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Deputy MOI gives Pattaya
3 months to conform with ‘social order policy’
Promises to review policy in future
Songklod Kaewvisit
Deputy Minister of Interior Pracha Maleenont has given
Pattaya’s entertainment industry 3 months to prove that they can conform
to the MOI’s ‘social order policy’, and has promised a review in the
future.
Deputy
Minister of Interior Pracha Maleenont has given Pattaya’s entertainment
industry 3 months to prove that they can conform to the MOI’s ‘social
order policy’, and has promised a review in the future.
Deputy Minister Pracha, charged with the responsibility
of overseeing and enforcing the ministry’s social order policies, recently
paid a visit to Pattaya. His mission was to present the central
government’s current policies to officials in Pattaya and Banglamung and
local business leaders.
During the meeting the deputy minister said he would look
at increasing the operating hours, provided that businesses improve their
image and comply with the policy over a 3-month probation period.
The Ministry of Interior has imposed, under its social
order campaign, strict regulations on entertainment venues, including a
complete ban on lewd shows, illegal drugs in any establishment, prevention
of people under the age of 20 entering these venues and the overall closing
time of 2 a.m. for all entertainment businesses.
The MOI has promoted these issues around the nation and
the majority of the Thai population approves of the policies.
On this occasion the deputy minister reiterated the
current policy to the Pattaya and Banglamung community so the local police
departments and those involved would know their scope of work and can
strictly enforce social order, despite the fact that many local business
operators have petitioned to allow entertainment venues to remain open after
the 2 a.m. deadline.
Surat Mekavarakul, president of the Pattaya Business and
Tourism Association (PBTA) suggested that the government enforce a curfew
which prevents juveniles being in inappropriate places after 9 p.m. He added
that there is no clear evidence as to whether drug users take drugs inside
entertainment venues or outside the venue and called for urgent progress on
the issue of the zoning of entertainment areas and the use of ‘sniffer’
dogs to search entertainment venues for illegal narcotics.
Chanyut Hengtrakul, advisor to the minister of tourism
and sports called for the government to review and change the current
legislation, in force since 1966, governing entertainment establishments.
He cited that the law was over 36 years old and was
inapplicable to today’s conditions and that it should be updated in order
to more effectively deal with modern business operations.
Chanyut went on to say that the out-of-date law has hit
the entertainment industry hard with a huge loss of income from the 2 a.m.
closing time. He explained that many business owners had to lay off staff
and cut back on expenses to survive. If this continues, he said, it will
ultimately affect the local, regional and national economy.
Chanyut called for a review of the closing time issue
specifically in Pattaya, as it is a popular tourist destination generating
huge income for the national economy through the entertainment industry.
Tawit Chaisawangwong, chairman of the Pattaya council
said, “In reality, many would like to see Pattaya remain open around the
clock. To do this, the government might have to separate places frequented
by foreigners and those frequented by Thais. That would mean that the law
would state that those venues patronized by Thais would close at 2 a.m. and
those establishments in operation only for foreigners could remain open
later.
Tawit also requested a speed-up of the zoning process in
Pattaya. Since the city is growing so quickly, he said, it is imperative
that zoning laws catch up.
Dr. Permsak Piyayaru, head of the senate labor committee
voiced his observations by referring to a current study on the various
professions and labor conditions in Pattaya.
The report shows there is such a wide mix of both Thais
and foreigners in the city that there really is no other town or province
with which it can be accurately compared.
Dr. Permsak suggested the government review the issue of
closing hour of 2 a.m. and asked how they intend to control it or perhaps
revise it.
Many business operators have requested self-autonomy
within the 3-month probation period and will work within the realm of the
current policies. In return they want the government to review these
policies and find a way for Pattaya business operators to function at a more
appropriate level in the future.
Pracha Maleenont responded to the comments by stating
that 3 large entertainment venues in South Pattaya have been temporarily
closed because they flaunted the rules and felt they were above the laws and
policies of the MOI. In regard to speedy changes to the MOI’s social order
policy, he said they will not be forthcoming soon because at this time the
majority of the Thai public around the nation is supporting them.
Pracha added that he thinks Pattaya’s plea for special
treatment because it is a center for tourist trade might fall on deaf ears
because other cities around the country have also used that reason to try to
avoid the ministry’s decree.
Pracha said, “You are asking that the government help
Pattaya and review this policy. It would be better to ask the business
operators to help themselves and follow the regulations first. Let them
prove that they can totally eliminate illegal drugs in their venues, stop
all forms of lewd entertainment and not allow any people under 20 years old
to frequent these venues within the 3-month probation period. If they do all
of this with due diligence the government and MOI will review the policy.”
“But these businesses must cooperate and not allow any
infringements to occur within the next 3 months,” Pracha added.
The deputy minister called for cooperation from local officials to carry
out their duty effectively. Department heads were told to set a good example
for their subordinates and diligently oversee the process of enforcing the
social order policy. If this process is adhered to and the laws are enforced
without exception there is every reason to believe that Pattaya’s image
will improve and the city will continue to be a popular tourist haven.
Royal Turf Club may build new horse racing track in Pattaya
“But definitely not by the beach,” says mayor
Suchada Tupchai
A debate arose at a recent meeting among members of the
Royal Turf Club, Bangkok about relocating the horse racing track, the old
Nang Lerng Horseracing track, currently situated in the middle of Bangkok,
to Pattaya City. Strong backing came from Bangkok Governor Samak Sundhorawej,
who said it was a brilliant idea and that it would reduce traffic congestion
during weekends.
Pattaya Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat told Pattaya Mail
that there was a big chance a new and very modern horse racing track would
be built here in Pattaya in the near future.
He said that Somchai Khunpluem, Mayor of Saensuk
Municipality, recently offered the Royal Turf Club a 626 rai and 34 square
wah plot of land, situated on Highway 331, opposite Asian University of
Science & Technology in Huay Yai Sub-district, Banglamung.
The mayor said presently the project is literally on the
drawing board. Architectural plans and control measures are being reviewed.
The expense is being estimated at 2 billion baht. He said this new horse
racing track would be one of most advanced and hi-tech in the world, similar
to one built in Kokura, Japan. He added that the idea of having it built by
the beach seemed impossible because Pattaya City does not have the space.
Bangkok Governor Samak Sunthorawej said that the current
horse racing track (Nang Lerng) is 85 years old and when there are horse
races, severe traffic jams occur, creating big problems for Bangkokians
traveling during rush hours.
Bangkok’s governor added that it was torture for big
and young-blooded horses to race on a short distance track and have to
maneuver sharp curves due to limited space, so the racetrack should be moved
to someplace else.
Regarding concerns that gambling in casinos and at
racetracks could be the financial ruin of some people and their families,
Mayor Pairat said that most of the visitors to these places are
businesspeople that gamble regularly. He said they will gamble in any
country, whether it is casinos or horseracing tracks.
The mayor mentioned Hong Kong as an example of a very
popular destination for risk lovers. He said there is an old saying: “To
visit the heart of Hong Kong is to be at the horse racing track.” So the
upcoming horse racing track should help pump up Thailand’s economy rather
than create a negative image.
Pattaya City officials fed up with lazy motorcyclists in front of City Hall making illegal U-turns
City tells traffic cops to ‘wake up’ and force motorcyclists to obey traffic laws
Deputy Mayor Niran Wattanasatsathorn has instructed
municipal officers and traffic police to fine riders and confiscate
motorcycles who are using the turn-off into city hall in front of the Lotus
department store on North Pattaya Road as a convenient shortcut and an
illegal U-turn.
A large number of motorcyclists have been taking
advantage of Pattaya’s the lax traffic enforcement and using the turn
inappropriately, often causing traffic delays and accidents.
Fed up with the situation the deputy mayor ordered
relevant authorities to do their job and enforce the regulations.
On the first day of the crackdown over 30 motorcyclists
were fined. Most work in the area and habitually use the short cut on daily
basis. On the second day police confiscated drivers’ licenses and riders
had to pay their fine at the police station where they were given a strict
warning.
This section of road is notorious for vehicles traveling
at high speed and a number of accidents have resulted because bike riders
make illegal U-turns at this juncture, causing severe injuries and
fatalities.
Traffic police were reminded that unless they enforce the
traffic regulations effectively, motorists will continue to flaunt the rules
resulting in even more accidents.
Pattaya now officially searching for new waste management company
Wants a company that can effectively manage the city’s mounting waste
Suchada Tupchai
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Remkijikarn, charged with looking
after Pattaya’s hygiene, sanitation and environment issues, met with Tawit
Chaisawangwong and other city officials this week to discuss the company’s
waste management contract. The city is preparing to announce that a tender
will be opened to contractors for bidding when the current contract with
Chart Thai Co. Ltd. finishes next April.
Wutisak said, “The purpose of this meeting is to
consult and refine conditions of the contract and work out the bidding
process so we can create a tender for bid next month. The city has
determined a tender submission price of 10,000 baht per bid, as a company
must be stable enough and have at least guaranteed funds 10 million baht.”
Some wording in the contract, however, still needs to be
corrected. Presently the contract is for a period of 7 years with the option
to renew for another 7 years. The city objects to the automatic renewal
option under the same conditions of the first 7 year period. This wariness
on the part of the city stems from awareness that conditions and costs
change and fluctuate over the course of time and officials want the option
to make the company comply with changing logistics. Therefore, Pattaya City
contract managers want to monitor and assess results every 4 months.
The new waste management contact begins May 1, 2003 and
runs until April 30, 2010.
Terrorism not likely in Thailand, says NSA leaders
National Security Association tells THA Thailand is not a destination for terrorist acts
Songklod Kaewvisit
Leaders of Thailand’s National Security Association
last week told a gathering of THA Eastern Region Chapter members that
Thailand is not a place where terrorist acts are likely to occur.
Khajatpai
Burutpat, president of National Security Association, said that it is
unlikely terrorist acts will happen in Thailand.
To address the question of public safety and concerns
about whether Thailand is a target for terrorist acts, Chatchawal
Supachayanont, president of THA Eastern Region Chapter chaired a meeting
recently held at Town in Town Hotel, which was attended by Khajatpai
Burutpat, president of National Security Association, Air Marshal Raweerong
Boonnak, the advisor of the association, and representatives from various
governmental and private sectors.
Air Marshal Raweerong said the bombings in Bali and the
Philippines created severe damage to tourist destinations in Southeast Asia,
including Thailand. He says tourists feel that they do not have enough
security and are holding back their trips to the region. In addition,
Western governments have warned their citizens that it is dangerous to visit
tourist places in the Far East.
Raweerong said there are five urgent issues that the
government must actively and rapidly tackle. First is to eliminate conflicts
between local businesses that might negatively affect the local business
climate in the eyes of foreign investors. He said the authorities must also
clear out illegal immigrants hiding in the country.
The labor department declared 15 years ago that there
were around 70,000-80,000 immigrants in Thailand. The number has currently
risen to 1 million. Eighty percent are from Burma. The government has
repeatedly announced to all business owners who have immigrants working for
them to register these people at the Immigration Department.
The drug endemic and minority clashes are two more
problems that the government must address more successfully.
Regarding the foreign criminal element in the kingdom,
police files show the leading groups of foreign mafia are from Britain,
Germany, Korea, Japan, and Russia.
Their targets are obviously Western tourists visiting
popular destinations in Thailand. It is, however, difficult to predict which
individuals or groups enter the country with ill intentions since Thailand
is an open country receiving as many as 8 to 9 million visitors each year.
The Air Marshal pointed out that money laundering,
illegal and suspicious businesses and many threatening activities are
gradually and quietly shaking stability and disrupting the economic growth
of the country.
Nevertheless, he said he believes that Thailand is not a target for
international terrorists. He said that the country has the tightest security
in Southeast Asia. He also stressed that Pattaya will never fall into evil
hands.
Pattaya’s “special status” debate rolls on
Social order policy will continue to be enforced in Pattaya
Chonburi Governor Sawang Sisakun has announced that
strict policies ruling the nation’s entertainment establishments are now,
and will continue to be, enforced in Pattaya.
Chonburi
Governor Sawang Sisakun said that strict policies ruling the nation’s
entertainment establishments will continue to be enforced in Pattaya.
Pracha Maleenon, deputy minister of interior is in charge
of implementing the policy and recently held a meeting to let owners of
Pattaya entertainment venues ask questions.
Chadej Insawang, former governor of Chonburi who is now
vice secretary of state tourism and sports, stated that 3 establishments in
South Pattaya have already been closed for a time of 30 days because they
did not comply with the laws.
He reiterated the 3 main laws which are the core of the
Ministry of Interior’s social order policy.
1. No person under 20 is allowed into any nighttime
establishments.
2. No drugs are to be used in, or in the vicinity, of any
establishments.
3. All establishments must be closed at 2 a.m.
Violation of these rules will lead to a penalty of forced
closure for 3, 10, 15 or 30 days, depending on the charges and degree of
offence.
A question was asked, “If some establishment containing
about 200 people is raided and 2 people test positive for drugs, is it fair
to close the establishment?”
Chadej said that he could not fully answer that
particular question since the laws need to be reviewed and clarified, and
each case would be evaluated.
Chadej acknowledged that there are some who feel that a
popular tourist destination such as Pattaya should be given some leeway
regarding these laws since they are party cities, and many festivals will
take place during the peak tourist season, such as Loy Krathong, Christmas
and New Year. There have been pleas from the business community to make
Pattaya an exception to a law that covers the entire nation.
Chadej said, however, that this policy has come down from
the central government in Bangkok and the government insists that it be
enforced.
The meeting was publicized and owners and operators of
entertainment venues were encouraged to attend, but of the 270
establishments that were contacted, only about 50-60 were represented at the
meeting.
Some establishments in Pattaya have been flaunting the
laws and have made the city a target for special notice. Many people have
the view that Pattaya is a tourism city and should not be treated like other
places out in the country that have no tourists and partygoers.
Purachai, the ex-minister of interior and the architect
of the ‘new social order policy’ said that he is certain that most
parents of children don’t want their kids out until 4 or 5 in the morning
because it is dangerous and they have no money of their own to spend.
But he also added that he is aware that Pattaya is a
tourist city and that many foreigners object to the closing time of 2 a.m.
and would like to see it extended.
To please everyone, and still try to maintain law and
order and regain Thai traditional values and protect family life will not be
easy. There were some suggestions that foreigners could perhaps drink and
party later, but Thais would be subjected to the 2 a.m. cut-off time. Thais
found in the establishment after 2 a.m. would subject the business to fines
and perhaps a closedown.
Another idea came up that if a Thai woman was with a
foreigner, and she wanted to stay longer than 2 a.m. she should surrender
her national ID card and supply a contact address in case there was an
incident of drugging or robbery.
Purachai Piumsomboon, Minister of Justice, is very sure
of the plan and said he hopes that some of these ideas to modify the plan
can be done. However, there is still the question whether this law will
actually stop drug problems, sex shows, under aged children going out and
bars opening after 2 a.m.
If any establishments are closed for business because of their ignorance
of the new laws they must send a formal letter to the ministry in order to
show that they will follow the laws in the future.
Arrested foreigner roughed up by police
Arresting officer said the perp was abusing him
Boonlua Chatree
Responding to a report last week that a car was blocking
the entrance of Soi 10, officers arrived to find a dark blue Mercedes Benz
parked across the road. Inside sat a foreigner, later identified as Jonathan
Peter Fox, age 41.
After
allegedly being “uncooperative” and abusive with police, Jonathan Peter
Fox ended up with a busted eye and an extended visit to crowbar hotel.
Since it was 1:30 a.m. and the man was behaving
strangely, officers asked to see the man’s drivers’ license. Fox was
allegedly uncooperative and became verbally abusive, allegedly using foul
4-letter words and obscene hand gestures.
Police promptly arrested Fox and charged him with 5
different offences, including obstructing a public road and assaulting an
officer of the law.
During questioning, Fox swore he did nothing to offend
the policeman, but said the police had used violence against him and pointed
to his black eye and bleeding eyebrow.
The arresting officer, however, denied assaulting the foreigner, saying
the man had resisted arrest.
Speeding motorcyclist dies after losing control and colliding with power pole
One woman injured
An as yet unidentified man died last week after losing
control of his motorbike and colliding with a power pole near the Yodthong
Thai Boxing School in Banglamung.
The accident happened some time after midnight on
Wednesday evening.
The unidentified Thai national, between 30-35 years old,
was lying near the crumpled motorcycle, which was wrapped around a power
pole. Accident investigation officers questioned nearby residents and were
told that just before the accident they heard the motorcycle speeding along
the stretch of road coming from the direction of Sukhumvit.
When residents heard the collision they called the police
and went to investigate. At the scene of the crash they found a woman who
was injured during the accident and sent her to Banglamung Hospital for
treatment. They left the body untouched, waiting for police to arrive.
Officers said it appeared the man riding the motorcycle
lost control on the corner where there was loose sand on the road, and then
smashed into the pole.
The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Unit transferred the body to
the Banglamung Hospital and are waiting for relatives to claim it and
proceed with funeral and religious ceremonies.
Driver killed in late night car crash on Sukhumvit
Animal crossing cited as cause
Boonlua Chatree
A speeding van flipped over on Sukhumvit Highway at 2:30
a.m. on November 10 killing the driver.
Coming
home from a party, perhaps driving too fast, the driver of this van lost his
life on Sukhumvit Highway.
The black Chevrolet van was crushed, upside down in the
middle of the road. The lifeless body of the driver was found 15 meters away
from the van where it had obviously been thrown on impact.
After interviewing witnesses and examining the scene,
police concluded that the driver of the car, Tawarn Tongkon, age 34, had
been coming home from a party and lost control of his van when he swerved to
avoid a dog crossing the road.
The car flipped over and crashed into the small crossing
bridge in the middle of the street. Then it crashed into an electric pole
which snapped in half from the force.
Not wearing a seatbelt, Tawarn Tongkon flew out of the window, and is
believed to have died instantly. Police quickly moved the debris leftover
from the bridge, which was lying all over the road, and transported the body
to Banglamung Hospital.
Two Thai tourists robbed of 50,000 baht while sleeping
Victims suspect thief used sedative gas to drug them
Two Thai tourists staying in a hotel in North Pattaya
awoke to find cash and valuables missing from their room. The tourists
suspect that the thief had used sedative gas to drug them while they slept,
and that their not waking up during the thievery had nothing to do with the
fact they had been out late the night before.
Wanwisa Samarngnate and Kriangkrai Rakkulachon awoke from
their hotel room after a night out to find they had been robbed of their
personal belongings. Wanwisa said her handbag was stolen from the bedside
table. Inside the handbag were 10,000 baht in cash, credit cards, mobile
phones and a return ticket to Australia. Kriangkrai said 30,000 baht in
cash, credit cards and 2 mobile phones were stolen from his room.
The pair told police that they had been out late the
night before, and had returned to their hotel rooms and fallen asleep. Both
victims told investigating officers they had no recollection of anyone
entering the room and suspect that the thief used some form of sedative gas
so they would not wake up when the thief or thieves went about their
business.
Kriangkrai added that he suspected that the thief was in
an adjacent room and entered via the balcony. Also, when Kriangkrai had
called the bank to inform the theft of his credit cards, he was told that a
purchase had already been made in Pattaya.
Hotel records showed that the occupant in the next room,
a Thai national, had checked in very early the same morning. Apparently the
details he entered on the hotel registration form did not match the vehicle
registration.
Officers suspect that thief had carefully selected his
targets, waiting for the appropriate time to make his move. The suspect was
identified as a Thai male, aged between 30-35 years old and driving a green
BMW, which perhaps indicates that he is good at what he does. After all, how
many petty thieves drive BMWs?
Local officers recorded the details and are now
continuing their investigations. Given they are getting cooperation from
regional police units, they said they expect to make an arrest in the near
future.
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