Pattaya elects new mayor

The election was a historical event, as Pattaya became the first of many municipalities to conform to the new constitution, which states that city mayors must be elected officials. The Pattaya elections set the stage for other such elections in Thailand.

The new constitution also stipulates the city mayor will have additional powers to implement change and the power to relieve officials not performing to expectations.

Deputy Minister of Interior Chamnee Saksek and Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan were in town to help make sure elections ran smoothly and without outside interference.

The February 12th elections were also held to determine who would sit on Pattaya’s city council, and it was no surprise that the entire 24-member team of candidates from the Rak Pattaya Party was elected.

The election results indicated, however, that there was still some confusion with the two-part ballot, one for electing the mayor and the other for city council members. However, only 4% of the ballots were disqualified due to improper marking.

Deputy Minister of Interior Chamnee Saksek and Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan were also in town visiting some of the 81 polling locations, making sure elections ran smoothly and without outside interference. Voting did appear to run smoothly, with no incidents reported during the day.

The four deputy mayors chosen during the campaign by Mayor Pairat were: Watana Jantorawaranon, former city manager Niran Watanasadsathorn, former council member Wudisak Reumkijakarn, and former deputy city manager Wirawad Khakhai.

The Chairman of the Pattaya City Council has already been named, and will be Thawich Chaisawangwong, who received 13,390 votes.

Out of the 37 candidates for city council, the other 23 candidates from the Rak Pattaya Party elected to city council are listed here with the number of votes and percentage of votes received: Banlyy Kunlawanich 15,263/30.23%, Amnuay Somphongtham 13,546/26.83%, Phansak Saengjan 13,479/26.70%, Phraiwan Aromcheun 13,463/26.67%, Suwit Nongyai 13,448/26.64%, Faruk Wongborisut 13,443/26.63%, Mongkhon Deedamrong 13,422/26.59%, U-ryt Nantsurasak 13,182/26.11%, Idsarint Boribunnakhom 13,181/26.11%, Thanawat Manhadee 13,125/26.00%, Ratanachai Sutidechanai 13,122/25.99%, Kasemsophon Kamolnat 13,066/25.88%, Ms. Jikapha Suphalak 12,971/25.69%, Kanoksak Silchaikij 12,781/25.32%, Phatana Bunsawat 12,773/25.30%, Anthawud Phokeo 12,621/25.00%, Phunphon Kamuttira 12,597/24.95%, Manoch Nongyai 12,594/24.95%, Wichai Rodpia 12,576/24.91%, Chaichan Phecharala-Aw 12,156/24.08%, Phisai Phanomwan Na Ayuthaya 10,918/21.63%, Thongchai Achasong 10,794/21.38%, Adeesorn Phonluk-In 10,785/21.36%.

The votes received by the independent candidates for city council were: Sanit Bunmachai 5,432/10.76%, Ukryd Sirisuttiwaranan 4,537/8.99%, Thongsuk Thongnak 4,139/8.20%, Wirasak Cheunkrud 3,787/7.50%, Nothaphon Panyakananukul 3,777/7.48%, Phrai Mangkhang 3,738/7.40%, Wichien Tangthamsatit 3,603/7.14%, Wisit Sirisuttiwaranan 3,584/7.10%, Rakkiat Kichathamjareun 3,473/6.88%, Wirachai Sumetsawad 3,391/6.72%, Somsak Saithong 3,299/6.40%, Panya Phornmanusorn 2,769/5.48%, Phansa Khadsombun 2,752/5.45%.

Mayor Pairat and the 24 newly elected city council members presented themselves with their personal credentials to officials from the Ministry of Interior at the Government Administration College in Patumthani before returning to Pattaya and assuming the administrative duties of city affairs.

The entire Rak Pattaya Party was elected to serve on the city council.

35 Bars busted on election day

Police Chief says, “The law is the law”

Election laws of municipalities (year) 2482, amended 2523, section 12CH states: “...as of 18:00 hours on the day before the election until the end of the day of the election, it is forbidden for anyone to sell, distribute, give away alcohol or have parties or social events that have alcohol served...” Section 76 states: “...whoever breaks this law is subject to a fine of no more than 10,000 baht or jail of no more than 1 year or both...”

Pattaya police set out at 10 minutes past midnight on the day of Pattaya’s elections to inspect whether bars and entertainment establishments in the city were adhering to the election law prohibiting the sale of alcohol. Officers found 35 establishments in North, South and Central Pattaya still operating and selling alcohol to customers in violation of the law. Police arrested the owners and/or managers and in some cases the person(s) serving the alcoholic beverages.

The sweep also uncovered places offering sex shows, and turned up bars that were operating without a license in addition to selling alcohol in violation of the election law.

The courts will decide case by case what final punishments are levied.

After the arrests, Pattaya’s Deputy Police Chief Pol. Lt. Col. Chachawan Phisuttiwong said the bars in Pattaya were given fair warning. “We called a meeting with the bar owners and different entertainment establishments in Pattaya and made announcements letting them know the sale of alcohol was prohibited during specified hours on election dates. We made it clear arrests would be made for those violating the law, and that they would be subject to a 10,000 baht fine or one year in jail, or both.”

Pattaya’s Police Chief, Pol. Col. Phinit Satcharoen said he understands complaints heard from some of the bar owners and tourists who have nothing to do with local elections. “I do understand that Pattaya should actually be treated different than other cities, but the law is the law, and it’s for the whole nation, without any exception,” he said.

Deputy Chief Chachawan added, “We’d like to commend the many establishments that complied with the law and thank them for cooperating.”

Butch Holmsen and the Midnight Oslo Kid now behind bars

Bogus Norwegian “cops” exposed by savvy Thai lass

Two Norwegians, identified as Bent Holmsen and Ek Raymond, were arrested last week for posing as international police to extort money from their fellow countryman. An alleged Thai police officer assisting the scam is still at large.

Acts as if he is in the Wild West.

The two Norwegians showed up at the P.R.S. Mansion in Soi 17 on the evening of 11 February demanding money from Inge Figjelan. The two threatened to arrest Inge for crimes committed in Norway if he did not come up with the money.

The two men identified themselves as international police and were accompanied by a Thai man alleging to be a Pattaya police officer. The two Norwegians threatened to arrest Inge while the out of uniform police officer wielded a pair of handcuffs to add to the threats.

Meanwhile, our heroin, Miss Phiraphorn was witness to the whole affair and quickly saw through the scam. As Inge maintained his innocence, Miss Phiraphorn quietly sneaked out of the apartment and went to notify the real Pattaya Tourist Police.

Miss Phiraphorn points out the villains - while one of them.

When officers arrived on the scene, confusion ensued as everyone began pointing fingers at each other. So, police rounded up everyone present and took them to the station for further questioning.

The alleged Thai accomplice, however, managed to leave the scene before the Tourist Police arrived.

Not being able to produce any international police identification, the two wanna-be Interpol cops from Norway eventually confessed their plan to extort money from their own countryman.

Ek Raymond, age 33, and Bent Holmsen, age 39, were arrested and charged with impersonating foreign police officers and extortion. The information on the alleged Pattaya Police Sgt. mixed up in the scam is being investigated.

Korean accused of fondling babysitter

Parents of 14 year old girl file charges

The parents of a 14 year old girl registered a complaint against 44 year old Korean, Mr. An, claiming their 14 year old daughter was sexually abused on 5 February.

The parents, Mr. Thong Bhusaensri and Mrs. Nu Bhusaensri, from Kalasin Province and their 14 year old daughter told police the girl was looking after the child of another Korean named Mr. Yu at the Jomtien Beach Paradise Condo. The 14 year old daughter waited for the child at the school bus stop and brought the child to the room in the Paradise Condo where Mr. An was waiting.

Commotion ensues as the accused, 44-year-old Korean Mr. An, faces his accuser, a 14-year-old babysitter and her parents.

Upon entering the room, Mr. An allegedly motioned for the 14 year old girl to sit with him on the sofa, where he allegedly began kissing her and fondling her breasts. According to the report he attempted to fondle other areas as well, but the girl managed to escape from his grasp and inform her parents.

Mr. An categorically denied the accusations. Charges have been registered against Mr. An, who was able to post 500,000 baht bail.

Belgian expat wrestles with gold snatchers

Don’t try this at home

Forty-six year-old Belgian Jean Pierre Morelli wasn’t about to let his 5-baht gold necklace go without a fight. When two thieves attempted to steal the necklace from Jean Pierre’s neck, he put up a fight, managed to save part of his necklace and even detained one of the thieves until help arrived.

Jean Pierre told police he was riding his motorcycle on Jomtien Beach Road in the early afternoon of February 7th, returning home after sunning himself on the beach. He said that two men riding double on a Honda motorcycle pulled up alongside him and kicked his tire, knocking him over. The two men then pounced on him and grabbed the gold chain from around his neck, breaking it into two pieces.

Down, but not out, Jean Pierre grabbed part of his expensive ornament with one hand and 25-year-old Prajak Phunsawat with the other. The second attacker fled, leaving his accomplice to fend for himself.

Witnesses nearby came to assist, helping Jean Pierre detain the would-be gold thief until police arrived.

Prajak Phunsawat, from Nong Yai District, was arrested for attempted robbery and physical assault. Prajak would not identify the other thief, telling police that he did not know the other man’s name.

Although Jean Pierre received only minor injuries from falling off his motorbike and struggling with his attackers, police do not recommend fighting with robbers. Most are desperate, some are armed, and if victims put up a fight many things could happen, most of them bad. A piece of jewelry, even expensive jewelry, is not worth a human life.

Drug suppression efforts stepped up

13 provinces identified as being major national concern

Drug trafficking and addiction in Chantaburi, Chachoengsao, Chainat, Trad, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Ayuthaya, Rayong, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sakeo, Singburi and Chonburi have increased beyond the epidemic proportions seen in other regions. Thus were the findings at a drug suppression conference held at the Dusit Resort.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Maj. Gen Sanan Khajornprasad, in his capacity as Director of the National Narcotics Operations Center, presided over the conference. 200 representatives from different agencies attended to assess the status and progress of drug suppression activities in the nation. Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan was also present in his capacity as Provincial Director of the Narcotics Center.

The Thai government has been increasing activities attempting to control the rampant spread of narcotic use, “which is destroying the social structure and stability of the nation.” The Prime Minister issued policy in 1997, entitled “The Government and People’s Consolidated Effort Fighting Drugs”. The policy attempts to consolidate the armed forces, police and general public into a combined effort to support the N.N.O.C. in suppressing the drug problem.

The purpose of the Dusit conference was to focus on the 13 provinces in the central region, identified as being of major national concern. Assessment conferences have already been held in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.

Summarizing the review, the drug trafficking and addiction problems in the central region’s 13 provinces have increased beyond the epidemic proportions in other regions. Drug related incidents have increased in the 13 provinces at all levels of society and drug use among young people, including students continues to rise.

The different agencies involved in the drug suppression effort have also increased their efforts of investigating their own officers and officials involved in drug trafficking. In the past year, 160 officers were exposed and released with over 100 others still under investigation. There is further information connecting over 500 others with possible involvement. Any official involved in a case going to the courts usually ends in dismissal. The address to report drug related information, including any government official involvement, is: PO Box 123, Sam Sen, Bangkok 10400.

The 1999 drug suppression budget allocation of one billion baht was increased to 1.6 billion baht, a 60% increase for the year 2000.

Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel busted

Police arrest 42 illegal laborers

Pattaya police raided the construction site at the Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel where a group of illegal laborers were putting the finishing touches on the hotel’s rebuilt structure. 42 people were arrested: 9 Burmese, 8 Cambodians, 21 Mon and 4 Karens.

Illegal laborers were arrested from the rebuilding site of the Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel. None of their employers were identified or arrested.

The Jomtien Palm Beach Hotel, formerly the Royal Jomtien Resort, was the site of a massive fire that resulted in nearly 100 deaths in July 1997.

The police action included a sweep throughout Bang Lamung that ended with almost 100 illegal residents being arrested. However, there were no arrests of the people employing the illegal laborers, nor was there any arrest of anyone responsible for arranging passage into Thailand at the cost of 5,500 baht per person.

Police questioned the group of laborers and learned they were contracted for work from Mae Sot District in Tak, Aranyaprathet District in Prachinburi and Suan Pheung District in Ratchaburi. They had been working in Pattaya for the past two months receiving 150 baht per day.

Kingdom observes Makabucha Day on February 19th

Banks, businesses closed Monday, February 21st

The Buddhist holy day of Makabucha, or Buddhist All Saints’ Day, is one of the most holy of days on the Buddhist calendar. It is observed during the middle of the 3rd lunar month, except during a leap year when the day would usually fall within the 4th lunar month. However, this year the holy day falls on 19 February, during the 3rd month of the lunar calendar, even though this year is a leap year. Another of those “once in a lifetime” occurrences brought on by the year 2000.

Since 19 February is a Saturday, businesses will observe the holiday on Monday, February 21st. Banks, government offices and most businesses will be closed.

Devout Buddhists listening to sermons on Makabucha Day.

The Makabucha Holy Day remembers miraculous events occurring just prior to the Buddha relinquishing his soul, approximately 45 years after attaining enlightenment. The wondrous events include 1,250 of the Buddha’s disciples, all Arahants, disseminating Buddhist precepts in different areas while traveling to meet with the Buddha at Weluwan Mahawiharn in the area of Rachakhryha, India.

Disseminating the Buddha’s teachings and the journey to meet with the Buddha are two historical events on their own. The third miraculous event is that the 1,250 disciples set off on the journey with no prearranged appointment to meet with Buddha at Weluwan Mahawiharn on the 15th night of the 3rd lunar month.

The 4th event commemorated on Makabucha Day is the Buddha’s sermons to the 1,250 Arahants and admonitions covering the Buddhist beliefs of doing good, not harming others, avoiding evil actions and making the heart and mind pure in thought.

On the same afternoon, 45 years after attaining enlightenment and in his 80th year, the Buddha announced to the 1,250 Arahants assembled that he would relinquish his soul within the following three months, entering Nirvana, breaking the constant cycle of death and rebirth.

The observances followed by devout Buddhists on Makabucha Day consist of attending Buddhist shrines or temples, paying homage, making merit by offering foods to the monks, listening to sermons, and finishing with a procession around the holy areas three times with flowers, candles and joss sticks.

The first circle waked is devoted to the Buddha, the second circle is in remembrance of Buddhist disciplines and the third circle is devoted to Buddhist monks. Completing the three circles the participants place the offerings of flowers, candles and joss sticks in designated areas in the temple or shrine.

Birds, fish or turtles will be released by some people to demonstrate pure acts of kindness, in addition to the offerings already made, with some individuals gaining a sense of well-being, others searching for merit acquisition in future existences free of suffering.

Some devout Buddhists will maintain various Buddhist precepts during the day by refraining from listening to music and other entertainment, wearing no excessive make-up, not partaking of alcoholic beverages and sticking to a vegetarian diet in observance of the Holy Day.

Celebrating anniversary on Feb. 23

Pattaya Rotary Club’s President, Susiri Chanchaileut held a weekly meeting at the Pattaya Town in Town Hotel on 7 February 2000. February is designated as the “World Understanding Month” and the Rotary Club’s 95th Anniversary is on 23 February 2000.

Rotarian Nit Duangdee announces the educational assistance fund raiser “Rotary International Theme 2000”.

Rotarian Nit Duangdee announced a collective plan to raise educational funds for underprivileged children in the area, and asked for support from Rotary Club members and the community.

The fund raiser, entitled “The Rotary International Theme 2000”, is a charitable activity selling shirts and fabrics to raise the educational funds.

1. Short sleeve shirt - 450 baht
2. Long sleeve shirt - 500 baht
3. Fabric for short sleeve shirt (1.5 yds) - 250 baht
4. Fabric for long sleeve shirt (2 yds) - 300 baht

(10 items or more receive a 5% discount and 25 or more receive 10% off)

The community is invited to combine efforts in raising the charitable funds and can order the shirts or fabric by contacting:

Rotarian Past District Governor Som Intphayung (038) 341347, (01) 4410957
Rotarian Past President Surint Ruang Rung (038) 421111, (01) 9466266
Rotary President Susiri Chanchaileut (038) 428305
Rotarian Nopadol Saengma (038) 370582-8, (01) 949090
Rotarian Usa Ryttiwai (038) 225057 (01) 8619419
Rotarian Past President Chalo Bharanan (038) 428335, (01) 9399660
Rotarian Nit Duangdee (01) 9402472, (01) 2523496

Editorial comment by Doctor Iain Corness

Tourist Resort cities like Pattaya have, on any one evening, tens of thousands of visitors looking to be entertained. This entertainment naturally revolves around pubs, bars and restaurants and since Pattaya has plenty of these commodities, we in turn get plenty of tourist visitors.

Imagine a newcomer to Pattaya arriving last Friday evening. He picked up a Pattaya Mail so he knew where to start and headed for Delaney’s Irish Pub on Second Road. Somebody had forgotten to turn the lights on! Or unlock the door! How could this be? Delaney’s was closed, deader than Monday morning at the morgue.

Those who chose to keep their bars open were rewarded with a trip to the local “monkey house” to serve time and pay fines.

Getting into a baht bus he headed further down Second Road. The traffic was thick and almost at a standstill, so he knew he was heading in the right direction. Heading past Sois 9 and 8 he passed the gloomy deserted shadowed areas that used to be bustling beer bars. “Has the economic crash really brought everything to its knees?” he thought aloud.

Alighting from the bus, he walked down Soi 7. At last, in the middle distance was an oasis! Bright lights and people sitting around bars! People drinking! People drinking Coca-Cola, orange juice and soda water! Had Pattaya taken a leaf out of America’s books from the early 30s and brought in prohibition?

He kept on walking past sombre silent bar stools till he arrived at Beach Road, turning left with the dense traffic. Traffic comprised of Friday night drinkers, tongues flickering like vipers, nostrils flared, looking for that elusive drink. Baht busses full of the boozers from Bavaria, with nowhere to go but down Beach Road in a bus.

He joined the heavy throngs of people walking along the footpaths. Joining the battalions of bar girls with no bar stools to sit on. They were silently walking, realising that the usual “Come inside sir. Sit down sir,” was somehow no longer appropriate.

No, last Friday in Pattaya was about as exciting as a Finance One balance sheet. The tourist traders’ takings in the entertainment strips would have looked just about as good too. The visitors who thought they were coming to Sodom and Gomorrah were probably thinking “Sod ‘em tomorrah” and were making plans to catch a plane to Bali, a bit of SE Asia where they actually do sell booze.

Certainly the election no alcohol rule was only for a couple of nights, and in our lifetimes, does that really matter? However, for the tourists it was a couple of nights out of their three nights in Pattaya. Two thirds of their holiday here “on the wagon”. The City Fathers (newly elected after the prohibition style polls) should ponder on the fact that this city is a tourist destination, and as such, the tourists’ needs should be recognised. After all, they didn’t get a vote, did they? But they can “vote” with their feet!