|
Motorcyclists in Pattaya still ignoring helmet law
Songklod Kaewvisit
This just in: Many of the city’s motorcyclists still
don’t wear mandatory safety helmets when riding on the streets of Pattaya.
Is it a case of laziness or willful disobedience?
Many motorcycle riders are not wearing safety
helmets, as is vividly displayed
here at the intersection of
Pattaya Central Road and Third Road.
Despite traffic laws being introduced almost 8 years ago,
motorcyclists wearing safety helmets and the supposed re-enforcement rules
on March 1st of last year, slack enforcement has cultured an innate lack of
concern for abiding by the rules. The police apparently are either not
bothered or unable to enforce the regulations and accidents continue to
happen due to lack of road safety.
Last week reporters decided to see whether the situation
is fact or fiction. Positioned near the intersection of Central Road and
Third Road they witnessed a vast number of motorcyclists and their pillion
passengers riding without helmets. Many were in possession of helmets, but
had placed them in the front basket of the motorbikes instead of on their
heads.
The common practice of three and four and even more
people riding on one motorbike was also witnessed in great numbers. This is
supposed to be against the law. Where were the men in brown? Nowhere in
sight!
Statistics reveal that 70% of fatalities involving
motorcycle riders were due to the rider and/or passenger were not wearing a
helmet.
In a meeting on February 10 at Pattaya City Hall, the
police station management committee and the Pattaya chief of police claimed
that officers have made some effort. Authorities stated they catch and fine
300-400 riders per day. The offenders complain bitterly about the fines and
tell officers police should concentrate on more serious problems.
So should we place the onus on police alone? Traffic laws
are made for everyone to obey. The helmet law has been in place for years.
The steadily increasing number of motorcyclists on Pattaya’s streets makes
it logistically impossible to patrol every road and soi in the city.
Police are obviously not effectively enforcing the laws
or the traffic in Pattaya would not be so dangerous, but motorcyclists also
must start taking responsibility for their own lives and safety and start
cooperating with the laws.
What is the solution? Nothing immediate. The increasing
rate of accidents - at the rate of two deaths every 20 minutes on the
nation’s roads - might eventually wake the sleeping masses. Either that or
most of them will be dead in the next 10 years.
These people are flaunting the laws because of laziness and only stiffer
penalties appear to be part of the solution rather than the standard,
“I’m sorry here’s 200 baht.” Which are definitely not the way things
should work!
Coffin business gets new life as drug
corpses mount up
With the death toll from the government’s war on drugs
now standing at over 1,000, one business has got a new lease of life. In the
southern city of Nakhon Sri Thammarat, coffin makers have been doing brisk
trade since the government’s declaration of war on drugs on February 1,
with over 10 new businesses springing up and intense competition for
customers.
The owner of the city’s first coffin making business,
speaking on condition of anonymity, says that since the opening of the new
businesses, the coffin makers are coming up with new ways of getting
customers, to the extent that some of them even wait at hospital bedsides
for patients to die.
And as coffin makers are cashing in on the increased
number of deaths, emergency workers are also finding their workload heavier
than usual.
An emergency worker from the Prahca Ruam Jai Fund says
that since the launch of the government’s anti-drugs campaign the number
of corpses that the fund had been called on to deal with has soared. The
first few weeks of the campaign saw 2-3 new corpses each day.
Official figures put the death toll from the
government’s war on drugs at 1,100. The government claims that these
murders have been carried out by drug dealers trying to silence anyone
suspected of having information on the drug trade that could prove useful to
the police. (TNA)
Residents receive a boost in service from the Provincial Electricity Authority
New electric sub-office christened in Central Pattaya
Suchada Tupchai
The Central Pattaya electric sub-branch office on Central
Pattaya Road opened on February 25. It will provide extra service for more
than 85,000 users in the Na Jomtien, Sattahip and Banglamung districts.
Pattaya
administrators and Provincial Electric Authority officials gather at the
opening of the new sub-district office in Central Pattaya.
Noranit Rungsiwijitra, Provincial Electricity Authority
deputy governor presided over the opening ceremonies, which were also
attended by many distinguished guests.
The new sub-branch was opened due to long queues and slow
service at the current office located in Pattaya Naklua, where the majority
of electricity subscribers must pay their electrical bills.
The initiative was prompted by a flood of complaints
about the location, poor service and over crowding at the office in Pattaya/Naklua.
The Central Pattaya electric sub branch will handle a
variety of services such as paying electrical bills, requests for supply,
information and rectification of damaged or loss of electricity.
The new sub-branch office is open for business
Monday-Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
For more information call 038 428 502 or 038 428 473. There is also a
24-hour service number for those who lose power, and that number is 038 428
502.
‘Thai Elephant Day’ festivities announced in order to preserve the species and promote tourism
Suchada Tupchai
‘Thai Elephant Day’ is celebrated each year on March
13th. This year Pattaya will hold the event opposite the Fishing Park on
Pattaya Third Road.
Chonburi Province has become a popular habitat for local
and traveling elephants. Many can be found working in shows at local tourist
attractions.
Wirawit Wiwatanavanit, Chonburi deputy governor, Suparb
Pakdee, provincial livestock official, Pattaya City administration and
representatives from Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3 office are now
firming up plans to make this a really enjoyable festival for everyone.
The event will start at 8 a.m. with over 100 elephants
showing the audience their talents. Then these magnificent jumbos will be
treated to a fabulous buffet meal and given medical check ups by
veterinarians.
Deputy Governor Wirawit said the event is held to promote
care and preservation of Thai elephants because they are in danger of
extinction and are in need of help from humans.
Displaying their talents, these giants will perform shows
such trunk painting and a mock elephant battle ridden by mahouts.
To prevent accidents on the day, officials from Khao
Kheow Open Zoo will be providing safety for the audience.
Besides the exciting elephant shows, many shows featuring
humans such as Thai boxing, sword and spear fighting, the Kinnaree dance,
long drum dance and many more will be held on the day.
Another highlight of the event is the Miss Elephant, in
which contestants must weigh not less than 70 kilograms, with set age limit.
Those interested in the events can contact the Thai
Elephants Preservation Society at telephone number 038-756560, or Tourism
Authority of Thailand office at 038-428750 for more information.
Police on night patrol find most karaoke bars free from illegal drugs
The current crackdown on drugs in Pattaya seems to have
made believers out of karaoke fans. After investigating a number of karaoke
bars around Pattaya, and conducting drug tests on over 50 people from 6
karaoke bars, all produced negative results in their urine tests.
Although the tough stance and regular raids have proven
successful to a certain extent, police will continue their regular patrols
and surprise visits to venues and random drug checks will still be
performed.
The policy still stands that any entertainment places
found to have illegal drugs on their premises will be reported to the
Chonburi governor, who will then order the establishment closed for thirty
days. A second offence will result in permanent closure.
Pattaya City holds “Ways to manage environmental problems in Pattaya” workshop
Suchada Tupchai
A special workshop was organized to identify and address
the complex environmental problems in Pattaya. Coordinated by Thai
Association (Magic Eyes), more effective management techniques and measures
were discussed. A brainstorming session was conducted by volunteers and
concerned officials in order to lay plans and set down procedures needed to
solve the problems.
Students
also participated in the environmental workshop, and hopefully will carry
this knowledge and caring attitude into their adult years.
Wuttisak Rermkijikarn, Pattaya deputy mayor presided over
the opening of the workshop, which was attended by 150 representatives from
the government and private sector, teachers and students, community leaders
and operators of restaurants and hotels in Pattaya. These 150 people
comprise an organization of volunteers who work to set up community
activities and programs which address waste management and educate locals in
the benefits of a cleaner environment.
Wannaporn Jamjamrat, director of the city’s Environment
and Health division said, “Pattaya is the most important tourist center in
Thailand. Every year vast numbers of people flow into the city. Information
from census records in January 2003 showed the resident population of
Pattaya to be 89,912 individuals. However, the transient or ‘floating
population’ is closer to 300,000 people. That is indeed a lot of people
who use the city’s recourses and have a direct impact on the environment.
The amount of garbage and waste produced currently amounts to more than 250
tons per day.”
Wannaporn went on to explain, “The Environment and Health division of
Pattaya City did foresee this increase in waste. Accordingly, the division,
with the cooperation of our 150 volunteers has set up a variety of programs
to address waste management including the ‘garbage bank’, the exchange
of garbage for eggs, a recycling program and community activities geared to
involve residents in clean-ups and proper trash disposal.”
Nongprue sub district campaigns for road cleanliness on Soi Nernplubwan
A good housecleaning was needed in the Soi Nernplubwan
area and officials and residents got busy and did it. The roadside cleanup
campaign was led by Mai Chaiyanit, chairman of the Nongprue Administration
Organization. Groups of community volunteers and students along with
residents from Soi Nernplubwan in the 5, 6, 7 and 13 Villages rolled up
their sleeves and joined in.
Residents in the area were encouraged to participate in
the road cleanup to improve the looks of the community. But protection from
health hazards such as bacteria and breeding grounds for mosquitoes that
cause dangerous diseases was the primary force behind the initiative.
Locals were instructed on the importance of proper trash
disposal, the containers and places to place their trash for collection.
Officers also requested business operators who place
their signboards in the public areas to ensure that the signs do not become
an eyesore or obstruct pedestrian walkways.
Water Buffalo runs amok,
injures patrolling police officer
Pol. Sgt Maj. Eakarat Parkpien got more than he bargained
for while on nightly patrol in the Banglamung area when he was injured by a
rampaging water buffalo. The bovine beast had escaped from its pen in the
Pattaya Naklua area in the early hours of the morning.
During a routine patrol, officers received a report from
residents in the Naklua area that the water buffalo had escaped from a
holding pen and was subsequently chasing and threatening anyone who came
close to it on the road. As police and residents chased the animal, trying
to capture it and put back in the pen officer Eakarat was injured.
Rescue personnel were called to the scene and escorted
the injured officer to the Banglamung hospital for treatment.
The buffalo however, was detained and placed in a holding
pen under close watch.
Word on the street is that the buffalo will be (or was)
brought to a temple where it will now live in peace and not be subject to
the butcher’s axe.
Bay Watch: Beware the sacred power pole
What sacred power pole? We hear you say! This power pole,
in Pattaya Second Road, Soi 4 (entrance via Bangkok Bank) escaped being
moved when the road was re-surfaced. The soi in question, at night, is not
well lit and unsuspecting motorists are bound to collide with this pole.
The power pole is the only one along the resurfaced road
that has not been moved and residents say its just matter of time when
someone gets hurt as result of the work department’s lack of
responsibility. To whom does the responsibility belong? Or is it because of
some mystical significance that it was left standing a meter out on the
road?
Like all things in Fun City, time will tell!
Police gatecrash never-ending birthday party
25 women detained, club manager fined
Residents near the Ringo Club and Restaurant complained
to police that the venue was disturbing them by staying open long past the
legal operating hours. 10 policemen stormed the place at 5.30 a.m.
When officers entered the premises they found 25 women
drinking and enjoying themselves. The cops broke up the party and detained
all 25.
The restaurant owner tried to defend himself by saying
that it was a private birthday party after the restaurant had closed, with
no outside clients being served.
Police were not impressed with the ploy and led manager,
Prapan Warasahawat to the police station and where he was fined 2,000 baht
for operating an entertainment business after hours. He was then released.
No, Decorum does not offer drive-thru furniture shopping
Despite this woman’s novel way of creating “factory seconds”
Songklod Kaewvisit
Yao Ruangkam, 47, inadvertently forewent “decorum”
last week when she lost control of her Toyota Corolla Altis and slammed into
the Decorum furniture shop next to Friendship supermarket in South Pattaya.
No injuries were reported, although the auto received considerable damage
and Decorum’s plate glass showroom window was shattered.
Mistaking
the accelerator for the brake, Yao Ruangkam paid an unexpected visit to the
Decorum showroom. No injuries were reported, although the car and showroom
window didn’t fare so well.
Decorum’s French owners Roland Gasonti and George Leson
reported that the furniture received only minor damage. At press time, the
furniture was recovering well.
Yao explained to police that she was actually trying to
park her car in the Friendship supermarket parking lot next to Decorum when
she hit the accelerator instead of the brakes, resulting in the big bang
followed by confusion, then embarrassment.
The car’s hood and bumper were wrecked and one front
tire exploded. Yao said she was insured, although the insurance report will
no doubt be a classic.
Who says an eye-catching showcase does not attract?
Motorcycle thief arrested as he drives directly into a police checkpoint
Not the brightest bulb on the Xmas tree
Sixteen year-old Wirat Somsa was not the smartest thief
in Pattaya. After heisting a gray Honda Wave motorcycle, he drove it
straight into a police checkpoint.
The motorcycle’s owner, Pongsak Prathumdaeng had
reported the bike stolen from in front of an exhibition place near City
Hall.
Wirat admitted to the crime saying that he and his gang
did steal the motorcycle, and it was his duty to take the bike to a safe
place while the rest of the young criminals dispersed from the scene.
Unfortunately Wirat bumped right into a police checkpoint
and upon seeing police tried to ride away. Wise to something fishy going on,
officers followed and when the young thief skidded and fell off the bike he
was easily apprehended.
Officers are still searching for the remaining five gang
members.
Teens storm gas station;
flee with free fuel and cash
A gang 20 of teenagers looking for free fuel and money
for their escapades stormed the PTT gas station on Thepprasit Road.
Station attendant, Benja Yontsiri immediately called in
the incident to police, saying the gang had made off with fuel and cash from
the day’s business operations.
Benja told police that the teenagers approached the gas
station on their motorcycles and asked him to fill the gas tanks. After he
and his colleague had filled up the numerous motorcycles, the teenage gang
attacked them and yanked the money belt that was tied around Benja’s waist
before fleeing the scene. The money belt contained 7,546 baht.
Police recorded the report and have been looking for the
gang without any luck so far.
Australian tourist found dead
in his hotel room
Tragic end to a broken heart
The body of 43-year-old Australian tourist Ian George
Fredrick was found hanging by a belt from a beam in the bathroom of a
well-known hotel in Nongprue district.
Room service staff discovered the body, and police
estimated the time of death to be about 2-3 hours before discovery. There
was no evidence of foul play, but a goodbye letter addressed to a woman
named “Rung” was found on the bed.
Investigating officers questioned hotel staff, who told
officers that the deceased had checked into his room on February 22. They
said he stayed alone and often went out at night.
Police are looking further into the motive of the suicide
and are eager to talk to Ms. ‘Rung’.
As is standard procedure, Ian Fredrick’s body was sent
to the police forensic institute for an autopsy.
Pirated goods dealers arrested in more raids on local shops
Perhaps police needed something different to temporarily
relieve the boredom of arresting more drug dealers, so on Feb. 26 they
decided to raid local shops that have been selling pirated goods, another
ongoing scourge in the city.
“We
didn’t know it was illegal to sell pirated goods,” these now enlightened
vendors told police. “We’ve never been arrested before...”
Amporn Saetae, Ratanaporn Ruansri and Pairat
Kanchananithi were arrested at their stalls in front of Made in Thailand
Market on Pattaya Second Road, and in front of Siam Commercial Bank on Beach
Road, for selling pirated goods.
Police confiscated 80 sets of cameras, stands and other
equipment worth over 50,000 baht.
Questioning the suspects, police learned that the vendors
had obtained the goods from Klong Thom in Bangkok at 400-500 baht per set
and resold them at 1000-1500 baht per set. The group claimed they were
unaware that the goods were illegal, as they had never been arrested for any
previous offences.
However, after police enlightened them, the vendors were charged for
selling goods without correct legal tax documents.
One drowned, seven injured when tourist boat capsizes in Pattaya Bay
Twenty-four others make it to safety
The double-decker tourist boat ‘Metar Namchok’
capsized in Pattaya Bay at approximately 4.30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4,
killing one 40-50 year-old Middle Eastern tourist and injuring seven others.
The identity of the deceased was not immediately known.
The
‘Metar Namchok’ gets towed back to shore after it capsized in Pattaya
Bay. One person drowned, seven others were injured.
The injured included two Canadians, a 69-year-old man and
a 53-year-old woman. At the time of going to press, Pattaya Mail had
only learned the name of one of the injured Thai passengers, Lt. Gen.
Somkiat Lichuntodnart, who had almost drowned and was in a serious condition
when taken to the hospital.
AP reported that five of the injured were unconscious
when they were admitted to Pattaya Memorial Hospital.
Pol. Maj. Preecha Somgrit received the report from water
rescue that the 2 level tourist vessel returning from Larn Island had
capsized and sunk in Pattaya Bay.
The report was immediately relayed to Pattaya’s police
chief, who swiftly organized rescue crews, police and Sawang Boriboon
personnel and immediately dispatched them to the scene.
Several local vessels assisted in the rescue operation,
pulling victims from the water and bringing them ashore. All were taken to
Pattaya Memorial Hospital.
Police questioned Miss Doon Pengklang, a 23-year-old Thai
passenger, and foreign tourist Paul Spawson from Spain, and both told
officers that they had left the South Pattaya pier at 9 a.m. to view coral
reefs on Pattaya glass bottom boats. In the afternoon, when they began their
return to Pattaya, the boat began to take on water on the bottom deck. This
caused some panic among the passengers and they subsequently moved to the
top deck. This went on for approximately 30 minutes until the entire bottom
deck was submerged. This, combined with the added weight on top, caused the
boat to capsize.
The investigating officers learned that the medium sized
vessel was captained by two men identified only as Boy and Ae, aged around
25-30 years old. During the return from Larn Island the boat took on water,
and the pair tried to pump the water out but the pumps malfunctioned.
The pair later disappeared during all the commotion after
rescuers had taken them ashore.
Police are now searching for the two runaway captains for
questioning. They could be facing charges of criminal negligence causing
death and injury.
The 16-meter (53-foot) boat was towed back to Pattaya and left in 15
meters of water where marine officials will examine it to determine the
cause of the accident.
|
