|
Interior Ministry to enforce closing hours
Minister Purachai was in the area to pay 744 baht in taxes on a plot of land he owns in Naklua.
Whilst here, he took the opportunity to meet with Chonburi governor Sujarit Pachimnan, mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, and provincial and local police
commanders to discuss laws governing entertainment places.
Minister Purachai said that the law written in 2509 (1966) governing the opening hours of entertainment places, as well as other applicable regulations
such as forbidding youth under the age of 18 from entering such premises is still in force today. He pointed out that in other countries entry is permitted into entertainment
venues only after ID cards are presented. He also said that he would hold operators of these businesses responsible if under aged people are permitted entry.
Minister Purachai said the law also states that entertainment places should not be allowed to open in the vicinity of temples, schools or in populated
communities, but these rules have never been enforced. Permits and licenses have been issued to operators without referring to these laws.
The minister stressed that it was time for this to change.
The minister ordered the governor to look into the possibilities of creating zones for entertainment places, to strictly enforce the age limit for entry
into these places and to crack down on lewd sex shows that are harming the good image of Thailand.
In matters concerning foreign criminals who have made Pattaya their home, he ordered those responsible to keep a close watch on their activities so that
they do not gain too much power and use it to harm innocent people. “They must not be allowed to live above the law,” said Minister Purachai before returning to Bangkok.
Local scientists clone a calf
A Thailand first
Vichan Pladplueng
A group of scientists in Chonburi successfully cloned a Brangus calf from an American Brahman, creating a female calf born on April 3. The calf, cloned
using cells from an ear, was a first for Thailand.
 Mother and daughter are reportedly doing just fine.
Researchers conducting the procedure were from the Research Center for Biological Science in Animal Production, part of the Faculty of Veterinary Science
at Chulalongkorn University. Professor Rangsan Palphai led the procedure. Professor Kriangsak Phaseebhu and Professor Moniwan Kamolpatana assisted.
The calf was cloned from cells taken from a female, breed type S.K. 300, which was impregnated in a different breed in July of last year. The pregnancy
took 302 days before the cloned calf, having the same characteristics as the American Brahman, was delivered. Results of DNA testing will confirm the overall procedure.
Professor Rangsan Palphai said that researchers in Korat have already been attempting to clone milk cows with American Brahmans, but the offsprings did not
survive, making this cloning procedure the first in Thailand. However, DNA testing must officially confirm the results before declaring the procedure a success.
Professor Rangsan also said plans are underway to clone other species, including water buffalo, cats and leopards. He said that by crossing species and
cloning house cats with leopards they hope to increase the diminishing number of leopards, which are nearing extinction.
The cloned calf was born at the S.K. Pattaya Ranch owned by Suriya Kichasamrej.
Officials to crackdown on sex shows
Police chiefs to be transferred if offences continue
Banglamung District chief Vichien Chavalit met with Pol. Col. Padungsak Ubaekanont, Pattaya police chief and Pol. Col. Supot Kasemchainant, Banglamung police
chief to map out policies to crack down on all sex shows in Pattaya. The penalties for said offences will be a temporary closure, which could lead to permanent closure of the
businesses.
 Banglamung District chief Vichien
Chavalit (center) met with Pattaya police chief, Col. Padungsak Ubaekanont (right), and Banglamung police chief, Col. Supot Kasemchainant, to map out policies to crack down on
all sex shows in Pattaya.
After the visit of the Interior Minister, Pol. Capt Purachai Piamsomboon, authorities in Pattaya and Banglamung are planning strategies in earnest to comply
with the minister’s orders.
Bars and entertainment places must close at 2 am. No youth under the age of 20 will be allowed in, be they foreign or Thai nationals. Operators must display
signs stating such. The authorities will not only hold the violators responsible, but also the police officers of both the Banglamung and Pattaya police stations.
As for lewd shows the police chiefs sternly said that any act of sexual intercourse on stage will be considered a violation and the premises will be ordered
closed either temporarily or permanently depending on the offence. This they stated was recently a major concern of Chinese tour operators.
Police officers will also make regular checks to deter the sale and use of drugs in discos and pubs. During the Songkran festival, police are seeing the
youth of Bangkok who have stormed into Pattaya bringing their bad habits with them. Therefore, police are being very strict in their searches and have requested understanding
from entertainment spot operators.
The police chiefs seem to be very serious about this as the interior minister has threatened to transfer them if these offences are allowed to continue.
Englishman downs in swimming pool
Vichan Pladplueng
Nickolas Deighton, 52, from Great Britain was found floating face down in a small swimming pool at his home in Nong Prue at around 10:30 a.m. on April 1.
The initial police examination found no indications of foul play, and the condition of the body suggested the death had occurred approximately 24 hours
earlier.
The 35-year old housekeeper, Mr. Boonrawd Insarn, told police that Deighton was a friend of the owner and had been staying at the house for the previous
two days.
Boonrawd discovered the body when he arrived at the home to clean at his usual time.
Boonrawd also told police the home was used as a computer business. Police took inventory of the large collection of computerized equipment housed there.
Police surmise that either Deighton fell into the pool and drowned after drinking heavily, or perhaps he suffered a heart attack.
Provincial police brought in for national crackdown
Boonlua Chatree
Provincial police have now joined Pattaya police in the nightly inspections of local entertainment spots.
The impetus for the crackdown comes from the national police bureau and the prime minister, who have issued directives to crack down on drug activity and
minors patronizing entertainment venues.
 Provincial police have joined
Pattaya police in the nightly crackdown on entertainment venues.
Provincial police commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Sene Khamthiang brought in 50 police officers this week to join Pattaya police, led by Pattaya’s police chief,
Colonel Padungsak Ubekanon, in the nightly tour.
Two weeks ago, Pattaya police inspected the Hollywood Pub and Star Dice Disco on the same night. The two large discos were targeted after recent reports
indicated both places were centers for drug related activity for both foreign tourists and local customers.
During the inspection, Pattaya police did find drugs scattered on the floor and minors on the premises. They sent the minors home and told management to
tighten up their act.
Last week the provincial police joined Pattaya police on a repeat inspection of both the Hollywood Pub and Star Dice Disco, again both on the same night.
But this time the results were more satisfactory, as no illegal substances and no underage people were found on the premises of either place.
Following the inspection, a spokesman from Pattaya police apologized to the crowd for the inconvenience, and explained the necessity for the continuing
crackdown. The police announced that the inspections would continue nightly and warned everyone to refrain from using drugs. When the speech was over, a round of applause
resounded in the room, but it’s unclear whether the cheers were for the police effort or just for the conclusion of the inconvenience.
Wild Yaba arrest in South Pattaya
Boonlua Chatree
Krydsana Polpradap, a 23-year-old resident of Moo 9 Nong Prue was arrested last week on drug related charges, but not before he attempted an armed getaway.
The scene unfolded in the vicinity of the Duck Square Shopping area on South Pattaya Road on the early evening of April 3.
 Doughty officers were able to bring
down Krydsana Polpradap, a 23-year-old drug dealer, despite his attempt at an armed getaway.
Pattaya police working undercover had already made their purchase, revealed their identities and were in the process of arresting Krydsana when he
brandished .22 caliber Berretta automatic and raced off on his motorbike.
However, corporal Nikorn Mungkodklam was positioned nearby in a pick-up and sped after the perpetrator. Krydsana then fired two shots, but failed to hit
his target.
Corporal Nikorn overtook the motorcycle, swerved in front and knocked Krydsana to the ground, bringing him to an abrupt halt. Other officers quickly moved
in and took Krydsana under control.
Police confiscated the weapon, the motorbike and 200 methamphetamine pills, as well as the two shell casings fired off during Krydsana’s attempt to
resist arrest. Krydsana’s automatic pistol still had 10 more cartridges loaded into the magazine.
Krydsana later told police he acquired the drugs from a supplier named “Ahbang” in Bangna outside of Bangkok.
Krydsana was charged with resisting arrest, shooting at a pursuing police officer, unlawful possession of a handgun within city limits, and possession and
distribution of class 1 illegal narcotics.
Pattaya’s Road Show set for Japan
Promoting tourism in the region
Pattaya promoters will take their show on the road to Japan from May 13-20, with stops in Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo. Cocktail receptions for tour operators,
travel agents and conference organizers will be held in each of the three cities. Pattaya’s distinguished roadies will then present video footage introducing Pattaya and
the surrounding area, as well as tabletop demonstrations exhibiting samples of local merchandise.
Pattaya’s Road Show planning committee reviewed their travel plans with Poramase Ngamphichet, Chonburi Provincial Council member from Banglamung, sitting
in on the discussions at the Dusit Resort.
Members of the committee include PBTA president Surat Mekawarakul, Thai Hotel Association (THA) Eastern Chapter president Chatchawan Supachayanont, Pattaya
Hotel Community (PHC) chairman Suwat Phaebhiromrat and TAT Region 3 office director Manit Bunchim. Representing city administrators was deputy mayor Wirawat Khakhai.
The committee also discussed the upcoming Thailand Travel Mart scheduled to take place from September 16-20 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort’s PEACH.
Travel businesses from all over the world have been invited to attend the travel mart, where representatives in the tourist industry will be exchanging ideas and information.
The event will be a prime opportunity for Pattaya to promote tourism to the area, and members of the Road Show plan to promote it in Japan.
Beach vendors balk at another city imposed upkeep fee
City says, “Pay or lose your permits”
Chakrapong Akkaranant
Local beach vendors are balking at yet another fee being imposed upon them by city hall. This year’s proposal calls for vendors to pay 1,200 baht a year to
go towards “improving the beach”.
Beach vendors currently pay 500 baht annually for a vendor permit. Some vendors in popular areas pay leases in the neighborhood of 100,000 baht. Lots in the
most expensive area, located around Dongtan curve, lease out for 200,000 baht.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and deputy mayor Niran Watanasadsathorn recently met with the beach vendors from Pattaya and Jomtien Beach to explain the new
plan. They told the vendors the proposed 1,200 baht annual fee would be dedicated to making improvements on the beach that would benefit both vendors and the community. They
also said the annual fee would not be controlled or used by the city administration.
“Taxes collected from vendors and other budgets take too long to actually get the money to use for different plans,” the deputy mayor said. “The 1,200
baht annual fee would be quickly accessible.”
The plan was not received well by the vendors, especially those set up in areas that don’t receive a lot of tourists, but the city officials said
regulatory plans were necessary to prevent social disorder.
The proposal includes plans to create a new committee composed of beach vendors, an elected chairman, and a treasurer to control the collected annual fee.
Additionally, those vendors who fail to contribute the annual fee will not be able to renew annual permits.
Last year the city proposed collecting a monthly fee of 500 baht from vendors, and planned to organize the more than 400 vendors operating on Pattaya,
Jomtien and Larn Island beaches. Collecting a list of names of all authorized vendors with permits was also part of last year’s plan, with the city environmental and
sanitation department, working in conjunction with city excise collectors, tasked with maintaining the list and issuing permits. However, maintaining the list proved
complicated due to vendors constantly changing.
More volunteers sign up at Draft Day in Banglamung
Red card, black card not necessary
Vichan Pladplueng
More than 1,000 eligible military inductees showed up at the Banglamung District office building to undergo the annual selection process on the morning of
April 4.
However, at this year’s selection process many more young men volunteered than in the past and the ceremonial drawing of the red or black marker deciding
their fate was deemed unnecessary.
The whole affair thereby had a different flavor, with groups of young men sitting around joking and laughing, with some even singing.
The young men were each from one of the surrounding sub-districts of Naklua, Huay Yai, Nong Pla Lai, Pong, Khao Mai Kaew, Takiangtia and Nong Prue.
The two sets of twins in the entertainment industry having domiciles in Huay Yai, Fandee-Fanden and Janyat-Nakorn also showed up again this year. The popular
actor Fanden once again requested an exclusion so that he could complete his studies at Rangsit University. Fanden said that both he and his brother would be finishing school
next year and he plans to volunteer for military induction, although he was unsure of his brother’s plans. His brother still has metal plates in his arm because of an auto
accident two years ago. If doctors give their approval, Fanden said his brother would most likely volunteer his services for his country also.
Wirat Chanthong, a 21-year old patriot said he had always wanted to be a soldier ever since he was a young boy, and he was ready to volunteer for duty.
Compared to former times, Wirat said the country’s border situation does not seem quite as risky and he thought the training would later be beneficial.
City researching environmental improvements
Trying to shed “Pollution Control Zone” tag
Pattaya city administrators are trying clean up the area and shed Pattaya’s tag as being a pollution control zone.
But since the Ministry of Science Technology and Environment designated Phuket, Pattaya and Phi Phi Island as pollution control zones in 1992, the desired
results have been slow to materialize.
Plans have continually been revised in lieu of sufficient guidance and adequate legislation to enforce compliance.
Last December, Pattaya City contracted the Modus Consultants Company to research and assess a productive approach to improving the environment.
City administrators, representatives from Modus Consultants Company and the Environmental Plans and Policy Office are now holding regular meetings to review
environmental improvement plans.
Modus Consultants’ plan stresses public involvement through collecting public opinion on perceived problems and obstacles. The study is due to be completed
by this September.
The final assessment is expected to reflect the city’s efforts to date and may lead to ending Pattaya being labeled a pollution control zone.
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, however, said the problem of enforcing environmental controls was complex and pointed out that after Pattaya was designated
as a pollution control zone there were no exact measures prescribed by the ministry to impose penalties on violators other than eluding that violators could face fines and
imprisonment.
Other measures were too detailed and contained confusing requirements, such as restrictions on gas tanks in hotels and restaurants. The mayor referred to the
overall guidance from the central government pertaining to environmental controls and accompanying the designation of pollution control zones as convoluted and open to
interpretation.
Mayor Pairat described other conflicting requirements stating that apartment or housing complexes with more than ten rooms are required to conduct
environmental impact assessments and businesses with more than 80 rooms are required to report detrimental findings from the studies.
As important as the requirement may be, the cost to conduct the EIA studies ranges from 100,000 - 200,000 baht, which is considered both unrealistic and
unfeasible under the present economic situation.
Representing the office of Environmental Plans and Policy in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Suree Amralikit said that the central
government initially put the onus on local government to correct environmental problems without considering what impact carrying out the requirements would have on the economy
and tourism.
She said the shortcomings and problem areas identified by the mayor would be made known to the National Environmental Commission.
Suree also said the ministry’s plan to contract Modus Consultants to conduct the environmental assessment in Pattaya requires public input and the initial
findings will be reviewed with the city administration this May.
She reiterated the fact that the results of the research would be used to revise current environmental plans, set new direction and/or possibly lift
Pattaya’s current label as a pollution control zone. A follow-on review is scheduled in August this year.
Once Modus Consultants completes the research evaluation the results will be submitted to the city administration to identify the pros and cons pertaining to
various proposals, such as cremation incinerators in 12 area temples, gas tank storage in hotels and other businesses, preserving coral reefs and other environmental concerns.
Checks tightened on voodoo girls caught in sex trap
from the Child Labour News Service
Girls are being brought to Britain from Africa as “asylum seekers” and then taken from social services by gangs who smuggle them to Europe to work as
prostitutes.
The girls - some as young as 12 - think they have been hired for domestic work, but they end up in brothels.
Threats of “voodoo” revenge, playing on the girls’ African religious beliefs, are then used to control them.
Police have known for some time that women and girls from Eastern Europe have been brought into Britain to be used in the sex trade in London and other
cities.
But an operation in West Sussex, checking on children arriving at Gatwick Airport has provided the first evidence that girls - like drugs - are trafficked
from Africa.
West Sussex county council social services department has tightened the security around asylum-seeking children in their care.
Some of the girls had disappeared after being released into the care of “relatives” or “sponsors” that turned out to have false documentation.
But it is feared that the smuggling will be displaced to areas around other major British airports, such as Heathrow, where the problem has not been tackled
in the way it has in Sussex.
At present, there is no offence in law of trafficking young people in this way but the Home Office is understood to be studying evidence from the Sussex
inquiry to establish whether the loophole can be blocked.
The Sussex investigation found that up to the end of last year around 40 West African girls had gone missing from the care of social services. The charity,
End Child Prostitution and Trafficking, has estimated that 61 children went missing in Sussex. Some of those are thought to be Chinese.
The charity also estimates that 43 girls in other areas are classed as “at risk” because their cases fit the profile of victims who have been trafficked.
The problem is growing. In West Sussex one girl disappeared from social services care each year in 1995 and 1996 but the number grew to seven in 1997, 11 in
1998 and 32 and 18 respectively in 1999 and 2000.
Detective Sgt Andy Cummings of Sussex Police said, “They control these females with voodoo. It sounds bizarre but there was a lot of control. That’s why
the girls just disappeared.”
West Sussex County Council said that the numbers disappearing had dropped recently following the investigation by Sussex police.
Criminal recognition training presented to Dusit employees
Chakrapong Akkaranant
Deputy Inspector, Captain Wasu Saengsuksai from Pattaya’s tourist police department was invited to present a comprehensive class on crime prevention
techniques to employees at the Pattaya Dusit Resort. The instruction focused on recognition features and properly recording personal information when registering hotel guests.
 Deputy Inspector, Captain Wasu
Saengsuksai (inset) from Pattaya’s tourist police was invited to present a comprehensive class on crime prevention techniques to employees at the Dusit Resort.
Captain Wasu described the various types of criminal activity common in Pattaya, highlighting crimes occurring in hotels. A favored hotel crime is
duplicating room keys for later access. One or more members of a gang will register in a hotel for a day or two, duplicate their room keys and come back days or weeks later,
registering in new rooms and waiting for opportunities to pilfer the rooms, easily entering with the duplicated keys.
Other crimes involve impersonating international police investigators, snatching purses, and gangs conning tourists into the ever-popular “black money
scam”.
The importance of properly registering guests was highly stressed, and hotel employees were urged to pay close attention to details when looking at passports
and recording information. Techniques to describe facial features and other descriptive information were presented, along with noticing attire and recording mode of travel
information, including type of vehicle, model, plate number, etc. Captain Wasu said hotel registration information was crucial in making prompt arrests.
Other techniques presented included instructing employees to take note of the amount of luggage brought in by hotel guests, indicating that guests with few
items should be suspect. Tourists traveling from abroad usually have enough belongings to support a long stay in Thailand, or at least more than one overnight bag, Captain Wasu
said. Personnel cleaning hotel rooms should assist by monitoring activities of guests with suspicious behavior.
Captain Wasu said another reason to properly record all pertinent information is to assist police in making quick arrests. He said that many cases cannot be
prosecuted following arrests because all too often the victimized tourist was required to depart before the arrest was made. Captain Wasu said that police can usually make the
arrest eventually but detailed registration information and descriptive features recorded and remembered by hotel employees can lead to quicker arrests in time for tourists to
make positive identification before they have to leave the country.
Copyright 2001 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]
|
|
