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R.I.P. Mike Franklin
 Long
time Pattaya resident Mike Franklin passed away peacefully at 7:45 a.m.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009 after a long, brave battle with cancer.
Mike was loving family man, a key member of the Jesters Care for Kids
Charity drive, Pattaya Mail contributor for both print and television, golf
guru, honorary Jester and perhaps most telling of his character, he was
considered a close friend to nearly everyone he met.
He is survived by his loving family, wife Banjob, son Sean who resides in
Bangkok, daughter Tonia in UK, and daughter Samm and stepdaughter Tukada in
Pattaya.
He will be lying in state at Wat Chaimongkol in South Pattaya. Prayers will
be held nightly at 8 p.m. for seven nights beginning Thursday night January
8 and concluding Wednesday night January 14. The funeral will be held on
Thursday, January 15 at 4 p.m.
Rest in peace Mike. You will be truly missed.
Students take free trains to study natural environment
Patcharapol Panrak
Thousands of local students are being given a chance to study nature
as part of Nongprue Municipality’s project to provide them with free train
transport to Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
 Students
disembark from the free train rides and board Nong Nooch trolleys.
The municipality plans many of these free green educational trips to
increase students’ knowledge by visiting areas with abundant vegetation,
using the free third-class public trains now available until January 31.
On December 24 Mai Chaiyanit, mayor of Nongprue Municipality, gave approval
for Pratheep Sriraksa, director of Nernplabwan School, and other schools
within municipal responsibility to join the project and go on these
educational visits to learn the value of forests in reducing global warming.
Officials from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Najomtien Sub-district agreed
that the project could use the gardens as a learning center for free visits
for primary school students throughout the country. They are also offering
cheap entry fees for secondary students.
Pratheep said it was due to the green vision of Mayor Mai that government
students can benefit from using free trains.
Schools such as Nernplabwan, Wat Nern Suthawat, Wat Bunsamphan, the Nongprue
Community, Wat Kaopothong, and Ban Thunglom will benefit.
Mai said the economies of the nation and the world may be in recession but
Thailand still has a free train travel period that will likely be extended.
A top tourist attraction, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a registered
botanical garden that displays thousands of flowers and ornamental plants
from all over the world.
Albino turtles make a splash
Patcharapol Panrak
Two Green Turtles that are not green but albino are now one month old, doing
swimmingly and have become firm favorites of tourists visiting the Sea
Turtle Preservation Center in Sattahip.
 One
of the two increasingly famous albino turtles in Sattahip.
The rare baby turtles, being well looked after in the center’s aquarium
which imitates natural marine environment, have a very interesting story to
tell.
Capt. Montree Jungmankong, director of the Air and Coastal Defense Command
Center responsible for turtle center, recounted that Dr. Nantarika Sansue,
directing veterinarian at the center, other vets along with center and naval
staff went out to collect eggs from green and hawksbill sea turtle nests on
Kram Island.
To help breed the dwindling turtle species, the collected eggs were buried
in the warm sand in front of the center where they duly hatched in late
November.
Among the swarming hatchlings were surprisingly two albino green turtles
making themselves conspicuous as the first such ever seen in Thailand.
News of their birth was spread by the media and large numbers of visitors
have flocked to make their acquaintance.
The distinctive twosome are now happily swimming in a large aquarium filled
with seaweed and many species of fish for company, with plenty to eat.
Some visitors said they won with lottery using numbers 14 and 41: number 4
from the turtles’ four legs and number 1 from the water in which they live.
Having won the lottery, the grateful visitors come back with food of squid
and fish to feed the turtles with thanks.
Other visitors simply feed the albino turtles anyway on spec and ask for
good fortune and long life.
Capt. Montree is happy that the albino babies are attracting youngsters and
international visitors to the center to help support its work to preserve
sea turtles before they become extinct in the oceans.
City honors King Taksin the Great
Expert actors perform an
ancient sword-dance
in front of the King Taksin monument at city hall.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya administrators paid their respects to the memory of HM King
Taksin the Great on his commemorative day and marked the 30th anniversary of
the founding of Pattaya in an official ceremony on December 28.
Mayor Itthipol Khunplome chaired the ceremony at the King Taksin Monument in
front of city hall. The ceremony was well-attended by city officials,
councilors, business people and residents.
The mayor lit candles and joss sticks to worship the three gems. Then 10
monks conducted a ritual religious ceremony and city officials offered food
and articles suitable as alms to the monks.
Homage was paid by all to the monument together with oblation carried out
according to a Brahmin ceremony. Each city department took turns placing
flower arrangements in front of the King Taksin statue.
Thai traditional dances, sword-dancing, a victory drum performance and a
Thai boxing show all added to the celebration.
King Taksin was crowned King of Thonburi during the first lunar month
corresponding to December 28, 1768. He had rallied Thai people to fight to
save the nation against Burmese forces and under his leadership the country
became more unified.
In recognition of the King’s historical role, the government, in a Cabinet
resolution in 1981, declared December 28th as the day to honor him.
King Taksin the Great was born in 1734 during the reign of King Boromakot in
Ayutthaya and died in 1782.
His father was a Chinese immigrant from China named Haihong from the Teochiu
ethnic group. His mother was a Thai named Nok Iang. He was the stepson of
Chaopraya Chakri.
In 1767, Ayutthaya was lost to the Burmese, and at that time he was promoted
to the title and rank of Phraya Wachiraprakarn, governor of Kamphaeng Phet.
He was called to Ayutthaya to help defend the city from the Burmese, but he
shrewdly withdrew his troops from Ayutthaya in an easterly direction. They
traveled through Chonburi and stopped in Thappraya district, which is
present day Pattaya. The troupes regrouped in Chantaburi, and after
Ayutthaya was lost Taksin assembled a larger army and attacked the Burmese.
His rested troupes successfully drove the Burmese out of Ayutthaya,
liberating Siam, which has never been occupied again.
In 1768 King Taksin ordered the capital moved south and named it Krung
Thonburi at the site of present day Bangkok.
The Great Green Algae Invasion
Not harmful, though
Saksiri Uraiworn
Green algae that is being washed up on Pattaya Beach may appear
unsightly but it’s definitely not harmful to anyone, says Deputy Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh.
 Unsightly
green seaweed has washed up along Pattaya Beach.
Thai and foreign tourists on Pattaya Beach have questioned whether the
seaweed may be harmful but have been reassured that it is all natural
and nothing to worry about.
The deputy mayor said that during November and December each year a lot
of seaweed washes ashore.
“Staff from the city’s Public Health and Environment Center are cleaning
up the beach, which they plan to complete within a week, then the beach
will be tidy again,” he said.
A myriad of activities planned for Children’s Day this weekend
Nanthini Doowa
Children are considered as the most valuable resources of the
nation. They are a powerful force in the development and stability of
the nation. Children are the future generation therefore, nurturing,
loving and taking care of them is an essential tool for the future of
the country.
 Last
year, children took part in a mock city council meeting at city hall on
Children’s Day.
The Thai government has declared the second Saturday in January to be
National Children’s Day and this year the day falls on Saturday the 10th of
January. This is the fourth year that Pattaya will arrange fun and useful
activities for the children such as games and various exhibitions. This day
is held to nurture and pamper the children.
The objectives for the day are to enable children to realize their
importance, to be disciplined, be aware of their rights and duties, to be
responsible towards society, be proud of their country, religion and
Monarchy and believe in themselves as well as being obedient children for
their parents and most important of all to be good citizens.
The event will start at 8 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m., giving children 6
hours of fun and entertainment free of charge. The activities will be held
in the grounds of Pattaya City Hall.
On the same day, Pattaya City Hall, in collaboration with Bangkok Hospital
Pattaya will organize various activities on the fourth floor meeting room of
city hall between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fun and games include a baby
crawling competition for 7-8 month old infants, and a competition to choose
the healthiest boy and girl in the 3-4 year-old age group. Dental check-ups
will be given, seminars to provide useful knowledge for families, kids’
performances, and games with plenty of prizes will ensure that the kids will
have a roaring good time. For more information on the program, contact
Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Telephone 1719.
Other events planned in the community include shows and performances from
the Pattaya Crocodile Farm, Tiffany’s Show, The Sanctuary of Truth museum,
Under Water World, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and of
course the Royal Thai Navy Military Base will open its gates to welcome
children to have a great day out at the installation.
Pattaya Young Talent winners to be announced tomorrow
Vimolrat Singnikorn
The Pattaya Young Talent Contest 2009 was launched on December 27,
when Alisa Phanthusak, assistant managing director of Tiffany’s Cabaret Show
Pattaya presided over the opening ceremonies at Central Festival Pattaya.
The competition encourages young people to express their talents in singing,
musical instruments, creativity and various other performances.
 Alisa
Phanthusak, the energetic young lady behind this commendable project.
The contest consists of 2 rounds. The first was held on December 27, with 22
teams participating. The judges have made their final selection of 3 teams,
who will compete in the finals at Tiffany’s Cabaret Theatre on Children’s
Day, which falls on January 10.
The top 3 contenders are the ‘Pattaya Arunothai Band’ from Pattaya Arunothai
School, ‘Under My Skin’ from Singsamut School, Sattahip Technology School,
and Burapa University, and ‘Lunatic’ from Aksorn Technology School.
The solo singing contests are divided into different categories to include
Thai country music, Thai modern music, and international music. In all 88
singers participated. This contest is divided into two sections, the under
12 years of age group and the 13-18 years of age group.
The 3 top winners of solo singing will receive 5000, 3000 and 2000 baht
respectively and the first 3 winners in the band contest will receive
10,000, 7000 and 5000 baht respectively. The winners will also receive
discount vouchers for the purchase of Yamaha Musical instruments.
The Pattaya Young Talent
Contest 2009 gets underway.
American charged in road accident
Boonlua Chatree
An American has been charged with hit and run after a crash between
his pickup truck and a motorcycle ridden by two women. The women were
seriously injured.
 A
rescue worker points to the damaged motorcycle.
Police alleged that Chris Homer, 51, attempted to flee the scene of the
accident and was finally arrested more than a kilometer away.
The accident victims, Sakhon Klabklang, 27, from Nakhon Ratchasima, suffered
broken arms and legs. Her unidentified passenger was also injured.
At 3 a.m. on December 27, Pol. Lt-Col. Chalermkiat Sirimak of the Dongtan
police station and Sawang Boriboon Pattaya rescuers responded to the call,
arriving at the scene in front of the Pattaya Provincial Court on Thappraya
Road.
They found damaged parts of a motorbike strewn on the road, and two
seriously-injured women.
Police alleged that the American driver returning from golf was drunk and
tried to flee with parts of the victims’ motorbike still attached to his
vehicle.
Officers pursued the driver and found his damaged vehicle in front of the
Kiang Talay Hotel and arrested him there.
City tackles illegal taxi situation
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya City is tackling the problem of illegal taxis that are
working along side the 85 legal taxis.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chaired a meeting of police from Pattaya and
Banglamung police stations and officials from the Chonburi Transportation
Department on December 25 at Pattaya City Hall.
 Chonburi
Transportation Department official Manot Chanwattanasilp.
This meeting followed an earlier one held by Mayor Itthipol Khunplome and
worked on new measures to be set up.
Ronakit said at present there are several private taxi services such as
vans, cars and motorbikes which have not registered as legal taxi services.
The city is concerned that this affects passenger safety, service standards
and leads to unstable, unreliable routing and pricing.
Manot Chanwattanasilp from the Chonburi Transportation Department suggested
that Pattaya City first inform the public and tourists to beware of illegal
taxi services. Second, to urge passengers to use the 85 legal taxis
operating in the city and Banglamung area which have attained safety
standards and charge fair prices.
“Taxi users could be told the exact locations of stands for legal taxis,”
Manot said.
Officials at the meeting agreed to cooperate to find a solution to the
illegal taxi problem.
New Year pickpockets nabbed
Police display the suspects and the loot the
miscreants allegedly stole from a French tourist.
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya Tourist Police arrested two Thai transvestites and a woman
allegedly in the act of picking the pocket of a French tourist out
celebrating the New Year.
At 8.30 pm on December 30, Pol. Lt.-Col. Suwan Un-A-Nan of Tourist Police
Station 4 and other officers were on patrol during the New Year festival and
noticed a woman and two transvestites stalking a foreign tourist in a baht
bus.
According to police, as the baht bus arrived at Soi 8 on Pattaya 2nd Road
the accused tried to steal cash and cell phones from French tourist Fabrice
Thierry Andre Oudart. The Frenchman then shouted for help.
Police pounced to arrest all three suspects on the spot.
They were identified as Akom Sotang, 18, from Banglamung, who had 10,300
baht in cash, Somchai Kaentao, 22, from Chiang Mai, who had two cell phones
and 2,295 baht in cash and Usa (“Tuk”) Iamsa-add, 27, of Nongprue, who had
two cell phones and 1,210 baht in cash.
Oudart said the cell phone in Usa’s handbag belonged to him and thanked the
officers for being able to return his property.
American held for child sex abuse
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya Immigration Police arrested an American who was found in
their records as being previously wanted for child abuse.
 Kent
Meek (right) being booked for alleged child abuse.
Police arrested Kent Meek, 64, at his home in Jomtien Nivet Village,
Thappraya Road and charged him with sexually abusing a child less than 15
years of age.
On December 29, Pol. Col. Anonnat Kamolrat, superintendent at the Pattaya
Immigration Bureau, received an application from Meek for a retirement visa
to live in the kingdom. Police checked his record using the Pattaya
immigration computer data and discovered that he had a previous warrant for
his arrest, dated June 6 last year.
New Year’s road death toll increases to 335 throughout Thailand
The total number of road accident victims throughout
Thailand during the first six days of the most dangerous peak period of the
New Year holidays rose to 335, with 3,810 people sustaining injuries,
according to permanent secretary of the Interior Ministry Phiraphol
Tritasavit, speaking on Monday.
Phiraphol said that on Sunday alone - the sixth day of the high-risk peak
travel period during the holidays - a total of 388 road accidents took place
nationwide, killing 35 people and injuring 414 others.
The major reasons attributed for the road accidents were driving under the
influence of alcohol and speeding, Phiraphol said. Most of the accidents
involved motorcycles.
Total number of road accidents during this New Year holidays was 3,549, less
than the 4,121 accidents recorded a year ago, while the number of fatalities
at 335 was 34 less and the number of injured persons was 704 less.
The northernmost province of Chiang Rai recorded the highest number of
accidents and fatalities during the six days with 109 mishaps and 21 deaths
respectively, he said.
As many New Year revelers are expected to continue returning to Bangkok on
Monday to start work, Phiraphol said police manning checkpoints on highways
were instructed to be stringent in applying traffic laws and regulations,
especially regarding buses traveling long distances. He said the toll would
most likely go higher. (TNA)
Many arrested for
“ya ice” over New Year
Boonlua Chatree
Following up on their own warning about increased drug-dealing during the
New Year holidays, Pattaya Police made a string of arrests of several
alleged “ya ice” dealers.
 The
accused are sat before the media along with the drugs with which they were
allegedly caught.
On December 30, Pol. Lt.-Col. Sarayut Sanguanpokai, superintendent at the
Pattaya Police Station announced the arrest of a number of people police
accused of distributing narcotics during the New Year period.
Police went undercover to purchase ya ice from an alleged dealer in South
Pattaya and were able to arrest Anurak “Pia” Thongsuk, 37, of Chantaburi,
with 0.3 grams of ya ice.
Officers were able to expand the case and further arrested Prayad “Mok”
Yang-Ngam, 30, of Banglamung allegedly with 0.5 grams of ya ice.
Police said the network then led them to arrest Kulthida “Nan” Deebunchai,
25, of Nakhon Ratchasima with 0.5 grams of ya ice.
Sommai “Mai” Ra-Ngabpai, 47, of Pichit was arrested while walking in an
entertainment area. Police searched him and allegedly found four grams of ya
ice.
Natee “Boy” Snagkhawattana, 21, of Huayyai, was arrested on his motorcycle
allegedly with 20 grams of ya ice.
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