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Pattaya City celebrates 23rd Anniversary
Still growing and getting better every day
The auspicious number of nine monks
performed sacred rituals to bless Pattaya City on her 23rd birthday.
On November 29, 1978, the central government elevated
Pattaya City to a “special status”, officially recognizing the
transformation of the once sleepy fishing village into a full fledged resort
city. And although Pattaya has been around for perhaps hundreds of years,
the date is considered the birth of present day Pattaya.
On November 29 this year, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, members of the
city council, city officials and leaders from surrounding communities took
part in a ceremony in front of Pattaya City Hall commemorating the city’s
23rd anniversary.
The prestigious assembly placed flowers, joss sticks, candles and other
offerings at the monument of King Taksin the Great, then took part in a
“tambun” ceremony, as monks sanctified the proceedings by performing the
sacred water ritual with community leaders.
A few decades ago, Pattaya’s form of government was unable to answer the
needs of the growing community, prompting the city’s 1978 elevation to a
special status using a city manager system, introduced to make
administrative functions more efficient. More recently, in keeping with
changes affected by the new constitution, the Ministry of Interior enacted
additional changes in October 1999. Shortly after, the city would have its
first elected government.
Pattaya City’s jurisdiction covers 208.10 square kilometers, of which only
53.14 square kilometers are actually dry land; the remaining area covers
ocean in Pattaya Bay and beyond. The city is composed of four sub-districts:
Nong Prue, Huai Yai, Nong Pla Lai and Naklua, plus Larn Island, which is
considered part of Naklua.
Pattaya and Banglamung celebrate 74th birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
The districts top brass humbly praised His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on the auspicious occasion of His
74th birthday.
Tourists, residents and officials gathered on
Walking Street in South Pattaya to light candles and sing songs praising His
Majesty the King.
Banglamung district officials, students, and members from
different communities presented alms and sacrificial offerings to 74 monks
gathered for a special “tambun” ceremony at 7 a.m. on December 5 at the
district office building in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s
74th birthday.
The ceremony continued at 9:30 a.m. as the district chief officer, Vichien
Chawalit led a group of senior officials in a ritual ceremony with monks
sanctifying the auspicious occasion. During the ceremony people from the
area communities joined the group of officials singing songs of praise.
District police officers conducted a 21-gun salute in honor of His Majesty
the King of Thailand.
Later in the afternoon, starting at 5.00 p.m., local officials, and members
from the surrounding communities assembled at Pattaya City School #3 for the
evening candle lighting ceremony. When darkness fell a procession moved to
the district office courtyard where songs praising the King were sung, led
by district officials, with students, local organizations and people from
all over the district attending.
Gold and silver trays with sacrificial offerings of candles, flowers,
garlands and joss sticks were presented before a life-size portrait of His
Majesty the King, honoring and paying deepest respects to the longest
reigning King of Thailand. Students and performers from the Banglamung
Cultural Center conducted traditional Thai dances and other entertainment
for the crowd, followed by a fireworks display.
In South Pattaya another ceremony was organized by the members of the
Walking Street Committee. As darkness approached, people gathered, lighting
candles and singing songs praising His Majesty the King. The mayor of
Pattaya, Pairat Suttithamrongsawat led the ceremony.
In special tribute to His Majesty the King and the 74th birthday celebration
the many tourists and entertainment businesses in Pattaya refrained from the
sale of alcoholic beverages. Many remained closed in recognition of the
importance of the King’s birthday, which is also Father’s Day in Thailand.
Pattaya cleans-up in Honor of His Majesty’s 74th Birthday
Environmental Day on December 4
Teams prepare to set about the business of
cleaning up Pattaya.
Withaya Khunpluem, secretary at the Ministry of
Labor, presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on the morning of
December 3 at Pattaya Beach Road near Soi 4, where various groups were
launched on a major cleaning project around the city.
The project is held annually to prepare for the King’s birthday
celebration. Government officials, students and the general public are
joined by local organizations supporting the effort, which includes
assistance from Thai marines stationed in Sattahip, as well as students
and faculty from the Pattaya Redemptorist Vocational School.
The cleaning project is also held each year in preparation for
“Environmental Day” on the 4th of December, a nationally recognized day
in Thailand declared by the Council of Ministers.
The cleaning project also supports the city administration’s slogan to
invite communities to “Unite in the Effort to Care for Pattaya and the
Environment”.
Pattaya Orphanage Choir sings up a storm at the Hard Rock Hotel
Highlights the lighting of Hard Rock’s Christmas tree
Peter O'Connor (left), Andrew Khoo
(center) and Father Ray Brennan (right) in front of the Hard Rock's
Christmas tree.
The Pattaya Orphanage Choir sung up a storm around the
pool area at the Hard Rock Hotel on December 8. The hotel hosted the
choir and Father Ray Brennan as part of the inaugural official lighting
up of the Hard Rock Christmas tree.
Prior to the show, the Hard Rock GM Andrew Khoo and the senior vice
president of Hard Rock Hotels and Resorts, Peter O’Connor presented
Father Brennan with a giant cheque for 45,000 baht on behalf of the
hotel and all its 450 staff. The money will be put towards the
orphanage.
Following a flick of the switch, the Hard Rock Christmas tree, 4-meters
tall and made from CDs and flashing lights, glittered and shone like
beacon in the night; it will be a focal point for the holiday season at
the pool area of the hotel.
Once the formalities were over, the choir sang a rendition of Carol
King’s “Hard Rock Cafe”, along with “Silent Night”, followed by an
encore performance of the Hard Rock Cafe.
All that signing had made the children hungry and they were treated to
snacks and goodies provided by the hotel.
The Hard Rock Hotel has a number of worldwide mottos; one particularly
fitting for the festive season is ‘Love All Serve All.”
The Pattaya Orphanage kids unplugged and
in full swing, "... Meet you at the Hard Rock Cafe ..."
Camp Chang hosts jumbo sized birthday celebration
Nearly 70 elephants pay tribute to
His Majesty the King
Elephants were out in force
to pay tribute to a great King on His birthday.
Sixty-seven elephants were assembled at Camp Chang’s
elephant grounds on December 5 to honor His Majesty King Bhumibol
Adulyadej the Great on the 74th anniversary of the King’s birth.
Herds of dignitaries and fathers also gathered for the evening ceremony
at the camp just south of Pattaya in Huay Yai Sub-district. The King’s
birthday is recognized as Father’s Day in the Kingdom.
Police Maj. Gen. Sanit Meephan, commander of the Tourist Police
Division, joined in the ceremony praising the King.
Residents from Chaiyapruk trash site thank city mayor
A group of pleased residents from Moo 4 in Huay Yai
went to Pattaya City Hall late last month to express their sincere
gratitude to the mayor and city officials for initiating the closeout at
the trash disposal site adjacent to their community.
Anont Intarasil, municipal mayor of Huay Yai, and Jamnong Mantham,
community leader of Moo 4 led the group to city hall to meet with Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat and members of the city council. The
provincial governor, Chadet Insawang was also there.
The 35-rai trash disposal site in Moo 4, Huay Yai near Ban Khao Makok
had been operating for 20 years as the depository for Pattaya’s refuse.
Over the years the problems from the mounting trash continued to plague
the residents in the area, culminating in local underground water
sources becoming unfit for human consumption or daily use.
The recent opening of the new trash disposal site in Khao Mai Kaew
sub-district and the closure of the old site finally began after the
city acquired 25 rai of land located adjacent to the site to
systematically dispose of the overflowing waste.
The city plans to restore the area, turning it into a useful recreation
site for the community. Funding has been appropriated to install running
water to the community. Other plans call for road improvements leading
into the area from Sukhumvit.
The residents presented garlands to the local politicians, thanking them
for making good on their promises, and the mayor had the community
leaders designate representatives to coordinate with the city to track
the closeout process and area improvements.
Used merchandise vendors told to “stick to the law”
Warned not to deal in stolen goods
Chakrapong Akkaranant
Over 4 dozen local business operators dealing in used merchandise were
summoned to an informal meeting last week with Police Col. Phadungsak
Ubekhanon, Pattaya’s municipal police chief. The stated purpose of the
meeting was to enlist cooperation from the dealers in reducing the crime
rate in Pattaya.
The chief of police, accompanied by senior police officers, acquainted
everyone with the legalities involved when dealing in the receipt of stolen
merchandise. Among the businesses invited to attend the meeting were owners
of pawnshops and motorbike repair shops.
 Police
Col. Phadungsak Ubekhanon (center), Pattaya's municipal police chief
addressed pawnshop owners and used merchandise dealers, instructing them to
abide by the law.
The chief made it clear to the operators attending the meeting that any
proprietor knowingly in receipt of stolen goods is in violation of the law.
If found guilty the penalty could result in confiscation of property and
revoking of their operating license.
Businesses were cautioned to judge and discern matters in their true light
and were encouraged to contact police immediately if they suspected
customers of trying to engage in an illegal transaction. “Rather than trying
to make a small profit from an illegal transaction,” the chief said,
“business operators are encouraged to join forces with police in the fight
against crime.”
“Reports of suspicious transactions will be immediately investigated,” Pol.
Col. Phadungsak said, “(which will) make it more difficult for criminals to
unload stolen goods, and will eventually reduce the crime rate.” The chief
reemphasized that a business owner could easily end up in court if involved
in the receipt of stolen property.
Businesses operating without the appropriate permits were also warned to
comply before the end of the year. The chief also cautioned all pawnshops
and businesses dealing in used merchandise to close by 8 p.m. The law
stipulates that this type of business is to only operate between the hours
of 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., yet, the chief said, many such businesses are known to
continue operating until 11 p.m. It was not made clear, however, why those
“known to operate until 11 p.m.” were still doing so.
Pawnshops and businesses dealing in used merchandise are required to
document information about each customer’s home of record from house
registrations and current address when an item is exchanged for cash.
Additionally, employment information and phone numbers are also to be
obtained. Each item must be tagged with information identifying when pawned
merchandise can be sold in accordance with payment agreements.
Entertainment crackdown continues
Deputy governor leads late night inspection tour
Boonlua Chatree
The provincial government is continuing to enforce the Ministry of
Interior’s orders to crack down on entertainment venues deemed to be
displaying unacceptable behavior.
 Chonburi's
deputy governor, Phisid Boonchuang led an inspection team on a late night
tour of Pattaya's entertainment spots.
Local officials went on another high profile tour of the entertainment
venues in Pattaya, led by Chonburi’s deputy governor, Phisid Boonchuang and
a team made up of district and city police, crime prevention volunteers and
volunteers from the community.
The team embarked on an inspection tour of nightspot activities around
Pattaya seeking to put an end to, “society’s demented temptations leading to
drug addiction and other social ills.”
The deputy governor told accompanying press that, “The goal (of the
inspection trip) was mainly directed at entertainment venues allowing
underage persons on the premises and eliminating any entertainment in
violation of the law or considered to be socially embarrassing and causing
damage to the country’s reputation.”
The crackdown has continued since an order was issued by the Minister of
Interior last April prompting responsible agencies all over the country to
concentrate efforts on eliminating excessive behavior in order to regain
respect in communities and secure the future of the nation.
Hot news: researchers develop new chili
Hot news was made December 6 with the revelation that
researchers at Khon Kaen University have developed a new strain of the
famous ‘bird’s eye chilies’.
Known among foreign visitors to Thailand as the little red or green devils
that can burn a hole in the tongue, ‘phrik khee noo’ are what give much Thai
cuisine its distinctive kick.
And now, thanks to Thai researchers who demonstrated their new strain at the
“Thai wisdom research market for a sustainable Thai economy”, held at the
Impact Exhibition Center, the kick could get even stronger.
The researchers from Khon Kaen University’s Faculty of Agriculture led by
Prof Suchira Techawongsathien, who have called their new strain ‘aromatic
chili pepper’, said that research on the new strain had been conducted
between 1996 and 1998.
The new strain has a long stem, with hot, fragrant fruit, and can be grown
in nearly every type of soil, although it is best in loose soil with good
drainage.
Visitors to the research fair on December 9 were able to gain free seeds,
which can also be requested from the university itself. - (TNA)
WBC Convention ends on controversy
by Howie Reed
The 39th Annual Convention of the World Boxing Council came to a close last
Friday in what can only be called an “interesting fashion.” Highlighting the
week were the three championship fights held on December 6. The rumblings
that were caused by the afternoon will reverberate whenever goods folks get
together for a WBC Convention, which next year will be held in the Land of
the Rising Sun. The details of the fight and the aftermath can be found in a
Special Square Ring (page 44) devoted to the events of that afternoon.
The Convention itself, besides being the place to be seen and remembered by
Dr. Sulaiman for future world championship jobs, actually was a mix of
social and business. In the most significant action the WBC has suspended
the Indonesia Boxing Federation until it “cleans up its medical act”. Five
boxers have died in the ring in the last 17 months.
The IBF did not go without the useless floor fight that turned from high
drama to high comedy. A gentleman stood before the Convention to explain
that the “IBF is very conscious of the health of its boxers. We were unable
to prevent the deaths.” That prompted some questions from the WBC Board
member from Australia. “Sir, are you aware that one of your boxers went to
Africa to fight and was refused a license because he had Hepatitis B?” “I
was in Jakarta.” “Thank you sir for your direct answer. Are you aware that
this same fighter then went to Australia and again was tested and found to
have Hepatitis B and that he was refused a license?” “I never heard that.”
“Do you know sir that the same boxer then came back to Indonesia and won a
title boxing in your country?” “I don’t know that.” “Are you not aware sir
that all three incidents were covered in all Jakarta papers at the time?” “I
will have to check that out.” Case closed. Jury in. Indonesia out. The WBC
will send a doctor and referee at the WBC’s expense to work with Indonesia
and donate $100 dollars to each fighter’s widow. The WBC is very serious
about medical practices, especially what can be done to protect the boxers
in the ring.
On the social side, Corona Beer tossed a great party in honor of the Most
Honored King’s birthday. It was an evening that was spent in good fellowship
and gratitude to not only the King of Thailand but also other important
people. And a trip to the world famous Alcazar Cabarets was enjoyed by most
all. The staging of the show is better than or matches anything Las Vegas
can do in regard to high tech stagecraft.
After a week of work and play in the Pattaya sun, members will now return to
their countries where the boxing season never ends, where championship are
defended every week, dreams become reality and heroes lose their crowns. The
men and women of the 39th annual WBC Convention will return home to rule the
WBC world of Boxing.
Altercation at Palladium concert turns explosive
Youths attack each other with Molotov cocktails
Boonlua Chatree
One teenager stepped on another’s foot at the “Silly Fools” concert at the
Palladium last week. And as if the teens were attempting to emulate the name
of the concert, the inadvertent act resulted in one group of teens
bombarding the others’ pickup with glass bottles filled with gasoline,
commonly known as Molotov cocktails.
Terdsak Junlawathee, 18, and two young women, Mathana Waenpong, 18, and
Dolporn Waenpong, 16, were injured in the attack, which occurred at 4:30
a.m. on December 5. All three were transported to the Pattaya Memorial
Hospital for treatment of multiple open wounds caused from the exploding
glass bottles filled with gas.
The youth’s pick-up had a smashed windshield and damage to its side. A beer
bottle filled with gas was still intact on the pavement next to the vehicle.
The truck was surrounded by shattered glass and the air was filled with the
smell of gasoline.
A 19-year old male, Dusit Athipanjapong, confessed to being the driver of
the pick-up and told police how he and his friends from Ramakhamheng
University were enjoying the concert when an altercation started after his
foot was trampled on.
Dusit said he and his friends decided to leave, but before reaching the road
the pick-up was bombarded with heavy objects, which exploded on contact. He
said everyone in the vehicle ducked down, and when it seemed safe to come
up, they saw the same two who had stepped on his tow driving off on a green
Honda Wave motorbike.
The perpetrators are still at large.
Foreign gang caught with bogus money and drugs
Boonlua Chatree
Nine foreign men were brought in for questioning last week after allegedly
passing off a counterfeit US$100 bill in a bar on Soi 8. Six were released
for lack of evidence, but Mahed Kaelai, 23, Lawi Manji, 23, and Bangsilan
Patel, 22, were remanded in custody.
 Mahed
Kaelai, 23, Lawi Manji, 23, and Bangsilan Patel, 22, were remanded in
custody and charged with possession of counterfeit money and a small amount
of cannabis.
Police tracked down the gang at the Siren Bar after two Kalasin women
employed in Soi 8 alerted police that one of the men had exchanged a US$100
bill at their bar for 2,500 baht. The women said Bangkok Bank identified it
as counterfeit and refused to take it.
When arrested, Mahed Kaelai was in possession of four more fake banknotes in
the denomination of 100 dollars each. Lawi Manji, 23, was identified by the
two women as the individual who passed off the fake banknote on the previous
night in the company of the rest of the group.
Bangsilan Patel, 22, was arrested and charged with possession of a small
plastic packet containing compressed cannabis, which is categorized as a
class 5 illegal substance in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Beer bottle battle leaves two Russians injured
Boonlua Chatree
Russian tourists Ildar Safioulline, 38, and Ramill Sobitov, 35, ended up cut
and bruised after a drinking session became heated and the two resorted to a
beer bottle duel to settle their differences.
Pattaya police from the Dongtan sub-station in Jomtien were sent to quell
the disturbance at 3.30 a.m. on December 7 at a Jomtien Hotel.
Ildar received an open wound in his lower abdomen from a broken beer bottle,
and his forehead was decorated with a badly swollen and discolored bump.
Ramill had a severe head injury and a laceration on his arm, also caused
from beer bottles used during the fight.
Both men were escorted to Pattaya Memorial Hospital where police officers
attempted to obtain the particulars surrounding the incident. Both men were
extremely intoxicated and the investigation was complicated further due to
both men having a limited command of the English language and their
inability to speak any Thai.
All police could piece together during the inquiry was that the two Russians
were drinking in the hotel room when a heated argument developed, and in
their intoxicated state “combat” appeared to be the only way to settle their
differences.
Ramill was unapproachable and refused treatment for his bleeding head
injury. His former ‘friend’ Ildar, with the abdominal wound, had to remain
in hospital so that doctors could continue monitoring his condition.
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
Updated by
Chinnaporn Sangwanlek, assisted by Boonsiri Suansuk.
E-Mail: [email protected]
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