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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

HRH Princess Chulabhorn opens International College of Surgeons’ 35th World Congress

City hall to clamp down on dilatory contractors

New police chief says IT systems will help solve Pattaya’s problems

BAYWATCH

Sea cow swims alongside youngsters in Dongtan Bay

Baht bus driver seizes snatch thief

Female thieves drug Indian tourists and steal their property

Brit slaps female bar owner and is set upon by ‘good Samaritans’

Drunk driver plows into crowd at beer bar

A brief look at Loy Krathong meanings and traditions

Loy Krathong, one of the Kingdom’s favorite holidays is this weekend

Walkie-talkies presented to step up Walking Street security

Hotel association discusses tourist safety


HRH Princess Chulabhorn opens International College of Surgeons’ 35th World Congress

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn is greeted at the Royal Cliff upon her arrival to open the 35th World Congress of the International College of Surgeons.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn on October 25 formally opened the 35th World Congress of the International College of Surgeons, organized by the International College of Surgeons Association of Thailand and staged at the Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
The congress, held under the theme “A Challenge for Surgeons”, was held between October 25 and 29 and focused on the use of new technology in surgery, and the impact this has on the skills of surgeons.
Six honorary members of the college were presented with certificates from Her Royal Highness, 28 members of the administrative committee received memorial coins, and 11 new bachelors received honorary certificates. After the presentation, Her Royal Highness formally opened the congress with a speech.
Following the opening, Her Royal Highness toured the exhibition that was held alongside the congress before thanking the administrative committee and the organizing committee and departing from the event.


City hall to clamp down on dilatory contractors

Warns against making a mess during high season

Noppadon Chaichana
City hall is to crack down on contractors who carry out sub-standard work or who delay projects.

Suwit Nongyai, member of Pattaya City Council, said that some contractors hired by the city do not complete their work on schedule.

Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chaired a meeting of departmental heads on October 18 to consider measures to take against contractors who breach regulations. The intention is for the measures to be proposed to Pattaya City Council for ratification into an Act.
Suwit Nongyai, member of Pattaya City Council in his capacity as chairman of the Budget Audit Committee said that some contractors hired by the city do not complete the works on schedule.
Others do not carry out the works as specified in the contract. Some are even willing to pay fines imposed on them by the city regardless of the effects that their negligence has on the public.
On questioning, contractors give excuses such as lack of sufficient labor, or heavy rains delaying the work. But these are not really the reasons for the delays, because the contractors are responsible for carrying out the works to the agreed terms of the contract. Ronakit said that if severely adverse weather conditions really are the reason for delaying a project, then city hall will listen: labor shortages, however, have to be compensated for by the contractors.
Ronakit added the tourist season is about to start and any hiring or entering into contracts with contractors must not have a negative impact on Pattaya’s efficiency or image as a world-class tourism destination. Along with those contractors who delay handing over works, the companies who create eyesores with their projects or cause unnecessary traffic congestion will also be taken to task.
The matter will be brought up at the next meeting of Pattaya City Council to discuss procedures and implement rules and regulations.


New police chief says IT systems will help solve Pattaya’s problems

Ronakit Ekasingh (right) explains the CCTV to Police Colonel Sutin Sapphuang, Pattaya Police commander.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya’s new police chief has spoken of the advantages of the city’s new information technology systems in helping to beat crime, solve the traffic problem and create better public order.
Pol Col Sutin Sapphuang, who has taken over as commander of Pattaya police, and Pol Lt Col Santi Chayniramai who is taking over as superintendent of crime suppression, were visiting the new Call Center at Pattaya District Office on October 26, where they were welcomed by Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh.
The visit by the two police chiefs was part of a study they are making on Pattaya’s IT systems, as directed by Pol Lt Gen Asawin Kwanmuang, commander of Region 2, who wants Pattaya, Banglamung, Tourist Police and Immigration Police to see how to best use the operation of CCTV (closed circuit TV), as well as the automated call center and coordinate on solving crime and traffic problems.
Ronakit said that Pattaya has invested millions of baht in its IT systems. There are now more than 100 CCTVs throughout the city, and the automated call center will not only serve the public but will also act to warn of dangers and other problems in a speedy and efficient manner.
After the visit Pol Col Sutin said that the system would be of great benefit in keeping public order and helping crime prevention, but staff would need to learn more deeply about the system in order to use it to its fullest potential. A meeting was scheduled for November 3 between Region 2 police, local police stations, Pattaya District Office and Pattaya City Council to further discuss and plan operations.


BAYWATCH: How many city hall workers does it take to change a light bulb?

Vimolrat Singnikorn
Within less than three months, the lighting for the words on the Walking Street arch at Bali Hai has ceased to operate properly. Despite the investment in time and money to erect this new archway, an important element in the image of the area, it seems no one is able to change the light bulbs promptly.
The archway carries an image of Their Majesties the King and Queen, with text in both Thai and English reading “Long Live the King”. A grand opening ceremony for the archway was held on August 12 this year, but on October 17, at around 8 p.m., the sign had a distinctly moth-eaten appearance with many of the lights spelling out “WALKING STREET” inoperative.


Sea cow swims alongside youngsters in Dongtan Bay

Patcharapol Panrak
A group of youngsters out learning how to sail in Dongtan Bay were enthralled when a sea cow, or “moo nam” (dugong) surfaced beside their boats and swam alongside them for three hours.
While the youngsters were enjoying the company of their new aquatic friend, the Royal Navy issued an announcement to fishermen forbidding the laying of all kinds of nets in the bay.

Youngsters learning how to sail received and extra treat when this sea cow surfaced for a visit.

The sighting occurred on October 23. Rear Admiral Apiwat Sriwattana, secretary general of the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, received a report from Julapong Chanyim, sailboat control officer at the Water Sports Center Building on Beach Road, Dongtan Bay, that he was leading 64 youngsters on the basic sailing course at Royal Thai Fleet Bay next to Dongtan Bay.
They had found two sea cows that appeared to be calves up to 1 meter in length. One of them dove deeply in the training area, while the other raced alongside the training sailboats. The sea cow came close to them and let them pat it on the head and nose, and it stayed with them for three hours.
Rear Admiral Apiwat said that sea cows had been spotted fairly often recently at Sattahip Bay, especially in front of the Sea Turtle Preservation Center at the Air and Coastal Defense Command. Unhappily, four dead sea cows have been found during this year on the beach. One was found on Bangsarae Beach, one at Laemtian Pier, one in the Royal Thai Fleet Bay, and one at Had Yao.
Admiral Nopporn Atchawakom, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Fleet, said it was a good sign that sea cows were living in Sattahip Bay, as it means the sea environment is improving and is rich in natural resources.
The Coastal Defense Force at Squadron Region 1, which is responsible for the Sattahip coastal patrol, will ensure the fisheries not to lay nets that might ensnare the sea cows.


Baht bus driver seizes snatch thief

Boonlua Chatree
A baht bus driver seized a thief who attempted to snatch a gold chain from a Ukrainian passenger, and held him until the police arrived.

Heroic baht bus driver Manat Champa (right) helped passenger Becruchuo Ruslan (left) detain a snatch and run thief and recover Ruslan’s gold necklace.

The crime happened at 1 a.m. on October 27, in front of the Camelot Hotel in South Pattaya. Police officers led by Pol Lt Col Wuttichat Luansukhan, inspector at Tourist Police 4, were called to the scene where they found a baht bus parked at the side of the road. Nearby was a blue and black Honda Wave motorbike. Beside the bus was a Ukrainian, Becruchuo Ruslan, 28, and Manat Champa, a 38-year-old Pattaya baht bus driver. They were detaining a youth who had attempted to escape with Ruslan’s necklace.
The youth was identified as Panya Sodsaeng, age 17. In his right hand was part of a 3-baht gold chain, and the other piece with a cross was on the road at the scene. The victim pointed him out for the police, and said that Panya had an accomplice who had fled the scene.
Ruslan had taken the baht bus with a friend from his residence on Soi Pattaya Park into town. Panya and his accomplice, a 16-year-old who has been identified by the nickname Mad, were driving around looking for a victim. Mad was driving the motorcycle. They followed the baht bus and pulled alongside so that Panya, from the pillion seat, was able to reach inside and snatch the necklace from Ruslan.
The bus driver, Manat, saw what was going on and tried to bump into the motorbike. The thieves attempted to flee but although Mad got away, Panya was detained. Police have established that Panya has carried out this form of theft on several previous occasions, and he has been charged. Officers are now on the trail of the elusive Mad.


Female thieves drug Indian tourists and steal their property

Boonlua Chatree
Police are searching for two service girls who drugged and robbed two Indian tourists, and are following up on copies of ID cards left with the reception desk of the hotel in which the tourists were staying.
The incident was reported to police at 12:30 a.m. on October 22, and police went immediately with Sawang Boriboon Foundation officers to the scene on the second floor of the hotel on Pratamnak Road.
There they found two very groggy Indian tourists, Shiva Rudrappa Muthappa Chellvappa, 47, and Govindasmy Nald G. Suresh, 39, lying on the bed. The officers gave them first aid before transferring them to Banglamung Hospital. The room had been ransacked and had not one object of value remained. There was one used condom on the floor, and two bottles of Chang beer and Tiger beer on the table.
Police questioned Mrs Samniang Maneechan, 35, the head room maid of the hotel, and she stated that the two Indians had been paying for the room since October 19. They normally went out at noon, but on the date of the theft they didn’t. She thought it unusual and she therefore opened the room with the service key and found the two men. She then alerted the police.
After treatment Muthappa and Suresh said they had hired two Thai women approximately 25-30 years of age from Walking Street for 500 baht each for sex. In the room they drank beer but then couldn’t remember anything else until they had been transferred to the hospital. Later they said that the property inside their luggage was gone, including one gold necklace, three gold rings, one mobile phone, a digital camera, 8,000 baht, and 5,200 US dollars.
The officers followed up with the hotel and discovered that the hotel employees had made copies of the two women’s ID cards before allowing them to go with the Indians into the room. They have been named as Ms Nuanwan Khunachak, 30, of a Bangkok address, and Ms Chicha Kongsida, 21, from Sakon Nakhon. Police are now on their trail.


Brit slaps female bar owner and is set upon by ‘good Samaritans’

Boonlua Chatree
Police were called out to the Susie Karaoke and Beer Bar next to Beach Road Soi 4 at 03.30 hrs on October 14 after receiving a report that a foreign tourist had been beaten and injured.
On arrival the officers found that the bar was still open with tourists and bar girls sat around drinking, and they ordered the bar closed because it was operating after hours.
The injured man who was sat at the front of the premises with blood streaming down his face was identified as James Caffery, a 52-year-old British national. He had suffered a 5cm long gash on the forehead, his cheeks were swollen and he also had a split lip. He was in a dazed state.
Caffery told officers that he was sat drinking at the bar alone and became drunk. He got into an argument with the Thai female bar owner and slapped her once before she sent him out of the bar and instructed five youths to beat him up outside. He requested that the bar owner take responsibility for his injuries because he had already apologised to her.
The owner, Mrs Pornphan, 39, said she intended to press charges against Caffery for assault. On hearing that, Caffery asked police to take him to hospital so he could have his injuries treated. He added that he didn’t want to press charges but would make a report later.
Pornphan denied instructing the youths to beat up Caffery, saying that they witnessed him slap her and were good Samaritans and took him to task for hitting a Thai woman. She said that she would not press charges if he didn’t, but filed a report to protect herself in case he pressed charges later.


Drunk driver plows into crowd at beer bar

Boonlua Chatree
A drunk driver lost control of his car and plowed into customers sitting at a beer bar in the early hours of October 24, seriously injuring four people.
Officers from Pattaya Police Station were called out at 3 a.m. along with officers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation to a group of bars in the Made in Thailand Market on Second Road. At the scene was a four-door orange Ford pickup that had collided with the Dao Kai Bar, smashing tables and chairs and seriously injuring three Thai people and one foreign visitor.

Workers tend to the injured after a drunk driver plowed into a beer bar on Second Road.

The injured were taken to Pattaya Memorial Hospital. Most seriously hurt was 34-year-old Mrs Saichon Khamtum, who suffered stomach injuries severe enough to cause her intestines to protrude. The other three requiring extensive treatment were Ms Yanee Kuaprakon, 19, Ms Ratda Wichasawat, 36, and Baul Staoobants, 51. Several other people sustained cuts and scratches, but weren’t seriously injured.
The driver of the pickup had attempted to flee the scene but was restrained. His name was Singha Phianthamdee, age 30, a resident of Saraburi. He was clearly in a state of drunkenness and when police tested his alcohol level he was found to be over the limit.
Singha said that he had borrowed the car from his friend, and was on the way from South Pattaya to Central Pattaya. He claimed that a baht bus had overtaken his truck and cut in front of him, causing him to swerve and collide with the beer bar.
Eyewitnesses, however, stated that Singha was driving at a high rate of speed, and had passed and cut in front of the baht bus to turn onto the soi near the beer bar group. Because it was so close he didn’t have time to slow his car down. Singha has been charged with drunk driving resulting in damage and injuries to people and property.


A brief look at Loy Krathong meanings and traditions

According to the history written by King Mongkut in 1863, the Loy Krathong festival has its roots in ancient Brahmin culture, going back some 700 years. The spirits of the river were given offerings which were sailed in the river in small boats (krathongs) and in this way the owner of the krathong would gain absolution. This was a Brahmin belief.

The small boats fashioned by the beautiful and talented Nang Noppamas, the daughter of a Brahmin priest and wife of King Phra Ruang, were notable for their construction and beauty. It was this king who then dedicated the krathong to the memory of the Buddha, and decreed that the event would be called Loy Krathong and that it should become an annual celebration to commemorate the skill and beauty of his consort. In this way he lifted it out of Brahmin culture and installed it into the accepted Buddhist way of life. This is the reason that the krathongs now carry three incense sticks representing the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.
During the Loy Krathong Festival, people decorate their krathong with flowers, joss sticks and candles which will then sail away, taking with them bad health, bad luck and unhappiness.
Lanterns are well-known symbols in the Loy Krathong Festival, too, being used to decorate houses and temples in worship of the guardian spirits. There are four kinds of lantern used in the festival: the hand-held rabbit lantern, the hot air balloon lantern (kom loy), the hanging lantern for religious worship, and the spin lantern installed at the temples. The belief in lanterns is that the lights inside compare with the wisdom the people will gain in the next life.


Loy Krathong, one of the Kingdom’s favorite holidays is this weekend

Loy Krathong festivities in Pattaya will be held throughout the weekend, with the official date being November 5. The festivities will be highlighted by krathong competitions, Miss Noppamas competitions, food booths, music, fireworks, and even a full moon party on Koh Larn.

Loy Krathong at the Dusit Resort Pattaya is always a sight to behold.

On November 5 in Naklua, activities will be centered around Lan Pho Public Park. Well-known country singers Yui Yatyer and Sossai Romphothong will join the celebrations and there will be a Khamkhan and Rock Kaopun comedy show. A krathong contest, using only natural materials, will be held between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will also be a Nang Noppamas contest and fireworks in the evening.
It seems Walking Street plans to go all out for the festival, with the activities lasting 3 days. From November 4 - 6, food and beer booths will be set up in the street, plenty of music is on tap, the ladies will be dressed in their best Loy Krathong dresses, and a grand fireworks display will light up the night sky.
A Nang Noppamas contest will also be held on Beach Road, in front of Mike Shopping Mall (near Soi 12) on Sunday, November 5 beginning at 6 p.m.
The Koh Larn Beer Bar Association plans to hold a Full Moon Party beginning Saturday night, November 4, and not ending until 3 a.m. Monday, November 6. The Full Moon Party is set to kick off around 5 p.m. Saturday and will feature DJs, food & drink booths, a fire twirling show, and fireworks at midnight. A Reggae party is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. Sunday, November 5, followed by carnival type event starting at 1 p.m. and featuring Thai boxing, darts, dunk the lady in a pool, and more. At 6:30 p.m. the Full Moon Party starts again, and ends at 3 a.m. with a grand “See you again on December 8” fireworks display.
All the events listed above will also feature the traditional floating of the krathongs with everyone joining in to sing the Loy Krathong song on Sunday evening, November 5.
Most hotels in town will also have special Loy Krathong festivities. Contact your favorite hotel for further details.


Walkie-talkies presented to step up Walking Street security

Walking Street Committee’s deputy head, Sunthon Kangsirikul and members distributed walky-talkies to Pattaya City, received by Tavich Chaisawangwong and Ronakit Ekasingh.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Walking Street Committee has distributed walky-talkies to municipal officers with the aim of increasing their ability to respond fast to matters regarding the safety of tourists and thereby help to improve the image of Walking Street as a tourist attraction.
The equipment was presented at a meeting of the Walking Street Committee at Pattaya City Hall on October 26, with Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh as chairman.
Eight walkie-talkies were given for the use of volunteer municipal officers, with Ronakit and head of Pattaya City Council Tavich Chaisawangwong receiving them on behalf of the municipality.
Deputy head of the Walking Street Committee Sunthon Kangsirikul said that at present the crime rate on Walking Street is high, with many tourists affected by criminal activity, and that the walkie-talkies will enable a greater efficiency to be achieved and help to enhance the street’s image.
Ronakit said that city hall had a policy to promote Walking Street as a prime tourism attraction and that the success of the policy depended very much on cooperation from both the business sector and officialdom.


Hotel association discusses tourist safety

Members and guest speakers of the Thai Hotel Association - Eastern Region.

Vimolrat Singnikorn
The importance of health and safety for tourists was the subject of a talk given to the Thai Hotel Association - Eastern Region by Janet Griffiths from Safety in Asia during the association’s monthly meeting held on October 19 at the A-One Royal Cruise Hotel.
Association chairman Chatchawal Supachayanont also briefed members on the new safety measures being implemented in cooperation with the government sector.
Chatchawal said that with the high season about to get underway, 70 percent of Pattaya’s hotel rooms are already booked.
The meeting also discussed the Pre-WTM Road Show which will be held on 31 October in Stockholm, and which proceeds to Switzerland and Copenhagen.