HRH Princess Soamsawalee presides over a “Children’s Aid’s Prevention Evening”

On May 9th, HRH Princess Soamsawalee presided over a "Children’s Aid’s prevention Evening" at Pattaya’s Dusit Resort Ballroom.

HRH Princess Soamsawalee graciously recelives guests at the “Children’s Aid’s prevention Evening” at Pattaya’s Dusit Resort Ballroom.

The gathering was to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Lion’s Club Bangsaen, and aimed to raise funds to sponsor "Aid’s Birth Transmission Prevention". This cause is lacking in supportive funds to carry on its work.

Aside from few preventive medicines being available, the medicines are very expensive as they are imported and must be used on a continual basis.

The anniversary supporting this cause provided a good opportunity to increase public awareness, not only in Bangsaen but also throughout the Kingdom.

Later there was music for the kids and the many guests of honor provided by singer Miss Nanthidsa Adsawahem. A fashion show also captivated everyone’s eyes while exhibiting beautiful Thai silk costumes.

Ill egal Cambodian workers arrested in Laem Chabang

Procurer alludes capture

In the early morning of May 7th, Pattaya Immigration Police Officers equipped with a warrant from the Chonburi Provincial Court raided Laem Chabang Harbor. 36 Cambodians working illegally were arrested, while more than 100 others escaped, including their ring leader.

When the Immigration Officials arrived at the site they found more than 100 Cambodians sitting in front of the living quarters. The illegal workers immediately dispersed, running in all directions with the Immigration Officers in hot pursuit.

Thirty-six illegal Cambodian workers were arrested in Laem Chabang. Nearly 100 others, along with their ring leader, escaped.

When the melee calmed down, 36 workers were apprehended, including 10 woman, three children and 23 men. All were Cambodian nationals hired by Mr. Heng (surname unknown) to load sugar at the harbor at the rate of nine baht per ton. No documentation authorizing the Cambodians to work was produced.

Approximately 200 tons of sugar is moved each day. The sugar is loaded by four groups of workers with 30 persons in each group. The work is carried on all day and throughout the night. The workers sneak across the border in the area of Aranyaprathet and Sakeo Provinces, paying 3,000 baht each to persons arranging the illegal work force.

A Thai worker in the area told officials that Mr. Heng was in charge of the workers and is the same person who arranged their passage across the Thai-Cambodian border. Heng was among the many who alluded capture that day. A warrant for his arrest has been issued.

The 36 Cambodians apprehended will be returned to their homeland.

Fatty and Skinny arrested for purse snatching

Infamous duo used money for “entertainment”

Somchet Chanthathong, 17, and Wirod Chareurnphon, 20, known locally as the "Fatty and Skinny Gang", were caught in the act of purse snatching last week.

Pattaya Police Special Suppression Unit were on the lookout for the two after receiving reports that the pair were ambushing tourists.

Police spotted Chanthathong and Chareurnphon snatching the purse of Mrs. Kamyu Choo (sic), a 62 year old Chinese tourist. Mrs. Kamyu was walking alone in a secluded area near the Peach Resort Hotel on North Pattaya Road.

Chanthathong and Chareurnphon were quickly arrested. The elderly lady’s purse with her money was found in their possession.

Both Chanthathong and Chareurnphon are students from schools of higher learning in the area. Both admitted to stealing from tourists on many occasions and blowing the proceeds in the various entertainment areas of town.

Police want it to be known that other persons who have been robbed by these two can come and make claims against them at the Pattaya Police Station.

Cooperative police effort nails drug dealer

600 amphetamine tablets confiscated

Pattaya Police and Banglamung Police are stepping up their efforts to eradicate the area of illegal drugs.

In yet another undercover "sting" operation, police arrested Manod Chanthong, age 28, for selling amphetamines to an undercover officer.

Manod Chanthong was arrested after he sold amphetamines to an undercover police officer.

Police had received a report that a gang was dealing amphetamines in Banglamung’s entertainment and tourist area. Officers from two Pattaya police stations got together to conduct a raid on the area.

One officer posed as a buyer, went into the area and purchased 500 baht worth of the drug (five pills).

Manod Chanthong was then arrested after he sold the drugs to the undercover officer. A search of Manod’s pants pockets turned up an additional 25 pills and 3,200 baht in cash, including the marked 500 baht identified as the cash used by police to make the purchase.

Manod confessed to police that he had 600 more amphetamine pills stashed away in his room. Police searched Manod’s room and found the amphetamines where he had claimed, hidden in his clothes closet.

Manod was charged with possessing and distributing class 1 drugs.

Construction at local schools continues to be a problem

Unsafe construction practices in and around at least two Pattaya schools could be dangerous for students when the school term starts later this month.

Assistant City Manager Thaworn Bunsawad, along with Phatthna Khunsawat and Thoongchai Adsong led a team of city council members to visit Pattaya City School 4 to inspect the recent construction improvements. Concerned individuals were afraid that the unfinished buildings may be dangerous to students once the school term opens.

Thaworn, who is also the Pattaya Schools Education Department Director, said he was aware of the concern. He said he contacted the construction company, requesting them to complete the construction prior to the new term in May.

However, Thaworn eventually had to notify city officials because the potential hazards still exist.

Later, the team returned to inspect the construction of a wall at Pattaya School #5. The wall is still a potential hazard because it is caving in due to the lack of a foundation. In fact, it is becoming worse. In addition, there is now a mound of dirt two meters high against the wall at the nearby gas station.

No construction workers were present during the inspection, but there were signs of digging in the area and lumber on the ground. Teachers at the school told the team that the work had just started three days ago, but on that particular day the workers stopped construction fearing for their own safety.

Realization of these existing hazards was the reason why the Education Department Director requested the city officials assistance in solving the matter.

The inspection team said they will accept responsibility and consider what needs to be done.

Banglamung PO Box for drug info

Chief aims to eradicate illegal drugs by December 5th

The Banglamung District Council is willing to do whatever it takes to eradicate the drug problem in the district.

The latest move involves a special post office box that was set up to allow anonymity for people who wish to pass on information concerning local drug dealings.

District Chief Praseurt Thanasedthakorn coordinated with the Post Office to open Post Office Box 90, Banglamung Post Office, Chonburi for receiving information pertaining to the drug problem.

The move was announced at the Banglamung District Council monthly meeting at the district public conference room.

In announcing the move, District Chief Praseurt referred to the government’s ongoing effort to suppress the illegal drug problem by stressing that government agencies need to cooperate with the private sector in order to work effectively, following the slogan of "Love your Majesty the King, look after your children and help eradicate drugs".

Information received at the new Post Office Box address will receive maximum attention. Maximum results are expected after police authorities are notified.

The District Chief still plans to honor His Majesty the King on His birthday this December 5th by conducting a ceremony announcing the area to be "Drug Free".

Afterwards, members reported on issues occurring in the past month and it was found that, to a large extent, the drug problem was being suppressed.

Chonburi handicapped conduct leadership training

Working towards a better future

On May 1st, Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan opened the second Handicapped Training Week in Chonburi Province. The training seminar took place at Pattaya’s Redemptorist Center.

The training ran from 1-5 May, and was supported by the UN ESCAP, which presented various lectures concerning society’s attitudes and preferences pertaining to the problems of handicapped persons, and laws and regulations concerning the rights of handicapped individuals.

The Chonburi Handicapped Persons’ Group, which ran the training, is trying to make the public aware of handicapped persons’ rights to participate in society. In the past, handicapped persons were unable to participate in society, but modern medicine, technology and inventions have greatly assisted this endeavor.

In order for the handicapped to pursue life in society, it is necessary to have knowledgeable leaders who are aware of information and the rights involving the handicapped. These leaders must pursue corrections where needed and help afford persons with physical handicaps equal opportunity.

There are many handicapped individuals living throughout Chonburi Province, and there are many local institutions for the handicapped.

Sujarit Pachimnan, Provincial Governor of Chonburi, along with area officials and leaders, attended the Handicapped Leadership Training Seminar supported by the UN ESCAP.

Governor Sujarit announced that the province is collecting statistics as to the number of handicapped persons in Chonburi. This will enable the Public Welfare Office to better provide assistance to all. It is important that government agencies revise their policies accordingly.

The funds available in the budget are currently insufficient, but with a better understanding of how many handicapped persons reside in the province, government agencies can allocate funds appropriately.

Under the government’s rehabilitation plan for the handicapped, it is perceived that their status has improved and is equal to other people’s. Handicapped persons are able to help themselves gain and provide knowledge and assistance.

In the past, the Public Welfare Office was the only agency providing assistance. In the future, it is hoped that other agencies and organizations in the private sector will join in and take some responsibility in this matter.

Most importantly, the handicapped must be able to look after their health before and after giving birth, and be provided educational opportunities equal to that of others. In addition, revisions must be made so that the handicapped can participate in the work force and look after themselves.

Das Island inhabitants donate to drug rehab center

30,000 baht and much needed food supplies given

The inhabitants of Das Island, Abu Dhabi donated dried food and 30,000 baht to the Ban Phoonsri Drug Rehabilitation Center, run by compassionate policeman, Lt. Col. Jirat Pichitpai.

George and Yupin Hill present food and a 30,000 baht donation provided by the people from Das Island in Abu Dhabi to Pol. Lt. Col. Jirat Pichitpai and the Ban Phoonsri Drug Rehab Center.

The rehabilitation center assists adults and children who are misled into misusing illegal drugs. The center provides a sanctuary for the unfortunate and administers months of treatment and loving care, eventually affording them the opportunity to return to society as whole individuals in charge of their own destiny.

PSC donates 150,000 baht to YWCA

PSC Secretary Ron Herbert presented a 150,000 baht donation on behalf of the Pattaya Sports Club to Mrs. Mayuri Sutthikasem, Chairwoman of the YWCA Family Training Program. The presentation ceremony took place on May 7th at the Bangkok-Pattaya Center. PSC President Pratheep Malhotra and YWCA Director Mrs. Premruedee Chittiwuthikan, as well as committee members from both organizations also attended the ceremony. The donated funds are for 100 students at the YWCA.

Larn Island corruption getting out of control

“Ya Ba” deing sold like candy

A member of the recently formed Larn Island / Pattaya Police Advisory Committee, who understandably wishes to remain anonymous, told those gathered at their first meeting that six local tyrants on the island are selling amphetamines (Ya Ba) as if it were ice-cream, and that island police are afraid to interfere.

Deputy Minister of Communications Sonthaya Khunpleum was the Master of Ceremonies for the raising of the Naga Head (Cho Faa) at the Khao Sao Thoong Thong Temple in Banglamung. Also present at the ceremony were Banglamung District Chief Praseurt Thonsedthakorn and Chonburi Council Chairman Chanyut Hengtrakul, and others.

The committee member said that the police officers on the island ignore the activities. He said he has rarely even seen the officers out on the streets, which allows drugs to be sold to tourists and young people living on the island "like it was candy or ice-cream".

The advisory committee member stated that he has reported the names of the six tyrants to the Assistant Pattaya Police Chief, Lt. Col. Anthaphon Namnarot. He is astonished that the tyrants have not been arrested and are continuing to carry on the illegal trade.

He said it is the same tyrants who take advantage of tourists by having scooter boat owners charge 100 baht for each excursion, but when the tourist returns from the boat ride they are met by the six tyrants who change the fee to 1,000 baht.

He asked how can the tourist trade in Pattaya survive like this if the six police officers assigned on Larn Island continue to close their eyes, and with one Tourist Police Officer assigned who is afraid to deal with the six tyrants?

The advisory committee member reiterated his surprise as to how freely the illegal activity continues and implored the police chief to investigate the matter.

After listening to the advisory committee member’s comments, Pattaya Police Chief, Col. Phinit Satcharoen replied that he had just heard about the situation. He said that the Commander of the Drug Enforcement Police is also aware of this serious matter.

As for the six police officers neglecting their duties on the island, Col. Phinit will order Police Col. Anthaphorn Namnarot to investigate because he is their commander.

Other problem areas brought up by the advisory committee will also be followed up on by the Pattaya Police Chief, who stated that the committee has enlightened him on the problems at hand.

He then informed the Committee that if officers under his command are involved in accepting free food and drinks in the community that the names of those officers be reported to him, whereby, they will be relieved or transferred immediately.

Before closing the conference the Pattaya Police Chief, Col. Phinit Satcharoen, stated that he was very sad as to how the state of the economy has increased crime in Pattaya forcing citizens to become criminals.

He requested that the committee members be his eyes and ears and keep him informed by identifying criminal activity in the area.

National police issue policy to local law enforcement

Identifies need to coordinate all branches of police

Police General San Sarutanon, Assistant Police Commander from the National Police Headquarters, Operations Support Department 1, was in the area recently to conduct inspections and issue national policy. He was received by Pattaya District Police Superintendent, Colonel Pinit Satcharoen.

General San and his entourage conducted a three day inspection of subordinate units in Police Region 2, issuing policy from Operations Support Department 1. The units visited included the Border Police, Immigration Police, Coastal Police, and the Tourist Police.

Police General San Sarutanon, Assistant Police Commander from the National Police Headquarers, Operations Support Department 1, and his entourage visited Pattaya Police to issue national policy.

The policy matters issued to Pattaya District Police pertained to six important areas of responsibility: the Border Police, Immigration Office, Office of Major Medicine, Coastal Police, Tourist Police and the Public Relations Division.

The Operations Support Department’s basic mission concerned illegal immigration along Thailand’s borders, both land and sea. Currently, the situation along the border is changing from a matter of stability to a criminal matter and the breaking of various laws is increasing. These matters fall under the jurisdiction of Operations Support Department 1 due to the effect on the internal security of the nation.

Accordingly, the mission of each unit can not work effectively unless they receive assistance and support from each other.

Therefore, the issuance of policy and guidance to unit commanders emphasized the importance of establishing plans and joint communication between each unit under Operations Support Department 1.

The purpose of the visit was to reveal problems at the operations level and to issue policy to the units. At the same time it was also the Operations Support Department’s intention to increase its efforts. The main policy factors are:

1. The joining of forces with each unit in order to function and to reveal interrelated problems. If one unit is unable to function effectively, an Operations Center is to be established within the province consisting of elements from each unit. For example, if the Tourist Police in Pattaya are overwhelmed with duties they could be reinforced from other police stations in the area, and if that is not sufficient they could be reinforced from the Border Police and not have to interfere with the matters involving the local stations.

2. Coordinating with the appropriate units involved in preventing and eradicating crime according to the policies of the department, especially severe crimes like the narcotics problem, illegal weapons along the border, and hired assassins.

Examples include: Functioning in a manner that obtains just results in the public’s eye; and Commanders paying close attention to subordinates, especially in their personal security and welfare.

Policy being stressed in the eastern provinces and along the border concerns the narcotics problem involving tourists, the illegal labor problem, the contraband problem, the problem of controlling the motorways along the border preventing the export of stolen vehicles, providing assistance to tourists and looking after their welfare while trekking in the jungle or along the coast, and maintaining natural resources involved in the tourist trade.

Commanders in the department are requested to carry out the above mentioned policies to their full extent in order to divide the mission amongst the police units in accordance with the National Police Headquarters policy. Aside from the current economic situation, the responsibility of the police for reducing the crime situation must be improved.

After Police General San closed the meeting in Pattaya, he and his entourage departed by police helicopter to disseminate the above policy and guidance to officials in Chonburi.

Upgrading public health work

Department Head holds regional training session

"Good Health at Low Cost" was the main theme of a recent training session chaired by Sanitation Department President Dr. Damrong Boonyuen. The Sanitation Department, nationwide, hopes to change their procedures to meet the current economic and social situation.

The National Economic Development Plan, Edition 8 (2540-2544 B.E.), which in part concerns public health, does not coincide with the present economic condition, because the plan was developed during a period of prospering times.

Participants at the seminar said that they encountered many similar problems and obstacles, especially not being able to function due to officials who continually fall short in their responsibilities.

Discussions at the session were aimed at summarizing these existing problems, exchanging ideas for solving them, and disseminating new data and scientific knowledge on the subject.

Dr. Damrong said that officials in the public health arena must strive to adjust their thinking and behavior in order to come on line with current times, and to be able to recognize the differences between Pattaya and other municipalities. Health officials need to adhere to the following four strategies:

1. Improve the environmental conditions so that the cities present a clean and beautiful atmosphere.

2. Increase the health standards in the school system so children can enjoy better health.

3. Maintain health standards.

4. Make the entire public aware of health problems rather than only paying attention to hotels and eating areas, an example being the problem of seafood requiring refrigeration during shipment.

Attending the seminar were official representatives from 13 provinces who’s work concerns public health. The 13 provinces represented were: Chonburi, Chanthaburi, Trad, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Sakeo, Saraburi, Suphanburi, Chainat, and Nakhorn Nayok.

Copyright 1998 Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.Ltd.
370/7-8 Pattaya Second Road, Pattaya City, Chonburi 20260, Thailand 
Tel.66-38 411 240-1, 413 240-1, Fax:66-38 427 596; e-mail: [email protected]
Created by Andy Gombaz, assisted by Chinnaporn Sangwanlek.