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Rainstorm shatters
elevator windows at Pattaya Centre Hotel
On August 15, high winds and rains from a tropical
storm brought the widow panes and metal framework from the outer lift
crashing to the ground below.
Mrs. Somchai Charernchit, 48, miraculously received
only minor injuries from the flying debris when she was trapped on the
ground beneath metal framework.
 Mr.
Samruay Muangsang’s house received major damage from falling debris
A nearby home was also severely damaged from the
falling metal. Two people were injured inside; Mr. Samruay Muangsang, 64,
received facial injuries from flying glass and his 13-year old grand
daughter, Attiya, received injuries to her face, torso and legs that
required her to remain in hospital.
 Inside
the house it must have felt like Armageddon was upon them
The lift at the Centre Hotel is enclosed in glass
starting at the 8th floor, and provides a scenic view of the bay through
to the 18th floor.
During this emergency, the city maintenance division
dispatched personnel and equipment to dismantle the remaining portions of
the lift on other floors to prevent further mishap.
The hotel owner was unavailable for comment, and hotel
staff refused to make any statements other than to give assurance that the
hotel was insured and would cover all damages and injury expenses.
Hundreds gather to
hear police explain bar closing policy
Police sympathetic, but will continue to
enforce the law
Hundreds of bar workers, owners and managers gathered at
the Caesar’s Palace Hotel in Pattaya on August 20 to listen to Pattaya
municipal police chief Pol. Col. Phadungsak Ubekhanon explain his position
on the nationwide 2 a.m. bar closing time.
The chief told the gathering that he sympathized with
their plight, but that he would continue to enforce the law until the law is
changed.
 Hundreds
of people involved in the entertainment industry in Pattaya gathered to
listen to the chief of police explain the reasons behind enforcing the 2
a.m. closing time.
Pol. Col. Phadungsak said that the government’s
anti-drug policy is the driving force behind the 2 a.m. closing time all
around the country, specifically including Pattaya and other tourist resort
locations in Thailand. He assured the representatives from Pattaya’s
entertainment industry that the central government all the way up to the
highest levels are all well aware of the circumstances involving the 2 a.m.
closing time and the effects it has on local businesses.
The 2 a.m. closing time for the many entertainment
businesses in Pattaya remains to be a hard policy for owners to swallow in
what is considered to be a predominantly international tourist resort, and
during economically depressed times at that. Adhering to the policy is
viewed as not only a major loss of revenue to the many owners of bars, pubs,
dance halls and other such business but the tourist business itself is
thought to suffer if the law continues to be enforced.
For the time being, the chief said he is bound by
existing orders until the government is convinced that changes are
appropriate. Understanding the nature of Pattaya’s tourist situation, Pol.
Col. Phadungsak said he intends to provide support in bringing change to the
regulation gaining Pattaya a special exception to policy. Although no
changes were felt to be forthcoming anytime soon, the police chief said it
was certain to be a reality sometime in the future.
He reiterated the government’s adamant stance on
preventing underage persons from frequenting adult entertainment zones,
specifying the common perception that drug-related activity is well
associated with the entertainment industry.
Aside from the nation’s drug epidemic, the chief of
police asserted that other factors contributing to the law remaining
unchanged include businesses offering socially disturbing entertainment and
beer bars being covers for business in the flesh trade. Karaokes blatantly
ignoring the privacy rights of nearby residents and continuing to disturb
local neighborhoods also obstructed changes to the law. The chief implied
that if the entertainment industry was able to eliminate the drug problem
inside their establishments, not allow underage customers into their bars,
and control the noise pollution on their own, the government would be more
willing to relax the closing time law.
Pol. Col. Phadungsak also referred to the upcoming visit
of 6,000 U.S. military personnel expected during 21-27 of this month and
requested everyone’s participation, especially in preventing the underage
from frequenting the entertainment zones and preventing drug-related
activities on the premises.
He also requested business owners to implement procedures
to ensure employees were in compliance with the required regulations, saying
it would be a good starting point for getting the laws changed, as well as
any additional zoning limitations.
Following the meeting the chairman of the Pattaya
entertainment business committee, Preecha Sanguansak, was overheard saying
that another protest march would probably be staged to voice the overall
dissatisfaction of business owners over their loss of business resulting
from enforcing the 2 a.m. closing time. But he said the requests from the
chief of police would be complied with in hopes that the government may have
a change of heart in the near future.
German suspect
arrested in Pattaya
Wanted on 49 counts
Boonlua Chatree
Jurgen Bernd Oelschlager, 44, was arrested from his
home in Sabaijai Village, Pattaya on August 17. Oelschlager is wanted in
Germany on 49 counts of embezzlement involving nearly 100 million baht.
German police liaison Martin Waremaster coordinated the
arrest with local authorities after gaining clearance from Thailand’s
National Police Bureau’s foreign affairs division.
 Jurgen
Bernd Oelschlager, who allegedly has 49 court cases pending against him in
Germany involving nearly 100 million baht, was arrested from his hideout
in Pattaya.
Oelschlager was considered a dangerous suspect, so
Waremaster enlisted the help of Pattaya tourist police chief inspector Pol.
Maj. Noradech Klomtuksing, the investigating tourist police officer Pol.
Capt. Thanomsak Intharaboot and a group of backup police officers to make
the arrest.
The charges against Jurgen included deceiving investors
by promising large returns from a fraudulent business in Germany. More
than 49 court cases are pending against Oelschlager.
When authorities discovered that Oelschlager was hiding
out in Thailand, his passport was cancelled. Therefore, Oelschlager also
faces charges of illegally residing in the Kingdom since the end of 1999.
Oelschlager adamantly denied all charges, but after
questioning, police believe his involvement with Wolfgang Ulrich is highly
suspect.
Police raid bars
with upstairs accommodations
Girls fined, x-rated material confiscated
Chakrapong Akkaranant
The heat is on and Pattaya police are turning up the
thermostat. Officers conducted a series of raids just before midnight on
August 12 and rounded up a lot of “night secretaries” working the late
shift. The raids targeted bars having upstairs accommodations located in
Soi 6 between Pattaya Beach and 2nd Roads, and in Soi Chayaphoon off of
Soi Buakhao connecting with 3rd Road.
Two of the bars included the “Barbie” in Chayaphoon
and the “Some Like It Hot” located in Soi 6. Other haunts were on the
list and more than 20 girls were rounded up and taken to the police
station. Each was fined a stiff 200 baht and released.
Bar owners or managers who were on the premises at the
time of the raids were turned over to the officer on duty for further
disposition.
The common refrain from bar owners was that there is a
high demand for extra in-house conveniences. These extras draw the
customers and without the added attraction owners lose business. The
owners also said that they were not operating beyond the prescribed
closing hour of 2 a.m. and were simply conducting their enterprises in the
same manner they have been operating for the past 10 years.
Copied merchandise
in the thousands confiscated from Nong Prue distributor
Owner arrested for copyright infringement
Chakrapong Akkaranant
Provincial police on August 12 confiscated 8,000 pairs
of Oakley and Channel sunglasses, a few thousand leather handbags with
Gucci insignias, and more than 1,000 watches printed with notable European
brand names from a warehouse in Nong Prue. All items were copied
merchandise.
Phedej Jiansuk, 49, was arrested and charged with
distribution of merchandise protected by copyright law, and faces a
possible fine of B50,000 to B400,000 and four months to four years
imprisonment.
Provincial police from the economic crime investigation
division and a group of high ranking police officers were mobilized to
conduct the raid after receiving information that the warehouse at 209/10
in Moo 6, Nong Prue housed a huge store of pirated name brand fashion
items.
Pol. Col. Kittipong Ngaomuk said a long investigation
of small dealers operating in Pattaya’s entertainment areas finally led
to the raid at the warehouse. Small time dealers were purchasing the
copied merchandise in large quantities at reduced prices and marking up
the costs to tourists. Watches, for example, could be bought from the
distributor for as little as 50 baht apiece and resold for 300-500 baht or
more.
HRH Princess
Galyani Vadhana opens Second Congress of Asia Pacific Society of
Hypertension
Boonlua Chatree
HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, HM the King’s sister,
graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the Second Congress of
Asia Pacific Society of Hypertension on August 19th in the Pattaya
Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH) at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.
Hypertension and how to treat it was the theme of the exhibition.
 HRH
Princess Galyani Vadhana receives a garland from Royal Cliff Beach Resort
MD Panga Vathanakul.
Chairman of the organizing committee, Professor Dr.
Supachai Chayathiraphan led a group of physicians who received HRH
Princess Galyani before entering the convention hall. After a garland was
presented to Her Royal Highness by Khunying Dr. Pheungchai Ngamukhos,
presentations were made. Dr. Supachai then announced the proceedings in
English.
A Thai cultural presentation took place and then the
convention hall was opened to display the medical exhibit.
Afterwards HRH Princess Galyani attended a dinner in
the Grand Ball Room with the members of the organizing committee.
Kazakhstan
consulate opens in Chonburi
Chakrapong Akkaranant
The Kazakhstan Charge d’ Affairs in Thailand, Dudar
Zhakenov and Gen. Sakan Satityutakarn, the former Thai Army Comptroller
General, presided over the official ceremony opening the Kazakhstan
consulate office on the morning of August 17, located on Sukhumvit Road
across from the Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital.
A host of local dignitaries presented bouquets of flowers
to Rewat Thongprada, the honorary consul appointed by the Kazakhstan
ministry of foreign affairs. The office location is 114/6 Sukhumvit Road in
Naklua, Banglamung.
Kazakhstan is a country rich in natural resources with an
abundance of tin, iron ore, aluminium and other minerals in large quantities
and is the second largest of the countries resulting from the break up of
the Soviet Union after obtaining independence in 1991. The total area covers
2,777,300 square kilometres with a population of more than 14 million people
conveniently located at the cross-roads linking Asia and Europe.
HE Rewat, the appointed Kazakhstan honorary consul, is
also in the tourist business, operating the Songklod Tour Company and the
Songklod Supplies Exporting Company. He is a member of the Pratamnak Lions
Club and a member of the Pattaya Tourist Assistance Volunteers.
Pattaya pours out
help for flood victims in the North
Chakrapong Akkaranant
The local government and the private sector organized a
network to receive donations to assist areas hit by the violent storm
‘Usangi’ in Phetchabun Province. The storm raged through Namchun and
Namko sub-districts in Lomsak District on August 11th washing away entire
villages. Tragically, 114 people lost their lives and 8 are still
unaccounted for. Many families in are in destitute situations.
 Pattaya
City to the rescue! Donated items were rounded up and sent off to flood
victims in the North.
Officials in the city administration, people from the
private sector and local charity organizations including the Sawang Boriboon
Rescue Foundation immediately combined efforts to organize centers around
Pattaya. These central points collected donated items which will ease the
suffering of those victimized by the storm.
Communities in and around Pattaya turned out in force
bringing needed supplies of non-perishable foods, drinking water, medicines,
clothing, and other necessity items.
Police officers from Banglamung and Pattaya city police
stations made the rounds collecting and transferring the donations from all
points to the Sawang Boriboon Rescue Foundation Center. From there
volunteers boxed all items and prepared them for transport. Four 10-wheel
trucks and a convoy of 10 other smaller trucks were loaded with the donated
items. This much needed aid was expected to arrive in Lomsak by the morning
of August 18.
Royal Thai Fleet
succeeds in protecting Thailand’s sovereignty at sea
Boonlua Chatree
Admiral Chai Suwannapap, commander-in-chief of the Royal
Thai Fleet, last week announced the operational results the fleet has
achieved over the past year.
Admiral Chai stated that aside from being a great source
of food and a major transportation route, the ocean also stores a massive
amount of natural resources such as natural gas and other minerals. He
described the Royal Thai Fleet’s mission of protecting the nation’s
sovereignty, and added that protecting the natural resources and sea lanes
in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea is part of their job. This
region of water covers an area of more than 300,000 square kilometres.
Duties also included controlling fishing vessels, preserving the natural
environment and providing assistance in disaster situations both in coastal
areas and out at sea.
 Admiral
Chai Suwannapap, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Fleet, chaired a press
conference aimed at identifying operational results the fleet has achieved
over the past year.
In addition to daily training and remaining in a state of
readiness for protection of the nation, the Royal Thai Fleet also
participated in joint training exercises with foreign nations. These
exercises maintain the fleet’s readiness posture and increase overall
efficiency. Each day during the past year, two ships patrolled the waters in
the Gulf of Thailand and one or sometimes two ships patrolled the Andaman
Coast daily.
Foreign fishing vessels illegally operating in Thai
waters were stopped during the past year on 27 occasions involving 43 boats.
Boats carrying weapons with no identifying nationality and threatening Thai
fishing vessels in waters near the Thai-Cambodian border were obstructed by
Thai navy vessels on 22 occasions. The Royal Thai Fleet was also successful
in recovering a Thai fishing boat that was lost after marauders plundered it
in the open sea. Additional actions in the Andaman Sea included the seizure
of 7,798,000 methamphetamine pills and 116 kilograms of heroin.
Banglamung
District honors Her Majesty the Queen Sirikit’s birthday
The Banglamung district chief Vichien Chawalit presided
over a ceremony in front of the district office building on Sunday, August
12 to commemorate Queen Sirikit’s birthday. A large crowd of people from
area communities proudly assembled for the ceremony, as did many officials
in full dress uniform and local dignitaries.
 Banglamung
district chief Vichien Chawalit led a ceremony honoring the birthday
celebration of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.
The Queen’s birthday, August 12 is a national holiday,
and Thailand’s designated Mother’s Day. Throughout the nation, the
gathering of people from all walks of life displayed the sincere admiration
and respect for Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s assiduous efforts to bring
about positive change in society.
 The
Pattaya Mail team attended the ceremony and paid respect to the beloved
Queen.
Since His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended the
throne 52 years ago, Queen Sirikit has captured the hearts of the Thai
people, and is highly regarded for her many endeavours to improve the
quality of life in the Kingdom. Her personal concern for the preservation of
the natural environment has acquired world recognition. The Queen’s
steadfast efforts to preserve Thai culture have played a major role in
developing the nation. Integrating advancements in general education,
instituting humanitarian actions, reforestation projects and training
programs providing professions that have helped improve the livelihood for
families are among the Queen’s numerous achievements.
The district chief, Vichien Chawalit, led the assembly by
placing flowers and garlands before a magnificent picture of Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit and in the name of the Buddhist Triple Gem, members in the
crowd followed suit bestowing well-wishes and prayers in honor of this very
special occasion.
Updated every Friday
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]
Updated by
Chinnaporn Sungwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]
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