Pol. Col Supachai Puikaewkam (2nd left) is
spending his own money to upgrade Pattaya Police Station.
Teerarak Suthathiwong
Pattaya’s police chief is spending 6 million baht of his own money
to upgrade the small, shabby Soi 9 city police station.
Pol. Col Supachai Puikaewkam said he consulted with his wife, Roi-et Deputy
Gov. Juriporn Sinthuphrai before deciding to dip into his own pocket to
revamp that station, which is so small officers must work in the parking lot
and even small motorbikes often cannot find a place to park.
“I worked as a deputy suppression superintendent here, so I know the root of
various problems the station has,” the police chief said.
“The police station is small and some areas are not even in order. I will
solve this issue by using my own money to renovate the station but those
wanting to donate can do so,” Supachai said. “The superintendent’s office
will be moved to the second floor of the seaside Rak Vinai building and will
be bigger to accommodate citizens wanting to visit or file a direct
complaint, as well as make them feel at home and not nervous.”
He said another floor will be added to increase the number of offices. A
patrol-officers room and press-briefing room also will be added.
“The most important room is the one-stop service room downstairs, where we
will add systems from Kasikorn Bank. I want citizens using the services to
be impressed and get all services at one place.”
He did urge those working in the larger station to conserve energy, as more
lights equal higher utility bills.
“This is what I planned originally after accepting the superintendent’s job
because Pattaya city is visited by foreigners worldwide on vacations, some
foreigners invest in real estate and live their retirement life here,”
Supachai said. “If the station develops for the better, citizens will feel
warm, their lives and assets safe, and be impressed with services. Finally,
citizens will trust and be more friendly with police.”
