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  NEWS

HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

Mayor sacks deputy mayor Wirawat Khakhai

PM Thaksin and former Premiers to meet in Pattaya this weekend

Scottish tourist falls to his death from 13th floor

Beach vendor charged with sexual assault

Youth gang shoot-outs leave 2 dead

Headless body washes ashore

Intrusion onto public land resurfaces at Pattaya Land & House

Recycling bank program emphasised in city schools

New traffic rules implemented on August 1

A sparkling new addition to the Rotary Roundabout

Too much methamphetamine sends another deluded man to  the roof

Homemade pistol fails to stop 65-year-old man

461 police officers drink sacred water and pledge to stay drug-free

Mayor sacks deputy mayor Wirawat Khakhai

Says “incompatibility” was the reason

The paperwork for the dismissal was left on the deputy mayor’s desk on Monday morning, July 30, and was waiting for him when he arrived for work.

However, this wasn’t the first the deputy mayor had heard of his impending dismissal. He said early Monday morning, Nirand Watanasadsatorn, another of Pattaya’s deputy mayors, took him to see Saensukh municipal mayor and consultant chairman to the Pattaya mayor, Somchai Khunpluem (Kamnan Poh). Kamnan Poh told Wirawat that Pairat Suttithamrongsawat had consulted him, and that he felt the Pattaya mayor was within his authority to make the decision.

Wirawat said that after meeting with the Kamnan, he returned to Pattaya only to discover that the order was already signed and waiting.

When contacted, Mayor Pairat described his former deputy as an isolated player who always opposed the team. Additionally, the mayor said that Wirawat was rumored to be discussing administrative affairs in a negative light with members from the private sector and other organizations, and that he always found fault with the city’s methods. The mayor said he tried to put up with Wirawat’s attitude, often forgiving his faults, until lastly he proposed acquiring the GIS system.

Mayor Pairat played the matter down somewhat, and said it was not a grave concern because aside from wanting to bring in new technology to improve efficiency by adding unbiased methodology, Wirawat’s work performance in other areas was acceptable.

As far as filling the vacant position, the mayor said at least a month would be needed to consider a new replacement. In the meantime, the excess workload and outstanding tasks would be transferred to other employees.

The former deputy mayor said that his dismissal did not cause him to be overly distraught. Since his appointment as the city treasurer in March 2000, Wirawat said he has consistently made every effort to improve procedures and serve the community more efficiently. He said his attempt to accurately collect city taxes had this purpose in mind. He said his objective of collecting 90 million baht in taxes for the year 2001 was currently approaching the desired goal, and was nearly 80% complete. He also asserted that his idea of acquiring the GIS tracking system would have further increased efficiency, ultimately benefiting the community by creating a fair representation of taxes collected, but he said the mayor failed to comprehend the need.

Wirawat also said he felt the mayor was not satisfied with his inability to demonstrate full conformity with the degree of respect and polite concurrence expected. Apparently his deficiency in this specific area caused waves and upset the status quo during conferences. “Ironically, during many conferences in the past the mayor cited lack of initiative and inefficiency as a problem,” he said.

Wirawat said he was not bitter over his loss after having the opportunity to serve the community, even if for a shorter period than expected, and his non-affiliation with any particular political party or group made it easy for him to vacate the position.

He concluded by saying his interest in politics has ended.

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PM Thaksin and former Premiers to meet in Pattaya this weekend

Thailand’s future at stake

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former prime ministers Anand Panya- rachun, Prem Tinsulanonda (who is also president of the Privy Council), Tanin Krai- vixien, Gen. Kriangsak Chom- anan,Gen Suchinda Krapra- yoon, Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn, Banharn Silpa-archa (who is also the current Chart Thai Party leader), Chuan Leekpai (who is also current leader of the Democratic Party), and Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (who is the current head of the New Aspiration Party), as well as the entire cabinet are to meet in Pattaya this weekend to map out the Kingdom’s political future.

The office of the prime minister called the meeting to collect the thoughts and opinions from the nation’s political leaders on the ideal direction for the government’s transformation.

PM Thaksin described the, “Monumental task at hand as the most important matter this century... since the court of Rama V faced critical matters of state.”

The meeting will take place August 4 and 5 at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Other political party leaders and party secretary-generals were also invited to attend the political reform workshop.

“With the nature of the problems today, there is no time for dissension in the ranks or quibbling between opposing parties. The nation’s future is at stake,” the prime minister said.

PM Thaksin, who will chair the workshop, said he wants, “A consolidated effort to correct the nation’s problems... using offensive strategy verses a defensive posture.”

With special reference to the country’s economic situation, the prime minister reiterated intentions of building better relationships abroad and expanding interests.

The workshop is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on August 4. On August 5 at around 4 p.m. the results of the conference will be summarized.

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Scottish tourist falls to his death from 13th floor

Police initially surmise it was an accident

Vichan Pladplueng

Peter Alan Black, 28, from Scotland, fell to his death from the 13th floor of the View Taley Condo on Wat Khao Phrabat Road.

Police are initially ruling the death an accident. The tragedy occurred on July 28 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Black’s fianc้e, Miss Lisa Ann Patel, 28, told police that the two had been on holiday in Thailand for the past six months. She said they had plans to return home and get married.

She told police that the previous evening the two were out visiting the bars, and when she wanted to leave, Peter decided to stay so she left on her own.

Miss Patel said she was in the shower when she thought she heard Peter arrive at the condominium about 30 minutes later, but when she came out of the bathroom he wasn’t in the room. She said soon thereafter she discovered what had happened.

Police found no indications of a struggle, but did confiscate personal letters from the condo.

Police initially surmise that Black had returned in an inebriated state and somehow lost his balance while standing against the iron railing out on the balcony.

However, police are now waiting for the results from medical examiners before releasing any more details.

Barry Kenyon, Pattaya correspondent to the British Embassy, told Pattaya Mail, “We have expressed our sincere condolences to the family concerning this tragic loss.”

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Beach vendor charged with sexual assault

Allegedly lured 24 year old victim to his room

Boonlua Chatree

Terrible shrieks and cries for help were heard coming from a room in Soi Wat Bunkanyara at 9:20 p.m. on July 20. The fearful screams moved a concerned Pattaya resident to phone the police.

Beach vendor Chaiya Nu-Iam was charged with assault after allegedly being too forceful with his female ex-friend.

Responding officers arrived in time to find a hysterical woman running from a room inside which her attacker was frantically grabbing for his clothes that lie on the floor next to the bed. The weeping victim, whose name is being withheld, identified her assailant as Chaiya Nu-Iam. She was then escorted to hospital for examination.

Chaiya Nu-Iam admitted assaulting the young woman. During questioning, he told police he was employed as a vendor on Pattaya Beach, renting lounge chairs to tourists. He said he had secretly fallen in love with the victim, who works at a karaoke bar in Soi Town in Town. His burning desire led him to spend his free time there secretly fuelling his fantasies. As he and the woman became better acquainted, he persuaded her to come with him to his room. Unfortunately his emotions overwhelmed him, and eventually landed him in jail.

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Youth gang shoot-outs leave 2 dead

Gunman and driver arrested

Just days after a 16-year old youth was shot to death following two belligerent gangs meeting at Pattaya’s Palladium Disco, another juvenile gang killing took place which also had it’s insidious origins at the Palladium.

Youth gang members were rounded up and arrested; their leader was charged with murder.

This incident was reported by the Banglamung Hospital at 1.00 a.m. on July 21 after an unidentified youth brought in a Thai male shot in the chest. The youth was pronounced dead on arrival and police later identified him as Anochao (Ton) Phanpraipan, an 18-year old resident of Naklua.

Anochao was shot once by a 9mm weapon. The shot entered one side of the chest and traveled through the heart.

A pistol holster was among the murder victim’s belongings and was seized as part of the evidence.

The youth who brought Anochao to the hospital said the incident occurred near the Woodland Resort Hotel on 2nd Road. At the crime scene police found 9mm shell casings near a blood stained area on the road. The investigation continued at the Palladium where more than 50 juveniles were milling around in front of the disco.

Police rounded up a group of youths for questioning and Adul Naknya, 17, was identified as the driver of the motorbike that chased after Anochao. Another youth known as Lamyai was the rider on the rear of Adul’s bike. It was he who allegedly fired at Anochao during the chase.

Adul Naknya, the driver, was arrested and he confirmed that the rival gangs of Anochao and Lamyai had a history of differences. The gangs met during the James concert at the Palladium. Anochai’s gang decided to leave when it was apparent they were out numbered.

Lamyai was located the following afternoon at a house in Siracha with four other gang members involved in the rivalry and all five were arrested. Lamyai, identified as Chukiat Khamont, 17, was in possession of a 9mm automatic and later charged with the murder of Anochao.

The other gang members were 16-17 years old and were held on related charges. Lamyai later re-enacted the crime for police records.

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Headless body washes ashore

Police surmise missing fisherman from tanker collision

Boonlua Chatree

Pattaya police from the Dongtan Beach station were sent to investigate the gruesome discovery of a headless corpse floating off Jomtien Beach. On July 27 at 2:00 in the afternoon, the officers arrived at the scene with rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation to deal with the situation.

The body was badly decomposed and the head was missing, but fragments of clothing were still clinging to the remains. The identity and age of the deceased is not known, but Pattaya’s municipal police chief surmised that it is possible the victim was one of three Thai fishermen involved in a collision with a tanker on July 23rd. The body was sent to the police forensic lab for further examination.

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Intrusion onto public land resurfaces at Pattaya Land & House

Wall obstructing road construction

Claims that an outer wall constructed at the Pattaya Land & House project in Nong Prue has residents from Ban Maptato in Moo 13 up in arms.

Village headman Wichot Wongsiriwimol went to the Banglamung district office to register a complaint that a 400 meter long wall erected by the housing project interferes with a public road. Portions of the roadway are restricted by the barrier, which reduces the thoroughfare to 8 meters in some areas. Road construction in the disputed area has now been halted.

Officials from the department of lands went to check out the complaint, but found all the land markers removed. The district chief officer assured residents that he will have the officers from the department of lands complete surveys of the land, and if it is ascertained that the wall is encroaching on public land, he will order it removed.

According to sources, a similar accusation was lodged over a year ago. At that time, project owner Mrs. Yaowalak Pisalwalerd responded by offering to purchase the area in question. The matter was not pursued.

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Recycling bank program emphasised in city schools

Vichan Pladplueng

The 3-R principle of reduce, reuse, and recycle is the underlying philosophy of the national recycling campaign. The campaign is an educational tool stressing the hazards of careless waste and how to manage it, and is gaining wider recognition in Pattaya City schools. The recycle bank project selects reusable materials and turns trash into reusable items.

Students from city school #9 are cooperating in the national recycling campaign.

The Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, Sonthaya Khunpleum chaired a ceremony at City School #9 on July 23, and signed an agreement with members of the provincial government and area schools which promises greater participation in the national environmental preservation campaign. Participating in the ceremony were Chonburi governor Sujarit Patchimnan, chairman of the provincial government administration Pinyo Tanwiset, and Chatree Chuayprasit, the president of the Environmental Quality Improvement Department.

Sonthaya told the audience how vital it is to maintain the natural environment and presented some alarming statistics on Thailand’s waste production. More than 38,000 tons of waste was produced in the Kingdom each day in the year 2000. That equates to 0.62 kilos for every man, woman and child in the country. He also mentioned the many environmental projects and programs now underway around the nation which were supported with government money, but unfortunately met with resistance from local villagers. This shows the need for more public education on this subject.

Pattaya schools, however, have proved their merit. Since January of this year, 10 local schools have recycled 30 tons of trash containing recyclable material, including 14 toms of glass, 10 tons of various paper, 4 tons of plastic bottles, and 2 tons of reusable metal alloys. This recycled waste was worth 50,000 baht in cash and a priceless learning experience for those who participated.

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New traffic rules implemented on August 1

Side streets off Beach Road are now all one-way

On August 1, the city put into effect traffic related changes involving Beach Road and all the sois between Beach Road and 2nd Road.

The main change consists of turning the connecting streets between Pattaya Beach Road and 2nd Road into one-way streets from North Pattaya to South Pattaya Road.

Sois 1, 3, 5, 6/1, 8, 9, 12, Soi Prasanee (Post Office) and Soi Pattayaland 2 are designated one-way with traffic to flow from the beach going towards 2nd Road.

Sois 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, Soi Yamato and Pattayaland 1 are designated one-way with traffic to flow in the opposite direction from 2nd Road down to Pattaya Beach Road.

Other changes include starting new parking controls specifically directed at rental vehicles for hire on Pattaya Beach Road. A total of 44 vehicle rental areas have been designated on Beach Road; the remaining rental vehicles have been directed to move into the side streets.

Vehicles of any kind are prohibited from parking along Pattaya Beach Road from Central to South Pattaya Road during the hours of 6.00 p.m. to midnight.

Other parking restrictions for tourists are to be designated in the future, and the city is considering charging parking fees.

The changes were designed to help reduce some of the traffic congestion along Pattaya Beach Road and the streets connecting with 2nd Road. These initial changes resulted from research started last year to identify solutions to the city’s traffic problems.

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A sparkling new addition to the Rotary Roundabout

The Rotary Wheels on the Rotary Roundabout (where Second Road, North Pattaya Road, Beach Road and Naklua Road come together) have recently been inlaid with crystal. The donation to make this possible was made by Josef Aigner, the general manager of Crystelia-ACD Thailand.

One of the beautiful crystal-inlaid Rotary Wheels at the Naklua roundabout.

The crystals came from Swaroski which has been the leading manufacturer of high quality crystals in Austria for over a century. Aigner made the donation to the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya as gesture of love for his fellow man and his support for the ideals for which Rotary International stands.

Nearly 30,000 individual crystals of varying size were set into the Rotary wheel with Swaroski’s special adhesive, which enables the crystals to maintain their luster with just a simple dusting once a month.

Due to one the wheels having been stolen, the other two wheels have been removed for safekeeping.

The work of restoring the beautiful statue at Rotary Roundabout is just one of the many projects supported by the Rotary Club where work continues in striving to make improvements in and around the city, making Pattaya a more attractive location for tourists and residents alike.

Late Breaking News: Apparently, one of the Rotary Wheels was stolen from the roundabout, so as a precaution, the other wheels have been tucked away for safe keeping until a solution can be devised.

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Too much methamphetamine sends another deluded man to the roof

“Bring me the prime minister or I’ll jump!”

Boonlua Chatree

A crowd of frightened onlookers gathered to watch as a drug crazed man on the roof of a karaoke bar threatened to fling himself to the ground, and babbled about speaking to the prime minister.

Prasert Duanchanteuk, high and paranoid, climbed up on the roof of a karaoke bar and threatened to jump.

Prasert Duanchanteuk, a resident of Korat, had been drinking and popping methamphetamines in a karaoke bar near the Skaw Beach Hotel off Soi Bua Khao on the afternoon of July 22, then topped off this mixture with a bottle of M-150. When the yaba kicked in, he became enraged and paranoid, swearing someone was out to kill him.

Climbing up onto the roof of the karaoke bar, Prasert’s tantrum escalated and his predicament became more precarious. Pattaya police and rescue workers from Swang Boriboon arrived to quell the disturbance, but by this time the young man was barely coherent, and in serious danger of falling. Sanit Boonmachai, chairman of the vendors committee on Pattaya Beach, assisted the police in appealing to whatever sense Prasert still possessed.

While coaxing and cajoling the deranged man, rescuers used a hydrahilic lift to get close enough to Prasert to haul him off the roof. He then continued thrashing and kicking all the way to jail.

Allowed to recuperate, Prasert was later charged with disturbing the peace and disorderly conduct while under the influence of an illegal substance.

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Homemade pistol fails to stop 65-year-old man

Shot twice by nephew

Charoon Kosint, age 65, was shot twice in the chest at point blank range with a homemade gun, but was barely slowed down.

“Super Uncle” (right) looks unharmed after taking two bullets to the chest. He said his Buddha amulet saved his life.

The elderly gentleman told police that his nephew, Daeng Ryangyu, 24 was living with his niece, Noi, as husband and wife for the past three years, and during that time the couple had two children. Apparently married bliss was intermittent, for the couple fell into a heated argument. When Uncle Charoon saw the disagreement getting out of control, and feared his niece would come to harm, he tried to intervene. At this point, Daeng pulled out a primitive pistol and fired two .22 caliber bullets into Charoon’s chest. He was knocked to the ground, but was not seriously wounded. He believed the power his Buddhist image Phra Luang Phimpha saved his life.

Neighbors called the police, and then pursued the crazed nephew into a field. When the escapee refused to surrender, villagers set the area ablaze and smoked him out.

After arrest, Daeng told police he had consumed two methamphetamine pills, which he said caused him to go into a violent paranoia, culminating in the argument with his wife and the shooting of his uncle. He has been charged with assault and attempted murder.

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461 police officers drink sacred water and pledge to stay drug-free

13 on Pattaya station list of suspects

A unique ritual took place at the Wat Chaiyamonkol in South Pattaya on the evening of July 26. Deputy Police Commissioner of Provincial Police Region 2, Maj. Gen. Anant Charerncharsri, presided over a cermermony which saw 461 policemen from Pattaya’s municipal police station drink sacred water and swear an oath to remain forthright in the nation’s fight against drugs.

Pattaya police officers drink sacred water and pledge to fight drugs.

The pledge of allegiance took place before a life sized portrait of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, and each officer who partook in the sacred water and pledged his obedience to the law risks ill health and bad luck if the oath is broken.

Pattaya Pol. Chief Col. Phadungsak announced that policemen under his command are undergoing an intensive review in response to Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s recent order for the National Police Bureau to consolidate a list of all officers suspected of extrajudicial involvement in drug related activities. He did say, however, that although some officers were suspect, evidence was needed to charge any individual.

The police chief said that in a large police district such as Pattaya, where an extensive entertainment industry flourishes and a widely diversified social fabric exists, the temptation for some officers to slip into illicit behaviour can be enormous.

Strict enforcement of closing times for entertainment venues and the prohibition of underage youths from these places are measures being taken to reduce the problem. Chief Phadungsak added that officers found guilty of involvement in the drug trade will be dealt with expediently, but may retained on duty following departmental correctional measures and behavioural changes.

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