|
Democrats make clean
sweep in Chonburi voting
Chart Thai candidates and stalwart supporters stunned by outcome
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The tables turned on all 8 Chart Thai Party parliamentary hopefuls
in Chonburi, when the outcome of the voting was declared last Sunday
evening.
In Zone 1, all 3 seats were won by Democrats Pramual Empia (109,162), Banjob
Rungroj (102,943) and Manit Pawasut (97,468).
 A
physically challenged person seems very happy that she has a say in the
future of her country.
The Democrats were also victorious in Zone 2, where Mrs. Pojanart Kaewpluke
(67,457), Thanaroj Rotchamakulset (64,886) and Maitree Soiluang (64,497)
grabbed the contested seats sending shock waves to the 3 Chart Thai
candidates Santsak Ngampiches (39,685), Chanyuth Hengtrakul (42,236), and
Poramet Ngampiches (48,488) who were considered to be the favorites in this
zone.
The final blow dealt by the Democrats was in Zone 3 putting paid to the
equation as Sorawut Nuanmgchamnong (71,338) and Pol. Lt. Gen. Weera
Anantakul (57,985) claimed the 2 remaining Chonburi seats in Parliament.
Voting units were also set up at St. Nikolas Church where the physically
challenged citizens were able to cast their ballots. Mr. Paithun Kaewdam a
student at the Redemptorist School for the Handicapped and will be a
participant in the 4th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima said, “I expect
that the new government will pay more attention to the needs and welfare of
the handicapped in Thailand. We would like to be given the same rights as
everyone else and want the authorities to afford us more convenience when we
travel and go about our daily lives. We hope the government can upgrade
their working methods for the caring of the handicapped in line with
international standards. After all we have brought much fame and fortune to
Thailand in numerous world class sporting and educational competitions.”
Authorities reported that there were no untoward incidents at any of the
units in Banglamung except for one incident in Naklua, when a 40 year-old
woman tore her voting ballot in half, dropping one section into the ballot
box and returning the other half to bewildered officials. She explained that
she did not fully understand the voting system and had inadvertently
destroyed her ballot. The police took her into custody for further
investigation.
The results of the elections in Chonburi and especially in Pattaya has
awakened the senses of the citizenry and much will be anticipated as to the
new trend of voter thinking in the eastern region of Thailand.
Speculation is now ripe as to what the outcome of the mayoral elections,
which are to be held in Pattaya in March, would be.
Voting units around Pattaya
and Banglamung saw a high turn
out of voters throughout the day.
Happy New Year 2008
Concerts, comedy and fireworks
at Bali Hai pier
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Festivities for Pattaya’s official New Year’s Eve celebration will
begin at Bali Hai pier at 5:10 p.m. and continue through to 2:20 a.m.
Highlights include a concert featuring God Jakapan, AF#4, Chin JKI, Cherry
Cherry, Punch Black Head, plus the Du Dokkradon Comedy Group, and the most
beautiful woman in Thailand, Nong Or, Miss Thailand 2007.
 Pattaya
permanent secretary Wuthipong Charoenpol
At 11:55 p.m. the countdown will begin, with fireworks over Pattaya Bay to
welcome 2008.
All this is being organized by SY Senorita Co Ltd, chosen by city fathers to
put together the activities surrounding the New Year Countdown on December
31. The Pattaya Countdown is being organized under a budget of 3 million
baht.
Two events companies had presented proposals to city hall, namely Rightman
Company and SY Senorita Co, and the organizing committee finally agreed with
the designs from SY Senorita Co, which had organized the Pattaya Countdown
the previous year.
Pattaya permanent secretary Wuthipong Charoenpol said a meeting on December
13 to discuss the festivities, that SY Senorita has the skills and
experience, and an appropriate concept for the venue.
Those wearing pink shirts to the event will be able to take part in games
and receive prizes that will include gold, a TV, a refrigerator, a DVD
player, an electric fan, a camera, and much else besides.
Elsewhere in town, nearly every hotel, restaurant and/or watering hole will
be holding their own exciting New Year’s Eve parties and events. Check
community happenings on page 20-21 for more info.
Residents complain of access
problems along new railway road
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Residents living along the route of the new road that has been built
alongside the railway line have filed a complaint with Pattaya City Hall,
saying that they have had to pay themselves for driveway access to their
homes.
The complaint was lodged on December 12, when about 100 residents living
along the 16-km route said they had to pay out of their own pockets for
access from the road.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn has, however, said that the plan for the road
is the responsibility of the State Railway of Thailand, and that the
complaints have to be forwarded to that body for consideration.
Niran said that the land for constructing the road along the railway belongs
to the SRT. Pattaya City has a lease contract for three years at an annual
rent of 2 million baht, increasing by 5 percent each year.
The SRT devised the plan for the road, which involved blocking off the paths
along the side of the road, except for the main railroad crossing. In the
event people who live along this road need to construct driveway entrances,
then they must bear the costs to do this.
Niran said he disagreed with this element of the plan, because the purpose
of this road is for the common wealth of the people, but that the outcome of
the complaints rested with the SRT.
“Those who wish to construct a driveway entrance must submit a request to
Pattaya City, or contact Chaowalit Jariyayanyong of the Traffic Engineering
Department of Pattaya City at tel 081-735-3753,” he said.
“All of the data will be submitted to the State Railway of Thailand for
review.”
Mayor of Saxan visits city
during government trade talks
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn
presents the key to the city
to Huang Zhihao, mayor of Saxan, China.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Huang Zhihao, mayor of Saxan, in the Chinese province of Guangdong was
presented with the keys to the city of Pattaya when he visited Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn at Pattaya City Hall on December 13.
Mayor Huang and his entourage were in Thailand for discussions with the
government over the establishing of a Thai Agricultural Products Center in
Saxan.
Talks had been held with Theera Sutabut, the Minister of Agriculture and
Cooperatives. The distribution center would allow Thai agricultural products
to be delivered directly without using an intermediary, thereby helping in
the delivering of fresh and new produce. Thailand has agreed to the
proposal, which came from the Chinese side, as Saxan is about 100 km away
from Shenzhen and from the city of Guangzhou, which offer large markets for
the produce. Saxan itself is also starting to be developed.
Thailand will now find a suitable private company, and is ready to invest
with a private Chinese company. A marketing organization will be assigned
for agriculturists to gather the produce for transporting to China.
Niran said that China is one of the largest sources of tourists to Pattaya,
and that the agreement would form a special bond between Saxan and Pattaya.
New regulations will control motorcycle taxis on Koh Larn
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Koh Larn is attempting to bring some order to the undisciplined
behavior of its motorcycle taxi ranks, following complaints from residents
and visitors.
The Administrative and Orderliness Committee held a meeting on December 17
at Pattaya City Hall, led by its chairman Sanit Boonmachai, to devise a way
of enforcing regulations governing the taxi ranks.
 Wachirawith
Gudklang, head of the Pattaya City Office Koh Larn Branch.
Also present were Deputy Mayor Wattana Chantanawaranon and Wachirawith
Gudklang, who is head of the Pattaya City Office Koh Larn Branch.
Sanit said that regulations need to be created for the motorcycle taxi
stands, as complaints had been received, particularly about the activities
of the riders at Naban Pier.
Administrative officers from Koh Larn presented a large number of documents
concerning motorcycle taxi registration at the Chonburi Department of Land
Transportation. They said that with the yellow license plates issued for
more than 100 official motorcycle taxis on Koh Larn, it would be easy to
spot and remove any interlopers in the future.
Regulations will now be drawn up for specific motorcycle taxi ranks at Naban
Pier. These would allow taxis from only one rank to travel to Samae Beach,
and for other ranks to travel to other locations. This would prevent the
scramble and arguing amongst drivers touting for the business.
Sanit said that regulations are also being drawn up to control the baht
buses on Koh Larn. Pictures would be taken of the vehicles to keep a record,
and each would be painted with an identifying number.
Questions asked over
Suvarnabhumi highway connection
The road is slowly advancing
towards completion.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, led by association
president Chamroon Witsawachaiphan, has asked about progress on the
construction of Special Highway No 7 from Chonburi to Pattaya, voicing
concern that the project has progressed only 60 percent because of the
problem concerning lands surrendered to the government.
Porawut Chanpen, assistant engineer on part three of the project said that
the Department of Highways had authorized construction of the road under a
2006 budget of more than 2 billion baht, the objective being to provide a
fast and convenient connection between Pattaya and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
This project has been divided into four parts. The first and second sections
start from the 4km +100 marker, and from the Chonburi overpass. The project
ends at the 42km +400 marker at the International School of the Regents, and
runs for a total distance of 38.3km. It will use the old path of Special
Highway No 7, and will add four traffic lanes. Currently, this section of
the project is planned for completion in August of 2008, and is 70 percent
complete.
Parts 3 and 4 have a budget of more than 1 billion baht, and were started in
December 2005. The road has four traffic lanes that are 7.2 meters wide. It
started from the old No 36 intersection to Sukhumvit Road between North
Pattaya and Central Pattaya, and runs for a total distance of 7.7 km. This
section has two intersections that can connect to the local road at the
Pattaya Water Drainage Well and Chaiyapornwithee Road.
Construction on parts 3 and 4 has been delayed, and the project is unlikely
to be completed by its May 2008 target. This was due to the right of
ownership for the land that the road had to pass over. The construction
stage for this section has reached 60 percent.
Chamroon said the project could be significantly beneficial and convenient
for the public and tourists when it is completed, because the highway would
be very convenient and allow a fast connection to Pattaya.
Finnish man arrested for groping woman
Groper - Jari Tapani Koskela
was arrested for groping Miss Naowarat Noree.
Groped - Miss Naowarat Noree
makes out a report to police.
Boonlua Chatree
A Finnish tourist was arrested on December 20 for committing an
indecent act against a Thai woman on Walking Street.
The incident happened at 1 am, when Pattaya Police Station received a report
from Miss Naowarat Noree, 30, of Kanchanaburi. She complained that a man had
groped her, and then had poured beer on her.
Police officers went to the scene and found a drunken Finnish citizen named
as Jari Tapani Koskela, age 42. They escorted him to the cells to wait until
he was sober enough to be charged.
Tourist Police on full alert for undesirables
Tourist police are on high
alert during this holiday season.
Boonlua Chatree
Tourist Police officers have been mobilized to be especially alert
for groups of ill-intentioned people who might pose a threat to tourists
during the New Year season.
The officers gathered at 4:30pm on December 20 in the yard in front of
Tourist Police Station 4 for a briefing from Pol Maj Gen Chuchart
Suwannakhom, commander of the Tourist Police.
Pol Maj Gen Chuchart said that every police officer must be united in
suppressing people who have ill intentions and pose a threat to tourists,
whether directly or indirectly, while they are on vacation.
During the Christmas and New Year season every year, Pattaya is particularly
busy and this provides a temptation for undesirable characters, said the
commander.
“It is our duty to provide tourists and the public with safety and security.
This task will not be successful without sacrifices, endurance,
perseverance, and awareness from police officers.”
One man killed
in motorcycle collision
Boonlua Chatree
A crash between two motorcycles left one man dead in the early hours of
December 19.
Pattaya Police Station received a report at 2 am that a man had been killed
in a motorcycle accident at Pratamnak Road in South Pattaya, in front of the
Nova Hotel. Arriving at the scene, officers encountered a large amount of
traffic on the road that had to be diverted before starting the
investigation.
 Once
again, speed kills.
One man was lying dead on the road, but no evidence as to his identity was
found. His appearance was that of Middle Eastern descent, and he was
estimated to be 35 to 40 years old. His body was examined, and it was
discovered that his neck was broken. He had blood protruding from his nose
and mouth. Police sent the body to Banglamung Hospital for examination.
The motorcycle the deceased had been riding was a bronze and black Honda. It
was lying on its side about 1 meter away from the dead man. Two meters away
from that was a blue and black Yamaha Mio lying on the road. Beside the
motorbike was Daniel Rajske, a 34-year-old Czech national, whom the officers
questioned.
Rajske said that he was riding his motorcycle from the South Pattaya Second
Road traffic light intersection in the direction of Pratamnak Hill. When he
arrived at the scene of the accident, the deceased man’s motorbike was
traveling at a high speed. It was not able to navigate the curve, and
collided with him.
Police investigations continue.
Media provides lunch for blind students
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Pattaya Mass Media Club served lunch to more than 100 students
at the Redemptorists School for the Blind on December 12.
 (From
left) Chaiyot Phoopattanapong, chairman of the Pattaya Mass Media Club,
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Visa Chimdee help feed the blind
children.
Club chairman Chaiyot Phoopattanapong led his committee in providing the
lunch, which was also attended by Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Deputy
Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh.
The atmosphere during the lunch was a warm and happy one, the members of the
press serving the blind children themselves. Afterwards, the students sang a
song of thanks to the media for their kindness.
Chaiyot said that the Pattaya Mass Media Club currently has about 60 members
and is active in community affairs in addition to representing the press.
Pattaya Mail’s Ariyawat
Nuamsawat helps take care of the blind children.
Free dental care offered to residents
Pramote Channgam
Free dental services were provided by Pattaya City on December 14, one of
the activities arranged in honor of the 80th birthday of His Majesty the
King.
 Free
dental services were provided by the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer
Foundation.
Tavich Chaiswangwong, chairman of Pattaya City Council and Deputy Mayor
Verawat Khakhay jointly opened the event, which was held at the
multi-purpose building at Pattaya School No 8.
The organization was handled jointly by the Pattaya Department of Public
Health and the Environment, and the Princess Mother’s Medical Volunteer
Foundation.
Residents of Pattaya and its environs received dental checkups and advice on
oral hygiene, and free dental services including fillings, tooth extractions
and dentures.
There was also a campaign for the 10 schools under Pattaya City
jurisdiction, with a competition designed to impart knowledge to the
students. Prizes for the competition were valued at 8,000 baht. The winning
prize went to Pattaya School No 6, second place went to Pattaya School No 2,
and third place went to Pattaya School No 8. The money prizes received were
4,000, 2,500, and 1,500 baht.
Apart from receiving dental services, residents could also have checkups for
high blood pressure and diabetes. Advice was given to those who wished to
give up smoking, and information was available on protection from sexually
transmitted diseases. Free haircuts were provided by Jutamas Beauty School.
Patients on social security
diverted to other hospitals as
Pattaya Memorial ends contract
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya Memorial Hospital has announced that it will end its social
insurance contract on January 1, and that consequently the responsibility
for up to 60,000 people will be moved to the Chonburi Social Security
Department.
 Sorarit
Loykulanan from the Chonburi Social Security Department makes the
announcement.
The announcement was made on December 12 at the Dusit Resort by a panel of
spokesmen that included Sorarit Loykulanan of the Chonburi Social Security
Department, Dr Somkiat Bowornsaereepathai, deputy director of Queen Savang
Vadhana Memorial Hospital, Mrs Tasanee Maneenet, president of the Personnel
Management Association in Pattaya, and Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay.
The Chonburi Social Security Department stated that it has made arrangements
with two hospitals for people receiving social security, namely Queen Savang
Vadhana Memorial Hospital in Sriracha, and Queen Sirikit Hospital.
“Regarding this problem, the Social Security Department will move the people
receiving social security, and who have applied to the Pattaya Memorial
Hospital for treatment, to another hospital,” said Sorarit.
“Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital and the Queen Sirikit Hospital both
have social insurance contracts, and the validation will start on January 1,
2008.”
Sorarit said that there are approximately 60,000 people receiving social
security. In addition to the hospitals they can use the Social Security
Health Center on Pattaya Second Road, or more than 20 other clinics in
Pattaya City. They can also use government hospitals throughout the country
in case of an emergency. This is enough to support the people receiving
social security.
“Those receiving social security in Sattahip can use Queen Sirikit Hospital
for the treatment of illnesses. Those receiving social security in Sriracha,
Banglamung and Koh Sichang can use Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital in
Sriracha, or other social security networks in the area.”
Fond farewell to TAT’s Pinnart who leaves Pattaya after 20 years’ service
Pinnart Charoenpol (standing,
center), outgoing assistant director
of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region 3, says goodbye
to all her friends at TAT, Pattaya.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya City bid a fond farewell to one of its most energetic promoters of
tourism on December 13, when a party was held at the Green Park Hotel for
Mrs Pinnart Charoenpol, outgoing assistant director of the Tourism Authority
of Thailand Central Region 3.
Pinnart, who has been working with the TAT in Pattaya for 20 years, is being
transferred to the same position at TAT Central Region 5 in Trad. This is
the first move she has made to a new posting during her entire career with
the TAT.
The Pattaya Business and Tourism Association hosted the farewell party for
Pinnart, who takes up her new position at the beginning of next month.
Deputy mayors Ronakit Ekasingh and Verawat Khakhay were on hand along with
PBTA president Chamroon Witsawachaiphan to give their warmest best wishes
and congratulations to the greatly liked and respected Pinnart, who has
promised that she will return soon to Pattaya, but next time as a tourist
herself.
Best of Isaan on display
Pramote Channgam
The best of Isaan is on display at a fair being held at Pattaya
School No 8 on December 28 and 29.
 Having
fun making old Isaan style somtam.
The announcement was made on December 12 at Pattaya City Hall by Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn, mayoral advisor Itthipol Khunplome, and Sukreep
Klikrachai, president of the Isaan Pattaya Club.
Sukreep said the fair is a New Year celebration and will feature traditional
Isaan dance and song performed on stage by well-known artists. December 28
will feature Satid Thongchan and Jet Chamrun, and December 29 will see
performances by Dang Jittakorn, Chalerm Bamrung, and Top Isaan Moh Lam.
OTOP products from the Northeast will also be on sale, including silk and
“ou”, an earthen whisky jar that is a specialty of Putai. One activity that
should not be missed is the inevitable somtam competition.
One difference this year from previous fairs is the holding of the Most
Beautiful Isaan Man competition, which is actually for women of the second
category. This replaces the traditional Miss Isaan contest, which always
featured real girls. Clearly, there will be no shortage of competitors for
the new competition.
|
