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Kingdom rejoices in HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn’s 50th Royal Birthday Celebration
The Pattaya Mail team joins the Kingdom
of Thailand in humbly offering our best wishes to HRH Crown Prince Maha
Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of His 50th Royal Birthday Celebration,
July 28, 2002.
 Pattaya
Mail joins the Kingdom of Thailand in humbly offering our best wishes to
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn on the occasion of His 50th Royal
Birthday Celebration, July 28, 2002.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn was
born on July 28, 1952, in the Ambara Villa of the Royal Dusit Palace in
Bangkok. He is the second of four children, and is the only son of Their
Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great and Queen Sirikit.
The Crown Prince received His primary schooling at
Udorn Hall of the Dusit Palace and attended secondary school in Sussex and
Summerset, England. In August 1970, the Crown Prince attended the King’s
School, Paramatta, Sydney, Australia and in 1976, He received a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Military Studies at the University of New South Wales.
The Crown Prince also attended the Royal Thai Army Command and General
Staff College, graduating in 1978, and later received a Bachelor of Laws
Degree from Sukhothai Thammatirat University in Bangkok in 1987. In 1990,
He successfully attended the Royal College of Defense Studies in the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
HRH
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn plays the saxophone with His Father, His
Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, at the Dusit Palace.
His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej conferred his son
with the title of “Somdech Phra Borama Orasadhiraj Chao Fah Maha
Vajiralongkorn Sayam Makutrajakuman” on December 28, 1972, making him
the Crown Prince and Heir to the throne.
HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn attended numerous
military training courses in Australia and the United States, with
observation tours in England, Belgium, Germany, France and the
Netherlands. A long list of military courses attended by the Crown Prince
includes helicopter and high performance aircraft flight training, special
warfare training, demolition training, parachute training, and courses in
small arms and other weapons used in modern warfare. Some assignments
include Commanding Officer of the King’s Own Bodyguard Regiment and
Command, Commanding General of the Royalty Security Command, and
Instructor Pilot of the F-5 E/F. Intermittently, He engaged in actions for
counter-insurgency purposes in the North and Northeast areas of Thailand
as well as for protective purposes in areas around Cambodian refugee camps
at Khao Lant, Trat Province.
May
29, 1999 - the Royal Family attended religious ceremonies on Visakhabucha
Day at Wat Phra Sriratana Sasadaram, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The Crown Prince has continued the Royal Family’s
assistance programs to underdeveloped areas around the country and visited
depressed urban areas around Bangkok distributing food and necessity items
to people in need. Another impressive undertaking was His participation in
a fertilizer preparation project in Suphan Buri Province using natural
ingredients to enrich the land in support of the country’s great
agricultural pursuits. Farming is considered to be a highly significant
and noble profession in Thailand and the Royal Family takes an active role
in advancing the vital industry of agriculture.
HRH
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the flag presentation
ceremony of the Local Scouts of Payao Province on January 31, 1994.
On
April 27, 1999, HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn received a Honorary
Doctorate Degree from the Edith Cowan University during a presentation
ceremony held at Duxton Hotel, Perth, Australia.
May
9, 1996 - HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn at the presentation
ceremony of the Royal Barge ‘Narai Song Suban, Rama 9’ at the
Ratchakijvinitchai Palace.
July
31, 2000 - HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over the Rice
Sowing Ceremony and the presentation of the flag at the “Community Rice
Production and Promotion” center at the agricultural field, Moo 5, Bang
Ngam, Sriprachan, Supanburi Province.
HRH
Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, accompanied by Mom Sri Rasami Mahidol Na
Ayutthaya, presided over the “50 Years Maha Vajiralongkorn” concert at
the Thailand Cultural Center on July 9, 2002.
Public Health Bureau to use volunteers in Rayong and Chonburi in AIDS vaccine test
Veerachai Somchart
Public Health Operations official, Sophon Yuttitham
announced an AIDS vaccine test study will be carried out in Rayong and
Chonburi provinces. This test is part of the bureau’s 3-part study on
AIDS prevention. The bureau has selected 4 districts in each of the two
provinces as part of the study which will be carried out over a 5 year
period.
Sophon said, “We have chosen the Sattahip, Sriracha,
Banglamung and Panthong districts in Chonburi and the city, plus Bankhai,
Banchang and Klaeng districts in Rayong Province for the vaccine test. We
will be looking for 2,000 volunteers in each district to take part. These
areas are not overly populated and we have received a great deal of
cooperation from both local government administrations and residents in
these areas. We have officers in each of these districts who will provide
information on the communities and will be recruiting volunteers for the
study.”
Volunteers for the program should be between 20 to 30
years old, male or female. The initial vaccinations will begin in December
of this year. The groups will be divided and closely monitored.
Previous AIDS studies in Thailand have been conducted
over the last 10 years. This third test will be the last in a series of
tests which is expected to show whether the AIDS vaccine can prevent
infection of the HIV virus.
Current statistics show that Thailand has 29,000 new
AIDS related cases every year. The test will be monitored by the
Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Ministry of Health
and in cooperation with Mahidol University, the Vijai Institute of Science
and the USA’s Ministry of Health.
The project involves the cooperation of several groups
dealing with AIDS prevention and control in Thailand and now includes the
vaccine trials.
Forestry Department tries to explain current government policy on Larn Island and its neighbors
Grey areas in regulations and procedures yet to be defined
Recently, questions were raised by residents of Larn
Island on whether the island would become a nature reserve or national
park. During a general meeting held at Pattaya City Hall on July 17th, an
official representative from the Chonburi Forestry Department came to
explain departmental policies regarding Larn Island and other islands
slated for tourist development.
The meeting also revealed there is a gray area
involving a 320 rai area of Samae Beach, where Pattaya City is currently
developing and constructing houses, lighting and other conveniences. It
seems there is no current legal documentation as to who owns the area. The
project will face problems if the Forestry Department and Pattaya City are
unable to prove who has control over the area according to law.
Regarding the general development of offshore islands,
Chaicharn Dechotinkorn, head of the development project on Larn Island
said Chonburi Forestry Department is working under the present policies of
the Thaksin government which are part of central government’s plan to
develop tourism.
Tourist development on various offshore islands
including Chang Island in Trat Province, Larn and neighboring islands off
the coast of the eastern seaboard will continue.
The Committee for Eastern Seaboard Development, which
is under the umbrella of the National Social and Economic Development
Committee, stated that Larn Island will be the responsibility of the
Forestry Department according to the Legislation Act of 1941 drafted for
this government agency.
Areas included in the legislation are Samae Beach and
Laem Thong Hill, where the department will proceed with construction of
buildings, houses, service centers, bike lanes and walkways along the
Samae and Tien beaches. This will prevent squatters from taking over
public land or unscrupulous people from selling off natural resources.
Chaicharn said, “As for current residents on the
islands, the Forestry Department will not evict them. If the areas were
designated seaside nature reserves people could not live and work within
the reserves. National parks contain certain areas where people can live
and work, but categorization takes from 1 to 5 years to process.”
The Forestry Department will review all documentation
to identify legitimate residents of Larn Island including land deeds.
Chaicharn said the department needs time to define
borders which come under its control by law. The Chonburi Forestry
Department has yet to acquire standard regulations and some rules are not
clear-cut.
However, Chaicharn said the department has 3 guidelines
to follow. First, department officials will not interfere with legitimate
and documented residents who have legal title deeds to land they claim is
theirs.
Second, the forestry department will provide proof and
details of areas which fall under their control according to law.
Third, if there are squatters residing in areas which
legally fall under the control of the Forestry Department, they will be
identified and due process will be administrated by appropriate
departments of Pattaya City.
YWCA donates to the Auahatai Drug Rehabilitation Center in Sriracha
The Pattaya Chapter of the YWCA recently donated
much-needed items, including personal hygiene products, food and
equipment, to the children at the Auahatai Drug Rehabilitation Center in
Sriracha.
YWCA president, Nittaya Patimasongkroh, past president
and current chairperson for the lunch project, Premruedee Jittiwutthikarn
along with the immediate past president of the Rotary Club of Taksin
Pattaya, Peter Thorand were welcomed by the center’s secretary, Araya
Nuengjumwong and the donations were presented. A tasty lunch was then
provided for the children.
The YWCA’s donation is part of the association’s
project in assisting youth in the region. The benefactors spoke with the
children and encouraged them to carry out their term at the rehabilitation
center which enables them to integrate back into society drug free.
Nittaya said, “The YWCA is happy to help these
children and is dedicated to the fight against drug abuse. These kids are
part of Thailand’s future.”
Araya Nuengjumwong, who is also an associate judge at
the Family Court in Chonburi said, “The Auahatai Center was created to
prevent and combat drug abuse in the province and provide education and
vocational training to these children. The center works under the
guidelines of the Children’s Rights Project as set down by the United
Nations. We are very interested in protecting children’s rights. The
children have come here willingly in order to kick the drug habit. We
currently have 31 youths in the program with 6 caretakers looking after
them 24 hours a day, including social workers and a psychiatrist from the
department of mental health.”
Fountain of Life playground dedicated to the memory of Mary Harris
The children at the Fountain of Life Center now have a
new playground, thanks to a truly caring woman, sadly taken from us much
before her time.
 Fountain
of Life children enjoy the benevolence of Mary Harris and the generosity
of those who knew her.
The new playground was dedicated to the memory of the
late Mrs. Marry Harris at an opening ceremony held at the Fountain of Life
on July 17. Sister Joan officially “received” the playground from
Carol Smith, members of the Pattaya International Ladies Club and Lewis
Underwood from the Jesters MC.
The playground has a mini football field, sliding
boards, and other athletic and play equipment designed to entertain and
delight the children. The funds used for construction were donated by
friends of Mary’s following the news of her passing last November. The
playground equipment was built at the Sattahip Technical School by the
trainees at the welding shop. The school generously supplied the labor.
The PILC organized the building of the equipment and the opening to
celebrate Mary’s work here during her time.
Another generous donation was made by her husband,
David A. Harris in memory of his beloved wife and with the purpose that
the children under the auspices of the Foundation of Life should have a
proper place where they can develop physically, mentally and enjoy
themselves.
Mary Harris was truly international. She was born in
England and grew up in Australia. Married to her husband David, she
resided in the USA with her 2 sons. When she moved to Thailand, Mary
joined the PILC in 1996. In 1998 she supported Ffion Mercer, and together
they organized activities and special events on the committee. Mary held
the position of vice president of PILC in 1999.
While living in Thailand she developed a great interest
in the kingdom and Thai culture. Mary made many friends here and although
busy with a home and family, found time to support many charities.
Carol Smith, one of Mary’s co-workers, described Mary
as hard-working and warm-hearted, with a particular fondness for little
children. Carol said the opening of the new playground for the youngsters
at the Fountain of Life would have delighted her so much because she
understood the importance of bringing happiness and joy to children.
The day included face painting and a performance by
“the family” dancing and performing clown acts.
Plans already underway for Thai Traditional Longboat Rowing Competition 2002
Special trophy suggested in honor of HRH Princess Soamsawali
This year will be the second time the Thai traditional
Longboat Rowing Competition will be held at the Mabprachan Water Reservoir
in Banglamung, Chonburi. The races will be held November 9 and 10.
On July 16, at the Grand Sole Hotel, a meeting was held
to prepare for the Longboat Rowing Competition 2002. The meeting was
presided over by Chan Cheunsiva, Banglamung District Chief, together with
Rear Admiral Suwit Amnuay, secretary of the Thai Rowing Association, and
Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of science technology and
environment. A full compliment of Banglamung provincial officials and
representatives from Nongprue and Pong district administration
organizations were in attendance.
The longboat competition is part of a drive to
cultivate and preserve Thai culture and traditions and, like most things
these days, to promote tourism in Thailand. The competition will be
divided into two divisions of 30 rowers and 55 rowers with 12 teams and 8
teams competing respectively in each category.
The expected budget for this year’s longboat
competition was set at 1,301,300 baht and will be provided by Pattaya City
and the Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization as well as other
government and private organizations. Last year’s races ran a loss of
300,000 baht.
During the meeting a suggestion was made that the event
be televised live. Televising the event would enhance promotion and
encourage tourists to visit the area.
A new youth category was also suggested. This would
involve teams of 5 rowers from around the province with the winners
receiving a special trophy in honor of HRH Princess Soamsawali.
City Council requests 1.5 million baht more for waste management
New site already needs repair and old site is rife with problems
At a meeting held on July 16th, city council member
Suwit Nongyai called for an additional 1.5 million baht from the
administration to further aid in the control of Pattaya’s waste
disposal. The current figure of 2.5 million baht is no longer enough to
cover the relocation of the city’s dumping ground to the new 140 rai
site in Khao Mai Kaew District.
 Council
Chairman Thawit Chaisawangwong has asked Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat
to put into writing how much money the city needs to solve the waste
disposal problem.
Wirat Jirasripaitoon, head of the municipal engineering
department told the council that the new site in Khao Mai Kaew is plagued
with difficulties. In operation for only 6 months, the site floods when it
rains. The plastic sheeting which lines the bottom of the dump site is
torn and an additional 1.5 million baht will be required to solve a number
of other troubles concerned with waste management.
The old 35-rai dump site has also been rife with
problems since the city contracted a private company to manage that
location. The expense already incurred for that project is reaching an
average of 200 baht per ton, which amounts to approximately 900,000 baht.
Pattaya City’s chief engineer, Sithiparp Muangkhum
explained, “Pattaya has placed great importance on the environment, is
already using a budget of 10 million baht for the Chart Thai Co. to
dispose of waste at the 35 rai dump, and a further 86 million for managing
the waste water treatment plant.”
Sithiparp added, “Treated water is now being used to
water municipal plants and gardens. This year the current 2.5 million baht
budget will fund a water extraction pump as well as a backhoe, placement
of drainage systems and other expenses pertaining to the old 35 rai dump
site and surrounding areas.
“The current budget is not enough to repair the new
dump site. The city needs to spend an extra 1.5 million baht to solve
these problems,” Sithiparp said.
Council Chairman Thawit Chaisawangwong called for Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat to write a letter of recommendation to the
council informing them of the required budget and solutions to the problem
to avoid any disputes on the issue.
G&PS committee launches renewed effort to rid streets of beggars and child labor
Warning stickers suggested as possible solution
The Government & Private Sector Committee (1 of 6)
charged with solving the problem of beggars and street children as part of
the social order campaign is preparing to begin their next phase in
resolving the issue.
Statistic released at the latest meeting reveled that
from January 16 to June 27, this year, they have conducted 27 sweeps of
the city’s streets, taking in 459 children, including 266 of Thai
nationality and 145 of Cambodian nationality, as well 41 exhibiting
anti-social behavior and 7 charged with operating in sex industry.
Wirawit Wiwatanapanich, deputy governor of Chonburi and
head of the committee said, “These people are part of the current social
problems plaguing the city and the province. The street children and the
beggars are destroying the city’s tourist image, especially those
involved in the flesh trade. Previously we allowed both Thai and foreign
children to sell wares in Pattaya. But when these children were unable to
sell their goods, they were often mistreated, beaten and some were even
sexually abused by parents or gang leaders.”
Sopin Thappajug, associate judge at the Family Court in
Chonburi suggested that stickers be placed around the city informing
tourists and resident not to buy from these children.
One suggestion for the wording was, “Every time you
buy items from street kids you are encouraging children to stay on the
streets.” Another suggested wording was, “Do you buy because you feel
sorry for these children? You are supporting child exploitation.”
Stickers may also feature a picture of a child and other symbols.
Wirawit concluded by saying, “This is a good idea but
we must consider the design, the logo and must reach the targeted
audience. I suggest we (the committee) go with this idea as one of the
methods in removing these children and beggars off the streets of
Pattaya.”
Committee members will consider a number of designs and
wording before a final decision is made at the next meeting.
Consumer rights brochures to be printed in Thai and English
Pattaya consumers, both Thai and foreign, should soon
be more informed of their rights. The Government & Private Sector
(G&PS) Committee charged with looking after consumer rights plans to
distribute brochures and set up procedures to handle complaints.
 Pisit
Boonchuang, Chonburi’s vice governor charged with looking after the
G&PS Consumer Protection Committee announced that his committee has
gathered enough information to print and distribute brochures in Thai and
English to inform Thai and foreign consumers of their rights.
Pisit Boonchuang, Chonburi’s vice governor charged
with looking after the G&PS Consumer Protection Committee said, “We
have gathered enough information to enable us to hand out 5,000 brochures
to inform Thai and foreign consumers of their rights. The publication will
be printed in Thai and English and distributed to government agencies,
shopping centers and hotels in 19 locations in Pattaya.
“The brochure will include information telling
consumers how contact appropriate offices via telephone if they encounter
a consumer rights issue or feel they have been overcharged by restaurants,
shops or businesses.”
The program will also include Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat
and Chonburi provinces, and will cover rental agreements, mobile phones,
housing and building purchases and bank administration fees.
7-Eleven branches around Thailand will eventually be
able to accept and pass on complaints made by consumers.
It is hoped the campaign may avert some problems when
customers are better informed.
British go-go bar owner arrested for operating with underage boy performers
Boonlua Chatree
Collin William Richardson, 48, from Edinburgh UK was
arrested on July 17 for allegedly operating an a-go-go using underage
boys.
The manager of the Sunee Plaza establishment, Taweechai
Sriwara, 24, was also arrested.
 Collin
William Richardson from Edinburgh UK was arrested from his Soi Sunee Plaza
bar for allegedly operating an a-go-go using underage boys.
A spokesman for the Pattaya Investigation Police said
that they had been watching the establishment for some time, and had
compiled enough information to imply the bar was a front for prostitution.
Information also indicated that the boys working at the bar were not yet
of legal age.
At about 10 p.m. on July 17, the investigation squad
raided the bar and found ten boys dancing on stage dressed only in
underpants. The spokesman said he saw about 30 foreign male tourists
sitting in the dim light, drinking alcohol and some were fondling the
youths. All customers were ordered to leave.
The manager and the business owner were then detained
and all of the boys were taken to the police station for further
questioning.
The manager, Taweechai told police that he was given a
monthly salary of 5000 baht to take care of the A Go-Go and had accepted
to employ ten 17-year-old boys. He said the customer would pay 2000 baht
for a night with these boys or 1000 baht for short time.
The owner, Collin William Richardson, age 48, told
police that he had paid a long-term rent of 800,000 baht plus a monthly
payment of 10,000 baht to run the place as an a-go-go bar. He allegedly
brazenly told police that he had been operating the bar for about 7 years,
and only just now got arrested.
Richardson was charged with operating a business
without a license, accepting applications from employees under the age of
18 to work in a bar, supplying children under 15 years of age and not yet
18 years of age for sexual services, and working without a permit.
The manager, Taweechai was charged with the same
offenses excluding working without a permit.
Both were remanded in custody and sent to the
investigation department for further process of the law.
The boys have been sent to the children’s center in
Huey Pong, Rayong for rehabilitation.
Three marijuana dealers arrested with a total of 13 kilos
Suchao Chansawan and Payom Paiput were arrested at their
homes when undercover police officers went there to purchase marijuana
from them during a sting operation.
When the deal went down and they handed the officers 2
kilograms of marijuana, the cops revealed their identity and placed them
under arrest.
Suchao admitted to the crime saying that he had
obtained the goods in Pattaya from a Chatree Chaowiang. Both Suchao and
Payom offered to cooperate with the officers and took them to the
dealer’s house in Ratanakorn Village located in Soi Nernplubwan.
Chatree Chaowian was arrested after officers discovered
11 kilograms of marijuana in his closet. The pickup truck that was used
for transporting the illegal goods was also confiscated.
The three are now facing trial for possessing and
selling a class 5 illegal substance.
Banglamung District Assembly says “foreign suicides destroying Pattaya’s image”
Police inspector responds at monthly assembly meeting
Foreigners who commit suicide in Pattaya were the
subject of discussion at the monthly meeting of the Banglamung district
assembly. Mongkol Sawangharsap, provincial MP for Banglamung district said
these incidents are tarnishing the image of a world-class tourist
destination that Pattaya is trying to create.
In response, Pol. Lt. Col. Mana Inphitak, inspector
with the crime prevention unit in Pattaya told the meeting, “While it is
true that the number of foreigners committing suicide has increased, these
tragic incidents do not necessarily involve tourists. In the main these
individuals are foreign residents who have been living in the area many
years and have run into financial problems, family problems or were
victims of escalating mental illness.”
Referring to the press, Inspector Mana continued,
“Those who want to protect the good image of Pattaya should be aware
that sensationalizing these incidents by printing blaring headlines that
read: ‘Tourist commits suicide’ will contribute to misunderstandings
and actually does damage the city’s reputation. The police are trying
their best to prevent such incidents before they happen. However, that is
not always easy to do. We request that the media cooperate and consider
the consequences of what they print or broadcast on this subject in the
future.”
Banglamung District to increase vigilance in caring for tourist safety
Chonburi governor responds quickly to plaintive email
In response to an email a Thai resident sent directly to
the governor’s office, Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang ordered all
provincial officials and police to take measures to increase vigilance in
caring for tourist safety.
The email, which pointed out various dangers to
tourists in the Pattaya and Banglamung area, received quick response.
During their monthly meeting, Banglamung District
officials called for cooperation from all those involved to pay specific
attention to the safety of tourists who are visiting Banglamung and
Pattaya. Chawalit Saengutai, deputy Banglamung chief in charge of
governing and developing the district told attendees that the safety of
tourists in Banglamung and Pattaya has become top priority.
He announced at the meeting that Governor Chadej
Insawang had received an email from a concerned resident that listed a
number of problems tourists encounter on their visits here, including
muggings, theft, sub-standard service and local businesses overcharging
for goods and services.
The governor requested that the all departments in the
Banglamung district solve these problems and treat them as a serious
issue. He also wants increased cooperation from both the Banglamung and
Pattaya police stations by providing more regular patrols, whether on
foot, motorcycle or bicycle. Patrolling officers have been ordered to look
after the safety of tourists and their property. The governor wants to be
informed of the results of increased patrol and has asked for regular
reports.
Swiss tourist plunges from 5th floor
Swiss citizen Eric Charles Burion, 56, was found dead on
the roadside after having plunged from the 5th floor of his hotel off
Pattaya Second Road.
Police questioned hotel staff, who told them that the
man checked in on June 29th and was due to check out on July 16, that same
day.
Police searched the deceased’s hotel room and found
no evidence of a struggle or anything else to suggest foul play. They did
find a sum of 2,000 baht cash in the man’s passport. The hotel bill was
3,000 baht.
Police suspect that the man became distressed as he was
unable to pay his hotel bill and decided to commit suicide. The body is
being held at the Police Hospital for autopsy.
Police briefs
Cutlery thief arrested
Wanthana Yotharit, 24, was arrested when stolen plates
and cutlery were discovered in the car she was traveling in. The vehicle
was driven by Pornchan Hetket who was also taken to the police station for
questioning.
The arrest came after Boontham Boontatho, who runs a
cutlery shop in Soi Pettrakul, reported to police that an unidentified
woman had gone into her shop and stolen plates, forks and spoons, putting
them in the trunk of a car parked outside the shop.
Wanthana admitted to the crime saying that she stole
the items because she found them to be very attractive. Pornchan, the
owner of the car told police that she had no knowledge of the theft as she
was walking around doing her shopping and Wanthana was just her maid that
she had taken along. Wanthana is now facing charges for theft.
Pattaya Pick pockets arrested
Narin Mooltripakdee, age 19, and Pisanu Naksuwan, age
18, were arrested in front of Park Hill Village in Takiantia after they
were reported for robbing a tourist in the area. Both admitted to the
crime saying that they had been picking pockets and snatching valuables
from tourists for some time using a motorcycle as their getaway vehicle.
The stolen items were then pawned with the money divided between the two
and used for their outings in the fair city. Both are now under police
custody waiting for their trial.
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