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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

New railway road hit by traffic jams

Underground power cable installation at Jomtien discussed

Forum debates strategy for local development and production of Eco Car

Neighbors save burning house

City stages exhibition to mark World No Tobacco Day

Examinations take place for free eyeglasses

Teak saplings planted in observance of Environmental Day

Coral reefs extended at Marine Corps Bay with rocks and piping

Arrests continue as police crack down on foreign pedophiles

British man faces charges of having sex with 15-year-old boy

Police lift the lid on manhole scam

Sattahip donates essential supplies to cyclone-hit Burmese

Royal Thai, U.S. service members deliver supplies to shelter

Navy observes 85th anniversary of the passing of Prince Chumporn

Seven trucks take donated supplies to army center for transport to Myanmar

Police trainees take part in mangrove planting

Cobra Gold 2008 concludes

Heroes emerge from the storm

Finalists ready for Miss Tiffany Universe competition

Election commission approves Itthipol as city mayor


New railway road hit by traffic jams

Traffic lights at intersections might help

Pramote Channgam
Traffic problems are already bedeviling the new road being built parallel to the railway line, before the road is even completed.
The road is seen as an important element of the plan to ease the city’s traffic problems, as it allows vehicles to leave Sukhumvit Road. Running a distance of 16 kilometers, the road runs alongside the railway tracks from the Krathinglai Junction to Huay Yai Sub-district.
With the project now 90 percent complete, a lot of local people are now using the road, and consequently the jams have already begun.
Surasak Huasun, 31, a resident of Soi Wat Bun Sampan says he regularly uses this route and that the traffic builds up between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. This period he said is the worst time because of the children returning home from school, and people going home from work. The main traffic problems occur at the junctions, which lack traffic police. Traffic lights might help, he said.
The problems have been exacerbated by the partial closure of Soi Wat Bun Samphan, where city engineers are laying a large water pipe, and where there is at present a diversion. Drivers are at present using Soi Nernplabwan, causing traffic build-ups there.
Amnuay Na-ek, acting on behalf of the construction supervisor said that Pattaya City traffic officials are now being used at the crossing points to help ease traffic flow.
As the road has yet to be completed and handed over, there is little else that can be done at this stage, says Amnuay.
One lane at Soi Wat Bun Samphan is now being opened for traffic, and the situation is expected to ease by the end of the month.


Underground power cable installation at Jomtien discussed

Underwater cable project on Koh Larn also being considered

Pramote Channgam
Pattaya City and the Provincial Electricity Authority are discussing the timetable for installing power cables underground along Jomtien Second Road.

Pichet Uthaivatananon
A meeting took place during the morning of May 16 at Pattaya City Hall, chaired by Pichet Uthaivatananon, director of the Pattaya Public Works Department, with Chanchai Banditsaowapak, who heads a national government body named Underground Cable Project for Large Cities, and representatives of the Provincial Electricity Authority.
Jomtien Second Road runs for a distance of 7 kilometers and the first stage of the project for widening the road has just been completed for a distance of 2.7 kilometers. The road widening was the responsibility of the city, and the moving of the cables underground comes under the Provincial Electricity Authority.
Chanchai explained that the power supply is divided into two systems, one having an operational distance of 2.8 kilometers with a power of 22 kilowatts, and the other an operational distance of 1 kilometer with a power of 115 kilowatts. The two systems are being implemented under a budget of 202,517,033 baht.
After this meeting, the Underground Cables Project for Large Cities and the Provincial Electricity Authority were due to set up an operational team to cooperate with the Pattaya Public Works Department for the installation of cables along Jomtien Second Road.
The Underground Cables Project for Large Cities was created from a cabinet resolution on August 26, 2003. The Provincial Electricity Authority approved a budget to support the project for an amount of 1.107 billion baht, covering operational areas in 18 provinces at 25 locations.
Chanchai spoke also about the underwater project on Koh Larn, which has a budget of more than 300 million baht. The process of obtaining permissions for this to go ahead is currently underway, and it is estimated the project would be ready to begin by February 2009.


Forum debates strategy for local development and production of Eco Car

Tax breaks proposed for project participants

Pramote Channgam
Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat chaired the opening of the Manufacturing Forum 2008 on May 15, during which the strategy for the local manufacturing of the Eco Car was discussed.

Acharin Pattanapanchai

The forum was held at Thammasat University’s Chonburi campus in cooperation with the Industrial Promotion Center in Region 9 and Reed Tradex Company.
Held for the automotive and electronics industries, the event attracted more than 250 specialists involved with this sector and acted as a precursor to the Automotive Manufacturing 2008 expo that will take place at BITEC in Bangna from June 19 to 22.
Reed Tradex director Mrs Nichapa Yosawee said that Thailand’s Board of Investment is backing investments in six projects relating to the development of an Eco Car, that together total 6.8 billion baht, and that when the vehicle goes into production it will greatly add to Thailand’s stature as a center of automotive manufacturing.
The forum included a talk about trends in international vehicle production, and the strategy to support the Eco Car.
Ms Acharin Pattanapanchai, deputy secretary general of the BOI spoke about the rights of the manufacturers who would participate in the Eco Car project. They would, she said, be exempt from engine import duties and income tax for existing projects located anywhere in the country for up to eight years. Furthermore, the rate of excise tax would be lowered from 30 percent to 17 percent.
This would help in the continuing development of Thailand’s industrial base and that of the automotive industry.
The Eco Car is a small production car that would run on a minimal supply of petrol, with consumption being set at no more than 5 liters per 100 kilometers. The size of the engine would be no more than 1,300 cc for a gasoline engine, and no more than 1,400 cc for a diesel engine. Fuel emissions would comply with the Euro 4 emission standard, the toughest standard of its kind.
The Eco Car would be manufactured according to the safety standards of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.


Neighbors save burning house

No one hurt; minor damage

Boonlua Chatree
Neighbors saved the house of a Pattaya couple who had gone to Chiang Mai, locking the house up with their two dogs inside, when a short circuit in a water pump set fire to the property.

Firefighters finish extinguishing the blaze. No one was hurt, and even the abandoned dogs were unharmed.

Banglamung Police Station received an emergency call at 3:20 a.m. on May 20 from a resident in Pantip Village, located on Sukhumvit Road opposite Soi Thepprasit, to say that a fire had broken out at a house in the same village.
Firefighters and police rushed to the scene, where they found that a fire had broken out on the exterior wooden stairs that led to the second story of the house. Neighbors had gathered to throw water on the fire, and the firemen also sprayed water until the flames were put out.
It was discovered that the house was well locked, and that the Thai couple that owned it had gone to Chiang Mai, leaving only their two dogs inside. No one was injured, and the animals were unharmed. Investigations revealed that the origin of the fire was a water pump under the stairs leading to the second story.
Police say it was fortunate that the neighbors discovered the blaze in time. Only the water pump and handrails were damaged, along with minor damage to a bicycle. The officers took notes and photograph as evidence, before informing the owners of the house, who stated that they were on their way back for further examination.


City stages exhibition to mark World No Tobacco Day

Quit smoking exhibition May 31

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
World No Tobacco Day, May 31, will be observed by an exhibition jointly organized by Pattaya City and Bangkok Pattaya Hospital at conference room 401 on the 4th floor of Pattaya City Hall.
The dangers of smoking and of contracting diseases from inhaling the smoke of others will be illustrated, and there will also be an area where visitors can have their lung functions tested.
Priest Maha Pong Talaputto will give a talk on the dangers of secondhand smoke, which has now been officially classified as carcinogenic, and other activities will include a quiz. The exhibition is open on May 31 from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
World No Tobacco Day was initiated in 1988 by the World Health Organization to promote awareness of the dangers of smoking. It is held on May 31 every year.


Examinations take place for free eyeglasses

Over 200 residents turn up for free checks

Vimolrat Singnikorn
More than 200 Pattaya residents gathered at the Thappraya Room at Pattaya City Hall on May 22 for eye examinations that will lead to them being supplied with free eyeglasses.

Sripan Nakbenja, 86, is all smiles as she receives her very own eyeglasses for the first time in her life.
The examinations were part of a project that supports the disabled and which also supplies items such as wheelchairs and walking sticks.
Social worker Arunratsamee Boonkerd said there was a need amongst a great many people for physical aids, and that the heads of the 27 communities in Pattaya had identified the most needy.
Examinations are, however taking place before eyeglasses or equipment are distributed, to ensure that the individual receives the equipment that is most suitable for the particular disability.
One of those attending the eye examination was Grandmother Sripan Nakbenja, a sprightly 86-year-old from the Kratinglai Community. She said she enjoys reading books, but finds it very difficult because of problems with her short sightedness. She has an old pair of eyeglasses given to her by another person, and this is the first time she has ever enquired about getting a pair of eyeglasses for herself.
The eyeglasses will be distributed in June, and further information on this service will be provided to the communities.


Teak saplings planted in observance of Environmental Day

Recyclable items donated to Pattaya Public Health Center

Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
One thousand teak tree saplings were planted on May 23 in observance of World Environmental Day.

Mayor-elect Itthipol Khunplome (right) and city officials plant trees on World Environmental Day.

Mayor-elect Itthipol Khunplome inaugurated the planting at a ceremony at the Eastern National Sports Training Center on Soi Chaiyapruek, along with Pattaya City permanent secretary Sittiprap Muangkoom and city hall department heads.
Mrs Wannaporn Jamjumrus, director of the Pattaya Public Health and Environment Department said the planting was organized to mark World Environmental Day, which occurs on June 5 every year. The department organizes a major event each year that helps to create awareness of ways in which the environment can be conserved and protected.
Two activities were held this year. The morning of May 23 saw the beginning of the planting of 1,000 teak saplings in the area surrounding the Eastern National Sports Training Center. The Young Plants Cultivation Station in Rayong supplied the saplings.
The second event was the receiving by the Pattaya Public Health Center on Soi Buakao of recyclable items, which took place in the afternoon. These were then passed on to Pra Payom Kalayano, the Buddhist priest who has become well known for recycling goods in return for robes and necessities for monks.


Coral reefs extended at Marine Corps Bay with rocks and piping

Plan begun to regenerate area coral

Many hands make light work - and much mirth, too.

Patcharapol Panrak
Coral reefs are being created and expanded at Royal Thai Marine Corps Bay by the use of PVC pipes and the submerging of rocks.
The project is being undertaken by the Royal Thai Marine Corps in cooperation with the Sattahip Sub-district Administrative Organization.
Pairot Malakul na Ayutthaya, chairman of the Sattahip Sub-district Administrative Organization inaugurated the project on May 17, when life preservers, diving masks and PVC pipes were presented to Capt Narongsak Jatakanon, head of the Tourism Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Marine Corps at Prince Chumporn Camp.
Peng Buahom, deputy head of the administration said that the project was being undertaken at this location because of the status of the bay and Toey Ngam Beach as a favorite tourism destination in the area.
Pairot said that the preservation and protection of the marine environment has to be an active matter. The area around Kai Tia Island has beautiful coral, but some of it has started to decay. The Pattaya Public Health and Environment Department has already examined this, and has devised a plan to regenerate the coral.
He added that Prince Chumporn Camp acts both as an important base for the military forces and as a protector of the marine environment. Sattahip Sub-district Administrative Organization had therefore devised a budget to install PVC pipes and submerge rocks upon which the coral could grow. The budget includes necessities such as the presenting of life preservers and diving masks to the Royal Thai Marine Corps for use in undertaking the work.


Arrests continue as police crack down on foreign pedophiles

Boonlua Chatree
A number of foreign pedophiles have been arrested in a crackdown against those who visit Pattaya for sex with underage boys and girls.

Chalee Kengthanyakit
A media briefing was held on May 19 by Pol Maj Gen Panya Mamen, deputy superintendent of the Investigation Center at the Department for Suppression for Transnational Crime, Pol Col Manoo Mekmorhk, deputy commander of the Tourist Police, Pol Col Naradet Klomtuksing, superintendent of investigation at Tourist Police 2, Tourist Police Headquarters, Pol Maj Col Suwan Un-Anan, chief investigator at Pattaya Tourist Police Station, Pol Col Nopadol Wongnom, superintendent at Pattaya Police Station, and Ms Mariel Schaltz, an official from the USA.
At the briefing it was stated that the police were aware of a number of foreigners that were buying sex with children under the age of 15, and that arrest warrants had been requested from the Pattaya Provincial Court.

Michael Terence Burns
Four arrests were announced during the briefing: Michael Paul Willey, age 30, from the United States; Christopher Dee, a 43-year-old Canadian citizen, who was a teacher in Pattaya City. Dee was arrested while driving past police officers with a 13-year-old boy hidden in the trunk of his car.
A Japanese man, 73-year-old Noboru Fukuda was next to be arrested. Police investigations revealed that the suspect had paid seven juveniles to commit an obscene act. The youngsters were taken in for questioning in front of a social welfare officer to collect information that was used in the run-up to his arrest.
The fourth warrant, dated May 18, was used to search a house in Moo 5, Soi Thepnimit, after investigations had indicated that the foreign owner of the house was frequently bringing boys in for lewd acts.
It was a large luxury house well enclosed with a fence on an area of approximately one rai. In the house was a former cook named Michael Terence Burns, a 65-year-old British national. He was sitting on a sofa in the living room with eight boys: two 14-year-olds, three age 17, and three age 19. Chalee Kengthanyakit, the 45-year-old manager of a bar located opposite Chulalongkorn Hospital was also in the house.
In the bedroom the officers discovered a large amount of lubricant jelly, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, condoms, and pornographic pictures of the boys. Chalee stated that he provided the boys to Burns for sex. All of the boys had been in the house for five days. Some of them were brought from Bangkok, and others from Pattaya. The children received 1,000 baht for each night of service. Burns claimed he was able to have sex with three of them per day. After the boys had completed a stay of seven days, they would be moved back to Bangkok or Pattaya.
Burns was charged with committing lewd acts with children less than 15 years of age, and Chalee was charged with providing the children.
Pol Maj Gen Panya said that he had been assigned by Pol Lt Gen Adisorn Nonsri, commander of Central Investigation to arrest foreigners who were committing lewd acts with youngsters less than 15 years of age. There are approximately 200 of them that need to be cleaned out of Thailand within seven days, and blacklisted from re-entering, he said.

Michael Paul Willey (foreground) and Christopher Dee (with glasses) are brought into the station, along with Michael Terence Burns (face covered).
Pol Maj Gen Panya said that many foreign tourists come to Pattaya looking to have sex with young boys, and that it was difficult for the police to suppress this kind of activity because of the large numbers of vagabond children that need money to survive.
Another media briefing was held on the following day, May 20, to announce the arrest of two more men charged with having sex with underage boys.
Pol Maj Gen Panya said that police and social welfare officers interviewed a number of children. One nine-year-old boy given the alias of O stated that a foreigner living at Ek Mongkol Village 4 on Soi Kao Talo had hired him to perform oral sex, and that he received 1,000 baht for each day of service. He had already done it four times, and each time the foreigner allowed the boy to play video games first.
Police obtained a warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court to enter the house, a large property standing on an area of approximately 100 square wah and surrounded by a fence. Luc Jean Marie Vos, a 49-year-old Dutch national was arrested and taken to Banglamung Police Station.
The second case concerned a 12-year-old boy given the alias of Nam and a 10-year-old given the alias of Nung. Both stated that a foreigner from Sombat Village had hired them to provide sexual service orally, and that they received 500 or 900 baht each time. They went to see the man twice a day, in the morning and in the evening.
Police obtained warrant number 756/2551 from Pattaya Provincial Court, and went to the house where they arrested Ian Charles Tracy, a 43-year-old British citizen.
Pol Maj Gen Panya said that the campaign would continue and that Soi Sunee Plaza in South Pattaya in particular is being watched very closely as it is a known center for underage sexual service boys and procurers.

Noboru Fukuda (seated, right) was amongst
those caught up in the police dragnet.

Ian Charles Tracy (left) and Luc Jean Marie Vos (right)
face the press with presiding officers.


British man faces charges of having sex with 15-year-old boy

Boonlua Chatree
The Children, Juveniles and Women’s Division of the Royal Thai Police arrested a British citizen who paid a boy 1,000 baht for sex in a leased room in Pattaya.
Officers from the division together with Pol Col Nopadol Wongnom, superintendent at Pattaya Police Station had gone to room number 301 at a guest house on Pratamnak Road in South Pattaya at 3:30 a.m. on May 23.

Andrew John Gallacher

The officers used a spare key to open the door to the room, where they found Andrew John Gallacher, a 46-year-old British citizen, unclothed and in bed with a 15-year-old boy given the alias of Nat.
An agent had advised the police that Gallacher had paid for Master Nat at a gay bar on Soi Sunee Plaza in South Pattaya, and had brought the boy to the room for sex.
Nat claimed that Gallacher had tricked him into coming to his room for sex. The foreigner had asked him to perform oral sex on him, and would give him 1,000 baht for it.
The Children, Juveniles and Women’s Division of the Royal Thai Police charged Gallacher with having sex with a minor between 15 and 18 years of age.


Police lift the lid on manhole scam

Thieves, fence and getaway driver are sat before the media.

Boonlua Chatree
Two thieves who stole manhole covers and used a baht bus to make their getaway were arrested on May 18, along with the baht bus driver and the fence who was going to dispose of the haul.
Pol Col Noppadon Wongnom, superintendent at Pattaya Police Station paraded the four villains for the benefit of the media.
The manhole thieves were identified as Boonruang Botnork, age 26, and Anurak Sa-ardpan, 24. The driver of the baht bus was On Rodbua, age 56. The owner of the secondhand shop that had agreed to buy the stolen goods was Pol Pengjam, 52. They were arrested with evidence consisting of a total of seven 50 x 100 centimeter waste well covers valued at 49,000 baht. Baht bus number 510 from the Pattaya Cooperative was also impounded.
The manhole covers, which were the property of Pattaya City, had been stolen from the Pratamnak Road area, and the thieves were apprehended at Pol’s secondhand shop on Soi Jularat.
The four men were charged with stealing public property and using a vehicle to transport stolen goods.


Sattahip donates essential supplies to cyclone-hit Burmese

Sattahip Municipality donates essential supplies to help the victims of cyclone Nargis in Myanmar to the Disaster Relief Center of the First Fleet of the Royal Thai Fleet at Sattahip District.

Patcharapol Panrak
Sattahip Municipality has made a donation of essential supplies to help the victims of cyclone Nargis in Myanmar.
Sattahip Mayor Narong Boonbanjerdsri along with members of the council and the administration on May 17 took supplies including rice, drinking water and dry food to the Disaster Relief Center of the First Fleet of the Royal Thai Fleet at Sattahip District, where they were received by First Fleet commander-in-chief Vice Admiral Chaiwat Pukarat.
The Navy under the directive of its commander-in-chief Admiral Sathiraphan Geyanon has set up a number of Disaster Relief Centers throughout the country to receive supplies for the Burmese.
Vice Admiral Chaiwat, who is also director of the Sattahip Disaster Relief Center, said that the Thai people had responded with donations of supplies specifically requested, including electric lights and torches, zinc plates, tents or canvas shelters, convenience foods, rice, and drinking water.
He said that aside from the food and water shortages, there is also a problem in Myanmar with the spreading of diseases. The Thai people and the Royal Thai Navy will continue their efforts at humanitarian relief for their neighbors the Burmese.


Royal Thai, U.S. service members deliver supplies to shelter

Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler,
Combined-Joint Information Bureau

Representatives from the Royal Thai Marines and the United States Marine Corps and Navy came together May 9 and 10 to bring supplies to a shelter home for children in Pattaya.
Day one consisted of Royal Thai and U.S. service members bringing 54 boxes containing boys and girls clothes, toys, books and various linens to Mercy Center, a shelter home to 25 children ranging in age from six months to 10 years.
The next day, Maj. Gen. Mary Ann Krusa-Dossin, commanding general, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, accompanied by Marine Corps Community Services officials, supplied the center with items including diapers, toys, crackers and milk.
The donation of the various supplies was part of a community relations effort held to help those in need.
“We have so much,” said Krusa-Dossin. “Sometimes we take that for granted. It’s important to get these supplies in the hands of the people who truly need it. After all, these children are the future.”
Most of the children at the center come from parents who either could not care for them or chose not to, according to Fred Doell, the founder of the center.
“Almost everything that we have at this center has been donated,” he said. It is through the donations and volunteers that the children get the help they need.
The supplies in the original donation of 54 boxes came from Camp Hansen. Officials with Operation Goodwill in Okinawa gathered the supplies from various donators there.
“The Marines in Okinawa have provided greatly,” said Doell. “We appreciate their help.”
Along with donating supplies, volunteers also donated their time to help accomplish work that needed to be done at the center. They helped to clear bushes, move equipment and clear dangerous debris from the yard where the children play.
Among those volunteers was Lance Cpl. Phillip Alexander Jr., legal clerk, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
“I love kids,” he said. “So this was a great opportunity for me to come out and play with them and hopefully make a difference in their lives.”
Service members usually have a mission they need to concentrate on, said Ames. This was a good opportunity for them to do some good in other areas as well.
“It’s all about helping those who are less fortunate,” he said. “We may not be able to change the whole world, but if we can help even one child, that one positive change may make a positive impact on the world.”
The children’s center is housed in what used to be a diamond-polishing factory, according to Doell.
“This place use to be a place of polishing diamonds,” he said. “We hope to help these kids polish up to be diamonds themselves. It’s the donations and volunteers that help us to accomplish that mission.”
The visit was part of Exercise Cobra Gold 08, a joint/combined multinational exercise focusing on maintaining and improving military to military relationships among the United States, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan.

Volunteers and children stand together outside of the Mercy Center,
a shelter home for children in Pattaya, May 10.
The volunteers donated more than 54 boxes of goods to the center.
(Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Aaron D. Hostutler)


Navy observes 85th anniversary of the passing of Prince Chumporn

Patcharapol Panrak
Apakorn Day on May 19 was observed by the placing of wreathes at the Prince Chumporn Monument at Sattahip, with the Royal Thai Navy, the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Air Force represented, along with government and private organizations.
Vice Admiral Sriwisuth Ratarun, commander of the Sattahip Naval Base lit joss sticks and candles, and Admiral Prawit Srisukwattana, commander of the Royal Thai Fleet laid a wreath. The Navy fired a 19-gun salute from the Thai Cyber Military.

The Royal Thai Navy places wreathes at the Prince Chumporn Monument at Sattahip to observe Apakorn Day on May 19.

Monks conducted a chanting ceremony, and food was arranged at the multi-use pavilion in Chumporn Park.
This year marked the 85th anniversary of the passing of Prince Apakornkhietiwong Chumporn Ket Udomsak, who was born on December 19, 1880, and passed away on May 19, 1923. He was the 28th child of HM King Rama V, his mother being Queen Mhod, HM the King’s concubine.
HM the King sent Prince Apakorn to study naval tactics in England. After he graduated in 1900 he became Lieutenant Junior Grade, the equivalent of Lieutenant Commander nowadays, and HM the King appointed him as commander of HTMS Maruthawasitsawat.
In 1901 the Prince became the deputy commander of the Navy Department, which he subsequently restructured and developed to place the Royal Thai Navy on an international footing.
Prince Apakorn died of fever in Chumporn Province on May 19, 1923. He is acknowledged as the Father of the Thai Royal Navy, and May 19 every year is observed as Apakorn Day.


Seven trucks take donated supplies to army center for transport to Myanmar

The Disaster Relief Center at the Royal Thai Navy Region 1 in Sattahip delivers donated supplies for cyclone-hit Myanmar to the Royal Thai Army Center.

Patcharapol Panrak
The Disaster Relief Center at the Royal Thai Navy Region 1 in Sattahip on May 18 delivered donated supplies for cyclone-hit Myanmar to the Royal Thai Army Center, the goods being transported by a convoy of seven army trucks.
Director of the Disaster Relief Center Vice Admiral Chaiwat Pukkarat supervised the loading of the supplies that had been donated by Sattahip residents.
The donations had been organized through Vice Admiral Sriwisut Ratarun, commander-in-chief of Sattahip Naval Base, Rear Admiral Chaiwat Sriakarin, commander-in-chief of Air and Coastal Defense Command, Pairot Malakul na Ayutthaya, chairman of the Sattahip Sub-district Municipality Administrative Organization, Narong Bunbancherdsri, mayor of Sattahip Municipality, and companies under the Sahapa Group in Sriracha.
As the devastation of cyclone Nargus became known, Admiral Sathiraphan Kaeyanon, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy had ordered all the Navy Disaster Relief Centers in Thailand to set up donation centers to receive necessities such as dry food, rice, drinking water, electric lights and torches, galvanized iron, and canvas tents and shelters.
After the convoy of trucks had arrived at the Royal Thai Army Center, preparations were made to transport the supplies across the border into Myanmar.


Police trainees take part in mangrove planting

Patcharapol Panrak
Officer trainees from the Police General Staff Department in the 29th Tertiary planted an area of mangroves on May 16 at Major Mountain Beach in Sattahip, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Navy.
Pol Maj Gen Autaruek Thareechat, head of the Institute for the Development of Police Administration located on Viphavadee Rangsit Road, in the Chutuchak District of Bangkok organized the project.
The trainees were taken to Major Mountain in Samaesarn Sub-district as part of an educational tour. This is where the Shrine of King Taksin the Great and the Thai Island and Sea Natural History Museum are located.
Capt Apakorn Yukongkaew, commander of the Naval Special Warfare Group welcomed them, and brought some kohng kahng trees to plant at Major Mountain Beach.
Capt Apakorn said that Major Mountain is one of Thailand’s most important centers for collecting information on botany, as it studies the species of plants on a variety of islands and islets, as well as the marine environment. This is being done as part of the Royal Project of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, for maintaining valuable natural resources.
Pol Maj Gen Autaruek said that the trainees were all commissioned officers with the rank of police captain and are from every sector of the Royal Thai Police. They were both male and female, and totaled 160 officers.
The course curriculum is for training in theory, practical application, and outdoor study. The Institute for the Development of the Police Administration was working with the Naval Special Warfare Group because of its responsibility for the protection of the marine environment.
The experience, said Pol Maj Gen Autaruek, would help increase the knowledge and vision of the police officers and consequently those working under them.

Officer trainees from the Police General Staff Department in the 29th Tertiary plant mangroves at Major Mountain Beach in Sattahip.


Cobra Gold 2008 concludes

US Embassy, Bangkok
The 27th annual Cobra Gold exercise, a joint and combined multi-national military exercise hosted by the Kingdom of Thailand, concluded last week in Moungkom, Lopburi Province. This year participating countries included Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and the United States.

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John shakes hands with Gen. Ruengroj Mahasaranond, Thai Armed Forces Supreme Commander during the closing ceremony for Exercise Cobra Gold 2008. (Official U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer)

Cobra Gold 2008 opened on May 8 and consisted of computer-simulated command post exercise, field training exercises, and humanitarian/civic assistance projects.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Eric G. John said, “Cobra Gold is a vital tool not just to enhance U.S.-Thai relations, but also to strengthen our bonds with other countries in the region. Thanks to all of your efforts, Cobra Gold remains a mark of our combined commitment to regional stability in Southeast Asia.”
The cataclysmic landfall of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Burma on May 2, had a profound effect on Cobra Gold 2008. Thanks to the extraordinary support of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, U.S. military assets were able to participate in Cobra Gold, while preparing humanitarian relief operations at the same time. To date, more than thirty flights of U.S. C-130 aircraft have flown from the Royal Thai Navy Airbase, Utapao to Rangoon to deliver plastic sheeting, water containers, hygiene kits and food. The United States has 8,000 service members and four Naval Ships now in international waters off the coast of Burma ready to help when requested by the Government of Burma.


Heroes emerge from the storm

Rebecca Lomax
You are looking at the faces of heroes, ordinary people who, when confronted with unimaginable disaster, have faced it with courage and nobility. These are the people of Burma who survived the violence of Cyclone Nargis and are now forced to struggle against another insidious force, the treachery of their own government.

A true hero - leading the way by boat.
These are the people who were not warned of the potential for death that this storm carried even as it bore down upon them. The rest of the world knew its trajectory and wind force, the danger from storm surges and flooding. They heard it on the news or read about it on the internet. But these people, these heroes, did not have access to that information.
These are the people who, when the storm finally passed over them and they dared emerge from shelter, saw unspeakable horrors - the body of a baby dangling from a tree branch, clusters of children’s bodies floating in a flooded field, bodies littering the rice paddies along the flood line after it receded. Bodies, more bodies, and no one to remove them from their sites of death and perform the rites and rituals that are so important in a Buddhist society. None to mourn them. Everywhere there was destruction, whole buildings moved off of their foundations, walls down, telephone poles and trees collapsed onto them. But in the rural areas, there was nothing left standing but the more substantial temples.
So the people who were left moved slowly towards the only safety and stability they could visualize, the temples. And the monks began to work for the benefit of all beings, feeding them and helping to take care of their injuries. Soon volunteers from within the country emerged, and included doctors and nurses, people carrying medicine to the sick and injured, people with rice.
Offers of aid came from all over the world, compassionate people and governments pledged ships full of food, water, portable shelters, sanitation equipment, medical supplies and relief workers. But the government refused to allow them inside the country. Bodies remained in the fields and in the ditches, and in some areas remain there still. Compassionate people tried to remove them, tried to tend to the bodies in the Buddhist way. But there are too many bodies and too few workers. Inside the temple walls, the monks and volunteers fed and clothed the people with whatever they could find. They helped them in their grief. And the word spread.
Soon the military government heard what was happening, and so they evicted the people from the sanctuary of the temples; they turned away the workers with HIV drugs, the doctors with skills and supplies, the gifts of food from Thailand and other countries. But the heroes, those incredible ordinary people, did not stand down. They took the food, clothing, supplies and medical care to the people on the roadside. They delivered it by boat. And when confronted by the military, they found a way to get around the problem.
The doctors shared their packages of noodles. The monks organized clothing and handed it out. The woman with HIV drugs delivered them to the mom and her baby. But the heroes will not be quieted. As a boat makes its way into the Irrawaddy delta, the photographer focuses on the face of a very brave man who leads the way, a Buddhist monk. He knows full well the dangers, but this is his country and these are his people. He, and all of the heroes, will be there for them.
Locally, please send donations to the Fountain of Life bank account listed below. You can contact Rosanne Diamente at mrdiamente2003 @yahoo.com for clothing and food donations.
Fountain of Life (Burma Relief Fund)
Bangkok Bank, Muang Pattaya Branch
78/47 North Pattaya Rd., Pattaya, Chonburi 20260
Acc No: 484-0-457446
Swift Code: BKKBTHBK
The people of Burma (Myanmar) are still desperate for our help!

Doctors and nurses share their packages of noodles.

Monks distribute food to survivors lined up alongside the road.


Finalists ready for Miss Tiffany Universe competition

The field was whittled down to 30 contestants to compete in the Miss Tiffany Universe 2008 beauty contest final on May 30.

Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Friday May 30 will see the final round of the Miss Tiffany Universe 2008 beauty contest, with the selection narrowed down to 30 finalists from the 56 entrants in the previous round, which was held on May 25.
The 30 finalists, aged between 18 and 25 years, will compete on-stage at Tiffany’s Theater for the top prize of 100,000 baht, a car, and gifts from the sponsors. The first runner up will receive 40,000 baht and the second runner up, 20,000 baht.
Other titles will be up for the taking during the evening, with Miss Beautiful Costume, Miss Photogenic and Miss Cordiality each receiving 10,000 baht. The contest will be broadcast on Bangkok Broadcast Television Channel 7 from 10:20 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.


Election commission approves Itthipol as city mayor

Still need final, national approval

Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Chonburi Election Commission on May 23 announced its approval of Itthipol Khunplome as the new Pattaya City mayor, following the election held on May 4.

Mayor Itthipol Khunplome

Pulsakdi Sangkaew, chairman of the Chonburi Election Commission said that the official period for ratifying the election results is 30 days, but to date there have been no significant complaints regarding the election process and that the Commission felt confident in issuing its approval.
Pulsakdi added, however, that the National Election Commission has to issue a final approval, and that this would only be done after the 30-day period. Only if a major complaint with evidence was submitted would there be a delay, he said.
None of the other candidates has raised any issue with regards to the conduct of the winning candidate or his party, said Pulsakdi, and that had made the whole procedure a smooth one, with no obstacles to the approval process.
As soon as the National Commission’s approval is received, the first council meeting would be held at Pattaya City Hall to approve the new mayor before he could take office.
“What I’m now waiting for is to call in the mayor elect and the new city council to receive the official documentation which will be issued from the National Election Commission,” said Pulsakdi.