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The more things change, the more they stay the same
Pattaya Mail’s 500th issue
This issue of the Pattaya Mail is our epoch 500th, and it
has been nearly 10 years in the making. So what has changed in the past 500
issues? Not a whole lot.
The Pattaya Marathon, which appeared on the front page of issue #1 (July 23,
1993), is still going strong, and the other top front page story from issue
#1, about U-Tapao "to go commercial in 18 months", only goes to show how
long "18 months" can be here in the Land of Smiles.
One of the front-page headlines in issue #100 (June 28, 1995) was how "The
crash helmet law takes effect to save lives". The law may have been put into
effect, but now, nearly 8 years later, police are still trying to enforce
it, and without much success. Another front-page headline in issue #100 was,
"Ecstasy ends as police descend", and the story was about how police broke
up a drug party. Sound familiar?
When our 200th issue hit the stands May 30, 1997, Chavalit Yongchaiyuth was
prime minister, and he appeared on the front page for bringing the Kingdom's
top 31 exporters to the Royal Cliff to brainstorm ways to expand Thailand's
export trade. The Royal Cliff has since built PEACH and has made its niche
as probably the top seminar destination in Thailand. Also on the front page
of issue #200 was how "Rayong oil slick reaches Koh Samet". Unfortunately, a
similar incident happened just a couple of months ago.
We celebrated Coronation Day on the front page of issue #300, April 30,
1999, but there was also a stern warning from the Immigration Department,
"Immigration warns foreigners against illegal visa extensions ... Do it
right, pay a fine - do it wrong, face jail". Considering one of the stories
that appears on page 4 this week, it seems that not everyone has got the
message.
Exciting news for the local economy was the main front-page story for issue
#400 (March 30, 2001), as we announced that "US Navy plans massive shore
leave in Pattaya - 17,000 US sailors to hit the beach in early April".
Expect somewhat similar news to be forthcoming soon, as the annual Cobra
Gold exercises should be getting underway in a month or so.
It truly is amazing how time creeps along, but some things don't ever seem
to change. One of these constants is that you, our readers, have been
unwavering in your support, something for which we are extremely grateful.
And rest assured that your Pattaya Mail team is as committed as ever to
bringing you the best, most unbiased coverage on the Eastern Seaboard -
hopefully even well past our 1000th issue!
Better consumer protection on its way
Pattaya proving difficult for officials to collect data and monitor business behavior
Suchada Tupchai
The campaign for consumer protection in Pattaya is being stepped up. A wide
range of options will eventually be available to tourists and residents to
ensure a fair deal when paying for goods and services. But to implement the
scheme in cosmopolitan Pattaya is not without its logistical problems.
Komsan Eakkachai, Chonburi Province permanent secretary recently chaired the
1st Consumer Protection Campaign 2003 meeting at Pattaya City Hall.
Attendees included representatives from Chonburi Chamber of Commerce, Public
Health Department, Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3, police offices,
and Pattaya city council.
At the meeting, held on February 20, plans were discussed to prepare
brochures that give consumers information on their rights, how they can seek
help if cheated, where they can go to register complaints, and tips on how
they can avoid being cheated. Logos will be designed and posted in visible
places outside legitimate business establishments with good records.
Distribution of brochures has been delayed due to grammatical mistakes in
the English version. The planning committee has decided that the pamphlets
must also include Chinese, Japanese and German languages and should be
available in most restaurants and hotels. The committee acknowledged that
the printing and distribution of pertinent information must be a top
priority since the problem is still chronic.
According to studies done by the committee, tourists still lack information
on consumers' rights and are often cheated by cunning business operators.
Some products sold in the city are of poor quality. Many establishments have
not even registered their businesses with the authorities and government
offices. This makes it very difficult for inspectors to exert influence or
maintain control.
Another detriment to progress in this area involves the fact that police
officers simply lack clear understanding of the laws on this subject and
have not yet been provided with adequate information.
Many clever schemes are successfully perpetrated on unsuspecting tourists
because of a lack of proper tourist information. Complaints still flood in
from aggravated tourists who've been outrageously overcharged by tourism
operators. Some operators have even gone to great lengths to cooperate with
members of the clergy to sell tourists fake Buddha images at high prices
swearing they are sacred and protective.
PBTA prepares to give tourism awards to Pattaya's outstanding tourism businesses
(L to R) PBTA Vice President
Jamron Wisawachaiphan, PBTA President Surat Mekavarakul, Banglamung District
Chief Somsak Yonokphan and Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Kamolchai
Tienrungroj.
Songklod Kaewvisit
Businesses in Pattaya that show extraordinary performance in the tourism
industry will be rewarded, and just the whos, whens and for whats need to be
worked out.
Surat Mekavarakul, president of Pattaya Business and Tourism Association
(PBTA), recently chaired a meeting to discuss which businesses in various
fields will receive the Pattaya Tourism Awards.
Surat said these awards encourage tourism business operators and motivates
them to improve their services, tourist safety, and environmental
preservation concerns.
The awards are organized by Pattaya Business and Tourism Association in
cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3. The committee
will be looking for 8 tourism businesses that have exceptionally high
standards of service.
Awards are divided into 8 categories and will be given to the 8 outstanding
or best performing businesses in the city, including tourist attractions,
accommodation, restaurants, tourism T.V. programs, activity, tourism
development, tour guides, and tourism media.
Another important award, the "Friends of Pattaya", is presented to a member
of the foreign resident sector in Pattaya who is well-known for his or her
dedication and support towards helping the local community.
Awards are in the shape of sailboats accompanied with certificates. Judges
of each category are experts in their own field.
Pattaya's tourist submarine to arrive soon
Proposal receives protests from some council members
Veerachai Somchart
Pattaya's tourist sub is on its way and should arrive in April or May. But
there is still fear that this kind of tourism destroys reefs and
eco-systems. The location of the operation is also being debated due to
safety hazards.
The tourist submarine joint venture between Hi-Tech Submarine and Dilian
Hi-Win Company from China, offering service for underwater coral reef tours,
has set a delivery date in April or May, once they receive clearance from
the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for standard glass installation on the
submarine.
The company has sent their proposal for licensing to the city to be
forwarded to the Board of Industry, but the proposal was protested by Sanit
Boonmarchai, a council member who stated that as president of the Tourist
Boat Association of Pattaya, he had seen other companies operate underwater
sub tours and they destroyed the natural marine environment.
He referred to Pattaya Pakarang Company that docks their boat near Tawaen
Beach on Larn Island and gives tourists a chance to see the underwater
reefs. Sanit said he received complaints that the crew thoughtlessly pulls
out seaweed and removes marine animals to show to tourists.
Safety measures were also discussed, as the location for the submarine
operation is between Sak Island and Larn Island. The islands are only about
3 kilometers apart and the waters separating them are highly congested with
tourist boats. Other council members agreed that there should be strict
safety measures.
Boonsong Osukon, MD of Hitec Submarine, said that the sub is still under
construction and the estimated cost of the ship was at first placed at 18.5
million Hong Kong dollars, but has increased 2-fold because of the delay
during which they must pay 50 dollars per hour to the ABS.
The company has registered for two ships, Hi-Tec 1 and 2, which will become
the world's 57th and 58th submarines for tourism.
The company has informed the port authority of their safety rules including
informing cargo and tourist boats in the area in a one-mile radius.
Both submarines are 23.5 meters in length and weigh 146 tons each with 25
glass windows on each side. Each sub can carry 48 passengers at one time
plus 4 crew members.
Electrically operated, the maximum speed is 10km per hour. Boonsong said
design functions ensure that the subs do not cause noise pollution or damage
to the natural environment. The sub will be docked at Sak Island with small
boats transferring tourists from Pattaya at Bali Hi Pier.
The tour sub will cruise two miles underwater, 12-17 meters deep. There will
be a 3-story ferry and 4-5 rescue boats on hand. The sub crew is currently
being trained in China.
The fee for the submarine tour will be 2,500 baht for 25-30 minute cruises.
In the past a company called Sport Sub had opened a similar business but it
failed because they did not get enough cooperation from various sectors and
never received a license from the Port Authority Department.
At present there are only two submarines for tourism projects in Thailand:
one in Phuket and the other is Pattaya's upcoming Hi-Tec.
Training seminar held to educate women and children of the dangers of sex traffickers
Associate Judge Sopin
Thappajug, from Chonburi's family and juvenile court, talks to students on
the dangers of entering the sex trade.
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya City is worried about the welfare of the women and children who
reside here. Since many of them are at risk of being lured into the sex
trade, officials want to find ways to better educate the most vulnerable of
society so they can protect themselves from exploitation.
A recent training session organized to teach women and children how to
protect themselves from this kind of victimization was recently held at
Pattaya School Number 8 and hosted by the Department of Social Welfare.
Titled "How to prevent procurement of youth and women for selling sex",
Associate Judge Sopin Thappajug, from Chonburi's family and juvenile court,
presided over the opening. The session was attended by the school's 100
students and participating teachers.
Judge Sopin explained that the trafficking of children and women for
prostitution has become an enormous social problem. She said the cause was
rooted in the country's failure to adequately disseminate information on the
subject to the general public. This meant that the risk group is ignorant of
the dangers and have been victims for a long time.
The judge said that a public information program must be developed that can
reach the public at a grassroots level. An organization such as the
Department of Social Welfare should take responsibly to help get the message
out and use modern technology as an aid.
"This problem has spread throughout Thailand. Unfortunate girls and boys are
procured through promises of work in entertainment venues, and are then
persuaded or coerced into the flesh trade. Some are forced to work with out
payment. Others are drug users and are forced into prostitution to support
their addiction," Sopin said.
During the training session, information was supplied to teachers and
students including national laws that protect women and children, sex
education, guidelines for wholesome and safe lifestyles, and how to enter
occupational training programs.
The data was gathered from the public prosecutor's office in Pattaya,
Banglamung Hospital and the Chonburi Province Tourism, Sport and Activities
Center.
Pattaya police draws battle lines for businesses harboring drug users and dealers
Veerachai Somchart
Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj, Pattaya police chief announced that battle
lines have been drawn on the war against drugs.
 Pol.
Col. Kamolchai Tienrungroj, Pattaya's police chief said that anyone that has
anything to with the drug trade will be hunted down and prosecuted to the
full extent of the law and any businesses harboring such people will have
their business license revoked.
At a recent meeting at city hall, Kamolchai announced that police have
requested businesses such as apartment and condominiums, car and bike rental
operators and local communities to turn in names of suspected drug dealers
and users. Anyone that has anything to with the drug trade will be hunted
down and prosecuted to the full extent of the law and any businesses
harboring such people will have their business license revoked.
Motorcycle taxi points will also be torn down and removed if they are also
involved in drug trade.
The police chief also said that Pattaya Police station has worked with
private organizations in Pattaya to raise funds for the purchase of drugs in
sting operations, as well as anti drug rallies to inspire people to stay
away from the increasing social menace.
Pol. Col. Kamolchai also announced other police matters at the meeting, and
that he has received information from Sopin Thappajug, Chonburi Family Court
associate judge and a member of the police station management committee,
that the current crime level in motorcycle theft has decreased - albeit
slightly - but that theft from hotels has increased.
Pattaya Police station will implement stricter controls and standards in
dealing with this type of crime. Currently the average age of these
criminals is between 15-16 years old and it is causing greater stress on
police resources.
"We ask that hotels assist police in requesting relevant information from
their guests and place quality security systems for locking rooms. Police
investigators are steadily increasing their capacity for weeding out these
criminals," the police chief said.
During the meeting the police chief also announced a new plan in which
traffic police will be placed on a rotating shift to effectively control
traffic snarls that occur between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m.
Kamolchai said, "Unlike most cities, where traffic tends to reduce after
10:00 p.m., in Pattaya it continues until 2-3 in the morning. To solve this
problem, five traffic officers will be placed on duty at various points
around the city to enforce traffic regulations."
The ongoing issue of motorcycle helmets and erratic stopping by baht bus
drivers was also brought up during the meeting.
According to a statistics report, more than 70 percent of deaths involving
motorcycle accidents were attributed to the riders not wearing helmets. The
issue is still a hot topic despite provincial authorities placing signs
throughout the region warning of the need to wear helmets while traveling on
motorcycles.
The Pattaya traffic police, apparently, have been enforcing the helmet law
and catching 300-400 people per day. Most complained about being fined for
flaunting the helmet law, but not for other infringements.
National Police Bureau Deputy Chief Urges low performance police to work harder
Said he will investigate any suspicious shootings
Boonlua Chatree
Early last week, Police General Amnuay Petchsiri, Deputy Chief of the
National Police Bureau, visited Pattaya police station to give the green
light on implementing polices regarding Thailand's war on drugs. He stressed
that the bureau's policies urge police nation-wide to work hard on cracking
down on drug lords and addicts.
General Amnuay visited police stations in several provinces in the eastern
region including Chacherngsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Nakorn
Nayok, Srakaew, and Prachinburi. He was also scheduled to meet with high
ranking police officers at different locations to discuss job performance.
Since tough policies were imposed by the central government on February 1st
of this year a tremendous number of drugs dealers and addicts have laid down
their arms. Some have turned themselves in to police to seek protection
because they were afraid that they might be attacked by their drug clients,
associates or even police.
General Amnuay said Rayong Province was on the low performance list and has
not shown much improvement during the designated period. He said he would
talk to some of the commanders in Rayong about better results. He stated
that he did not want to see any high ranking officers being transferred for
poor performance, but if necessary he would do so as punishment.
Responding to the question of criminals being shot dead by police officers,
General Amnuay said that this happens only if the criminals violently resist
arrest and officers have to defend themselves. Police are trained to protect
themselves and civilians so it was understandable that some uncontrollable
criminals died while resisting capture. But he also stated that he would
investigate any suspicious shootings.
City council still in search of new waste management contractor
Waste crisis looms as contract expires in April
Veerachai Somchart
The contract for Chart Thai Company's waste management will expire on April
13th and City Hall is trying to find a new contractor to continue the
service in Pattaya City and nearby areas before that date.
The open session for contractors' letters submission has a March deadline.
Officials are worried that if no company meets the qualifications set by the
city council, a massive garbage pile-up is imminent. City council members
expressed concern that the qualifications City Hall recently announced might
be too stringent.
To win the tender a company must have not less than 20 million baht
registered capital investment, registration approval by the government, must
be well equipped with management tools, trucks and manpower, and have
approximately 5 rai of land for the waste separation process.
These conditions were set to screen the most capable and suitable company.
The new waste management company must sign a 7-year contract with the city
and start their work on April 14. Unfortunately the city has not yet found a
single company which can meet these specifications.
Wutisak Remkijikarn, Pattaya deputy mayor in charge of public health and
environment, projected that in the past 10 years the number of tons of waste
has increased from 108 tons per day in 1992 to 250 tons per day in 2002.
The deputy mayor said the Chart Thai Company clearly lacks ability to manage
that much waste per day and the city needs a new company that can.
Under the terms of the new contract, Pattaya City would be responsible for
30% of waste collecting along Beach Road, and the new company will be in
charge of 70% of the total area. The contractor must have a waste separation
area, but the city is willing to provide the land and charge only 180 baht
per ton.
Wutisak said Pattaya City is paying much less than other cities for waste
transportation. Chiang Mai is apparently paying 1,200 baht per ton, and 400
to 900 baht is being paid in other areas around the country.
The new company would be paid approximately 65 million baht per year by
Pattaya City Hall. Waste that is separated would have to be moved to a
burying site located in Khao Mai Kaew, Banglamung District.
Companies could still submit their letters of interest to the city before
the end of February. If not, the city will hold another open session for
letters submission in March.
The deputy said, however, the final decision in finding the solution to the
problem must come from the mayor and his board.
Pattaya City holds family health seminar
In compliance with the policies of the Health and
Development Plan Chapter 8 and 9 regarding family health planning, Wutisak
Remkijikarn, Pattaya deputy mayor officially opened a seminar aimed at
educating families on how they can improve their health and prevent diseases
through constructive activities.
Guidance was given on how families can help each other in preventing harmful
drug habits and diseases through closer communications and better
relationships with each other.
Over 100 people from all walks of life in the community attended the
seminar.
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Remkijikarn announced that
harmful drug habits can be avoided and disease prevention can be achieved
through closer communications and better relationships with each other.
Banglamung citizen protection unit volunteers allegedly fire gunshots at motorcycle taxi riders on Pattaya Third Road
Boonlua Chatree
Responding to a report of gunshots being fired on Pattaya Third Road near
Soi Sophon Cable TV office, Pattaya police were called to Pattaya Third Road
near Soi Sophon Cable TV office.
Pattaya police rushed to the scene and found 6 motorcycles lying in the
road. Arthit Churuang, one of the motorcycle taxi riders told police that he
and his friends were attacked by a group of government volunteer officials
in uniforms.
The riders said the volunteers fired gunshots to threaten them and tried to
chase them away from the area, claiming that the area belonged to them. Then
apparently they kicked the motorcycles down to the ground.
Pattaya police later identified and arrested the shooter, Visut Pinthong,
and transferred him to Pattaya police station for questioning. Visit denied
actually firing any shots, but said that he had only pointed his gun at one
man's head and threatened him and his pals to move along and find another
place to ply their services.
Police did not believe Visut's story. They detained him, confiscated the gun
and booked him on charges of carrying and firing gunshots in public and
attempted murder.
German hoodlum finally arrested for visa overstay
Other complaints against him to be dealt with separately
Rene Scheref allegedly has
many complaints against him, but it was his visa overstay that finally got
him off the streets.
Twenty-six year-old Rene Scheref's alleged obnoxious
behavior recently landed him in hot water with a lot of people. But the
German national's long-expired passport finally got him busted.
Police received a number of complaints from restaurant owners and hotels
that a foreigner had been acting like a criminal by not paying for his food
and room. Objections included reports that the German tourist had threatened
women, demanding they hand over their money and had beaten some of them.
The officers apprehended Scheref on Soi Bua Khao and took him to the
international crime suppression bureau in Pattaya for questioning. Checking
his passport, it was revealed that the document had been expired since March
13th of last year.
Pol. Lt. Col Pirom Preeyakorn added that the complaints about Scheref's
cheating restaurants and hotels and beating up people will have to be dealt
with as separate charges.
Dutch drug addict arrested in Jomtien condo
Boonlua Chatree
Thirty-nine-year-old Jacobud Verhees from the Netherlands was arrested in
his apartment in View Talay 2 Condo last week. Nine methamphetamine pills
and equipment used for taking the drugs were seized by officers.
Dutchman Jacobud Verhees was
arrested for possession of illegal drugs.
Police from the foreign crime suppression unit arrested the drugged-up
Dutchman after an investigation led them to believe he was involved in
illicit activities. Armed with a search warrant and a court order for the
man's arrest, police burst into the apartment and found all the evidence
required for a conviction.
During interrogation, Verhees confessed that his addiction drove him to
frequently travel to Thailand over the past 4 years in order to indulge his
craving for the drug. Verhees added that he was smoking 6 tablets per day
and purchasing the pills from service girls in Walking Street, South
Pattaya. He said if he was unable to get his daily fix he would suffer from
blinding headaches.
Police, unsympathetic to the foreigner, cordially escorted him to jail where
charges were filed against him for possession of a class one illegal
substance.
Police Briefs
Roundup of this week's drug eradication efforts
Man arrested for drug dealing and attempted bribery
Sa-on Kankunthod was arrested at his Paradise Apartment by undercover police
last week, and charged with selling ya ba. Unabashed by his arrest, the 50
year old drug dealer from Nakorn Rachasima tried to bribe the officers by
offering 23,330 baht in cash, a gold chain and a Buddha amulet in exchange
for his freedom.
Wrong move. Officers added charges of bribery to the charge of illegal drug
dealing. Then they proceeded to confiscate 33,330 baht, a gold chain, and a
mobile phone.
Meanwhile, Banja Kamtangna age 21 from Rayong was being arrested in front of
BM Apartment for possessing a class one illegal substance and is now in
police custody.
20 Ecstasy pill party goers arrested, including one cop
Police busted up a drug party at a residence in Nongprue and arrested 10 men
and 11 women, including one police official from Chanthaburi. All 21 tested
positive for the drug known as Ecstasy.
Other police officials from Chanthaburi were allegedly also at the party,
but apparently only one produced a positive result in the urine test.
A police spokesman said that police had information that the gang usually
got together at entertainment places for their drug parties, but even after
the party was over they would go to different homes to continue their drug
sprees.
Pattaya Police set up checkpoints around the city
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya police have been setting up checkpoints at various areas around the
city to monitor motorists and make vehicle inspections. A recent checkpoint
on Soi Arunothai off Pattaya Central Road, manned by more than 30 officers,
stopped and inspected vehicles and searched drivers for illegal drugs and
weapons. The shakedown did not turn up anything illegal, but the police
presence did send a clear signal that law enforcement is taking their job
seriously. The checkpoints around the city are also aimed at discouraging
and reducing crime and making residents feel more comfortable knowing that
police are sweeping every corner of the city to clear out bad elements.
One drug dealer shot dead and another seriously injured
The body-count from the drug crackdown in Pattaya City and its surrounding
districts rose again last week when one man died and another was sent to the
hospital to fight for his life, following a double-shooting at a Muslim
village in Soi Mabyailea in Nongprue.
Somchai Samran, aged 33, succumbed to 9mm gunshot wounds. Sompob Samran aged
34, is in Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital.
When police questioned witnesses they learned that before the shooting,
Sompob and his brother were waiting for another drug dealer to deliver the
goods. After a while two men on a Honda Chopper approached and the men got
into an argument regarding payment of the ordered drugs.
Suddenly one of the men took out a gun and shot Somchai, killing him
instantly. Then the shooter fired at Sompob, who tried to run for his life,
but was shot in the back of the neck through the right cheek and was
seriously injured.
Local police raid Larn Island on a drug crackdown operation
Reports of blatant drug trafficking and drug abuse on Larn Island have been
accumulating and complaints from tourists and residents prompted officials
to take action. After an extended investigation and some careful planning,
police executed a raid on the island's drug dealers and users last week.
Over 50 officers armed with search warrants and court orders swept over the
area and rounded up suspects. Searches, interrogation and mandatory drug
testing netted local culprits including tourist boat and Jet Ski operators
and motorcycle taxi riders.
Fourteen people produced positive results in their urine test. They were
taken to the police station and charged for possession and/or consumption of
illegal substances.
The officers gave stern lectures to local residents on the island and made
them swear never to get involved in illegal drugs, either directly or
indirectly.
Pol. Col Kamolchai Tienrungroj stated that to comply with the government's
order on drug suppression it was important that the resort island be rid of
the menace as soon as possible. He stressed that since many tourists from
all over the world come to Larn Island for their vacations, they should be
able to expect maximum safety and security during their stay.
Pattaya police have now set up a special crime suppression unit that
operates 24 hours a day to handle incoming reports on drug related
activities.
Seventy seven people turn themselves in to officials at the Nongprue
District office to receive drug rehabilitation
Voices filled with fear pledged publicly to swear off drugs
Songklod Kaewvisit
In an effort to avoid arrest - or worse - and to attempt to reclaim their
shattered lives, 77 drug addicts and traffickers last week turned themselves
over to officials to receive treatment for drug abuse.
At 10 a.m. on Thursday February 20 the group associated with the drug trade
turned themselves over to authorities at the Nongprue District
Administration office. During an oath swearing ceremony, users and dealers
pledged they would not be tempted into the drug trade again. Most were
frightened they would be victims of extra-judicial killings or assignation
by associates.
Administration officials and officers from the Banglamung police station
were on hand to record individual details. In accordance with the current
drug suppression policy, speed addicts will be sent to the Wiwat Community
School for rehabilitation.
Those dealing in methamphetamines swore an oath never to return to the
illicit trade. The oath was witnessed by district office village headmen,
sub-district village leaders and police officials.
Latest figures reveal that 7,171 names make up the current blacklist of
dealers and users in the Banglamung district. Nongprue has a total of 340
names. Each person on the list will be subjected to police action.
During the pledge ceremony the resounding voices of the 77 people rang out
with fear of being shot, either by others in the drug circles or by alleged
undercover officials.
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