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Confusion over city hall actions on Larn Island stirs anger among residents
Piyavadee Suvannahong
Senior city officials have called a meeting to search for ways to
resolve ongoing problems concerning land encroachment on Larn Island, a
situation that has become so contentious that senior officials have been
receiving death threats.
 Deputy
Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh
Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn and his deputy Ronakit Ekasingh chaired a
meeting at city hall on June 7 to stem the increasing animosity of residents
and business operators and help them understand that the city is following
the law.
Land ownership laws, formulated in 1954 and amended in 1994, govern the
rights and procedures in which title deeds are issued. A number of Larn
Island residents have requested title deeds for their property after that
date but the land department in many cases has yet to issue them.
“Out of the 52 requests from the Banglamung branch of the land office, only
seven have met the requirements. This dates back to April 1, 1994,” said
Ronakit.
Ronakit told the meeting that the city has taken measures to ensure control
and ownership of its land and public property in accordance with the law.
“These measures have been taken to prevent encroachment on public property.
However, a new player on Larn Island has begun building on public property
both on the beach and on the island’s hill area. As a result, we have asked
the land office to further stall the issuing of title deeds on the island,”
said Ronakit.
“These people have tried to proclaim the land as their own in direct
defiance of the law and we have taken action.”
The deputy mayor also said that the city did not intend to stall land title
issuance with those following the guidelines but only to stop new
encroachment.
“This has caused many residents to become upset with the administration,”
said Ronakit. The city administration has sent a written request to the land
office that has angered island residents who, according to the city, do not
fully understand the situation.
Some groups have threatened violence against city officials at all levels if
the situation is not changed.
One resident attending the meeting and who has requested a title deed and/or
land governance said that residents who have applied for a title deed are
concerned over the issue since their homes and their livelihoods are at
stake.
“The city has sent a letter to the provincial land office to reconsider
applications due to the original use for the land being agriculture. This
has now changed with many operating as beach chair umbrella operators among
other things. This also caused much delay and it is feared that the city
will try to take back the land in the future,” said the resident.
In an effort to relieve anxieties, the mayor addressed four main issues that
the city will deal with.
One of the issues concerns the Samae Beach area, which the ministry of
interior handed over to the provincial administration and in turn to city
hall to control for the benefit of city use, on which the administration can
issue land governance licenses.
Another issue is Lardchun and the surrounding forest area, which a new land
encroacher is now trying to take over. The mayor said that land governance
will be issued and that the trespasser will be dealt with.
The other two issues concern those residents who control land and have
applied for legal rights to use it, and land that has no outstanding issues
but authorities are unable to issue rights of use due to a ministerial
notice, which will be dealt with in due course for later approval and use in
an appropriate manner.
“Residents can apply to further stay at their location and don’t have to
re-submit information already completed,” said Niran.
“The city will step in to resolve this misunderstanding in quickest time
possible through cooperating with the land department and Larn Island
residents, particularly on the last issue. If there is a further problem and
misunderstandings then we can talk about it in order for everyone to fully
understand that the city is following the law,” added Niran.
Volunteer police expenses not paid for eight months
Documentation appears to have gone astray, says mayor
Narisa Nitikarn
Volunteer police from 18 Banglamung communities on June 7 submitted a
complaint to Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn regarding the non-payment
of 432,000 baht in support funds from the budget for 2006.
The money was to be paid by Banglamung Municipal Police but the
documentation had not been delivered to Pattaya City Hall and
consequently there was no listing in the budget. The mayor accepted the
matter and initiated procedures for payment from a reserve budget.
 Mayor
Niran Watthanasartsathorn advises volunteer police during the stressful
meeting.
The volunteer police assist the regular police and need vehicles and
uniforms. They had already received payment for 200 uniforms, totaling
340,000 baht, and seven motorcycles valued at 462,000 baht, but there
were other expenses like petrol and allowances that have not been paid
since October 2005. The non-payments include 144,000 baht for petrol and
288,000 baht in allowances, being a grand total of 432,000 baht, and
there is no sign at present when the payments will be made.
The volunteer project was initiated to reduce crime in the communities
and documentation was dated and signed on 7 June 2005. Officers at
Banglamung told the volunteer police that they anticipated payment would
be made in April 2006. The protestors said it is now June and no
payments have been made. The payments have been outstanding for eight
months and that is the reason for the visit to the mayor. The volunteers
have had to pay the expenses out of their own pockets and are no longer
able to carry the expense.
After hearing the matter Mayor Niran checked the 2006 expense budget and
discovered that the amount was not listed. Niran explained to the group
that many government and private organizations request allowances from
the city and it could be that documentation may have been mislaid.
However, he would arrange for a reserve payment, but the matter must
first be submitted to Pattaya City Council. The city cannot pay the
volunteer police directly as it is a project organized by the police
stations, so payment must be made in accordance with procedures.
The volunteer police were satisfied with Mayor Niran’s explanation and
said that they would continue to carry out their duties, but requested
that the city make payment to Banglamung police station as soon as
possible.
City provides 1.5 million baht budget for wheelchair games
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya City is providing a 1,500,000 baht budget to support sports for the
disabled with an event that will bring sportsmen from other countries in
Asia to compete against Thai participants in August.
 Father
Lawrence Patin (left), Redemptorist social welfare director, and Father
Warawut Saraphan (right), school licensee, discuss details of the upcoming
discussed details.
At a meeting on June 14, Redemptorist social welfare director Father
Lawrence Patin and school licensee Father Warawut Saraphan discussed details
with Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh, Banglamung district chief Supakit
Thamasatidman, and managing director of the Diana Group Sopin Thappajug.
Pattaya International Wheelchair Sports Invitation 2006 will be held from
August 15 to August 20 at Pattaya School #2 sports field, Pattaya Indoor
Stadium, and the Royal Navy sports field, as a way of promoting sports for
the disabled and as a tourist attraction.
There will be four sporting events, namely wheelchair basketball, wheelchair
tennis, wheelchair table tennis, and wheelchair fencing. Sportsmen from
Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam will join the
Thai competitors, with a total of 300 sportsmen expected to take part.
Beach Road underground cable system will be completed ‘early next year’
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya’s long overdue project to place all Beach Road cables underground
now has a new deadline and is due to be completed early next year.
Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn chaired a meeting with city engineers to
step up progress on the 250 million baht project that began in 2004 and was
originally scheduled to take a year to complete.
 The
city’s project to beautify the beachfront by removing unsightly phone,
electrical and TV cables from view, placing them underground, is now due to
be completed early next year.
The project aims to beautify the city’s beachfront by removing unsightly
phone, electrical and TV cables from view, placing them underground from the
Dolphin Roundabout and down to the South Pattaya-Second Road intersection.
This is a prelude to eventually widening Beach Road.
During the meeting at city hall, Pichet Uthaiwattananont, Pattaya’s city
engineering director reported the status to those in attendance.
“We are currently laying the high density polyethylene (HDPE) piping and
should be finished in June. Following that we will begin installing cabling
for electricity, water pipes and communications. Almost one hundred in all
will go underground. We will complete this by the beginning of next year,”
said Pichet.
Pichet went on tell the meeting that once this part of the work is complete
the city will then start switching the systems over before removing the
existing power poles and above-ground cabling.
He added that city engineers encountered problems in laying the HDPE casings
affecting the city administration’s cable systems and problems with the
city’s underground sprinkler systems used to maintain the gardens. This has
resulted in the contractor having to repair numerous points and allegedly
delaying the process.
City officials also stated that if the administration’s sprinkler and
communication systems were not repaired and operational they would be forced
to further delay payment to the contractors.
Baht bus chief says fares set in accordance with Land Transport Department guidelines
Says foreign tourist fares are higher because of currency differences
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Songtaew operators maintain a fare pricing structure in accordance with the
Department of Land Transport and are not able to arbitrarily raise fares
because of rising fuel costs or any other reason, says the head of the
association representing the operators.
 Currently
there are 700 songtaews (baht buses) in Pattaya.
The Pattaya Transport Cooperative held its annual ordinary meeting recently,
with Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn presenting the official opening speech
and Chamnan Chantarachart of the Chonburi Transport Cooperative and Chamlong
Sukprom, president of the Pattaya Transport Cooperative on hand to welcome
members to the Grand Sole Hotel.
The Pattaya Transport Cooperative is a songtaew service that transports
passengers on fixed routes throughout Pattaya. It was founded 29 years ago
in 1977, and at present there are 700 member vehicles.
Asked about the likelihood of oil prices affecting passenger fares, Chamlong
said that fares are fixed by the Department of Land Transport. If any
passenger takes a songtaew and the trip is not worth it for the driver
because of the lack of passengers to make up transport costs, the passenger
will be transferred to a vehicle carrying more passengers and which is
traveling the intended route at no additional charge.
Chamlong also said that foreign tourist fares are higher than normal fares
because the value of the Thai baht and foreign currencies are different and
that most tourist cities have the same pricing strategies. However, the fare
differences are not that varied, the lowest maximum difference being 10 baht
for short distances and the highest 20 baht over long distances.
Local and foreign passengers who believe they are being overcharged can
submit complaints to the cooperative by calling 0 38423 554, and full action
will be taken to preserve the good image of Pattaya tourism.
During the meeting, plaques were presented to Visut Mitavin and Vichien
Buaplee who returned a bag containing valuables to a passenger.
Two 17-year-olds arrested for knifing volunteer policeman
Boonlua Chatree
Two 17-year-old youths are being held in connection with the June 5
murder of a volunteer police officer, and a third youth who is said to have
been wounded in the attack is now being sought.
The volunteer officer, 33-year-old Den Khajadpai, was knifed to death and
three other people sustained cut and stab wounds when a number of youths
were cornered near the Jomtien Pacific Hotel after they had been stealing
from bathers on Jomtien Beach.
After the attack the youths had fled on motorcycles and police had begun an
intensive search for them.
The arrests, however, were in connection with an unrelated case of theft. At
1 a.m. on June 10 police set up a roadblock to stop two motorcycles, one of
which was known to be stolen while the other had its license plate covered
with black tape. The suspects were found traveling on the Pattaya-Naklua
Road, near Kitti Car Care, and taken to Pattaya police station for
questioning.
Both aged 17, and given the aliases of Rin and Chat, they confessed to
stealing a motorcycle that they planned to sell. During the investigation,
however, a witness to the fatal stabbing was brought into the police station
and he identified the two youths as being the attackers.
After further questioning the two youths confessed to the murder and the
injuries to the other three people, and added that one more person was
involved, who has been identified as To, surname unknown. They said that To
was being treated for a wound he received from volunteer police officer Den,
and he was at a house on Soi Nernplabwan. Police went to the premises but
couldn’t find him. Investigations continue.
Hunt on for hitman who gunned down two men
Boonlua Chatree
Two men were shot and killed at the Food Work Pub and Restaurant on
Pattaya Third Road at around 5:30 a.m. on June 13.
When police arrived at the crime scene they found that the restaurant
customers had fled the premises in fear. Two men lie dead in the
restaurant. Chamrong Rongcheng, 30, was lying on his stomach and had
been shot in the head and face by a 9mm weapon. Somsak Sornkhun, 38, was
lying on his back in front of the entrance to the restaurant and had
been shot by a 9mm gun in the right hip and in the face.
 Police
believe this man, Somnuk Rattanasaengngam (alias Tam), murdered two men.
There was evidence of a fight inside the restaurant, with chairs and
tables turned over and glasses and bottles smashed on the floor.
Officers found six 9mm shell casings on the floor and four unused
bullets from a 9mm gun.
Miss Phantipa Pattanakul, 22, Chamrong’s girlfriend, stated that the
couple had been drinking together with Somsak. Somsak had a quarrel with
a small Thai man, and Chamrong went to break up the argument. She said
the small man pistol-whipped Chamrong, striking his right cheek with a
gun, and then stated that he was a police officer. A fight broke out,
during which the small man gunned down Chamrong and Somsak. He then
allegedly went up to both bodies, stood on their chests and shot them
each once more.
Phantipa said the gunman then climbed into a black Mercedes-Benz sports
coup and drove calmly away from the scene.
Officers questioned more witnesses who stated that they had seen the
small man drinking with Supong, otherwise known as Bay Sirasri, the
26-year-old owner of the restaurant. An arrest warrant was issued for
Bay Sirasri for selling alcohol over the time limit, and with opening
the restaurant without permission. Police also ordered that the
restaurant be closed.
Police believe that the suspect was a hitman known as Somnuk
Rattanasaengngam, alias Tam, age 31 years, who has been living at an
address in Bansuan sub-district, Chonburi province. They have obtained
an arrest warrant from Pattaya District Court.
Somnuk’s black Mercedes was subsequently discovered abandoned at the
Seemummuang Market in Sriracha. Police impounded the vehicle and brought
it to the Pattaya Police Station for inspection. Inside, police found an
11mm weapon loaded with five rounds of ammunition and hidden under a
doormat, as well as documents relating to a previous arrest of Somnuk
Rattanasaengngam in January 2006 on charges of possessing a loaded 11mm
weapon without permission, and with bringing it into a city or village
without reasonable cause. They also found documents relating to a 9mm
gun that they believe to be the murder weapon.
Police have released a photo of the suspect to aid in their search, but
have stated that he is armed and dangerous, and that the public should
not try to approach him. If you see him, steer clear and call the
police.
Police break up two illegal football gambling syndicates
Boonlua Chatree
Police cracking down on football gambling during the World Cup busted two
illegal syndicates on consecutive days last week.
The first raid, coordinated by Pol Col Supapol Arunsit, commander of the
tourist police department, and Pol Lt Col Wutichat Luansukhan,
superintendent of Pattaya police, was at a house in Nongprue on June 15,
where officers found an illegal gambling ring handling football betting to
the tune of 600,000 baht a day.
 Police
check Chalermchai’s documents. He said he took bets only to make the soccer
matches more interesting.
Earlier investigations had revealed the presence of the betting tote, and an
undercover officer with a 500 baht bank note was sent in ahead as part of a
sting operation.
Two brothers were arrested, Prasong Choonuan, 21, and Somchai Choonuan, 20.
Police seized two notebooks with the results of soccer matches, a soccer
schedule, and 15 ticket sheets for the match between Germany and Poland for
over 600,000 baht.
The two men stated that they were intermediaries and that they were acting
for a gambler in Bangkok.
In the second operation, again coordinated by the tourist police and Pattaya
police, investigations had revealed that gambling was taking place in front
of the Kaokarat Apartments on Soi Arunothai. On June 16 once again an
undercover officer was sent in with a 500 baht bank note to see if it would
be accepted as a bet.
The gamblers’ banker was sitting out front reading a newspaper and waiting
for customers to place bets. When he agreed to the officer’s request, he was
arrested. He was identified as Chalermchai Charoensuk, 37. Police searched
him and found in his left pants pocket a list with three sheets of the
gamblers and their bets, one World Cup soccer program schedule, and a sports
pool newspaper dated June 16.
Chalermchai stated that he took bets only to make the soccer matches more
interesting for the viewers.
19 underage boys found offering sexual services in Sunee Plaza bar
Boonlua Chatree
Police raiding a boy go-go bar shortly after midnight on June 13 found a
number of underage boys along with rooms on the upper level of the premises
where they offered sexual services to foreign visitors.
Pol Lt Col Wuttichart Luonsukhan, superintendent of Pattaya tourist police
led the team of officers investigating Diamond Go-Go at Soi Sunee Plaza.
The door was open when police arrived and they walked in to a conventional
go-go setup with flashing lights and blaring music. However, there were boys
aged between 11-17 years and wearing only underpants dancing around poles,
while many foreign tourists sat around watching. Police ordered that the
music be stopped and the lights turned on before ordering the boys into a
corner and telling them to get dressed before checking their ID cards.
There were a total of 19 boys aged between 11 and 17. Further investigations
of the four-story building revealed that the upper levels had been divided
off into small rooms. Police opened the doors to the rooms on the second
floor. In one they found an American national identified as Ronald Sims, 44,
who was lying naked while a 17-year-old boy (name withheld) was providing
sexual services. Police told them to stop and get dressed before arresting
Sims and taking the boy downstairs for questioning.
Jaray Latum, 27, admitted that he managed the premises and hired the boys
for 1,500 baht a month. If foreigners requested sexual services they had to
pay a 200 baht services fee and the boys agreed their own fees with the
foreigners. The license owner, Wittaya Kuanamon, 28, was not on the
premises. Police confiscated the operating license and arrested Jaray on
charges of acting as a pimp for young boys under 18. He was taken to Pattaya
tourist police headquarters for further questioning.
Sims was charged with committing lewd acts with a minor. The 19 boys’ names
were recorded and they were taken into custody while waiting for their
parents to come and take them home. Two of the boys were 12-year-old
Malaysians who were also taken into custody to wait for their parents to
come and collect them.
Colors of the East shine
during nationwide celebrations
There was plenty of fun, games
and shows during the event.
The colorful parade wound its way
through Pattaya onto Beach Road.
To some, the “ancient”
traditional shows were the highlight of the beachside festivities.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya Beach became a particularly colorful sight over the period June
10-13, with the Colors of the East festival staged as part of the
celebrations surrounding the anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession
to the throne.
The festivities officially opened on June 10 with local, regional and
national dignitaries attending, including Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn,
Pol Lt Gen Jongrak Juthanon, Region 2 police commander, and Air Chief
Marshall Kongsak Chantan, minister of the interior.
The government and private sectors organized a huge parade featuring 12
separate sections, and TV personalities Pormprom Yuwawet and Suthiphong
Tatpitakpong provided an entertaining commentary for all those attending the
festivities.
The beachfront fair featured OTOP products, with the four Eastern provinces
of Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat also providing local cuisines and
cultural shows.
The aim of the four-day festival was to showcase the Eastern Seaboard to
visitors and further encourage tourism to the region. Pattaya enjoyed the
increase in numbers with thousands of visitors injecting millions of baht
into the local economy over the long weekend.
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn fired the starter’s gun to jump-start the
TAT Eastern Fun Rally, with 50 vehicles taking part in the event as they
made their way from Pattaya to Koh Chang from June 10-11. The rally aimed at
promoting family tourism and sightseeing in the region.
Booths lined Beach Road offering
a sample of local products and cuisine under the OTOP scheme.
Property law enforcement changes discussed at PBTA meeting as property developers start losing billions
Discussions and clarifications sought with MOI
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
One of the hot topics discussed at the monthly Pattaya Business and Tourism
Association meeting was the recent enforcement of land ownership laws. The
changes in company ownership rules, specifically with foreign shareholders
has led to housing project developers allegedly losing billions.
 Sanga
Kijsamrej, PBTA vice president and head of the property developers club in
Pattaya.
On June 14, the Green Park Resort hosted the monthly PBTA meeting chaired by
Thanes Supornsaharungsri, PBTA president. During the meeting, vice president
and head of the property developers club, Sanga Kijsamrej raised the
negative effects of changes to the enforcement of laws regulating company
held property.
“Many housing project owners are facing serious financial problems over
changes concerning foreigners holding shares in a Thai company and owning
property. Many of these people have Thai wives who possess shares as well,”
said Sanga.
Sanga went on to tell the meeting that as a result of the enforcement of the
laws government and land department officials in the area are very reluctant
to issue title deeds as a result of the Ministry of Interior’s directive.
“This has already affected around 70 housing projects in Pattaya who are
unable to transfer ownership to companies with 49% foreign and 51% Thai
holdings as was done in the past.
“This is causing losses of billions of baht for project owners. Many are
unable to pay contractors and for materials. Many projects have fixed sales
goals to cover their costs and have had to delay payments. We will see a
number of these projects fold in the future,” said Sanga.
“Project developers have understood the changes in enforcement of the law
have been targeted at foreigners who attempt to launder money but in
reality, foreign nationals have never been allowed to own large pieces of
land for business purposes and have instead opted to rent land on a 30 year
lease from the Thai owners. However, as far those wanting to buy a home it
would not be beneficial because previous regulations allowed companies with
foreign shareholders to hold property.”
Sanga went on to say that the majority of housing purchases involved foreign
nationals with Thai spouses and that the recent MOI directive has caused
land department officials to hesitate in issuing title documents for fear of
breaking the law.
He revealed that local property developer had met with city hall and
relevant officials to issue a letter to the provincial government. At the
meeting they had sent a letter to the Ministry of Interior to request an
expert on the issue to clarify the law in question, specifically concerning
those foreigners with Thai spouses who wish to buy a home, as to the true
legal standing on the issue.
“In the past many developers were able to transfer homes to Thais with
foreign spouses, as has been the case for the last 10 years. This was
stopped as the government were unable to give a clear decision on the
matter,” the PBTA vice president said.
In order to help resolve the problem, a meeting with land department and tax
officials, local, provincial and national parliamentary members is
scheduled. The aim is to clarify the current MOI laws and directives and
have ministerial officials explain the real situation. The aim is also to
inform the MOI that housing project developers are now facing serious
problems as a result of the changes and specifically the legal stance on
foreigners with Thai spouses owning property.
Upcoming Consular Outreach Trip to Pattaya
The Consular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok
is pleased to inform all American citizens in the area of an upcoming
embassy consular visit in Pattaya. Consular staff will be available to
provide consular services on Thursday, June 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
at the Amari Orchid Resort on Beach Road in Pattaya (tel: 038-428-161).
Please watch for signs at the entrance directing you to the Consular
services area.
The following consular services will be available:
* Passport renewal applications (US $67.00 or baht 2,680 for adult
passports)
* Additional passport pages (no charge)
* Notarial services (US $30 or baht 1,200 for the first notarial; US $20 or
baht 800 for each additional notarial)
* Embassy registration and / or address change
* Absentee ballot application and voting abroad information
* Social security, VA or other federal benefits question
NOTE: Due to the large amount of time and paperwork involved, no
applications for Consular Reports of Birth will be accepted during consular
outreach trips.
** We ask that you bring correct change and that you provide a copy of your
passport’s photo page if you wish to renew your passport or ad visa pages.
If you have any questions, please e-mail: [email protected] or call the
American Citizen Services Unit at: 02-205-4049.
We look forward to seeing you at the Amari Orchid Resort in Pattaya on June
29th.
Good Samaritans have lucky escape
Murray Dickson
Two “Good Samaritans” have had a lucky escape following a horrific
traffic accident near Jomtien. The pair, Jim Soutar, executive director of
the Pakanyor Foundation and his associate Dave Doll from Phuket were driving
from Chiang Mai to Jomtien last Friday afternoon when their car was involved
in a collision with a 6-wheel truck loaded with corn.
Dave Doll (left) and Jim Soutar (right) were recently involved in a collision
with a 6-wheel truck.
Their Audi-A80 sedan was a write-off and while Dave Doll escaped with
bruises and lacerations, Jim Soutar was not so fortunate. He was taken to
hospital where X-rays revealed he had broken both his collar bones and
sustained five broken ribs amongst other injuries. He was later transferred
to the McCormick Hospital in Chiang Mai for surgery.
Jim and Dave had been involved in arranging emergency accommodation for
teachers and students at the Karen secondary school in the Chom Thong
district, some 60 kilometres southwest of Chiang Mai. Buildings at the
school were destroyed by fire late last month.
Following the fire, Jim and Dave, who had previously been involved in relief
operations as a result of the Boxing Day tsunami, arranged for two large
accommodation domes donated by the Freemasons of Western Australia and
Pattaya in conjunction with the Rotary Clubs of Pattaya and Jomtien along
with private local individuals, to be transported to the school site. Just
prior to Saturday’s accident the two men were preparing the domes; each
valued around 350,000 baht, for occupation.
Despite his injuries, Dave Doll has continued with the supervision of the
erection of the first dome which is almost ready for occupation. The second
dome is expected to be habitable by the end of next week.
The latest report from doctors attending to Jim Soutar indicates it could be
several months before he is fully recovered.
1,500 take to streets for
a clean sweep of the city
1,500 Pattaya locals participated in the cleanup.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Many organizations, governmental and private, joined forces on June 12
in a massive cleanup operation for Pattaya, with around 1,500 people out to
give the city a thorough spring clean as part of the celebrations
surrounding the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the
throne.
Mayor Niran Watthanasartsathorn saw the day off to a flying start at Pattaya
City Hall, with people from Pattaya City Council, the New Recruit Training
Center, the Naval Strategies Department, Dusit Resort, all 27 Pattaya
communities, and Pattaya school children taking part.
Niran said the cleanup was divided into two parts, with house owners,
shopkeepers and entertainment centers participating by cleaning up around
their premises, and military personnel and city road sweepers cleaning up
roads, temples and public areas.
This latter activity saw four main zones drawn up, namely North Pattaya Road
at Lotus ending at Krating Lai; North Pattaya Road at Pattaya City Hall to
South Pattaya at Wat Chaimongkol; South Pattaya Road at Pattayanukul School;
and Koh Larn and other islands, which were the responsibility of the
islanders.
Grand Sale aims to boost tourism during low season with attractive discounts
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
TAT and Visa International together opened the Thailand Grand Sale 2006
on June 15, an event designed to promote tourism and enhance the kingdom’s
image as a shopping paradise.
An exciting show was put on to stimulate shoppers into participating in the
Thailand Grand sale 2006.
Running through to August 15, the Grand Sale is being staged in the main
tourism centers including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hat Yai, Nakhon
Ratchasima, and Pattaya.
Pornthip Onnum, director of the TAT tourist investments department said that
the event would stimulate tourism during the low season. The TAT has invited
shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, spas and shops in the main provinces to
join this project, in association with Visa International. Tourists will
receive a 10-15 percent discount in outlets with the Thailand Grand Sale
2006 logo.
In Pattaya, at Central Festival Center, as part of the event, customers have
the chance to buy a Honda Jazz for 50 percent of the retail price, while at
Royal Garden Plaza customers spending 500 baht each time with their Visa
credit card can fill out a ticket for a draw in which a 25 satang gold chain
can be won every day. Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd is supporting the
Grand Sale with 15 special Optra Chevrolets.
To Be Number One Cheerleader Pattaya Championship 2006 springs to life June 30
Organizers announce the “To
Be Number One Cheerleader Pattaya Championship 2006.”
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Cheerleading has gained popularity in Thailand and Pattaya is no exception.
The annual To Be Number One Cheerleader Pattaya Championships spring to life
in fun city June 30.
At city hall, Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay chaired an organizational meeting
to finalize details of the upcoming event in which the city has supported to
the tune of 600,000 baht.
The cheerleading competition has stemmed from the need to prevent and
rehabilitate drug use among the youth and as a result has gained popularity.
This year’s competition in Pattaya will see school teams from the public and
private sectors compete at all levels.
Separated into classes, there will be 7 teams competing in the primary
school levels, 10 teams in the secondary school, each vying for prize monies
of 20,000, 15,000 and 10,000 baht at the top levels.
In the third category, made up of teams that have had limited competition
experience at the secondary level, two teams will have the opportunity to
win 10,000 and 5,000 baht.
The competition will feature a number of shows, including dance, gymnastics,
live bands and much more, all in support of drug prevention and expected to
be well attended.
The “To Be number One” project is generously supported by HRH Princess
Ubolratana as part of youth development projects aimed at enhancing Thai
society. The concept was inaugurated in 2001.
Those interested in witnessing this spectacular display of cheerleading
abilities and musical talents are invited to watch the event at Pattaya City
Hall on June 30 from 5 p.m.
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