101 saga continue

TAT now involved

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, led by Mr. Sansak Ngarmphiches, Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, came to Pattaya last week to listen to the problems and presentations of the 101 businesses which the government says is occupying public land illegally.

MP Sansak Ngarmphiches (center), Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Tourism, inspects the site and plans of the 101 businesses in South Pattaya.

The 101 were ordered to vacate the land in South Pattaya on October 1st of last year by Pattaya City and Chonburi Province. The 101 responded by setting up a committee to protest this order.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand committee came to Pattaya to inspect the improvements being made to the general ‘look’ of the city. The TAT also wished for the government and the businesspeople to come to an agreement.

The Business committee has already submitted a letter of protest to the 7 Chonburi MPs, asking for their help. They requested that the group give the letter to the National Department of Environmental standards, which ordered them off the land. They also wished for this letter to be given to the House of Representatives last February 11.

At that meeting there was a government representative and one from the business owners, each stating their point of view. The final decision was that there would be continuing meetings.

Mr. Sansak also gave the letter to the Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet for review on March 3, 1999. The Cabinet sent a letter saying they had received the request for review.

The Cabinet said that to review a decision they would have to use the ‘reason and process’ method of what was possible. This would involve Jaica and the Department of Public Works and Roads. The two groups did a very thorough study in 1992 and came up with 9 projects to ‘revive’ Pattaya. The programs were approved and many were completed.

Mr. Surin Vivajanasirn, Director of the Organization for the Public Environment, and the Ministry of Industry Technology and the Environment said, "Pattaya has always had pollution problems. Buildings have been erected without permits and trespassed on public land. The water is rotten. Officials wish to improve the quality of the beach and build a tourist pier. A beach landfill was also ordered."

Mr. Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Head of the Provincial Council, said that as the representative of the local people, he had heard about this problem a lot and had been following it carefully for a long time. He said that the Public Works Department had studied this matter over 20 years ago. The decision was that the project would improve Pattaya.

Mr. Chanyuth said the central government did not understand the problem. He said that if the government did institute their plan, it would be unfair. He said that buildings had trespassed on other property for long periods of time. The government had taken back the land and compensated the squatters. But they had not moved.

He said that trespassing was common occurrence throughout the country. Why weren’t the others evicted from land on which they were trespassing? Why were the 101 the only ones to suffer? It was a booming business area and brought much needed currency into the country.

The arguments continued and it looks as if we won’t see the end of this one for a long time.

Pattaya’s recyclers still protesting

They want their carts back!

A crowd of hopping mad recyclers once again protested in front of Pattaya City Hall, claiming the city was being unfair to them. They want their carts back.

Recently, Pattaya City banned recyclers from plying the streets to pick up trash to sell. Many residents have seen how effectively they have been banned, as trash is piling up on the streets at an alarming rate.

Pattaya’s recyclers want to get their carts back and return to work.

The latest development was that a group of recyclers, whose vehicles had been impounded, went to City Hall to demand the return of their vehicles. There were over 100 protestors, represented by Mr. Somsak Nipan.

They also requested the city allow them to return to their recycling activities.

Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and Mr. Nirand Watanasartsathorn, Pattaya City Manager, were adamant but sympathetic. They told the protestors that they had to stop the trash collecting to protect Pattaya’s image.

The two did agree that further talks should be held between city officials and the recyclers.

They asked the recyclers to disperse and send a representative to negotiate with the officials on how to solve the problem.

Kingdom’s Cable TV operators meet

Band together to solve cable problems

Mr. Chanyuth Hengtrakul, President of the Association of Thai Cable TV Broadcasters, chaired a problem solving meeting of over 100 members of the Association.

A representative of the DWITV Company of Germany told the assembly that Thailand’s broadcasting of German news in order to keep the public informed was a good thing and helpful to all.

Mr. Chanyuth then spoke of certain Cable TV operators in Thailand who are not fully obeying laws, such as registering with the Department of Public Relations. He requested that this be done as quickly as possible.

Officials from the Department are now on the move, checking here and there, finding that many stations are broadcasting information inappropriate for public viewing. Some stations are also using government antennae and public power without permission. If they do not cease and desist, they will suffer prosecution.

The cost for using public power is 250 baht per power pole used and the charge for broadcasting is 25,000 baht a year for each channel used.

The members of the Association complained that they are not making enough money to pay such a high fee and requested that it be lowered to 2,500 baht per year.

A document is being drafted by the association and will be submitted to the authorities.

Kingdom’s Tourist Police meet in Pattaya

Hold seminar to exchange knowledge and improve crimeprevention techniques

The Markland Hotel played host to a lively gathering of Tourist Police inspectors from all over Thailand as they prepared to join a seminar which would give them that added edge in crime prevention.

Police General Phiphatphon, Commander of the Thai Tourist Police, presided at the seminar. There were discussions about the various problems which tourists face when visiting Thailand and how to best help tourists in times of need.

The four main problems discussed were theft while travelling, theft at hotels, tourists deaths and tourists being taken advantage of by unethical merchants.

Dr. Visanu Tandaviru gave a talk on the new ISO. Police Colonel Vut Liptapalop, Deputy Commander of the Tourist Police, talked of the progress made in the TDRI 5 plan.

Police Colonel Phinij Satyacharoen spoke of crime in Pattaya. Colonel Phinij said that the Pattaya Tourist Police had an important role in making tourists feel safer in Pattaya.

Police Major general Phiphatphon Phoonsukhawanata, Commander of the Tourist Police, said that the Pattaya Police Department also helped tourists and the government and the civil service would do everything possible to assist them.

Disturbed youth harms self

High on amphetamines, confused of his own gender

The Pattaya Police received a report from a tourist that a disturbed young man had gone into a frenzy, taken off his clothes and was harming himself. The man was lying on the street in front of a beer bar and wailing disconsolately.

Confused and disturbed, this Pattaya youth resorted to self torture.

After receiving the report, police rushed to the scene and found the disturbed young man in a state of undress. They took him into custody and made him put his clothing back on.

But when officers had put on his trousers, the man would not put on his shirt as he wanted to show his budding breasts.

He was put in a holding cell at the Pattaya Police station. He seemed to be intoxicated on amphetamines.

The initial charges against the man, Mr. Kitisak Naksiang, 20, were disturbing the peace. His urine was sent for testing to see if there was any amphetamine in it. If there is, he will be charged with the use of illegal drugs.

Security guard assaults woman

The two had been drinking together on the beach

Banglamung police received a report that a woman had run out of the jungle, crying piteously, near the area of Pho Thong temple, pursued by a man on a motorcycle.

When she saw a police officer, she ran to him and told him that the man on the motorcycle was a fraud. She begged the officer to arrest him.

Searching the man, police found handcuffs and a pocket knife on his body. They arrested him and took him to the police station.

The woman said that she sold cloth along the beach and was sitting and drinking strong beverages with Mr. Kiartichai, who said he was a policeman.

After drinking a hefty amount, the fake police officer invited her to go for a ride on his bike. He then drove into the jungle.

He tried to force her to remove her clothing but she refused. He then used physical force and assaulted her sexually. When he tried to assault her again, she then ran out of the jungle.

Mr. Kiartichai told officers that he was the chief guard at a company in South Pattaya and did sit down and imbibe with the woman.

After such a large amount of strong drink, he became aroused and assaulted her.

He now awaits trial.

Women’s group developing leaders

Mr. Achara Pajchimanan, Head of the Chonburi Red Cross, opened a seminar to develop women’s potential as leaders.

Ms. Stil Khunpleum, President of the Women’s Development Group of Chonburi, welcomed women from every district in the Koh Chan area of Chonburi. Over 300 people attended.

As the 8th of March was International Women’s Day, the group felt this would be an ideal time for such a seminar to take place.

The seminar focused on giving women a better image as reliable leaders and developing skills in working together. Women were also treated to lectures on human development in order to improve the economy.

This seminar was supported by the Red Cross of Chonburi.

Traffic accident claims 11 lives

5 others seriously injured

Saturday, March 13 turned out to be an unlucky day for the overcrowded occupants of two vehicles. A pick-up truck, its back full of passengers, and a van, also full, collided, killing 11 people and injuring 5.

Pulling carnage from the wreckage.

At the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, attending officers were able to question one of the survivors, Mr. Dataphong Imjai, 26. He told officers that he and 10 others were riding in the van. A pick up sped by them on their left side, and as the vehicles were side by side, he heard a loud sound which he later learned was a tire exploding.

The van lost it’s balance and ran into the pickup.

Both cars flew violently off the road and ran into a large drain pipe. The van then overturned.

DHL offering time-and-cost saving service for import shipments

Designed as an innovative approach to facilitate the express import service, DHL’s Easy Clear process has been extended for all imported shipments.

"We realize that time-and-cost saving service, coupled with flexibility, is always the top priority of those using air-express," says DHL International (Thailand) Limited National Sales & Marketing Manager Veerawan Nguiakaramahawongse. "This service extension is part of our continuing policy of helping our customers to improve their efficiency and competitiveness, or even simply to make their lives less complicated."

From now, all customers with a declared value of up to 20,000 Baht can be delivered to customers at least 1 to 2 days faster, as customs clearance processing time is significantly reduced. An additional advantage of the Easy Clear service is that DHL is now able to issue individual customs receipts for all customs clearance charges in the name of the clients. These receipts enable clients to process VAT reimbursements. "Through Easy Clear, we feel confident that clients are being provided with highly efficient, faster tracking of important shipments," Ms. Veerawan said.

Anglogold supports World Gold Council’s launch of Millennium Gold Design competition in China, inspiration from Masterpiece of Art

The World Gold Council, a non-profit association of the world’s leading gold producers, was established to promote the use of gold. They now have, together with Anglogold, the world’s largest gold producer, announced the launch of the Millennium Gold Design Competition. Themed as "Gold for Eternity", the competition invites all participants to capture the essence of eternity into innovative terms of gold jewelry designs for the new age. At the same time, participants are required to source the inspiration of their designs from the masterpieces of some of the greatest artists in human history.

The list of recommended artists spans various visual art disciplines from painting, architecture to sculpture. Albert Cheng, the World Gold Council’s manager for Asia, explained, "Year 2000 symbolizes a bold crossing from the past into the future. It is at this critical moment of transition that we yearn to be in touch with the essence of eternity that has been articulated so well by these great artists. And what better way than to capture it in gold, the closest thing we have to eternity on earth?"

Organized by the World Gold Council and sponsored by Anglogold, the competition is open for the very first time to entries from 10 regions in Asia in three categories: gold jewelry sets, collector’s gold coin/wafer/medallion and unique gold objects. All entries will be judged by a panel consisting of representatives from the council, gold jewelry industry and artists from Asia, based on criterion including the relationship to source of creative inspiration, personnel style and creativity, fashion and beauty and craftsmanship.

"We are extremely happy to sponsor this unique and extensive gold design competition. I am confident that it will exert a positive impact on the overall creativity of the industry and the region. I look forward to seeing eternal masterpieces emerging from this exercise," said Bobby Godsell, Chief Executive Officer, Anglogold.

Commercial Aircraft market on 20 year growth spree, says Rolls-Royce

Commercial air travel will grow by at least five percent each year over the next 20 years and by the year 2017 an estimated 34,800 new civil aircraft will have entered service, according to a new survey conducted by aerospace engine maker Rolls-Royce Plc. This adds up to a total market of 83,000 aircraft engines, worth over US$1,500 billion.

"Long term growth in demand for aircraft will be strong, despite the impact of world economic cycles on the aerospace industry," says Peter Clogger, Rolls-Royce’s Regional Executive for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. "As Rolls-Royce spans all commercial aircraft sectors, we are positioning ourselves to further strengthen our performance and increase market share."

This is the first time that Rolls-Royce has combined its market survey activities into a single report, entitled Rolls-Royce Market Outlook Summary 1998-2017, which it is circulating to customers, investors, suppliers, analysts and the media. "There has been a particular effort to make this the first in a series of more user-friendly documents," says Mr. Clogger. "We intend in future to issue Market Outlook every year, on the eve of the Farnborough and Paris air shows."

Wide body aircraft will take nearly 50 percent of the total commercial aircraft market by value, while narrow body aircraft will account for nearly 30 percent and regional aircraft and corporate jets eight percent each, according to the survey. Of the 34,800 new commercial aircraft, 16,860 are major aircraft, including freighters. More than 8,000 new regional aircraft and a further 9,900 corporate jets will be required to satisfy particularly strong demand in these markets. Aircraft larger than the current Boeing 747-400 will be required to satisfy growth in demand on major long-haul routes and on the most dense intra-regional services. New aircraft such as the Airbus A3XX and bigger versions of the Boeing 747 are candidates to serve this market.

The survey says the 300-380 seat Airbus A340 and Boeing 777 will be instrumental in developing new long-haul routes and in providing frequency growth on existing routes. Aircraft of this size, along with the Boeing 767 and Airbus330, will also be used to increase capacity and transatlantic routes and to replace older wide bodies.

The market for wide body aircraft is over 19,000 engines in this period, worth some US$173 billion. Mr. Clogger says that the Rolls-Royce Trent family of engines, introduced in 1997, is increasingly being used to power wide body aircraft, along with the longer established RB211-524. "The Trent 500, 700 and 800 - plus the future 600 and 900 - offer power for variants of all Boeing and Airbus aircraft with over 250 seats," he says.

The narrow body aircraft sector accounts for a market of 24,300 engines in the 20-year period covered by the survey, and is worth around US$109 billion. Airline demand for increasingly cost-efficient operations and improved service frequency will sustain orders for existing narrow body aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families, says the survey. Larger narrow bodies, including the Boeing 757-300, will be attractive for increasing capacity on hub networks, while new 100-seat aircraft such as the Boeing 717 will bring improved effectiveness to operations in core local markets and major airline feeder networks. In this sector, the largest narrow body aircraft is the Boeing 757, powered by the RB211-535. For smaller narrow bodies the BMW Rolls-Royce BR715 powers the Boeing 717 and is offered for the new 85-130 seat aircraft. The survey says that 13,300 jet engines will be required to serve the rapidly developing regional aircraft market, with a further demand for 5,300 turboprop engines.

New small jets are leading the growth in deliveries of regional aircraft. Key products are Embraer’s 50-seat ERJ-145 and the new 35-seat ERJ-135, both powered by Rolls-Royce AE3007 engines. The value of the market for regional jet engines will be US$28 billion. New corporate jet aircraft will require 20,800 engines, valued at US$32 billion. Over 75 percent of these deliveries will be for small and medium corporate jets, with remaining deliveries being for medium-heavy and larger aircraft. The introduction of 19 new corporate jet aircraft types between 1995 and 2000 has largely been made possible by new engine types such as the BMW Rolls-Royce BR710, Rolls-Royce AE3007, and Williams-Rolls FJ44. These new aircraft will enable buyers to replace older aircraft or enter the market for the first time.

Police blitzkrieg Ulrich’s holdings

Storm businesses, hunt for evidence & witnesses

Non Thaptawee, Ullrich’s yacht engineer, was taken to the boat and the yacht was searched. Reporters were not allowed to board the yacht.

As far as reporters know, police forensic scientists checked for signs of drugs on a metal bar and the results were positive. It is not known which metal bar was checked and which drugs were found.

Foreign experts also checked for drugs and a safe was found on the yacht.

Police said they were searching for certain documents on the yacht which dealt with Ullrich’s business deals.

The circus continues as police round-up and question everyone who has had prior relations with Ullrich, including Ullrich’s first wife Ms. Karin Ullrich (seated 2nd left), Johann Holzbauer (3rd left) who has been under police surveillance, and Mr. Peter Schauer (4th left), manager of the Bavaria House Restaurant.

Reporters learned that drug suppression officials of the Federal Republic of Germany had requested the cooperation of the Thai Police in searching for evidence.

The German Police Department wished to send in experts but the Thai Ministry of Foreign affairs refused permission. Thai police worked with German officials already in the country.

There was apparently some disagreement with the Ministries of the two countries.

The Thai police said that they wished to work with the German police, as Thailand had no laws concerning money laundering.

Officials also checked a warehouse on Sukhumvit Road in Banglamung but did not find any evidence of drugs. Witnesses had told police that drugs were hidden in the inside of bolts of cloth in the warehouse.

The cloth was sent to Bangkok for further tests.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
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Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.