long term,
the government has set plans into motion but I’m not sure it will solve the
problem. Those departments responsible have, in the past, pointed fingers at
everyone but themselves.
“If the government wants to try and solve the problem in
earnest then it would need to be overseen by the prime minister or deputy prime
minister to ensure that all departments work together properly.”
Pattaya Mail also spoke to Wuttisak Rermkijakarn, deputy
mayor in charge of the public health, hygiene and environment department.
Wuttisak said the city was aware of the story and the
incident, and is in the process of following up.
“The city has set standards on the quality of water that
must be used but the number of water trucks taking up the business are
increasing daily during this period. We have only been able to be effective at
a certain level because of the increase in operators delivering water.
“As for the city’s stance on hotels, we are more than happy to
investigate any complaints over the use of substandard water supplies and solve
the problem as it does affect Pattaya’s tourism industry and the entire
economy.”
Public prosecutor holds meet the people program to advise on legal rights
Suchada
Tupchai
Legal advice for the public was dispensed on August 6
at a special session organized by the Attorney General’s Department and
conducted at the 2nd floor of Carrefour, in Central Pattaya, under the
auspices of Deputy Prosecutor General Judge Likit Petsawang.
Judge
Likit Petsawang, Deputy Prosecutor General tours the activities.
Known as “Karawan’s Day for Public Ease”, the aim
of the session was to help support members of the public who have a legal
problem that they don’t know how to redress.
Addressing the crowded meeting, Suwet Jitmahawong,
director general of the Prosecutor’s Department for Region 2, said that
the first Karawan’s Day, which takes its name from the public
prosecutor, was held in November last year. Intended to give legal
knowledge and advice, and to help conciliate in disputes, the first event
had been extremely well attended and successful.
The Attorney General’s Department, which conducts
sessions throughout the country on this day, briefs the public on specific
issues relating to rights and freedom protection, consumer protection,
rights of children and women, family matters, and international rights
protection.
The aim of the event is also to foster closer relations
between the Attorney General’s Department and the public.
Judge Likit said that the department is always ready to
support the public in all legal matters, and that everyone should know of
their rights within Thailand’s legal system. Much of the workload of the
courts, criminal and civil alike, can be reduced if the public has prior
knowledge of the legal system, with many cases able to be settled without
the need to go to arbitration.
Carrefour manager Frederic Fontaine said the store was
happy to be the venue for this important public occasion, and was always
pleased to be involved in other activities concerning the local community.
The event was a crowded one, and in addition to the legal advice booths
there was a public health session organized by Banglamung Hospital. For
more information concerning legal law visit www.ago.go.th
Tourism advisors say casino important as new attraction
Suchada Tupchai
Opening a casino on the Eastern Seaboard would be
important if Thailand is to continue being a prime tourism destination,
senior government officials heard at a meeting at Pattaya Sea, Sand &
Sun Resort and Spa.
 Pisit
Ketphasook, Chonburi governor addresses the meeting at Pattaya Sea, Sand
& Sun Resort and Spa which saw over 100 senior officials attend.
The meeting, attended by some 100 senior provincial
officials and Sontaya Khunplome, prime ministerial advisor, had gathered to
discuss tourism development strategies for the provinces of Rayong,
Chonburi, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Chonburi Governor Pisit Ketphasook addressed the
assembly, stating the main objectives of the government are to promote
various aspects of the Eastern Seaboard as a leader in industrial
investment, a center for production and exports, and a prime international
tourism destination.
Sontaya said that the eastern provinces have enormous
variety. He said that in order to develop further as a tourism center,
standards have to be improved. Upgrading tourist attractions and service
standards is one aspect, while another is to promote the region both in
terms of its own attractions and as the entry point to neighboring
countries.
Sontaya went on to say that under the government’s
four-year management strategy the aim is to increase visitor numbers to
boost the economy.
“Under the master plan, the Eastern Seaboard provinces
must reflect an extension of this plan with proper management being the most
important aspect,” he said.
Sa-nga Thanasa-ngamwaong, parliamentary tourism committee
chairman added that under the development strategy, surrounding destinations
such as China, Laos, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia need to be studied.
He said these places are creating new attractions. Singapore will be
building a casino with the help of US investment, and Vietnam has changed
its law to allow the building of casinos. Cambodia already has casinos as a
draw card for visitors.
“It would be appropriate to have Thailand open a casino
or an entertainment complex,” said Sanga. “This would offer a more
attractive venue for visitors. We do not have any new tourist attractions at
a world-class level.”
Sanga added that the need to widen market attractiveness and improve the
quality of services is vital for sustaining and building tourism in the long
term.
Electricity seminar part of drive to encourage industrial progress
Suchada
Tupchai
Using electricity more productively and in more
innovative ways was the subject of a technical seminar for industrial
businesses staged by the Provincial Electricity Authority August 5-6 at the
Grand Ballroom of the PEACH Conference Center at the Royal Cliff Beach
Resort.
The authority’s deputy governor, Mitree Laksanakoset,
opened the session, which covered power usage aspects such as planning and
monitoring, new technology, and the collection of data.
A total of 800 delegates from 400 businesses attended the
seminar, which included a busy question-and-answer session.
A clinic was organized in cooperation with the Thai
Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ Association that gave practical
advice to company representatives with specific questions. Another
attraction was an exhibition in which more than 130 organizations displayed
new products and services.
Mitree said that this event was very much in line with
government policy to encourage two-way communications between utility
providers and private businesses to encourage industrial progress.
Transport Battalion celebrates 1st anniversary
Chatchanan
Chaisree
The Transport Battalion of the Marines held a ceremony on
August 11 to mark the first anniversary of its formation. Conducted by
Commander Polakit Sarai, who heads the battalion, the ceremony included the
presentation of scholarships to the children of civilian officials.
Commander
Polakit Sarai (front right) conducted a ceremony to mark the first
anniversary of the Marines Transport Battalion formation.
Previously a fighting support bureau, the Transport Battalion was changed
to be a provider of land and water transport and loading services for the
Marines Division on August 11 last year. It has a force of 406 men.
Commander Polakit congratulated his battalion on the fast and efficient
adaptation to the new role.
‘Over the top’ beach projects canned
Ariyawat
Nuamsawat
The axe fell on 13 proposed activities suggested earlier
by a private events company when Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chaired a
meeting on August 8 with local business leaders and city councilors to
discuss the projects’ viability.
 A
representative from the project office “Beautiful Thailand” presents
ideas to city hall, as Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh (right) contemplates
their viability.
Under the theme Pattaya-Jomtien Beach Fair, the projects
were aimed at boosting the city’s profile for a cost of around 30 million
baht, before during and after the tourist high season. An international
fashion show, a Mardi Gras, a carnival, and product and property fairs were
planned, along with a number of beauty pageants. The aim was to raise funds
for the Pattaya Music and Convention Center, costing 5 billion baht and
supposedly to open on December 5, 2007 as part His Majesty the King’s 80th
birthday celebrations.
Thanet Supornsaharungsi, president of the Pattaya Business
and Tourism Association, said that the number of events on the beach area
would be difficult to manage, particularly for the length of time over which
they were to be held.
“I think it’s a little over the top, even with the
limited details presented here today. I suggest that the company chooses one
that it is in their field of expertise during the high season to test the
waters before proceeding with further events,” he suggested.
Ronakit added that hosting a number of large events end on end would be
very difficult. “As for developing and improving the Jomtien-Pattaya Beach
areas, the city already has allotted 50 million baht with projects now under
progress.”
Coastal clean-up part of activities surrounding Her Majesty
the Queen’s birthday celebrations
Suchada
Tupchai
Sriracha and the surrounding municipalities of Laem
Chabang, Sanesuk and Chaopraya Surasuk held a series of activities as part
of Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday celebrations on August 12.
Chatchai
Timkrachang, Sriracha mayor and RTN Capt Vipak Noyjinda, Sattahip Base Air
and Coastal Defense director, release sea turtles onto the protected
beaches of Krarm Island.
The activities, separated into two sections, saw a mass
beach and shore clean-up on August 9 as part of an ongoing environmental
preservation project. This was followed by the 5th annual release of sea
turtles from the Sea Turtle Sanctuary, located on Krarm Island in Sattahip.
The island is controlled by the Royal Thai Navy.
Sriracha Mayor Chatchai Timkrachang said that the five
municipalities had cooperated in forming environmental resource
conservation policies under the Chonburi Integrated Coastal Management
project. The project was created under the guidelines of PEMSEA
(Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia).
“The Gulf of Siam is part of the area and it is a
vital resource that we as residents must preserve to ensure continued
quality of life. We (Sriracha) have also formed an environmental
conservation center open to the public and this is our fifth year of the
project,” said Chatchai.
Beginning in 2000, the annual clean-up and release of 90 sea turtles,
born in captivity, into the conservation area involves government
departments and residents aimed at educating the community’s youth on the
importance of preserving the environment. Major activities are held
annually on August 12 as part HM the Queen’s birthday celebrations.
Pimp arrested after fracas
on Beach Road
Boonlua Chatree
A gang of mafia thugs extorting money from service girls on
Pattaya Klang Beach set upon a Thai tourist and beat him up before escaping.
One of the hoodlums was arrested but maintained his innocence, even though he
was currently in the process of attacking his victim.
A fracas
on Beach Road led to one arrest, and one broken arm.
Police received a report at 3:10 a.m. on August 11 that a
group of eight men were attacking Thai tourists on the beach with sticks and
bottles.
Officers arriving at the scene found Bunlert Chomkrathok, a
37-year-old resident of Chokchai district in Nakhon Ratchasima, lying injured
in the road. He had been beaten around the head with a sharp tool, and his
left arm was broken.
Police seized Monthon Banthao, 25, who denied that he was
one of the attackers. Bunlert, the injured man, however, confirmed that
Monthon was part of the gang and that the others had run away. Monthon was
arrested and charged, while Bunlert was transferred to Banglamung Hospital for
treatment.
The gang members reportedly act as pimps on Pattaya Beach, taking
protection fees from the prostitutes who wait there for customers. The women
were told to hand over 100 baht when a customer used their services, and if
she didn’t comply they would injure her.
Two men charged with trafficking Cambodian laborers
Boonlua Chatree
Aware from their investigations that a gang of human
traffickers was bringing illegal Cambodian laborers into Chonburi at the price
of 3,000 baht per head, immigration police set up a sting operation.
Police
arrested Manat Ratchaprakon and the driver of the pickup, Banharn
Theeranitiphan, for illegal trafficking and harboring of aliens.
An enterprise owner was induced to buy eight Cambodians for a
total of 24,000 baht, and made an appointment for the exchange to take place on
Soi 1, Pattaya Beach Road.
Manat Ratchaprakon, a 34-year-old Chonburi resident, arrived
on a black Honda Wave motorcycle, leading the way for a bronze Toyota pickup
that was transporting the requested eight Cambodians.
Police arrested Manat and the driver of the pickup, Banharn
Theeranitiphan, 33. Banharn said that he regularly transported Cambodian
laborers to customers in his pickup. Normally he brought the Cambodians in via
the Aranyapratet border, and then obtained a contact from enterprises or
building companies to buy them for the price of 3,000 baht each. Manat was the
intermediary for the distribution each time.
Police charged them with illegal trafficking and harboring of aliens. The
eight Cambodians were deported.
Teenagers arrested
for robbery spree
Kids said it was to pay for an evening of karaoke
Boonlua Chatree
Three teenage boys were arrested last week for attacking
and robbing a motorcyclist, which, they said, was done to pay for a night
out in karaoke bars.
The police received a fretful call from Bunlert Prathum,
an employee of the Ford-Mazda factory, at 2 a.m. on August 11. He said he
had been visiting a friend at the Laem Chabang National Housing Authority.
Riding his new red-black Honda Wave motorcycle home, he had stopped at the
Jet gasoline station at Rong Po, on Sukhumvit Road. Suddenly three youths
appeared on a motorcycle and attacked him, taking his Honda Wave before
fleeing in the Pattaya direction.
A radio call was sent out, and officers found the
miscreants on Soi Phothisarn in Naklua. The three tried to escape on the
motorcycle but the engine wouldn’t start and they tried to get away on
foot. Police caught two of them, both aged 17. The third youth, identified
only as Boy, managed to escape.
Suriyan and Ae said that along with their accomplice Boy
they had robbed and injured Bunlert at the filling station and escaped with
his motorcycle before stealing a mobile phone at Buakow Mobile. They planned
to spend the money at a karaoke bar on Soi Photisarn.
Bar worker strangles neighbor during burglary attempt
Boonlua Chatree
An employee of a Soi Pattayaland boy bar has been
arrested for strangling a woman when he broke into her room to steal money
he believed she kept there.
The manager of Ruay Samoe Apartments, Supan Yongparn,
called police on August 11 when one of the tenants had failed to emerge from
her room.
Officers had to break their way in, as the door was
double-locked. Inside, they found the body of Narisa Noochuay, 26, clothed
and in bed. Two layers of bed covers were on top of the body, and
strangulation marks were found around the woman’s neck. The room was in
order and the murderer appeared to have tidied the scene to avoid any
potential detection.
Police surmised Narisa, who live alone and worked in a
South Pattaya bar, had been dead for at least two days.
The room next door was empty but investigations revealed
it was rented by Apirat Wasikrat, 31, who had disappeared after the
estimated time of the woman’s death. Within a few hours police caught up
with Apirat in Soi Kor Pai, and he almost immediately confessed to the
killing.
Apirat told officers that he had no intention of killing
Narisa but only wanted to steal from her apartment after hearing rumors that
she kept a large amount of cash there. He told officers that during the
night he broke into her room by crossing from his balcony to hers, unaware
that she was in there and asleep.
Narisa woke and a struggle ensued with Apirat finally
knocking her unconscious. He covered her with blankets but she recovered, so
he strangled her before making off with 300 baht, 1-baht weight in gold and
a mobile phone. Apirat said he realized she was dead and he cleaned up the
room before leaving in the hope that police would not know he was the
killer.
Apirat has been charged with first degree murder, breaking and entering,
and theft.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Tourist police nab
unlicensed guide during show raid
Continuing their crackdown on illegal guides, Pattaya
tourist police, led by commander Pol Gen Panya Mamen, raided the New Lady
Show Bar in South Pattaya, following investigations that tour guides were
leading Chinese tourists to inappropriate venues.
Further investigations, however, revealed no lewd
activities being undertaken at the venue. Officers then tested all staff for
drug use. The tests returned negative results.
Tourist police nonetheless discovered Veerapong
Pornhompong, 46, to be in violation of tourism regulations by not having a
valid guide license and leading a group of Malaysian tourists to the venue.
Veerapong was charged accordingly.
Chinese tourist rushed to
hospital after suffering heart attack
A speedboat was used to rush a Chinese tourist from Larn
Island to the mainland when the man suffered a heart attack while swimming.
Liang Huag Zhao, age 57, was part of a group of 26
Chinese tourists taken to the island by Mandarin Tour Company.
Tour leader Suwat Sae-Lee said Liang had been in the
water about 20 minutes when he lost consciousness. Suwat, who had not been
advised that the tourist had any medical problems, contacted Pattaya police.
The tour leader and a lifeguard unit on the island then rushed him to the
mainland where he was taken to the intensive care unit at Pattaya Memorial
Hospital.
Doctors are as yet unable to say if Liang, who had been
traveling with his wife, was going to make a complete recovery, as he had
been without oxygen for some while when he collapsed in the sea. They did,
however, confirm that his pulse and breathing had stabilized.
Police bang up
A-Bang Gang ya ba dealers
Police on the trail of a ya ba distributor network known
as the A-Bang Gang arrested Prasert (Ae) Chatkornburi, 24, for distributing
pills at Sukhumvit Soi 79.
Searching Prasert, officers found 10 ya ba pills. Prasert
admitted he had more in his room at the PK Apartment, and took the police
there, where they found another 653 ya ba tabs. Prasert said that he bought
the Class 1 narcotic from the A-Bang Gang for the price of 200 baht per
pill, and distributed it for the price of 400-500 baht per pill.
Responding to a police suggestion that he identify his
contact, Prasert directed them towards a rented room on Soi Nernplubwan,
opposite the Ban Mianoi restaurant. There, officers arrested Anai (Bang Ree)
Sukpol, who told them he bought 200 ya ba pills from a man he named as Bang
Art (unknown surname) for the price of 20,000 baht before distributing them.
Walking Street ganja
dealer seized
A marijuana pusher selling the drug to foreign tourists
on Walking Street was arrested when police set up a sting operation.
When searched, Kriangsak (Bood) Hongthong, 32, was found
to have 14 packs of the class 5 drug in his possession. He said that he
bought the ganja for the price of 1,000 baht per 100 grams from an agent in
the Sattahip area. He then packed it in 30 small portions and sold them to
foreign tourists at 200 baht per pack. Kriangsak said he had been doing this
for more than a year. Police booked him for possession and distribution.
Disguised police officer
leads card school bust
A police officer disguised as a food delivery man led a
raid on an illegal gambling den, resulting in the arrest of 10 gamblers and
the seizing of one pack of cards and the princely sum of 40 baht pot money.
The bust at a room behind Tukcom in South Pattaya came as
the result of a tip-off from an undercover agent. Mrs Amporn Pimwong, 47,
admitted being the householder and acting as banker for the game. The other
gamblers were identified as Chalermpol Wongkaew, 28, Anuwat Chimapak, 36,
Witsanu Hoysang, 21, Weerasak Bilsanthia, 26, Akom Butngam, 26, Surasit
Phiphanphoeng, 24, Niphon Monthathip, 24, Somphong Luaking, 34, and
Thanakorn Sithicharoenyot, 37. Police charged them with illegally gathering
to bet for assets.
Police test response time in bogus gold shop heist
Bystanders impressed but perplexed
Boonlua Chatree
Shop owners, residents and tourists were greatly
surprised (and possibly disappointed) to learn that a neighborhood gold shop
heist was in fact a planned training session for the local police.
The
training heist had many people wondering what was going on, but not the
police. They responded within 5 minutes and were able to nab the
“robbers” before they got away.
The operation was carried out in cooperation with the
owner of the shop, with senior police monitoring response times.
The bogus robbery took place at the Tong-utai gold shop
on Central Pattaya Road during the morning of August 8.
Pol Col Somnuk Changate and senior officers set the heist
in motion. Officers in plain clothes walked into the shop and “stole”
15-baht’s weight of gold. The owner of the shop called the police, who
were on the scene less than five minutes later.
Patrolling officers caught up with the bogus thieves as
they sped off in the direction of Sukhumvit Road, and trapped them in the
soi near St Nikolaus Church.
Bystanders who witnessed the incident appeared impressed and were quite
surprised when told it was a training session. Many asked if Pattaya police
actually have any PR skills for informing those in the vicinity as to their
real intentions.
Associate judges view results of camp for vagabond children
Suchada Tupchai
Associate judges from Chonburi Provincial Court visited
the Sai Yai Rak Youth Camp for vagabond children on August 9 to view
progress on the 30-day project, which ended on August 11.
Chief judge of the juvenile and family department Mrs
Arunee Prayoungyaem and chairman of the associate judges Kwanchai
Chokpichitchai were amongst the delegation that visited the camp at Wiwat
Polamuang Kaset Navy School 5, in Sattahip.
Commander
Sathaporn Wajarat, project instructor at the Sai Yai Rak youth camp
introduces a video of the children’s activities.
The project has been organized in a cooperation between
Pattaya Welfare and Social Department, YWCA (Bangkok-Pattaya Center), the
Eastern Child Protection House (Huay Pong), Banglamung Crisis House,
Underprivileged Children’s Redemptorist House in Pattaya, Banglamung
Boy’s Home, and the Children’s Security Police in Region 2.
A total of 30 vagabond children were brought from the
tourist areas to the camp, which aimed to teach them the elements of
self-discipline and to show that with a socially responsible attitude they
would be able to live and work productively and happily in normal society.
Occupational training was part of the program.
The visiting associate judges learned that some of the
children were willing to continue studying, and that some had expressed a
desire to enter the monkhood for further education.
The intention of the organizers is to continue following
the children’s progress at three-month intervals. Meanwhile, a budget has
been prepared for the second project group, which is expected to be formed
soon.
The associate judges viewed a video of the children’s
activities at the camp, and they talked with the children about their
experiences and their hopes for the future.
Chief Judge Arunee said that the children’s problems are real-life
problems, and they need to be immediately corrected. Family difficulties lay
at the root of much of the trouble, pushing the children into bad company
where they were easily enticed into anti-social behavior. The institution of
the family is therefore the first important step in a child’s development
if he or she is going to become a responsible member of society and enjoy
opportunities for a satisfying adult life.
One more for the pot as vegetarian festival plans heat up
Narisa Nitikarn
With a little over six weeks to go, discussions for
Pattaya’s Annual Vegetarian Festival took place at a city hall meeting
chaired by Deputy Mayor Wirawat Khakhai and attended by directors of the
Sawang Boriboon Foundation, who will organize and host the event in Naklua
from October 2-12.
Wirawat suggested that the need to exceed last year’s
festival was imperative after the success of the world’s largest
“jubchae” vegetarian pot.
City
councilors and directors of the Sawang Boriboon Foundation hold a
brainstorming session to discuss this year’s Vegetarian Festival.
“This year I think it would ideal if we hold a ‘khao
pad tip je’ with either nine or 19 types of vegetables. Khao pad tip je is
also a symbol of the festival and it would be auspicious for everyone taking
part in the event. We do need to work out how to distribute the food once
it’s cooked,” he said.
Surin Ruanrung, director of the Sawang Boriboon
Foundation, supported the idea, adding that the dish is ideal for the
festival. “Those already taking part in the vegetarian festival respect
and recognize the symbolic importance of the dish,” said Surin.
City councilor Pisai Phanomwan na Ayuthaya suggested
closing off the street near the Sawang Boriboon Foundation during the
festival, making it into a vegetarian zone.
Wirawat suggested an alternative route for the parade,
beginning at the Bali Hai pier then proceeding along Walking Street, up
along South Pattaya Road past the Chaiyamongkhol Temple and up to Central
Pattaya Road, with a bus transporting participants to the festival area.
Three areas in the city, which have yet to be specified, were suggested as
spots where residents and visitors could view a variety of activities.
Sanit Boonmarchai, city councilor, offered some insight into the problems
caused by these suggestions. “In the case of the parade it is very
important to look at the traffic situation prior to the event. With the
increasing amount of vehicles on the road daily and reviewing last year’s
traffic problems it would be wise to solve these logistics before thinking
of altering the parade route. We’ve had many years of experience running
this event and we know the problems that are a result of the activities. We
must seek solutions prior to creating the problems in the first place as
well as ask for cooperation from Pattaya police station,” he said.
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