Second Road goes One-Way this coming week

From Central Road to Dolphin Roundabout - starting January 15

Police Maj. Somchai Pongsai, Pattaya’s traffic police inspector says “all systems are go” to turn the rest of Second Road into a one-way street. Traffic will flow north, as it already does on 2nd Road from South to Central Pattaya.

One last look at traffic traveling (legally) in both directions on Pattaya 2nd Road? As of January 15, the rest of the road, from Central Road to the Dolphin Roundabout, will become one-way, heading north.

“The city’s traffic organization committee is completely prepared and ready to launch one-way traffic on 2nd Road, continuing from the Central Road intersection to North Pattaya Road (Dolphin Roundabout) beginning on January 15,” Police Maj. Somchai told Pattaya Mail. “Preparations are all in place, there are no hold-ups in the way, and one-way traffic should be a reality starting this coming Tuesday.”

The start date was originally scheduled for December 15, 2001, but due to strong opposition from businesses in North Pattaya, especially the Pattaya Central Festival Center who feared customers would be diverted away, the planned start date was set back a month to better publicize it.

Pattaya’s deputy mayor, Nirand Watanasadsathorn said, “Only one minor hurdle remains. We still have to meet with tour bus company representatives whose busses travel through that area … to reach an agreement for parking and turn-around areas.”

Business operators along the route expressed varied opinions about the expected outcome of the change.

Bandol Nakniyom, general manager of the Palladium disco, massage parlor and restaurant, said the one-way road idea “is good”. He said he, “Foresees no problems because there are many entrances onto 2nd Road, as long as tour buses retain access to Soi Phetchartrakul” (the soi behind Big C that runs parallel to 2nd Road).

Pornpimol Kebui, the public relations officer of the Montien Hotel, said “There will most likely be some confusion during the beginning, especially as to which side street goes in which direction, but otherwise I agree with the concept.” He suggested, “Local police should get tough with erratic parking in the side streets (because) there will be problems from vehicles parked on both sides of the street blocking passage.”

Alcazar’s general manager, Pisai Phanomwan Na Ayutthaya didn’t think his business would be affected, but opined, “Traffic congestion problems could probably be corrected easier if (the road was) left as two-way.” He also was of the opinion that, “The possibility of accidents would increase during periods of heavy traffic in front of Alcazar, especially during the 1-2 a.m. timeframe when traffic accidents are most common. The fear,” he said, “was with traffic moving faster and an intoxicated driver at the wheel.”

The most opposition to the one-way plan remains with the majority of stores and shops located at the Pattaya Central Festival Center. The majority opinion is that a good portion of would-be customers will be diverted to other shopping areas due to the inconvenience of having to drive out of the way to access 2nd Road, and thus access their location, because it is nearly at the end of the one-way road.

However, as long as Soi Phetchartrakul is still accessible, there should be no real change because the shopping center is near the end of 2nd Road, and anyone coming from the north would not have to go very much further than they already do to get there. Turning 2nd Road into one-way also eliminates a dangerous turn across traffic leading into the Big C area from 2nd Road coming from the south.

"Law-abiding (foreigners) have nothing to worry about"

But, says governor, we're going after those who break the law

The governor of Chonburi, Chadej Insawang reconfirmed his conviction to clean up Pattaya. However, the governor reassured all law-abiding people that they had nothing to worry about. “It’s the ones who break the law that we’re after,” said the governor.

Foreigners visiting Pattaya and Chonburi who need assistance from the police can rest assured that the law would fully support their rights, but under no circumstances would foreign criminal elements or someone claiming influential superiority be allowed to violate Thai law or the country’s moral integrity, Governor Chadej said.

Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of the Pattaya Mail Publishing Company Ltd presented a gift basket with wishes for a happy New Year to Chadej Insawang, the governor of Chonburi at the governor’s office. The governor told Pattaya Mail that law-abiding foreigners have nothing to worry about, but those who break the law do have cause for worry.

Governor Chadej made his comments during a meeting with Pattaya Mail reporters, who visited the governor during the New Year to wish him well and to speak to him on matters concerning some of the fears of foreign businessmen regarding the crackdown on nightlife in Pattaya.

The governor said that he fully understood that Pattaya is a tourist town and that it is vital for all businesses, both Thai and foreign owned, to be concerned about their future. “But the future of our citizens’ well-being and morals is also at stake,” reiterated the governor. “I cannot stress strongly enough how these situations have deteriorated in the last few years. Without any controls or strict measures we will never put an end to these despicable acts.”

Regarding the Pattaya Mail newspaper as having a close relationship with the foreign community in and around Pattaya, the governor conveyed his best wishes for everyone and imparted some thoughts pertaining to the social order and moral awareness of the public, and especially of some of the media.

Governor Chadej said he welcomes media support to keep the foreign community informed, especially regarding respect for Thai law, as well as portraying a clear understanding when reporting government related news.

The governor also mentioned the subject of lewd or printed material in poor taste, in both Thai and foreign publications, which is viewed as another area damaging the country’s reputation. He indicated the government is taking stricter action to eliminate the violations by taking the wrong doers to court.

The governor also said that he was aware of the adverse publicity that the foreign press has thrown at Pattaya and the bad image that it has constantly portrayed. But, he said, “How can we make the foreign press change their writing styles if we ourselves are not willing to change for the better? We only complain about the way they write about us, but are we ready to sacrifice this greed of a few, the consequences of which the majority have to suffer? Well it is time to act now and act we will. Those involved in these businesses know very well where to draw the line on decency and legality. Cross that line and we will have no choice but to rap the strongest possible punishment on them,” the governor concluded.

Local organizations donate to SOS Rice Program

Donations to go towards supporting needy children

Chakrapong Akkaranant

On New Year’s Eve and again on New Year’s Day, some of Pattaya’s benevolent citizens, visitors and organizations presented donations of money and rice to the SOS Rice Program.

Sanga Kichasamred (2nd right), chairman of this year’s SOS Rice drive, receives a donation from Chanyut Hengtrakul (right), advisor to the minister of science, technology and environment.

The SOS Rice program is an annual drive to collect cash donations and much needed rice to support children from impoverished families and many other people under the care of local assistance agencies and charitable organizations.

Sanga Kichasamred, owner of S.K. Construction Co., chairs this year’s SOS Rice drive and on New Year’s Eve he was presented B50,000 in donations, along with a large quantity of rice collected at the Food Land Market on Central Pattaya Road.

Presenting the contribution were Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of science, technology and environment, Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of the Pattaya Mail Publishing Company, and a representative of the Pattaya Gay Festival.

On the following day, another portion of the donations collected were presented to the SOS Rice chairman by Sophin Tappajug, managing director of Diana Group, with employees from Diana Group representing the many donators from the public as well as tourists visiting Pattaya.

The SOS Rice drive continues until the end of January with collection points and donation boxes located in super markets, banks, restaurants, bars and hotels all over Pattaya.

Some Chonburi areas to receive less water from the Irrigation Dept

Water allocations to change to off-set water shortages

Water shortages affecting communities and industrial areas serviced by the Bang Phra and Nong Kho reservoirs during the dry season is a concern that has prompted the irrigation department and East Water Company to come up with a way to resolve the problem.

The water situation in the eastern region is normally adequate in all areas, except for the two areas serviced by Nong Kho and Bang Phra reservoirs. The two reservoirs together contain a total of approximately 44 million cubic meters of water, but have the capacity to contain up to 117 million cubic meters of water. The low amount of contained water is due to most rainfall occurring south of the area where runoff directed to both reservoirs is limited.

Another factor contributing to the water shortage is the excessive use of water by provincial waterworks, which exceeds the irrigation department allocation. The excessive use results from expansion in many developed areas that continues to grow and includes golf courses, housing developments, and government office buildings.

The Khao Kheow Open Zoo is another example, and many reservoirs are under construction to support separate needs, which would mean even less water contained at Bang Phra and Nong Kho due to diverted rainfall from the new areas.

The director of the irrigation department, Kidja Polpasee, indicated the plan to resolve the problem would involve a combined effort with provincial waterworks and other relevant agencies deciding to redefine the daily water allocations.

The 71,000 cubic meters of water previously allocated to provincial waterworks are to be reduced to a daily allocation of 60,000 cubic meters. Industrial areas like Thai Oil and the Bang Pakong electrical generating plant should plan to have their allocations cut almost in half, with the losses supplemented by water pumped from the Nong Pla Lai reservoir.

East Water normally provides a daily water allocation of 47,000 cubic meters to Laem Chabang Industrial Estates, which will be reduced to 30,000. The usual allocation for Sriracha Farms Company will continue to receive a daily allocation of 700 cubic meters.

Pattaya leaders assemble to commemorate King Taksin the Great

"Father" of Pattaya commemorated at city hall

King Taksin the Great, considered the “Father” of Pattaya, was commemorated during an annual ceremony at the King Taksin Monument in front of city hall on December 28.

King Taksin the Great saved the country from the hands of the Burmese during the siege of Ayutthaya in the Buddhist Year 2310 (1767). Taksin was the Duke of Kamphaeng Phet during the siege of what was then the capital city, Ayutthaya. He is revered to this day after leading 500 selected soldiers to an area in the vicinity of present day Pattaya and regrouping to reclaim the nation’s sovereignty.

Taksin, named “Sin” at birth, was born during the Thai lesser era (1734) in the region of Ayutthaya, then ruled by King Boramakot. His father, Nai Hai Hong, was an official in the King’s court, and his mother “Nang Iang” was the adopted daughter of Chao Phhraya Chakri Samunayok.

Taksin ascended the throne in Thon Buri approximately one year after leading a successful campaign against the Burmese to reclaim Ayutthaya. Ruling for a period of 14 years, the King passed away at the age of 48 after assuming the title of King Taksin the Great.

The annual ceremony to commemorate His memory has become an annual tradition in Pattaya since 1990, when the monument of King Taksin the Great was erected and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the dedication ceremony.

The mayor of Pattaya City, Pairat Suttithamrongsawat presided over this year’s ceremony. Government officials and leading members from the community also attended.

Following ritual ceremonies performed by Buddhist monks, sacred offerings were made, venerating the former King whose strength and character lives on in the hearts of the Thai people.

New district police station under attack

Community representatives say it is an eyesore

Representatives of the community near the site of the new Banglamung District police station have voiced opposition to the new building, saying it looks out of place.

The new police station is being erected in front of the old one, about 50 meters away from the Rama V monument. Construction started last month.

The area in front of the Banglamung district offices where construction has started on the new Banglamung District police station is receiving opposition from the public.

In keeping with the new constitution, giving the public a voice in government and local development planning, a public forum was arranged recently to clear any misunderstandings. Representing the public at the forum were community leaders and sub-district officials, who met with senior officials from Chonburi Province and Banglamung District.

The main points raised by those opposing the new station were directed at its location, which the community leaders said is unsuitable, causing the new building to appear out of place. The community representatives told the government officials that the area’s beauty would be ruined.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Sene Khamtiang, commander of Chonburi Provincial Police Bureau, said he was “surprised” at the opposition. He said the new 4-story building was very much needed, as the smaller old station was no longer adequate.

Governor Chadej Insawang told the forum that the plan could certainly be altered, but timing was critical.

The National Police Bureau authorized B21m for the construction of the new Banglamung district police station. However, the governor made it specifically clear, it is imperative to get the plan moving because the central budgeting office requires the entire funding allocation be obligated by March 2002.

Another meeting was tentatively scheduled to take place after the government has time to research the possibility of constructing the new building exactly where the old building is positioned.

Baby zebra born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo

Just in time fo the upcoming "Year of the Horse"

The director Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Thanapat Pongpamorn, announced the birth of a baby zebra, born on January 3.

Mother zebra keeps a close watch over her newborn at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. The little critter was born on January 3.

The animal’s caretakers are still unable to identify the gender because the mother zebra’s protective instincts prevents close inspection. However, the baby zebra’s gender should be made known within a week, after the mother becomes more relaxed following birth.

The management at Khao Kheow Open Zoo considers the birth of the zebra to be an auspicious omen, as we are on the verge of welcoming in “The Year of the Horse”.

The infant zebra also arrived in time for “Children’s Day”, a nationally recognized day for children celebrated on Saturday January 12.

Statesman gives full support for social order policy

Privy Councilor and Statesman Gen Prem Tinsulanonda voiced his moral support for Interior Minister Purachai Piumsombun’s ongoing efforts to effect his social order policy.

“The country would always experience problems if it lacked order and people failed to respect rules,” he said.

Gen Prem praised the minister for his sacrifice in carrying out tasks, particularly the implementation of the social order policy. He said the country needed to have order, and people must respect and abide by laws.

“So,” he said, he “wanted to give Pol Capt Purachai moral support and hopes the minister would succeed in effecting the social order policy.”

The policy implementation might draw resentment from some groups of people. However, he believed they would subsequently understand what the minister did was for the interest of the country.

“I wish to give him and his officials moral support and hope they won’t give up their efforts. The policy to keep order in society must go ahead. Problems often occur in any country which lacks order.

“Our country needs to have order under the current economic circumstance. In particular, the Interior Ministry is directly responsible for easing people’s grief and making them happy. So, it should actively implement the social order policy.

“My support for the policy does not mean that I ignore others’ objections. Officials concerned must try to explain that people will benefit from the policy. I believe they will finally understand and accept it. I’m so proud and want to see the social order effect around the country,” said Gen Prem.

Pol Capt Purachai said he and officials felt very grateful for suggestions and moral support given by the privy councilor.

The minister said he would forge ahead with the policy implementation around the country. (TNA)

Prince Hotel damaged in News Year's fire

Damage assessed at B300,000

Boonlua Chatree

The Prince Hotel on Soi 9 suffered an estimated 300,000 baht damages when a fire broke out in one of the rooms on New Year’s Day. The fire was successfully contained to the room on the 3rd floor.

A local firefighter was overcome by fumes and rushed to hospital after a fire broke out at the Prince Hotel on New Year’s Day.

One fireman was rendered unconscious from excessive smoke and was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital. No other injuries were reported.

One of the hotel receptionists, Aphichart Srilek, discovered the fire at approximately 8.00 p.m. on January 1 and immediately contacted police. He also began using a hotel fire extinguisher to try and control the flames until fire fighters arrived.

Ten fire trucks, five water trucks and over 50 police officers and firemen responded to the call. The hotel was successfully evacuated.

The room belonged to a staff supervisor at the hotel who was not present for questioning. The preliminary investigation suggests a short circuit was the cause of the fire.

The Prince Hotel is located near the municipal police family quarters in Soi 9 off of Central Pattaya Road.

Irate beach chair vendor threatens tourist with knife

Boonlua Chatree

Dawud Malaphad, a 28-year-old tourist from Ayutthaya, was visiting Koh Larn with friends during the holidays when he met with a disturbing incident involving a beach chair vendor with an attitude problem.

Dawud reported to police that he was walking along the beach and decided to sit down in front of the Chimplee Restaurant. Trying to conserve his money, he said he ignored the area’s beach chair vendor.

Moments after sitting down, Dawud said, the beach chair vendor walked up to him cursing and ordering him away, claiming the area was for paying customers only. Dawud said the vendor threatened him with a knife, which he held to Dawud’s throat whilst ordering him to move on, “unless he was no longer interested in living”.

Dawud registered his complaint with Pattaya municipal police and friends witnessing the incident supported his claim.

The beach chair vendor, only identified as “Lo”, was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault using a deadly weapon, and causing Dawud unjustifiable mental anguish.

Drunken motorcycle passenger killed after falling off bike

Driver flees the scene, leaving friend dead by the road

Boonlua Chatree

Nipon Pholsri, 25, died after falling off the back of a motorcycle and hitting his head on a pile of rocks near the Naklua south market in the early morning hours of January 2.

Police said there was a strong smell of alcohol coming from the body.

Police also found a telephone number and a house key in the deceased’s pants pocket. From these clues, investigators were able to determine that Somdech Sonkhunthod, 29, was driving the motorcycle at the time of the accident.

Somdech admitted to police that Nipol had been riding on the back of his motorbike, and that his friend was thrown off of the bike and banged his head against the boulders on the side of the street.

Somdech said he was frightened when he saw Nipol lying dead on the side of the street and he fled hoping to avoid being implicated in the cause of his friend’s death.

Somdech was charged with reckless driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol resulting in a fatality.

Pattaya police officer accused of wrongful arrest

Also accused of raping the guy's girlfriend while he was in jall

Vichan Pladplueng

Sangob Sriphrom, a 24-year-old Pattaya resident, has accused police sergeant major Khanchit Prasertsit, an assistant leader of a special actions unit assigned to the Pattaya municipal police station, of first falsely arresting him, then raping his girlfriend while he was in jail.

Sangob and Paiwal register a complaint with municipal police chief Pol. Col. Phadungsak Ubekhanon accusing a high-ranking officer of false arrest and rape.

Sangob met with municipal police chief Pol. Col. Phadungsak Ubekhanon on January 4 and accused police sergeant major Khanchit Prasertsit of police harassment and falsely arresting him for possession of five methamphetamine pills.

Sangob’s 18-year-old girlfriend, Miss Paiwal Sangwan, who accompanied Sangob to the station to register the complaint, accused Khanchit of rape and described how the police sergeant major forced her into having sex with him while Sangob was in jail.

Sangob told the police chief that Khanchit and his subordinates tried to arrest him on a drug charge on December 26, but failed to find any drugs in his possession. Sangob admitted that at one time in his past he was involved with selling drugs, but he gave up the risky business.

He said that Khanchit was determined to arrest him, however, and forced him to contact Kulkiat Amatakul by phone and arrange a delivery of 100 methamphetamine pills, then waited for the delivery. He said that when Kulkiat arrived with the drugs he was immediately arrested, but Sangob alleged that he ended up being charged with possession of five of the pills.

Relatives posted 25,000 baht bail to obtain Sangob’s release on December 29. He said when he got home, Paiwal told him Khanchit returned while he was behind bars and lured her into accompanying him to the police station for what he said was official business. But, she alleges, he instead took her to a hotel in South Pattaya.

She alleged that Khanchit threatened he would have her arrested for drug possession just like her boyfriend unless she had sex with him. She said he later took her out for dinner and dropped her off on South Pattaya Road after insulting her further by handing her 500 baht.

Pol. Col. Phadungsak ordered a special police investigation to look into the accusations. He later said that if the police sergeant major was found to be guilty, he would be charged accordingly and discharged from the police force as an example to preclude other officers from similar misconduct.