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Pattaya Mail joins the Kingdom in most humbly wishing a Happy Birthday to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn turned 47 on April
2, and the staff of Pattaya Mail joins the Kingdom of Thailand in most
humbly wishing Her a Happy Birthday.
 HRH
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was born April 2, 1955 at Ambara Villa,
Dusit Palace, Bangkok. Her Royal Title is Somdech Phra Debratanarajasuda
Chao Fa Chakri Sirindhorn Rathasimagunakornpiyajat Sayamboromrajakumri.
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graduated with BA
First-Class Honors from the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in
Bangkok on July 15, 1977.
In 1979, the Princess completed an MA in Oriental
Epigraphy at Graduate School, Silpakorn University in Bangkok.
The Princess then achieved an MA in Pali-Sanskrit at
Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok in 1981.
The highly intelligent, most revered Princess then
achieved a Doctor of Education in Developmental Education in 1986 from
Srinakhainwirot University.
Her Father is His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The
Great (Rama IX) and Her Mother is Her Majesty Queen Sirikit Kitiyakara.
Chakri Dynasty commemorated on April 6
Businesses to observe holiday, close Monday April 8
Chakri Day (April 6) was first instituted by H.M. King
Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in the year 1919 to commemorate all the Kings in the
Chakri Dynasty, which started with Rama I and continues to this day with
Rama IX, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great.
The reigning Kings in the House of Chakri brought peace
and tranquility to the people within Thailand’s borders and successfully
protected the Kingdom, maintaining sovereignty and integrity through
crucial periods threatened by European colonization and two World Wars.
In commemorating “Chakri Day” the national flag is
proudly displayed by the people of Thailand and both government officials
and members of the community participate in traditional ceremonies, making
offerings of flowers and garlands at the many statues of Kings in the
House of Chakri.
The Chakri Dynasty, or the “House of Chakri”
followed the reign of King Taksin the Great, when He abdicated due to poor
health. The Chakri Dynasty was ushered in on 6 April 1782 when a close aid
of King Taksin, General Chakri, marched back into Thonburi and assumed the
throne as H.M. King Buddhayodfa the Great. Each Monarch thereafter has had
“Rama” as part of their title.
Since this year the holiday falls on a Saturday, most
offices will close on Monday, April 8 in observance of the special day.
Early monarchs of the Chakri Dynasty shaped the Thailand of today
The absolute monarchs of the early Chakri Dynasty had a
huge role in the development of Thailand.
The influence of colonialism on Southeast Asia was a
major factor in the development of each country. Thailand’s escape from
Western colonization was due to two farsighted kings who were well
educated and who understood Western thought.
However, foreigners did substantially influence the
economic and social growth of the country. The trade that grew as a result
of the many treaties with Western nations pushed over the first domino of
modernization.
The absolute monarchs, Rama IV and Rama V in
particular, displayed incredible foresight in their decisions. Colonialism
was a huge threat in Southeast Asia during those early years, and Thailand
is the only country in the region never to have been colonized. It was
kept as a buffer state between French Indochina and the British controlled
Burma. The country managed to maintain its independence because the kings
realized that their country could only escape Western control by
developing and westernizing the country. This led to major redevelopment
of the country, reorganization of the government and increased primacy of
Bangkok.
The Chakri Dynasty began in 1782 when the capital of
Bangkok, or Krung Thep, was set up in a loop of the Chao Phraya River,
after the golden capital of Ayutthaya was burned by the Khmer. Absolute
monarchs reigned the country until 1932 when a democratic uprising changed
the monarchy into a constitutional monarchy. Two of these absolute
monarchs in particular had a vital role in planning ahead for their
country. King Mongkut (Rama IV) who reigned from 1850-1868 and King
Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) who reigned from 1868-1910 were the two
kings that played the most important roles in Thailand’s escape from
colonization. Rama IV and Rama V were experts in diplomacy as they
strengthened Siam and prevented colonial powers from taking over their
country. In doing so they built an infrastructure, modernized the economy
and westernized Bangkok, creating the city as it is known today.
King Mongkut
King Mongkut was the first monarch receptive to Western
influence, although still wary of Western dominance. He was crowned at age
48 after having been in the monkhood for 27 years. This was a huge
advantage for King Mongkut as the education he received in the Wat helped
him understand the West and therefore he knew how to deal with them
tactfully. He realized that if Siam was to be able to meet the Western
world on equal terms, then they must have the modern technology to do so.
Education
The education King Mongkut received as a monk was
invaluable. He learned English which enabled him to read books on modern
science, geography, history and mathematics. His English skills also
earned him respect from visiting foreign diplomats. As a monk, King
Mongkut was able to travel around in Siam and meet people on equal terms.
This gave him an open, humane attitude toward his subjects because he saw
himself as an ordinary human being, and thoroughly understood the problems
of his people.
Foreign Policy
King Mongkut’s foreign policy consisted of two ideas.
He wanted to avoid confrontation by making concessions, and he wanted to
give all Western countries equal treatment to avoid domination by one. He
was responsible for the Bowring Treaty of 1855, which was a treaty of
commerce and friendship with Britain. The treaty imposed concessions on
Thailand that limited tariffs on trade and granted extra-territorial
rights to the British. King Mongkut also established other Bowring-type
treaties with the United States, France, Denmark, Holland, Portugal,
Belgium, Norway, Prussia, Sweden and Italy.
The effects of these treaties on the capital and
government systems were substantial. Although the treaties helped avert
colonialism, problem areas arose within Thailand’s traditional economic
and legal system. The country needed to modernize fast to accommodate the
increase in trade, production and services. Canal digging and road
construction began. Ships were built both to modernize the navy and to
catch the overflow of trade. The army was reorganized. Many Europeans were
employed to reorganize the government. These foreign ministers were all
from different countries. The British advised on financing, the French
helped reorganize the law system and the Americans were trusted to help
advise on foreign affairs. With their help, the King modernized the
country and centralized the government.
Domestic Policy
Thailand’s first mint was established around this
time, along with new programs in schools that encouraged the study of
foreign languages. Rice was beginning to be exported so new canals needed
to be dug and new markets opened. The allowance of farangs, or foreigners,
into Bangkok for trade was an impetus for the construction of new
buildings and roads. The New Road on the east side of the river was built
at this time and new buildings were built along it to accommodate the
growing businesses. Other roads were constructed soon afterwards, as the
King was ashamed of the condition of the streets and wanted to change
their appearance. At this time roads existed only in the center of the
city and near markets, but the entire nature of the city changed. Bangkok
was changed from its traditional small-scale economy to one focused on
manufactured goods and exports.
King Chulalongkorn the Great
King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V) reigned for 42
years, from 1868-1910. He continued the far-sighted reforms of
modernization that Mongkut had begun. King Chulalongkorn had prided
himself on the methods with which he westernized Siam without subjecting
it to foreign control, but King Chulalongkorn was very pragmatic in his
reforms. He was critically selective of which reforms to implicate because
he did not want to erase any traditional values. The most famous of his
reforms was the abolition of slavery. He pronounced every person born
during his reign free, and took steps to liberate the present slaves by
creating incentives for their owners.
Domestic Policy
King Chulalongkorn made other important internal
reforms as well. He expanded the communication and transportation system
by building the first railroad, post and telegraph services. These new
networks had two great effects on the growth of Thailand. First of all,
every system originated in Bangkok and radiated out to the provinces,
re-strengthening Bangkok’s primacy. Railroad lines were a good example
of this. Not only were the provinces accessible to the city, the city
became more accessible to the rural community and as a result, rapid
urbanization took place. Second of all, these developments gave the Thai
government much more control over the provinces. The government was able
to send officials to the provinces and replace the old ruling families
with those more favorable to the Chakri throne. Schools were promoted in
the provinces where the Thai language was taught to give the country a
common language. All of these reforms and more resulted in the national
integration of the entire country. With the government in control of its
outer provinces, there was less of a chance of colonial takeover. Thailand
was united and the national identity that had formed made it harder for
colonists to take over parts of the country.
Rama V also sent many students to study abroad for
their education. He wanted them to return and be capable of replacing the
foreign advisors that King Mongkut had used. King Chulalongkorn also
created more government ministers using the West as a model, and thereby
centralized the government even more.
King Chulalongkorn also established a variety of public
utilities. Health and educational standards for the public were improved.
He developed criminal and civil courts, a police force, hospitals,
universities and a teacher’s college. Chulalongkorn often traveled
through Thailand to personally investigate and share his subject’s
conditions. These trips not only made him more aware of what was going on
in his country, it also made him more popular with the people.
Result of domestic policy
Chulalongkorn’s domestic policy was very successful.
The colonists’ White Man’s Burden excuse was no longer applicable.
Thailand had gained the respect of the foreigners who saw it as stable,
modern, able to protect treaty rights and promote trade, all of which were
ideal for the westerner’s needs.
Foreign Policy
King Chulalongkorn’s foreign policy was also very
successful. He had traveled extensively in Europe in 1897 and met the
European royalty on equal terms. He was the first Thai monarch to travel
to the West. He knew English well and therefore had read books on Western
history and was determined to resist their domination. He knew their
strength and tactics and knew that Thailand could never use force against
them and still be successful. Instead, Chulalongkorn based his foreign
policy on establishing equal rights for all European powers. He did not
want any confrontations and therefore managed to continue friendly
relations with each country.
King Chulalongkorn made several land concessions to the
French and British. To the French he granted Laos in 1893, which had been
kept as a sort of buffer state between Siam and French Indochina. Parts of
Cambodia, including Angkor Wat, had been ceded to the French in 1867. The
southern Malay states were taken by the British in 1909 and thus the
borders of present day Thailand were established.
In order for the country to be accepted as independent
and a buffer state, the country needed to reform. Both Rama IV and Rama V
foresaw this potential problem, and although it appears that they ceded
many rights away, they managed to maintain their country’s independence
and dignity.
Six council members cleared of “wrongful intent” in Jomtien land scandal
Face possible disciplinary action for circumventing government procedure
The six council members connected with the unauthorized
construction in Jomtien have been cleared of wrongdoing by Chonburi
Governor Chadej Insawang, but will likely face disciplinary action for
circumventing government procedure.
Tongchai Adsong, Phraiwal Aromchyn, Amnuay Somphongtham,
Manoch Nongyai, Phansak Saengchant and Thanawat Manhadee were allegedly
responsible for unexplained construction on 700 meters of unimproved swamp
area off of Chaiyapruk Road, located at the end of the Pattaya City
boundary line. The land was donated to the city in 1993 after suggestions
were made to develop the area.
The governor’s investigation, which concluded last
week, revealed that the area of construction lies on the boundary with
Jomtien and that the council members had the interest of the city in mind
when they circumvented regular bureaucratic procedure. The construction of
the road was meant to connect the two municipalities as a form of short
cut for residents in the area. The six council members were allegedly
paying for the project hoping to be reimbursed from the city.
In a press conference, Governor Chadej said that it was
important too look at the intentions of the council members in their
violation of regulations. Following this incident the provincial office
will warn all officers to follow guidelines already set down. In this case
there was no intent to make use of the road construction for personal
gain. However, Pattaya City will consider the situation and whether or not
they will allow the project to proceed further. The governor also said
that the city’s media had done their job in bringing the issue to the
attention of the provincial office.
The road construction began last December and appeared
to have no prior authorization from the city and no budget. The area in
question was thought to be public property, and landfill from the city’s
old trash disposal site was being transported in to the site.
Queries by members of the news media revealed a lack of
transparency which brought the issue to the attention of the governor’s
office. The 1999 Pattaya city administrative ordnance, article 18,
stipulates administrators are prohibited from having direct or indirect
connections with contracts substantiating a conflict of interest.
Color-code scheme to be introduced for baht bus routes
Administration trying to solve traffic and crime problems
The region’s Baht Bus Cooperative announced a color
-code scheme for baht buses to try and solve some of the traffic problems.
They did not, however, announce when it will come into effect.
Sakchai In-o-Chanon, head of the cooperative said that
currently there are 700 baht buses in Pattaya, and most run on 3 main
routes. Beach Road is the most popular route, as it is the most lucrative.
Beach Road is also where the most traffic problems occur.
In the past, the cooperative agreed to have only 170
buses running on Beach Road, but in reality this was not accomplished.
Following a suggestion from Governor Chadej Insawang,
the Baht Bus Cooperative set up a working committee to look into the
matter. The committee suggested that the baht buses be divided into 3
groups. 300 baht buses would be marked with red stickers and black
numbering, 300 more would be marked with yellow stickers and blue
numbering, while 100 baht buses would be marked with green stickers and
white numbering. Only the 100 with green stickers would be allowed to ply
the Beach Road route. They did not announce what routes the other colors
would ply.
The committee also looked into the matter of
disciplining the rogue baht bus drivers causing problems, and decided that
more severe punishment is needed with a possible result of the driver
losing his or her job.
Governor Chadej Insawang has instructed police to pay
closer attention to the problem, and suggested the cooperative set up a
special department to watch over all 700 baht buses. He also suggested
positive reinforcement for good behavior, with perhaps a monthly award to
those who conduct good deeds.
The governor also suggested that the committee and
police devise a way for people to discreetly report baht bus drivers who
cheat, rob or commit crimes against their passengers so that the police
may investigate.
The National Police Bureau’s new point cutting scheme
was also seen as a tool to curb bad behavior in baht bus drivers. Under
the scheme, taxi drivers lose 20 points for chasing down the passengers in
the middle of their way, neglecting passengers, dressing inappropriately
or parking illegally.
Pattaya City and the government sectors prepare for Songkran Festival
A meeting was held recently at city hall, presided over
by the deputy mayor Watana Chanthawaranont and attended by the officials
concerned, with the main discussion being the preparation for the Songkran
Festival 2002.
Many activities are planned for the 13th of April,
which is the national Songkran day, such as the traditional blessing when
younger people pour water on the elders’ hands to show respect and ask
for blessing from them.
April 19 will be Pattaya’s Songkran Day and road
traffic will be closed from central Pattaya down to the Walking Street
making way for people to enjoy the water festival. Tight security will be
provided to prevent mishaps that may arise from the activities.
Nong Lee crowned Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2002
Thanyaporn Thanyasiri, also known as Nong Lee, a
26-year-old woman of the second category, was crowned “Miss Tiffany’s
Universe 2002" on Sunday, March 31.
 Thanyaporn
Thanyasiri (center), also known as Nong Lee, a 26-year-old woman of the
second category, was crowned “Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2002" on
Sunday, March 31.
The title earned him 100,000 baht, a car and a trip to
America to represent Thailand in the upcoming “Queen of the Universe
2002” contest. Miss Tiffany’s Universe winners have two of the past
three world transvestite beauty pageants.
Nong Lee defeated nearly 100 contestants for the title
before a packed house. The contest is only open to transvestites.
Thanyaporn Thanyasiri, 165 cm tall weighing in at 58
kilos, has a BA degree from Thammasart University. He said he, “didn’t
really prepare for the event, but will need to practice English before
going to America.” This was Nong Lee’s third such contest, the first
being in Sydney Australia.
Tithiwind Jaruwatananukul, 22, who goes by the stage
names Panroon and Nong Why, finished runner-up.
18-year-old, 175 cm tall and recent high school
graduate Phurin Tongdam, who’s stage name is Warintorn Wararatanasirikul,
finished 2nd runner-up.
Other awards on the night included Mr. Wassana Apsuwan
(stage name Sukuntalat Apsuwan) winning “Miss Congeniality”, Mr.
Panupong Thongdam (aka Ananya Thepkunakorn, aka Nong Dinglee) earning Best
Outfit, and Mr. Ratanasin Nokphath (aka Piyadar Phomornmontree) winning
the Press’ Favorite Award.
The private sector urges government officials to have vulgar signboards removed
Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff
Beach Resort on behalf of the private sector has urged city officials to
take action on businesses that are thwarting Pattaya’s progress by
putting up signs denoting vulgar language and promoting the city as a sex
tour capital.
Out of the 1000 or so beer bars located in Pattaya, 6
prominently located establishments have been targeted: the F*** You and
F*** You, Too bars on Soi 6/1, the Hot Pussy Bar on Soi 6, Hoar House,
Nice and Sleazy and the Angels of Sleaze all located on Soi Yamato.
Tourist Police Inspector Pol. Maj. Gen. Naradech
Klomtuksing, after being informed of the matter, has instituted an
investigation into whether or not the bars have appropriate licenses under
the 1966 Entertainment Establishment Act for businesses involved in
“selling food, alcohol, tea or other beverages with musicians or other
type of shows for the purpose of providing entertainment.”
Banglamung District Chief Chaen Cheunsiva said the
district officers would investigate the matter and physically check on
whether the places have the relevant licenses, and if so, to whom it was
issued. The chief said that he had not taken any notice of these places
prior to the issue being brought to his attention, and thought that they
were just beer bars.
Chadej Insawang, Chonburi governor and his deputy
governor, Virawit Wiwatwanich have also instructed Pattaya police to
collect data on the 1000 or so beer bars in town to double check if the
establishments indeed have the correct licenses, as well as exactly who
the owners are. Special attention will be given to those places owned by
foreigners or owners whose spouses are foreigners and are engaged
inappropriate behavior.
As for the bars with vulgar signage, authorities have
instructed them to remove their signs and change the names. A few of the
bars have already willingly complied with the orders.
Temperatures could rise to 43 degrees C in April
People in all regions of Thailand will face warmer
weather this month, with temperatures in some areas possibly reaching 43
degrees Celsius. The Meteorological Department revealed that the summer
heat will cover all regions of the country during the daytime in the month
of April with some areas facing extreme heat.
People in the North and Northeast are likely to face
the highest temperatures; while those in some areas in the South may see
rain, particularly in late April, stated the weather bureau report.
It is possible that some areas in the northern
provinces of Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Nakhon Sawan, Tak and
Kamphangpetch, and the northeastern provinces of Uttaradit, Nong Khai,
Mukdahan, Khon Kaen, Roi-Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Ubon Ratchathani will
face the higher temperatures of 40-43 degrees Celsius, compared to 36-39
degrees Celsius in others.
Temperatures in the eastern and central regions,
including Bangkok, will be around 35-39 degrees Celsius, but in some areas
of the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Sa Kaew, and Prachinburi,
temperatures could be up to 40-42 degrees Celsius.
The department also warned many areas in the country
will face drought and shortages of water. They advise people to be
prepared for this situation and be aware of possible fires. The northern,
northeastern, and central regions may also face summer storms. People are
advised to keep their offices, commercial and residential buildings in
good structural condition to prevent damage. Severe summer storms may
result from an anticipated low pressure front in the Andaman Sea. (TNA)
Governor to continue crackdown on entertainment establishments
Thai Wisdom Fair will continue
Governor Chadej Insawang said the tough stance on
illegal entertainment establishments in Pattaya will continue. Since he
has been in office he has made a concerted effort to crack down on illegal
entertainment businesses operating in the Chonburi Province and more
specifically the Pattaya / Banglamung areas.
Working closely with the Banglamung administration and
Pattaya police the governor has ordered officials to keep precise records
and pertinent documentation in order to stunt undesirable businesses which
flaunt the current laws.
To date, 17 entertainment establishments have been
permanently closed for either operating illegally or providing lewd
entertainment. Another 7 are currently closed and their future status is
still under consideration.
The governor said that he is complying with the
policies set down by the Ministry of the Interior concerning businesses
found open outside the regulated hours, or with evidence of narcotics and
illegal substances on the premises, or allowing persons under the age of
20 to enter such venues, as well as those allowing prostitution and
illegal weapons.
Those places not complying with the MOI policies will
be closed and the owners will be unable to open a similar business again,
as they will be placed on a blacklist.
As for places allowing sex shows and prostitution with
entrances above street level, the governor said they will be given special
attention by the Banglamung district chief.
Governor Chadej said that he had received information
accusing him of receiving bribe money up to 200,000 baht. He said he could
not understand why someone would want to pass such a judgment, as he was
just doing his job.
As for the Amazing Thai Wisdom Fair held every Saturday
along Beach Road, the governor said he believes the benefits of closing
off Beach Road outweigh the negative effects, as the fair has received
full support from Pattaya police, crime prevention volunteers and Pattaya
tourist police.
He said the Amazing Thai Wisdom Fair will continue
despite causing traffic and other problems, as the overall picture has
improved the image of the city. “It is an ideal opportunity for children
to walk and ride bicycles and play along the closed road without the
danger of motor vehicles,” the governor said.
The governor added that Bang Saen has started a similar
fair along the beach area and other districts in Chonburi Province are set
to follow suit. The fair also provides the opportunity to promote the One
Product One Tambon, thereby circulating cash flow within the community.
In related comments, Pattaya’s mayor informed the
governor that because of Pattaya’s seaside location it is a natural
location for this type of event and unlike the Silom Road Fair in Bangkok
where a total of 90 million baht was allocated, there is no need to use
any of Pattaya’s city budget. He added that Pattaya has two advantages,
“We have never closed Beach Road this far down, and the fair can proceed
without additional city funds.”
This year’s SOS Rice Program collects nearly 1.5 million baht in cash and rice
Needy children are the beneficiaries
 Chairman
of the SOS Rice charity drive for 2001, Sanga Kijsamrej was joined by
Governor Chadej Insawang, Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, deputy chairman
of the SOS Rice drive and president of the Pattaya Business Tourism
Association Surat Mekhavarakul and regional and provincial officials
during the handover ceremonies.
Nearly 1.5 million baht in cash and rice was collected
in this year’s SOS Rice campaign. The amount was the most ever for the
yearly campaign, which first began in 1996 out of an idea from Belgian
businessman Didier Frere.
Chairman of the SOS Rice charity drive for 2001/2002,
Sanga Kijsamrej said that each year the total amount of rice and funds has
steadily increased. The first year brought in over 74,000 baht and 29,500
kg of rice. Six years later those figures have changed dramatically.
During this year’s campaign, which began on December 5 and just recently
came to a conclusion, the amount collected totaled 1,460,279 baht,
including 15,268 kilograms of rice, which will be distributed to the needy
in the region.
The money raised was presented to local charity
organizations and schools in the city. Some went towards scholarships for
students, as well the Redemptorist Center’s 5 projects.
The distribution is as follows: Banglamung School
received 30,000 baht, Wat Po Thong School received 30,000 baht, Wat
Sutharas School received 30,000 baht, YWCA received 30,000 baht, Chonburi
Youth and Children’s Protection Center received 30,000 baht, Muslim
Youth in Pattaya received 30,000 baht, Ban Upatham Poonsri Drug Treatment
Center received 30,000 baht, Princess Sirinthorn Vocational School
received 30,000 baht, Banglamung Children’s Welfare Home received 30,000
baht, Wat Chaiyamongkol Children’s Center received 30,000 baht, Pattaya
Education Office (10 schools in Pattaya) received 100,000 baht, and the
Redemptorist Foundation Pattaya received a total of 500,000 baht to be
spread through their five projects: School for the Blind, Orphanage
School, School for the Disabled, School for Street Children, and School
for the Deaf.
Cat burglar fleeces Pattaya jewelry shop
Makes off with over 2million baht in diamonds and gold
When Kalaya Chaethung went to open her shop in Modern
City Shopping Mall at 10.30 a.m. last week, she discovered that 2 million
baht worth of gold jewelry encrusted with diamonds was missing from the
safely locked display case.
Specialists from the criminal investigation squad
arrived on the scene to find that the clever thief had used an oil spray
to avoid leaving fingerprints and a close circuit camera used to monitor
the shop had the wires cut, leaving the police to suspect that this was
the workings of a professional.
Criminal investigation detectives suspect that the
thief was someone who worked within in the shopping center, who was able
to stake out the premises prior to making the heist and easily gained
access to the display cabinet. Police are investigating further into the
matter, interrogating all employees of Modern City.
The owner of the shop, Kalaya Chaethung said she had
been in business for many years and that this was the first time that this
sort of thing had happened. She suspects that during the Pattaya Music
Festival the thief had easily checked out the shop, blending with the
throngs of people visiting the city.
One child drowns, another pulled from the water just in time
Police chief urges parents to carefully supervise their children
A 12 year old boy drowned while swimming with his
friend near the Maprachan dam on the afternoon of March 27. The other boy
was dragged unconscious from the water by Sawang Boriboon’s rescue team.
Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel called to the
scene found the grandmother of one of the boys crying for someone to save
the two youths. The Sawang Boriboon staff managed to find and drag
9-year-old Sarawut Wongjinda to shore where they successfully resuscitated
him before rushing him off to Banglamung Hospital.
However, residents in the area told rescue crews that
there was another boy still in the water. After a frantic search they
found 12-year-old Sompob Kwansod but could not save the child.
At the sight of her grandson’s body the grandmother
of the boy, 68-year Bang Boonchoo fainted. After she was revived she
relayed the story of event to Banglamung police.
Booncho told police that she had taken her grandson to
her nephew’s restaurant on the edge of Maprachan dam. While she was
talking, a young boy said that someone was drowning. She said went to
investigate and found that it was her grandson who was in trouble.
Banglamung’s police chief, Pol. Col. Supot
Kasemchainan said the tragedy sends a powerful message. He said he urges
all parents and caretakers to watch their youngsters carefully during the
school break. Many will try to beat the heat during the school holidays
and may swim in unfamiliar waters. He stressed the importance of careful
supervision of young children during the school break and added that
tragedies like this might be averted if more care is taken.
Reporters find used condoms, glue tubes and drug paraphernalia in Fitness Park
Apparently the park is being used for different kinds of exercise than intended
Chalermprakiat Park, commonly known as Fitness Park,
apparently becomes a haven for prostitution and drug users after dark.
Last week when reporters went to the park they found over 100 used condoms
and tubes of empty glue discarded in the bushes along the running track.
Approximately two months ago, a foreign national and a
local Thai man were arrested for indecent behavior in Fitness Park when
police caught them in a compromising position together. Local reporters
went back to the scene to investigate whether or not this could have been
an isolated incident, but discovered that perhaps it was not.
The park is popular amongst residents and tourists for
exercising; however, the darker elements of society invade the park under
the cover of darkness to ply their trade while others make use of dimly
lit areas to partake in the use of drugs.
The evidence was easily found in certain areas of the
park. Beside the running track reporters bagged and tagged over 100 used
condoms, empty glue tubes, and even a pair of underwear.
Reporters also questioned some young women sitting in
the park who were not exactly dressed for exercise; at least not the kind
of exercise the park was designed for. The young women said they were
waiting for customers and upon further questioning, refused to give any
details. They quickly fled the scene when they realized our reporters were
not potential customers.
Pattaya officials did, for a short time, initially show
interest in cleaning out the park of its nefarious residents after the
Chonburi governor instructed them to ensure public safety and social
order. However, it is apparent that these same Pattaya municipal officials
are have lost interest, as they have left the park to return to its
original status.
Swiss tourist found dead in his rented apartment in North Pattaya
Police suspect the man lost his battle with a long illness
Swiss Tourist Hert Ulrich, 52, was found dead in his
Naklua apartment earlier this week. The apartment block’s cleaning staff
found the man’s body when they entered his room on their daily cleaning
routine, and immediately informed police.
Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel were called to the
scene in the Roi Lung area of Naklua. Initial investigation revealed no
evidence of a struggle. It appeared to police that the deceased had been
severely malnourished.
Forensic officers on the scene estimated that man had
been dead for approximately five hours. The body was transferred to the
Nittiwed Foundation to ascertain the cause of death.
Staff at the apartment building told police that Ulrich
had been renting the apartment for about three months. They said he was a
quiet man who read and watched TV daily, and rarely ventured out from his
apartment.
Police surmised Ulrich had no known relatives.
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