Relics of the Lord Buddha installed at Pha Khao Cheechan

Pattaya’s baht bus drivers receive training, again

This time, TAT tries their hand

Attempts to improve the prospects of more tourists coming to Pattaya, with hopes of repeat visitors, are taking shape in all areas. One area receiving increased attention is the city’s baht bus transportation system.

Tourists have continually complained about unfair practices and ill-mannered behavior from some rogue baht bus drivers, which is causing the city administration to constantly try to correct the situation. The main complaint centers on baht bus drivers displaying distasteful attitudes non-conducive to promoting tourism.

Also, aside from many attempts to have the Pattaya Baht Bus Federation incorporate a standard pricing system readily visible to customers in order to preclude unfair charges, this has yet to be done.

Realizing the situation creates negative affects on tourism, with all businesses in Pattaya suffering the consequences, the local office of the Tourist Authority of Thailand organized a training program directed at correcting bad habits.

Over 200 baht bus drivers attended the training on November 27 at the Pattaya Grand Sole Hotel.

The deputy governor of Chonburi, Preecha Kamolbutra presided over the opening of the session. The TAT’s local director, Manit Boonchim, Pattaya’s deputy city mayor, Nirand Watanasadsathorn, and the chief of the Pattaya traffic police unit, Pol. Maj. Somchai Pongsai presented the training, emphasizing the safety of visiting tourists. These leaders were attempting to impress upon the drivers the idea that Thailand is a secure location where tourists should be able to feel comfortable and well protected in pleasant and trouble-free surroundings.

The seminar leaders also reminded the drivers that drug abuse will not be tolerated. More than 200 drivers from the Pattaya Baht Bus Federation were tested for drugs at a recent roadside inspection, and those who tested positive for illegal drugs have been cautioned. Steps are being taken to monitor their behavior, and repeat offenders will be dismissed.

Thailand’s poverty level has tripled in the past 4 years

Said H.E. Anand Panyarachun at forum on poverty reduction

Former Prime Minister H.E. Anand Panyarachun told a panel of academics that since the economic upheaval in 1997, Thailand’s poverty level has compounded three-fold.

H.E. Anand made his remarks at a forum on poverty reduction strategies he chaired at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel on November 24. The forum was considered an initial step in establishing strategy for eliminating poverty.

Former Prime Minister H.E. Anand Panyarachun chaired a forum on poverty reduction strategies at the Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel.

H.E. Anand is also the president of the Economic and Social Advisory Council and chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).

In his opening address, H.E. Anand, a highly respected academic, spoke of the positive results achieved by important government initiatives directed at reducing poverty during a 10 year period (1987-1997). He said in 1997, though, the country’s economic upheaval started a major downturn, and the kingdom’s poverty level has compounded three-fold over the last four years.

“Poverty is a perpetual problem driven by a lack of knowledge and opportunity, causing the potential for change in status to become more distant,” Anand said, referring to the past four decades of unsuccessful attempts by the central government to develop the nation’s economy, raise salaries and reduce poverty.

“Currently, the increasing gap between the rich and poor has created an inequality that leaves little hope for those striving for a better future, which is also causing other social problems,” Anand said.

The inequality existing among countries around the world is evident and the rural populations are the main areas affected due to limited access to land and necessary resources to support a meager livelihood. “The lack of opportunity leaves little alternative,” said the former prime minister, “and people flock to Bangkok searching for a better existence while waiting for the government to come up with a dignified solution that includes poor people in society.”

Other speakers also addressed the forum, outlining direction for change, which includes providing opportunity and better education to improve equality standards among the overall population.

In 1999, a self-sufficient economy was the objective of the Thailand Development Research Institute and other related agencies, followed by eliminating corruption in government by the year 2000.

Organizers of the forum included the Chai Pattana Foundation, the Community Organization Development Institute, the National Social and Economic Development Board, the Budget Bureau and the Thailand Development Research Institute.

Citizens rewarded for outstanding involvement in the fight against drugs

Five citizens and one organization received recognition for their outstanding efforts in the fight against drug abuse.

Naris Niramaiwong, Chonburi Muang District deputy officer distinguished himself by administering the functions in the Chonburi Prevention and Suppression Center.

Mrs. Sirkul Vised, a student behavioral development officer in the Chonburi Athletic and Education Center, was selected for her efforts in preventing drug use.

Pattaya Municipal Police Deputy Superintendent Pol. Lt. Col. Sakrapee Preawpanich was selected for his outstanding efforts in drug suppression.

Deputy Superintendent of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and the founder of Ban Phoonsri Uppathum Drug Treatment Center in Soi Phothisarn, Pol. Lt. Col. Jirat Phichitpai received recognition for his outstanding efforts in providing rehabilitation treatment to young drug addicts.

Dr. Wiwat Wiriyakidcha, from the Chonburi Public Health Office, received recognition for his outstanding efforts in arranging public awareness programs and alerting area communities to the dangers associated with drugs.

The 14th Infantry Military Circle Headquarters was recognized for exemplary achievement in supporting the provincial drug prevention campaign.

In his capacity as the director of the drug prevention program in Chonburi, Governor Chadet Insawang said that the selection was an important part in continuing the war on illegal drugs. He said praising the individual efforts builds morale among fellow workers. He also said that recognizing individual efforts demonstrates the determination among the community to continue the fight against drugs and helps to increase community awareness concerning the dangers involved with drugs.

A committee composed of government officials and members from the private sector completed the selection process.

Governor Chadet presented the awards during a ceremony held on December 5, in honor of this year’s birthday celebration for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great at the district municipal square.

Governor Chadet said he will continue the annual selection to recognize deserving individuals in Chonburi’s fight against drugs.

The province of Chonburi declared war on drugs as of November 14 and encourages the community to report information pertaining to illegal drug activities by calling 1688 or submitting detailed information to P.O. Box 101, Chonburi Post Office.

PM Taksin’s visit to U.S. rescheduled

The recently reported visit to the U.S. capitol involving Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra meeting with President George W. Bush during November 26-28 has been postponed. A new timeframe is being determined.

There were initial reports that during the official visit, the prime minister would discuss the Global Trans Park (GTP) project at U-tapao Airport with the goal of reviving the Thai economy by attracting investors to continue development in the Eastern Seaboard area.

Sources from the U.S. Information Service of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok indicated consultations were underway between the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Information and U.S. government offices clarifying details to coordinate the visit.

Presently, the dates under consideration for the visit are December 12-14 with talks between the two leaders on the last day; however, due to the fluid situation currently taking place in hot spots around the world, more specific information is expected to become available next week.

South Pattaya’s 101, 10 p.m. curfew, and more discussed at meeting with the governor

First in a series of monthlyconferences

The governor of Chonburi, Chadet Insawang, and leading government officials from the province and districts of Sriracha, Banglamung, Sattahip, Ko Sichang and Pattaya City met with members of the local media at Pattaya City Hall.

Chonburi Provincial Governor Chadet Insawang (3rd from left) with deputy governors and office chiefs met the press.

Suphoj Lawanasiri, deputy governor of Chonburi, reviewed the on-going action pertaining to 101 businesses operating on what has been identified as public property in South Pattaya’s Walking Street area. He said ownership documents provided by some of the businesses have been forwarded to the central government, along with a list of remaining businesses unable to produce such documentation. The information was submitted to identify progress, and courses of action were also provided.

The issue was still identified as very controversial with very little indication that anyone is willing to comply, even after all businesses identified have been repeatedly informed of government plans to reimburse them for the financial loss when reclaiming the property. It was disclosed that the office of civil engineers and other relevant offices have been issued instructions by the provincial government to consider necessary actions to seize the property.

Governor Chadet said it was likely to be a never-ending problem that would have to be settled by the courts. In the interim, Pattaya needs to insure no more renovations or improvements are implemented on the businesses identified for removal.

Following the topic of the 101 businesses, the majority of questions pertained to the Ministry of Interior’s actions on implementing social change and the recent talks concerning 10 p.m. curfew for youths 18 years old and under.

Chadet said that his understanding of the MOI’s talk of a 10 p.m. curfew was not yet a policy, but rather a thought under consideration by the Minister of Interior, Purachai Piumsombun. He said, “The idea is a comparison to what is followed by many city governments in foreign countries, specifically the USA, where curfews of 10 or 11 p.m. restrict minors from being out of the home without adult supervision or acceptable justification.” In reality, however, the US has no such laws, as they would be in violation of the US Constitution.

Other topics of discussion focused on the drug problem, motorbike parking in Pattaya and rental vehicles obstructing traffic, hotels requiring inspections for safety standards, lack of control on street vendors, physical security for residents and tourists in Pattaya and methods to reduce the problem of tourists being taken advantage of.

The meeting was the first in a series of monthly conferences that will be held on the 25th of every month. The aim is to discuss current government issues and allow an exchange of information, with leading government officials present to answer questions. The same type of meeting has also been arranged with members from the media and government officials from Muang district and Ban Beung, Phanat Nikhom, Phanthong, Bothong, Nong Yai and Ko Chang on the 9th of every month.

Two women say bank ATM shortchanged them

Cold weather takes life during night on Pattaya Beach

Provincial government compensates victims of paint factory explosion

Gambling den raided

Boonlua Chatree

An unregistered dwelling in Soi Ko Phai was the scene of a police raid on November 22 after Pattaya municipal police officer, Maj. Kittipong Pongpanich, surfaced information that illegal gambling was in-progress.

A group of police officers burst in on the group at approximately five in the afternoon surprising 10 players, each attentively sitting in a circle intent on the card game at hand.

In all, eight women and two men were arrested and charged for illegal gambling at the rented apartment. Following a short stint behind bars compulsory fines were paid prior to their being released.

Hand grenade found in Huay Yai

Vichan Pladplueng

Frightened residents of Moo 3 in Huay Yai sub-district called Banglamung police last week after finding a live hand grenade in a cassava field. The grenade, with its pin still in, was laying at the base of a tree.

Demolition experts were called in and identified the object as a fully armed M-5 grenade, commonly used by the military.

Police Warrant Officer Sompol Polphot inspects the grenade before taking it to a safe place to be detonated.

Police moved curious onlookers 500 meters away from the devise and secured the area, allowing Police Warrant Officer Sompol Polphot, a trained demolition handler, to work at removing the object.

The warrant officer safely removed the explosive within 30 minutes and transferred it out of the area. It was taken to a secure location for safe detonation.

No one had an explanation as for why the grenade turned up in the field, but police are investigating juvenile gangs in Huay Yai that they suspect may have temporarily concealed it for later use.