|
Latest on the 101 businesses - city doesn’t need to wait for the courts
The dismantling of the 101 businesses in South Pattaya
could begin any day now, as the administration has decided that they no
longer need to wait for a court order to begin.
The
city’s engineering department says it no longer needs to wait for a
court order to dismantle all buildings on the beach side of Walking Street
in South Pattaya.
Whether and/or when any of this will actually take
place remains to be seen, but Sitthiparp Muangkhum, head of the city civil
engineering department announced, “The city now has the authority to
carry out the dismantling (of the 101 businesses in South Pattaya) without
having to wait for a court order according to Legislation Act 42 of 1979
governing building and construction in Pattaya. The city can and will
remove those buildings that infringe on public property under the current
law.”
Sitthiparp made the proclamation at a July 26 meeting
with local and provincial administrators. Pattaya officialdom has allowed
the longstanding issue to drag on for more than 10 years.
During the meeting, the current revival project of
Beach Road from Central Pattaya Road down to the Walking Street area was
also brought up, and although the city had planned to widen the road to 8
meters to accommodate footpaths, administrators provided the usual run
around saying that after a meeting with residents and landowners along the
stretch of Beach Road, the plan had changed, yet again.
The changes came about after residents and landowners
refused to give an inch of their property to the city to create a better
and more convenient walkway for pedestrians as part of the Beach Road
organization policy.
Now it appears that rather than the preferred 3 meters from the
roadside, a compromise of 2 meters has been agreed upon with all signage
on the roadside to be removed from the ground level in order to have a
clear walkway.
Pattaya’s gay bars being targeted for upcoming crackdown
Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang announced that
Pattaya’s gay bars will be the next target in Interior Minister Purachai
Piumsombun’s social order campaign.
Governor Chadej said that he recently had a discussion
with Interior Minister Purachai and the two agreed that more needs to be
done to make sure Pattaya’s gay bars adhere to the law.
Curiously, the two discussed the matter of closing all
gay bars, but dismissed the idea. Governor Chadej said that currently
there are 34 gay bars and over 1,000 gays in Pattaya.
The laws the minister of interior stressed the governor
should enforce were the same as those being enforced in heterosexual bars
- drug use, underage patrons (under 20 years of age), nudity, lewd shows,
closing times and that gay bars must not be used for prostitution or as
fronts for prostitution. The interior minister also stressed that, “a
conclusion about the matter must be reported within the month of
August.”
The new directives received a tepidly positive response
from Pattaya’s business community, but most said they believe the
situation in Pattaya is not much different than in other cities.
Chatchawal Supachayanont, president of the Thai Hotel
Association Eastern Chapter said that, “Across the world there are gay
bars all around; therefore, it is not really a new thing or anything to be
ashamed of. But,” he said, “they need special consideration and must
be situated at a specific place, not out in public. We can see that a lot
of tourists specifically seek this kind of entertainment.”
Panga Vathanakul, managing director of Royal Cliff
Beach Resort and consultant to the Thai Hotel Association Eastern Chapter,
said she agrees there are gay bars around the world, but none are so open
as in Pattaya. “What hurts Pattaya most,” she said, “is very young
boys being forced to stay with foreign tourists, and most of the time
getting molested. The foreign press reports these subjects throughout the
world, damaging the image and reputation of Pattaya and Thailand.” She
also expressed concern for Pattaya’s reputation as a family destination.
Surat Mekhavarakul, president of the Pattaya Business
and Tourism Association said that, “Strict rules should be enforced,
such as keeping people from standing along the road to call customers into
their bars, as they already know where to go for this kind of
entertainment.”
Governor Chadej concluded that Pattaya’s police should explore and
investigate the gay areas and if any bars employ boys under the age of 20,
that bar will be permanently closed down. “The minister of interior’s
social order must be strictly applied,” he said.
Thailand’s tourism ambassadors frolic in the bay
Veerachai Somchart
Thailand’s tourism ambassadors, Pathiporn Sitthiporn
Miss Thailand 2002, and her three runners-up, Siripan Limjitr, Noppaporn
Chumjai, and Natida Jiradechdamrong recently visited Pattaya as part of
the promotion for the Pattaya Marathon 2002.
City fathers waxed eloquent about how the team of
ambassadors for tourism painted the perfect picture for the city’s clean
environment image by joining Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat on the beach
in front of Soi 6.
Mayor
Pairat is having the time of his life, walking the beach with Miss
Thailand 2002, Pathiporn Sitthiporn and her three runners-up, Siripan
Limjitr, Noppaporn Chumjai, and Natida Jiradechdamrong.
The mayorand Pathiporn rode a jet ski together as a
testament to the city’s clean waters and environment.
Pathiporn Sitthiporn said, “As Miss Thailand 2002,
along with the first, second and third runners up, apart from performing
duties and social activities we also perform the important task of
promoting tourism in Thailand and work closely with the TAT, which
supports us and has given us the title of tourism and cultural
ambassadors.”
 Miss Thailand 2002,
Pathiporn Sitthiporn took the Mayor for a joy ride on a jet ski.
This group of ladies visited Pattaya as part of the marathon team to
welcome runners from abroad as well as perform public relations activities
not only for the city but the province and the eastern region.
Chonburi Animal Husbandry Department declares Larn Island a rabies free zone
At a recent official gathering on Larn Island, the
Chonburi Animal Husbandry Department declared the island a “rabies free
zone”.
Activities on the day included installing signs
declaring the area rabies free, free checkups and treatment, vaccinations
and sterilization of pets and stray dogs on the island.
Presided over by Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang, the
opening ceremony was also attended by Manit Pansapa of the Husbandry
Department Region 2, Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, Chaen Chuensiva of
Banglamung district and other officials.
The Animal Husbandry Department has provided at least
80 percent of all rabies vaccinations in the country and has succeeded in
eliminating the disease altogether in some regions for more than five
consecutive years.
The department considered it necessary to expand the
project to other areas, especially crucial tourist resorts. Koh Larn is
one of the places in the project promoted as a rabies free zone for the
last five years and will continue to be under the department’s
supervision.
Larn Island - problems lie behind its fac็ade of beauty
Veerachai Somchart
In response to complaints made by residents and
tourists about garbage piling up on public beaches, ongoing construction
projects, and fears that residents will be evicted from their land by
greedy developers, last week Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang, Pattaya
City’s mayor and his team took a trip out to Larn Island to see for
themselves just what is plaguing this speck of land off Pattaya’s
shores.
 Beneath Larn
Island’s lush jungles and beautiful beaches lies a mound of problems.
Officials say that solutions are on the way, but locals aren’t so sure.
The team of officials said planned development projects
are proceeding satisfactorily. They feel the walkway along Samae Beach is
also progressing.
Addressing queries from islanders, Governor Chadej
assured them that there will be no forced evacuation of residents who
legally own land and civilized discussions will take place with business
operators so that residents and officials can work out plans to
accommodate locals on the island.
But islanders are not so sure and tourists are fed up
with the construction and the hassles.
Some months ago the island’s worn-out garbage
incinerator broke down and stopped. So far it has neither been repaired or
replaced. Massive mounds of garbage are piling up along the beaches and
roadsides.
Larn Island is receiving help from both government and
private sectors to renovate or build new sidewalks for pedestrians, a
wastewater treatment plant, garbage incinerator and improve the quality of
education in the school.
A committee of Larn Islanders was formed in order to
encourage island residents to cooperate in this upgrading of the area and
a budget of 60 million baht will be allocated.
Although there are 30 families living in the area,
authorities plan to develop Samae Beach and designate it as a commercial
tourist destination. In July Pairat Suthithamrongsawat, his administrative
team and other officials stormed Larn Island to evict people from Samae
Beach where their families have been living for over 100 years.
Locals put up an argument and the National Forestry
Department was called to investigate. The NFD announced that Larn Island
and neighboring islands come under their authority and although legal land
deeds will be recognized, some areas will be administrated by the
department.
Larn Island, about 10 kilometers off Pattaya City’s
shores, has become an increasingly popular spot for holidaymakers in the
past few years. A new pier has made it possible for visitors to hop a
launch and arrive on the island in about 40 minutes. The price of a return
ticket is 40 baht. The island offers a lot of activities such as
parasailing, boating, snorkeling and jungle trekking. Overnight stays are
comfortable since there are rooms and restaurants available.
Unfortunately the island’s residential population has
grown as well, but the upgrading of infrastructure has not kept up with
demand.
Mass tourism is a double-edged sword that cuts both
ways. It has brought prosperity to the islanders who live and work there.
But it has also destroyed the natural beauty that was once so attractive.
The surrounding water that was pure and clean has been
polluted by waste from irresponsible shopkeepers and restaurants. The
white sandy beaches are now covered with beach-beds, vendors and hawker
stalls. Illegal tour-guides hassle or cheat visitors who have come to the
island to relax for a day or two. Illegal shops and businesses are
encroaching on public land and locals are fighting each other over
customers.
Solutions to these problems will not only cost money, but will require
vision and cooperation.
Jomtien’s beach vendors told to take off last Wednesday of every month
All beach vendors along Jomtien Beach have been told to
take off the last Wednesday of every month so that city crews can come to
clean and maintain the area. The first day off will be at the end of August,
and from then on vendors will not be allowed to operate in the area on the
last Wednesday of every month.
 Deputy
Mayor Niran Wattanasatsathorn and city council member Sanit Boonmachai told
more than 100 vendors that starting in August, they will have to vacate
Jomtien Beach the last Wednesday of every month.
The move is part of a new policy set down by Chonburi
Governor Chadej Insawang on July 26. The order will affect the entire
stretch of Jomtien Beach.
Deputy Mayor Niran Wattanasatsathorn and city council
member Sanit Boonmachai, who is also head of the Jomtien Beach Vendors
Committee, recently held a meeting on the beachfront with more than 100
vendors in order to explain the new policy.
Sanit Boonmachai explained that word had come from the
governor following a recent inspection of the area by provincial officials.
They reported that the area is overcrowded with vendors, and is untidy and
chaotic. They feel the present situation is an eyesore.
Governor Chadej sees this is an impediment to all the
work being carried out and money spent to upgrade the Jomtien Beach area in
order to make it a more pleasant place for tourists.
He said that not only is this chaos destroying the image
of the beach but the huge crowd of vendors vying with each other for trade
was not doing them much good either since there was too much competition.
Niran said, “The rearranging of the beach vendors is part of a bigger
picture to improve the area and make it more attractive for people to use.
The vendors will be more spread out along the beach area and not crowed into
small areas. This spacing will enable residents and tourists to use the
beach for a variety of sport activities.”
Governor considers reviving Amazing Thai Wisdom Fair
Chonburi Governor Chadej Insawang announced that a
meeting should be held to consider reviving the Amazing Thai Wisdom Fair
along Beach Road. He said that construction along Beach Road is due for
completion in August, and therefore it is time to start thinking about
getting the fair going again.
The Amazing Thai Wisdom Fair began on February 23 this
year, but had to be suspended April 25 due to Beach Road construction.
When the fair was running, Beach Road was closed every Saturday from
Central Pattaya Road through Walking Street.
However, Governor Chadej stressed that this time
around, the fair would have to be organized better, and that he would
consider having the fair run once a month instead of every week. He also
said traffic problems and unorganized product displays must be carefully
addressed.
The “No Weapons Area” would remain in effect during
the fair around North, Central and South Pattaya, which would include
authorities who would not be allowed to carry any weapons unless they were
on duty.
He concluded his announcement by saying police should
continue to be diligent during the fair and must report any untoward
matter immediately to Chonburi provincial authorities.
Foreign hospital patient jumps to his death
On Wednesday evening, July 24, German national Hermann
Kaltmeier jumped to his death from the fourth floor of his hospital
balcony, unable to come to grips with his illness.
According to a statement from the hospital, Hermann
Anton Kaltmeier, 69 years old, was admitted to on July 22nd diagnosed with
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to records and the man’s wife, the patient
had been suffering from this disease for a long time. His wife said he
complained of problems recovering from this illness, and that his life was
full of stress that he could no longer cope with and he wanted to die.
At approximately 8.30 p.m. his wife was in the bathroom
of the hospital room washing dishes. She heard his chair scraping across
the floor and thought he was going to relax on the terrace.
When she returned to the room, she saw the IV stand on
the terrace but no sign of her husband, so she looked over the terrace and
saw his body lying on the roof of the 3rd floor. People were already
around him, so she ran to the nurses’ station.
Hospital staff performed CPR in the Critical Care Unit
department but the man succumbed to his injuries. The man’s body was
transferred to the Police Forsenic Institute in Bangkok for an autopsy.
Second-hand shop owner arrested for possession of stolen goods
Boonlua Chatree
Earlier this week, Panya Puangphu, the owner of a
secondhand shop in South Pattaya was arrested in connection with local
robberies, possession of stolen property and illegal weapons. During a
search of the South Pattaya shop, officers found 24 mobile phones and 5
handguns with ammunition in the back room.
 Panya
Puangphu was arrested last week for fencing stolen property.
During questioning, Panya admitted to purchasing the
mobile phones and the guns, including 2 .38 caliber pistols and two air
guns and ammunition. He was charged with aiding and abiding theft,
possession of stolen goods and possession of firearms in a residential
area without the necessary licenses.
Suchart Teerasawat, head of the Crime Investigation unit said, “The
arrest of Panya Puangphu was made possible following the arrest of two
thieves, Prasert Patanaseri and Thanya Hongtong last week. The second-hand
shop owner was acting as a fence.”
Another snatch and run thief arrested in Pattaya
Vichan Pladplueng
Police arrested Korngot Ruengkhum, aged 19, in his
rented house in Soi Khao Noi after his victim positively identified him
from police mug shots. During the arrest, officers confiscated a mobile
phone, which the thief had stolen from his victim and a motorcycle, which
he had used to commit the crime.
The victim, “Su” was in front of the market on
Central Pattaya Road when Korngot rode up next to her on a motorcycle and
unceremoniously snatched her mobile phone and sped away. Startled, she
kept her head and was able to not only get a good look at the thief but
had the presence of mind to memorize the motorcycle’s license plate
number.
Su immediately made a report to the police and was able
to pick out his photo from files from his previous arrests. Korngot had a
number of previous convictions in Pattaya for the same offence so police
had a pretty good idea who they were looking for. He now faces another
term behind bars for his fondness of other people’s property.
Twenty-nine illegal Cambodian construction workers arrested in immigration sweep
Boonlua Chatree
The crackdown on illegal foreign workers in the region
continues. Last week local immigration and police officers, and crime
prevention volunteers swept the area of Wat Boonsampan in the Jomtien
area. Makeshift shacks located behind the temple housed over 100 people
who scurried to escape when the authorities arrived.
Although many people took flight and managed to evade
capture, 29 of the laborers, 20 men and 9 women, were detained and taken
to the immigration office for questioning.
During the interview it was ascertained that all the
laborers were from Cambodia. They admitted to crossing over the Thai
border at Aranyaprathet without going through proper immigration
procedures. The workers said they were taken across by a Thai national who
collected 5,000 baht from each of them for his effort.
The laborers told immigration officers that they had
been working on a construction site nearby for the last 4 months, each
receiving 150-200 baht per day.
However, they suspected that since their employers had
not yet paid their wages and fled the site just prior to the immigration
and police raid that the tip-off to immigration may have come from the
people they worked for.
The group was charged with illegal entry into the country and working
without permits. They have since been deported. Police, however, are still
in the process of searching for the employers.
Police briefs
Drunken man
arrested for stealing in the mall
Chaiya Laammat was arrested at Big C Pattaya for stealing
a bottle of Black Label scotch whiskey and two bottles of Head and Shoulders
shampoo. When police arrived, he was being detained by a mall security
guard.
Chaiya admitted to the crime telling police that he had
come from upcountry to find a job in Pattaya but was disappointed when he
found that work is not that easy to find here.
He then resorted to drinking until he ran out of money
and could not go back home, so he decided to steal a bottle of whiskey to
further drown his sorrows, but was caught.
Chaiya is now sober, but still has his dandruff as he
resides in the Pattaya cells to wait for his trial.
Woman killed in traffic accident on Sukhumvit
Narumol Polkan, age 35, from Bangkok was killed in an auto accident on
Sukhumvit Road in front of the PTT gas station in Nongprue Banglamung. Her
body was trapped in the car. Witnesses in the area told police that on that
day the traffic was very bad on the highway. They described seeing the
deceased trying to overtake other cars on the left lane at high speed. She
lost control when she struck a 4-meter deep roadside gutter and overturned,
hitting an electrical pole. The impact killed her instantly.
|
