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Police confiscate over 100 motorcycles in one night crackdown
Cops get tough with teen street-racers
Boonlua Chatree
A barrage of complaints from residents fed up with
youngsters who unlawfully race their motorcycles in peaceful neighborhoods
while others are trying to sleep finally saw some response from authorities.
On September 27, officers took to the streets late at night and rounded up
over 100 of these pesky law-breakers.
Pattaya
police rounded up and impounded over 100 motorcycles last week in an attempt
to get illegal racers off the streets and allow peace-loving citizens to get
a full night’s sleep.
Pol. Maj. Padugnsak Ubekkanon, Pol. Maj. Sakrapi
Priewpanit, Pol. Maj. Mana Inpitat, Pol. Maj. Somchai Pongsai and a team of
officers confiscated 120 motorcycles and will keep them in the impound until
they are satisfied the owners will clean up their acts.
Officers explained that new orders issued from above,
which resemble a "to-do" list of duties Pattaya police must
perform every day, target people who disturb the peace, especially wayward
and thoughtless youngsters who race down the highway and through residential
streets. Many have removed or modified their exhaust pipes to proclaim that
"louder is better." In the heat of the race they scream back and
forth to each other and roar through the night shattering the sleep of
law-abiding citizens.
These rascals also race along the streets in cars without
windshields, rearview mirrors, license plates or insurance stickers. Cars
and motorbikes are raced along open roads, up the hill in South Pattaya or
down Jomtien Beach Road.
Officers urge residents to make reports of this maddening activity so
authorities can take action.
Police chief announces all foreigners in Pattaya will be watched carefully
Different police departments and military must work together to ensure justice is served
Colonel Padungsak Ubekkanon, Chief of Pattaya Police,
announced that police must keep "a close eye" on all foreigners
residing in Pattaya in order to catch people who come here to perform
criminal acts and ruin the name of Pattaya City.
Colonel
Padungsak Ubekkanon, Chief of Pattaya Police
Colonel Padungsak, speaking before a meeting between city
government officials and businessmen on September 23, said that police must
keep a closer eye on foreigners because it is the foreigners who are using
the city as their playground.
He said that the decision has been made that all police
forces in Pattaya (Pattaya police, tourist police and the others) will need
to work together more efficiently to ensure that justice is brought upon the
criminals in Pattaya.
The Thai military also needs to help with major
investigations when needed, he said. The Thai military has three main
stations around Thailand, one each in Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and in Pattaya.
There are 700-800 foreigners registered as living in
Pattaya; however this total only includes foreigners who renew their
registration every 3 months. Police surmise the total is probably closer to
2,000, not including tourists or people working with licensed work permits
in the Chonburi area.
"With this many foreigners and the constant turnover
of people, it is impossible to keep track of everybody and check if they
might be criminals," the police chief said.
However, after the bank robbery allegedly committed by
Russians, Pattaya police have become more suspicious of foreigners who might
be here to break the law and will keep a closer watch on all foreigners and
those on its ‘black list’.
Residents and tourists losing patience with chaotic Jomtien Beach construction
City officials inspect progress
Responding to a flood of complaints from the public
regarding construction along the beach in Jomtien, Pattaya City Mayor Pairat
Suttithamrongsawat and a team of city officials took an inspection tour of
the offending area.
Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat takes an inspection tour of the offending area in
Jomtien.
The 5 kilometer stretch from Dongtan Curve to Pattaya
Park Beach is under construction in an effort to upgrade and organize the
area in keeping with Pattaya’s plan to make parts of the city which are
the most popular spots for tourists more orderly and attractive.
With a budget of 43 million baht allocated from the TAT,
the beautification plans include benches for the tourists, new walkways, a
plantation of 1,704 coconut trees, parking areas and beach sports areas.
However, plans have not gone smoothly due to protests
from vendors and business owners who resent the changes involved in
completing the project. Other members of the public are fed up with the
inconvenience and mess of construction that is disorganized and disruptive.
Complaints are mounting about the unprofessional job the contractors are
doing.
The mayor admitted there are many areas of improvement
which the contractors must address. One drawback is the ability to come up
with a plan to blend the new construction with its natural surrounding,
especially the planting of coconut trees in some areas.
The contract company has received 4 progress payments
from the city. The last payment will be withheld until corrections have been
made.
The matter will be raised at the next city hall meeting
when the general public will be invited to submit ideas on how to improve
existing flaws along this controversial stretch of public beach.
Dongtan Beach turns chic and clean
Part of ongoing campaign to improve the city’s appearance
Dongtan Beach is often referred to as the ‘quiet end’
of Jomtien’s shoreline. This stretch of seafront starts from the corner of
the police station and runs all the way up to Pattaya Park. Since no busy
public road runs along this section, Dongtan is popular with international
and local tourists since it is less busy and commercial. Recently upgraded
with a beautiful walkway similar to the one in Pattaya Beach, the area is
showing much potential. Authorities are now determined to keep it tidy and
organized.
Vendors
and foreigners who frequent Dongtan Beach clean and refurbish the walkway.
Wutisak Remkijikarn, one of Pattaya’s deputy mayors,
recently organized a weekly clean-up activity aptly called, "Clean Up
Dongtan Beach". Every Wednesday, beach chair and umbrella renters will
take a day off to clean and will refurbish the area. September 25th saw a
group of about 50 people, including vendors and foreigners who frequent the
beach, kick off the first beautification effort.
The deputy mayor hopes this weekly endeavor will be another successful
addition to the ongoing campaign to improve the appearance of the city.
Ministry of Justice holds seminar to deal with drug abuse
Relevant government officials need to approve new programs
A seminar was recently organized to discuss new
approaches to treatment of drug addicts. Led by Chonburi deputy governor,
Supoch Lauwansiri, doctors, philosophers and behavioral scientists gathered
to exchange information and seek measures to teat drug addiction.
Supoch
Lauwansiri, Chonburi deputy governor
The group needs to gain approval from pertinent
government officials to use new methods which could help addicts get clean
and sober. However, current laws would have to be changed. In some cases
drug offences now carry the death penalty.
New rehab programs would involve housing drug addicts in facilities
geared for medical and psychological treatment rather than penal
institutions. Addicts would be cared for by medical workers specializing in
recovery and reinstatement into society.
United Nations Environment Program looks for methyl bromide alternatives in Asia Pacific Region
Holds regional workshop in Pattaya
Dusit Resort last week hosted a United Nations workshop
to discuss methyl bromide alternatives. A warning about its dangers and
suggestions for alternatives were prompted by the United Nations Environment
Program, or UNEP, for industries in the Asia Pacific region.
Held on Sept. 25 through 27 the workshop provided
information on methyl bromide, a toxic substance found in pesticides. This
chemical contributes to ozone depletion and other environmental degradation.
The conference was opened by Sudsakon Phutho, and
delegates from more than 20 countries attended.
The two main alternatives for methyl bromide in
pesticides are ‘integrated commodity management’ and fumigation, which
uses phosphine and carbon dioxide to kill the pests. Both methods will be
topics of discussion at future workshops.
Thailand has set a goal to use 20% less methyl bromide by
the year 2005, and eventually bring the use down to zero.
It must be noted however, that methyl bromide and
phosphine are still available in Thailand, although highly regulated by the
FDA.
Phosphine is more readily available in its table form and
is still used in the fumigation process for agricultural products such a
rice. These gases are highly toxic and require specialists in the fumigation
and pest control fields to use them safely. However, in Thailand, to date,
these specialists are very few and far between.
City continues battling with South Pattaya’s 101
Veerachai Somchart
The ongoing saga of South Pattaya’s 101 businesses that
do not conform to local laws in regards to encroaching on public land is
still being played out. After years of debate, threats, legal action and
even forced dismantling of some business’ structures, provincial and city
authorities are still fighting for cooperation from some owners of these
buildings. The latest act of defiance has resulted in yet another meeting
called by Chonburi Province and the Government and the Pubic Sector
Committee to discuss this problem.
The new walkway being constructed along Pattaya Beach was
originally planned to be widened by 8 meters to provide more room for a
beach promenade. However, some owners of the buildings at the roadside are
now striking back and refusing to budge from their places.
One of the star players in this endless saga is Nang Nual
Seafood Restaurant, which has suddenly taken a more challenging stance. The
owners complain that since the restaurant has been operating on this part of
land for the past 10 years, the land now belongs to the landlord and not to
the city anymore. This is tantamount to claiming squatters’ rights.
The city is trying to use its power to overrule these
disputes but some businesses on Walking Street stubbornly refuse to bend.
It has been proposed that 8 meters can be lessened to 3
meters, but businesses are only willing to give up 2 meters so the haggling
continues.
Another sore point with business in this area is the
newly passed law regarding signs or billboards which are seen as
obstructions to pedestrians. Advertising signs along the section from
Central Pattaya to South Pattaya which are targeted by authorities must be
moved, but this is also meeting with resistance.
G&PS committee to focus on juvenile sex cases and gay bars
Veerachai Somchart
Government officials say that the part of Pattaya’s
economy that is partly dependent on sex tourism has given the resort city an
infamous reputation. The city is now determined to change this. Police and
city officials are sustaining a crackdown on lawbreakers, especially those
selling sex as a symbol of the city. Bars, gay bars, and child abusers will
now be dealt more severely.
During a meeting of the Government and Private Sector
Committee, Wirawat Wiwatanawanich, mayor of Chonburi said that sex workers
will be made more aware of the dangers they are facing in this society. The
risk group of youth under 18 years is being targeted with better education
and information on HIV infection.
Gay bars will be closely scrutinized since there are
nearly 40 ‘official’ gay bars in the Pattaya area, plus approximately
another ‘unofficial’ 19 establishments. Places selling sexual favors
will be strictly monitored for drug trafficking, child prostitution and
legal closing hours will be enforced.
Wirawat said places such as hotels, apartments and
guesthouses must involve themselves by helping authorities catch the
criminals and help clean up the city. Plans are being made to install
security cameras at gold shops, banks, and other public places.
Plans for Thailand’s first legal casino still being reviewed
Veerachai Somchart
State and private organizations recently met to continue
the discussion on opening Thailand’s first legal casino. Members at the
meeting reviewed Ambassador City Jomtien as a possible location, deciding
that it has great possibilities due to its spacious setting, infrastructure,
capacity to handle large groups and it is already an established tourist and
business destination.
Every few years the subject of casinos in Thailand makes
its way into the spotlight. The topic has provoked controversy amongst the
general population, academics and clergy; therefore gambling remains illegal
in the kingdom. Legislation will need to be drawn up to change this status.
Chonburi Province and Pattaya City are looking at ways to
accommodate the nation’s first casino. Other provinces, such as Phuket and
Chiang Mai are also famous tourist destinations but do not have casinos, and
as yet do not see a necessity for one.
Local officials realize that this issue still rests in
the hands of citizens and within the next two months questionnaires and
bulletins will be sent out and results will be evaluated.
Local TAT and government to focus on visitors’ safety
Veerachai Somchart
A decline in tourism in Pattaya among certain demographic
groups signals that improving safety for tourists should become a high
priority for local TAT officials. Preecha Kamolbutr, Wirawat Wiwatanawanich
and members of the TAT recently met to discuss problems concerning this
issue and come up with measures to address it.
The discussion centered on Japanese tourists. Figures
show that out of 120,000 visitors every year, 90,000 are from Japan. Manit
Boonchim, director of the TAT Central Office Region 3 stated that Pattaya
should work harder to improve its safety issues.
Manit said crime in Pattaya has risen through the years.
Tourists have to regain their confidence and be assured they will be safe
while in Pattaya. He also said the beer bar problem has gotten out of hand.
He added that swimming in Pattaya waters must be safe and an Ocean Rescue
Unit should be established.
Present at the meeting was Sutham Phanthusak, organizer
of the World Scout Jamboree. Sutham said that if Pattaya truly wants to make
a real change it must do so before the Jamboree. The Jamboree will be held
in the Chonburi area from December 28th through January 8th and could bring
as many as 40,000 scouts and 100,000 helpers. This gathering could influence
tourism in Pattaya.
Sutham said, "The children who will be coming to the
World Scout Jamboree are the tourists of the future. Pattaya City must make
leave them with a good impression."
Hotel employee arrested for stealing 180,000 euros from hotel safety deposit box
Found in Ranong Province with new car
Vichan Pladplueng and Boonlua Chatree
Following the theft of 180,000 euros (worth about 7
million baht) from a hotel safety deposit box, local police set up a
surveillance program on one of the hotel employees who had mysteriously
disappeared after the crime was reported on September 25.
Local officers broadcast through the national police
network to be on the look out for a Thai national who would either exchange
or spend large amounts of foreign currency. They also alerted officials at
Don Muang Airport.
Sotarporn
‘A’ Jaroenkrit reenacts for police how he snatched 180,000 euros (worth
about 7 million baht) from a safety deposit box at the hotel where he
worked.
On September 28, local officers were informed that a Thai
national had indeed exchanged a large amount of foreign currency at the
airport. Criminal investigation units followed the money trail to a car
sales yard in the area where Sotarporn ‘A’ Jaroenkrit had paid cash for
a brand new Honda CRV for the bargain price of 1,230,000 baht.
An all points bulletin was issued and on October 1
Sotarporn was detained in the southern province of Ranong, proudly driving
his new car and still possessing 64,240 baht in Thai currency and the
remaining Euros. He was taken to the Paknam police station for questioning
after returning from a brief trip over the Burmese boarder with a friend.
Sotarporn was transferred to Pattaya police station for
questioning, where he confessed, saying that he had worked in the hotel for
approximately 3 months at the front counter. When he saw Michael Lodes (sic)
bring in a large amount of foreign bank notes to leave in the hotel safety
deposit box, he waited until there were no other hotel staff present before
breaking into the safety deposit box and sweeping all the cash into a bag.
He said that afterwards he hired a taxi to take him to
Don Muang Airport to exchange the cash before going on a spending spree.
Following the purchase of the vehicle, Sotarporn continued his
self-indulgence by spending an additional 65,000 baht on decorating his
newly acquired car, after which he bought a camera worth 25,000 baht, a
sapphire ring for 2,500 and spent an additional 7,500 on other items before
taking his friend ‘Taew’ on a trip south over the border to Burma.
Once the statement had been taken at Pattaya police
station, officers took Sotarporn to the scene to re-enact the crime for
police records. The victim, Michael, and a large crowd of onlookers watched
as Sotarporn acted out the events.
Michael Lodes (sic), relieved that most of the money was
returned, thanked police for their quick action in recovering the stolen
funds and cordially handed over a basket of flowers in appreciation.
As for the 1,462,000 baht already spent, Michael may be less likely to
recover it from the hotel as all they could say was, "Sorry"
without any further comment on compensation for cash lost from a ‘safety
deposit’ box supposedly under the hotel’s protection.
Oh, those pesky CD sellers
Police confiscate 350 illegal CDs
Acting on a complaint from the music industry, police
raided a night market on Thepprasit Road, arrested two vendors and
confiscated 350 CDs.
A representative of the Jipatan Company, a subsidiary of
Grammy Music, complained to police that counterfeit VCDs, Karaoke CDs, and
Music CDs were being sold out in the open and police indubitably ought to do
something about it.
A
daring nighttime police raid of the night market on Thepprasit Road netted
350 counterfeit CDs and resulted in the arrest of two vendors.
So, on the evening of September 27, Pol. Maj. Atakorn
Rasam, Pol. Maj. Narong Peusanoun, Pol. Maj. Suchip Korniron, and Pol. Maj.
Chatri Sington rounded up a posse and headed on out to the night market on
Thepprasit Road to lasso the heinous producers of these counterfeit goods.
Upon arriving at the scene, police found two people
sorting through the goods and immediately arrested them. Mr Samret Wichiarat
and Ms. Arisa Sawangtop were brought to the police station for questioning,
where they admitted they had been selling their VCDs, CD’s, Karaoke CD’s
and cassette tapes for prices between 100-200 baht, and were not bothered
about the copyright law.
The two were charged with acting to sell copyrighted materials, selling
copyrighted materials and not possessing a license to sell.
Snooker evening ends in beating and robbery
One offender already served time for attempted murder
Suwath Satang, 29, was beaten and robbed last week as he
left a local snooker club to return home.
Suwath told officers he had been playing snooker when 5
youths between the ages of 16 and 20 jumped him, beat him up, stole his
watch and bracelet and then fled on motorcycles.
A
police officer radioed others in the area to watch out for 5 suspicious
looking youths while Suwath Satang (left) tells another policeman about the
crime.
Police radioed others in the area to watch out for 5
suspicious looking youths on motorcycles and to arrest them if they saw
them. Three of the perpetrators eluded the hunt, but 2 members of the gang
were caught and arrested. A check for previous offenses revealed that one of
them had a conviction record for attempted murder.
The youths were taken to the Juvenile Detention Center in
Rayong.
Police briefs
Thanks to a concerned citizen, 16 are arrested for drug use
On September 24 in the early morning hours Pol. Maj.
Kriti Sirirasertchoke received a call from a concerned citizen saying that
there was a group of boys and girls using drugs behind the Mitchuanchin
Restaurant. Police went in and arrested a group of 16 people and took them
back to the station where their urine was checked for illegal substances.
All tested positive and were charged with possession and use of class 1
drug.
Pol. Maj. Kriti said that police are thankful for this
citizen’s action and urge all citizens to report any act of drug use.
Anyone suspected of drug use will also be brought in directly for urine
testing in order to keep cleaning up the city.
Juvenile joyride ends in detention
After Somphon Khawsri, 32, had her 17,000 baht motorbike
stolen, she decided to go looking for the thief herself. She eventually
found her bike on Pattaya Pier next to a youth and promptly called the
police to come and arrest him. And so they did.
The 13 year old boy told police that he had seen the
motorbike standing in the soi and on an impulse he went ‘joyriding’ in
order to show off for his friends. The boy was charged with theft.
Raid on illegal immigrants nets 60
Pattaya’s deputy mayor recently ordered a sweep through
the city’s back sois and makeshift slums to remove as many illegal
immigrants as possible from Pattaya.
Acting on a flood of complaints by tourists who were
complaining about the rudeness and annoyance of some people around Pattaya,
50 policemen and officials were sent out scour the area for those entering
though Thailand’s borders without proper documentation. During the
operation about 60 people of Burmese, Khmer and Cambodian origin were
arrested.
Thai citizens have also been complaining about the rising
number of ‘non-Thai’s’ around Pattaya who are squatting in slums and
whose behavior is anti-social and obnoxious.
Illegal immigrants pour into Pattaya to work in beer bars
and on the streets. They work the streets offering to take pictures of
tourists with wild animals (such as snakes and monkeys) and sell chewing
gum. Their children are often public beggars who hustle spare change for
their parents.
Although these 60 illegal aliens were arrested and
deported back to their respective countries, it is expected they will bleed
back across Thailand’s borders and return to Pattaya.
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