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A most happy birthday to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
The Kingdom of Thailand on April 2 celebrates the most
auspicious occasion of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri
Sirindhorn’s birthday. We at the Pattaya Mail join in with our most humble
wishes to HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for a long, healthy and happy
life.
The
entire Pattaya Mail staff joins the Kingdom of Thailand in humbly wishing
HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn a long, healthy and happy life on this
occasion of the Royal Anniversary of Her Birth.
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was
born on April 2, 1955, the third child of Their Majesties the King and Queen
of Thailand.
HRH studied from kindergarten to high school at
Chitralada School in Bangkok. She ranked first in the National School
Examinations in the primary level (grade 7) in 1967 and in upper secondary
level (grade 12) in 1972.
Ranking fourth in the National University Entrance
Examination HRH enrolled in the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University
and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, first class honor, and
received a gold medal in History. Her graduate programs ran concurrently as
she obtained an M.A. in Oriental Epigraphy (Sanskrit and Cambodian) from
Silpakorn University in 1978, and an M.A. in Pali and Sanskrit from
Chulalongkorn University in 1980. She enrolled in a doctoral program at
Srinakharinwirot University (former College of Education) in 1981, and was
awarded a doctoral degree in Development Education in 1987.
Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn uses education as
a means of community and social development. Her methods were acquired
during her studies and experiences in the field and provide a solid base for
the many projects she supports that advance the quality of life for ordinary
Thais.
HRH has also attended several training courses including
computer, cartography, meteorology, survey and photo-grammetry, remote
sensing and geographic information systems.
Acquiring first-hand experience by working for Their
Majesties the King and Queen’s development projects in such fields as
nutrition, health and hygiene, education, water agriculture and cottage
industry has aided HRH in promoting much progress in these areas.
From these experiences HRH developed special interests in
agricultural extensions to improve schoolchildren’s nutrition. She
supports education from pre-school to tertiary levels and programs which
focus on mother and child care. HRH has also made great improvements in the
lives of handicapped persons through support of technology (IT) to develop
independent living skills.
HRH runs several philanthropic organizations and
foundations. She has been Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross
Society since 1977; Executive Chairman of the Chaipattana Foundation (in
charge of His Majesty’s development and environmental preservation
projects), Ananda Mahidol Foundation (to promote higher education), the King
Rama II Foundation (to conserve and promote Thai Culture); President of the
Sai Jai Thai Foundation (to support disabled veterans), Prince Mahidol Award
Foundation (to award prizes annually to members of the international
community for health); and Adviser to the Committee of Thai Junior
Encyclopedia Project by Royal Command of H.M. the King.
HRH began her teaching career in 1979, teaching the
General Education Program at Chulalongkorn University. A year later, she
joined the Department of Law Military Academy.
Presently she is Director of the Department of History,
and has helped to revise its curriculum. She also supervises the Thai Music
Club at the Academy.
In 1991, HRH was awarded the Magsaysay Award for Public
Service.
HRH also represents Their Majesties in various royal
functions and presides over social and charity functions throughout the
year.
One of HRH’s favorite pastimes is writing articles,
poetry and short stories. Proceeds from her written accounts of her overseas
travels are the main source of income of the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
Foundation. The Foundation was set up in 1979 to support needy students in
schools, vocational colleges and universities.
HRH loves Thai and foreign literature. She paints, plays
classical Thai instruments and practices Thai classical dancing. She is also
keen on sports including jogging, swimming, biking and trekking, which gives
her an opportunity to learn about plants, trees and geographical features of
the areas.
In addition to her knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit and Cambodian, HRH is
fluent in both English and French and has been learning Chinese, German and
Latin.
Hundreds of thousands pack North Pattaya for this year’s Music Festival
TAT
estimates that despite daily thunder showers, over 300,000 people crammed
into North Pattaya for the Pattaya Music Festival 2003, although anyone
trying to get through town would have been forgiven for thinking the number
was much higher. The daily soaking didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of
the revelers, however, as for the most part the event went off peacefully
and without too many problems. Shown here, Thongchai ‘Bird’ McIntyre and
his three beautiful supporting singers Jintara Phoonlarp, Cathaliya English,
and Nat Meria brought down the house with their platinum song ‘Fan Jaa’.
Huge crowds rocked and rolled at Pattaya’s fabulous
3-day music fest, which began on March 21 at 5:30 p.m. when Sontaya
Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports opened the greatest music festival
in Thailand at the Red Stage near Pattaya City Hall.
Minister
of Tourism and Sports Sontaya Khunpluem (center) opened “the greatest
music festival in Thailand” at the Red Stage near Pattaya City Hall.
Accompanying him are Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (back left), TAT
Governor Juthamas Siriwan (front left), Chanyuth Hengtrakul and Santsak
Ngampiches (front right).
A
member of Baby Vox from Korea receives a lovely bouquet from Sontaya
Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports.
The
ever beautiful Cristina Aguilar.
Mayor
Pairat Suttithamrongsawat (closest) chats with Thongchai ‘Bird’ McIntyre
during the opening of the Pattaya Music Festival.
Bird
(center) with his lovely co-stars Jintara Phoonlarp (far right), Cathaliya
English (left) and Nat Meria (back) in ‘Fan Jaa’ which has sold millions
of copies throughout Thailand.
Johny’s
Junior whips up a storm on the red stage.
Over 200 musicians, singers and dancers from over 40
music companies performed 3 days and 3 nights of non-stop musical shows on
three different stages, red, blue and green.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimated over
300,000 attended the event and not less than 700 million baht filled the
coffers of the local community. It was one of the Tourism Authority of
Thailand’s most vigorous campaigns this year to encourage Thai and foreign
people to travel around Thailand more to create better income circulation
throughout the year.
Sawarng Srisarkun, Chonburi governor presided over the
opening ceremony and welcomed the music fans to the event. Popular Thai
singers Thongchai ‘Bird’ McIntyre, Jintara Phoonlarp, Cathaliya English,
Nat Meria, Mos Pathiparn, along with Johny’s Jr. and 5 Baby V.O.X. from
South Korea sang Thai national anthem on the Red stage as well as other
singers on Blue and Green stages to mark the event’s official opening.
Johny’s Junior led by ‘Tucky’ Takisawa Hide Aki
made over 30 front-stage fans faint. The overcome fans were carried out from
the crowd and were taken care of by mobile first aid units set up near the
stage.
Baby
Vox dances to the beat.
With
storm clouds looming in the background, thousands upon thousands of music
fans crowded into North Pattaya for the concert event of the year.
So
crowded was stage side that some fans fainted and had to be lifted out of
the masses.
Thongchai ‘Bird’ McIntyre and his three beautiful
supporting singers Jintara Phoonlarp, Cathaliya English, and Nat Meria
almost tore the stage down with their platinum song ‘Fan Jaa’. They were
followed by troops of singers including Baby V.O.X. from South Korea,
Cristina Aguilar, J-Jetrin, Theerapat, Mai Charoenpura, Palmy, and Mos
Pathiparn.
The opening night was broadcast live on Channel 9
throughout the nation.
The Red stage featured Pop and Rock music performed by
many popular performers, including Labanoon, Clash, Pang Nakharin, Peter
Corp Dyrendal, Maew Jirasak Panphum, and Silly Fools.
On Sunday, country songs or Lukthung lovers flocked to
the Red stage to listen to Cham Chamram, Luknok Suphaporn, Jonas Anderson,
Kristy Gibson, Peter Sariwong, Waipot Petsuphan, Chai Muangsingh, and Mike
Phiromporn throughout the day.
At the Blue stage near Dusit Resort Pattaya, Indy, Rhythm
and Blues, and Hip Hop singers including Styrene Jungle, Karn Kho Club, Body
Slam, AB Normal, The War, Saturday Seiko, Paradox, Black Head, Modern Dog,
Taxi, Big Ass, Ebola and many more performed their numbers, which
magnificently attracted lovers of this type of song throughout the 3 day
event.
At the Green stage, people gathered to listen to nice and
easy listening songs performed by Beau Sunita, Sumet & the Pung, Mee
Pooh, Chat, Oh Seksan, Pramote Vilepana, Thee Chaidej, and Palapol.
Besides the popular singers’ performances, local
talented independent musicians also got their chance to perform on stage for
the audience. Near the three stages, booths selling tapes and CDs, music
instruments, and souvenirs were set up which perfectly filled the air with
fun and enjoyment throughout the festive and friendly Pattaya Music Festival
2003 event.
Another unavoidable situation was the severe traffic jams
throughout the 3-day event. Authorities seemed to have no idea how to
improve traffic flow.
Next year the music festival should again draw great
crowds to Pattaya. So be prepared for the fun and faint!
INN radio news agency hosts the first ‘INN News Agency Charity Rally’
Suchada Tupchai
The Independent News Network (INN), which broadcasts news
on FM 96, FM 99.5, and a number of Thai newspapers under the INN Group
together with the Yokradup Domunag Public Company, kicked off the first
‘Together We can help Charity Rally’ March 15-16. The rally from Bangkok
to Pattaya also included activities such as a lunch with the children at the
Pattaya Orphanage.
The
rally group stopped by the Pattaya Orphanage to lay on lunch for the
children and donate needed items.
Somchai Saewonkarn, director of the community radio
station said, “We decided on the route from Bangkok to Pattaya because it
is convenient and there are plenty of attractions and tour spots along the
way. Entrants in the rally are from the ‘Together We Can Help’ section
of INN news agency as well as program listeners who made donations to the
charitable cause.”
“The proceeds from the rally will be presented to the
Thammarak Niwat Project for AIDS Treatment at Phra Bat Namphu Temple in
Lopburi Province for the purchase of drug testing equipment for government
and private organizations,” Somchai explained.
Over 300 people in 97 vehicles joined in the rally for a
weekend of fun and games. The event focused on safe driving and teamwork
while visiting tourist destinations. The group stopped by the Pattaya
Orphanage to lay on lunch for the children and donate needed items.
This first rally was considered a great success with radio presenters and
listeners happily joining together for a worthy cause.
Ministry of Interior’s Social
Order Concert deemed
a huge success
Over 500,000 baht raised for community-based projects
Suchada Tupchai
The Ministry of Interior’s Social Order Concert proved
a great success on Saturday, March 15, with 530,000 baht being donated by
Chonburi and Pattaya residents as part of the “Thai’s together for
social order and drug prevention” program. The fundraiser was organized to
support community projects aimed at promoting social unity, Thai traditional
values and help fight drug abuse.
Attended by huge crowds, the concert kicked off at 8.30
p.m. with the Ministry of Interior’s deputy, Pracha Maleenont presiding
over the opening ceremonies. Artists from RS Promotions whipped up a storm
of music as concertgoers and guests dipped deep into their pockets to show
their solidarity toward the government’s policy of restoring social order
and its tough stance on drugs.
The show featured many famous Thai artists and shows such Muay Thai
boxing, student bands and traditional Thai theater. Shirts and prizes were
distributed to the crowd and letters of appreciation were given to
benefactors who donated funds to support provincial projects.
Government to implement boating regulations and set standards
Move follows March 4 boating accident off Pattaya shores
Veerachai Somchart
The Marine Authority Office No. 6 held a meeting at
Pattaya City Hall to inform officials on the impending shakedown and
implementation of policies regarding tourist vessels in Pattaya waters. Nit
Jubjai, director of the office and responsible for the central and eastern
region met with local government department heads and officials, including
council member Sanit Boonmarchai, head of the Pattaya Tour Boats
Association, water safety officers and tour boat operators.
Sanit Boonmarchai said, “In my entire time as president
of the Pattaya Tour Boats Association there has never been any government
office visit to inform operators on the policies set down by the
authorities. Pattaya comes under the office of Region 6. However, the office
only collects information on tour boat operators and issues business and
boat licenses. There has not been any mention of the applicable laws and
guidelines on boat construction.”
“Tourists often refuse to wear life jackets. When an
accident happens in the water everyone on land wants to get involved,”
Sanit added.
Nit Jubjai said the meeting was called to inform and
present safety and operating standards for tour boat operators.
Regarding the recent boating accident off the Pattaya
shoreline in which over 30 people were rescued from the water and 1 man
drowned, Nit said, “Incidents such as this destroy Pattaya’s tourism
image. There is no price you can put on the damage done by just one
incident. There are many boats operating here that conform to high standards
and are operated by qualified captains. However, the government will inspect
every vessel operating in Pattaya and will issue advice to bring all vessels
up to standards.”
Inspections will begin from March 21 through March 24.
Any operator who refuses to abide by the recommendations set down by the
Marine offices will be fined. A schedule of inspections will be set up and
conducted by the Marine Authority Office No. 6, located across from Pattaya
City Hall.
City to allow Chat Thai Co.
to complete contract
But demands revue of payment before April 13expiration date
Songklod Kaewvisit
Chat Thai Company’s contract to manage the city’s
waste will expire on April 13. City officials called in representatives from
the company to revue the final payment, but will not renew the company’s
contract.
Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijikarn spoke with
representatives concerning the payment of almost half a month. Wuttisak
called for a daily average to be taken from the 65 million baht annual fee
and intends to pay the contractor for the final 13 days of work.
Chat Thai Co. was awarded the waste management contract
on December 15, 1992 when Pattaya was still a fledgling city with just over
100 tons of waste per day. Presently tonnage has more than doubled to over
250 tons per day. To ease the burden of increasing waste, officials agreed
to look after 30 percent of the refuse while Chat Thai was responsible for
the remaining 70 percent.
The city is dissatisfied with the private company’s
record of management and feels Pattaya’s image has suffered from the
lingering problem of poor garbage collection and waste management.
Pattaya announced the tender for new contractors some
months ago. Unfortunately, with its more stringent regulations and
requirements for more modern and efficient management, not a single company
could comply with the contract’s specifications until now.
Three companies have finally submitted their bids to the
city. A final decision has still yet to be made as the tender documents are
currently under review.
Conditions in the new contract include a 7 year period,
20 million baht in registered capital and a land area of 5 rai where waste
can be kept within or nearby the city. A final decision of the new
contractor is expected to be announced shortly.
Mayor monitors new parking fee policy
along Beach Road
Songklod Kaewvisit
Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat, along with city
administration officials, last week went down to Pattaya Beach Road to
observe the new parking fee collection policy being applied to vehicle
users. City Hall initiated the campaign to reduce illegal and congested
parking along the road after receiving numerous complaints from residents
and tourists that public parking was being commandeered by car and motorbike
rental shops along the road.
The
mayor and his entourage inspected the parking progress on Beach Road last
week.
The city recently designated 44 official parking spots
that will each accommodate 1 car and 3 motorcycles. Motorcycle users pay 5
baht for the first hour and 10 baht for each subsequent hour. During his
inspection on March 17 the mayor said this policy is bringing more order to
the area since officials are on duty 24 hours a day at all the 44 spots
along Beach Road.
The mayor said he was still not satisfied with the selfish habits of baht
bus drivers who abruptly and haphazardly pick up and drop off passengers
with complete disregard for traffic flow, since this creates a dangerous
situation for everyone. He promised to tackle this issue soon.
Crisis Management Center set up to monitor war’s impact on Thailand
“If the war ends soon, Thailand may not be hurt!”
says Minister of Tourism and Sports
Veerachai Somchart
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Tourism Authority of
Thailand, Thai International Airways, Ministry of Industry, and the Tourism
Industry Association of Thailand are cooperating in forming a Crisis
Management Center to closely study the impact on Thailand during and after
the war in Iraq, which many believe will shake the world’s economy.
Sonthaya Khunpluem, Minister of Tourism and Sports said,
“If the war ends quickly, Thailand’s tourism industry might not be
negatively affected, but if the war drags out for over 2 months, we might
have a problem.”
The Tourism Authority of Thailand disclosed that with
luck Thailand could sustain its tourism growth at 1.3% and meet the expected
number of about 11 million visitors this year, mainly from Europe, Far East
Asia and Oceania countries. The crisis management center will observe the
impact and report to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports on a weekly basis,
and create strategies to counter worst-case scenarios.
One of the strategies that will be exercised is
image-creation and security promotion. Thailand is regarded as one of the
safest countries in Asia and is a positive point for the country’s tourism
industry.
The Ministry will invite leading foreign tourism business
operators and press to Thailand for an official excursion after the war has
ended.
The ministry is also preparing to cut European
countries’ promotion budget and emphasize expanding an 8-10% increase in
the number of tourist arrivals through road shows in countries such as
China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, and New
Zealand.
The Ministry expected over 11.45 million tourists to
visit Thailand this year, which would increase the country’s coffers in
the neighborhood of 360 billion baht.
The Ministry is preparing two new package tours to boost
post-war tourism. The first is the ‘buy 2 get 2 for free’ package tour.
For example, parents can buy two packages for themselves and get two free
for their children.
Another package tour will provide 50% discounts for hotel
accommodations in various hotels in Thailand. The package would run from
April through June.
The ministry is also concerned with the promotion of
Thailand’s national security for the upcoming APEC conference, which will
be held 4 times in Thailand at different locations including Pattaya, Khon
Kaen, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The promotion will effectively create an image
for the country as a safe destination for tourism and business at the
international level.
Three teens mug foreign residents near central Pattaya supermarket
One nabbed, remaining two still at large
Pattaya City’s teenagers are running rampant. On March
17 at 10 p.m. near Tops Supermarket on Pattaya Central Road three teenagers
mugged a foreign resident and his wife. They snatched the woman’s two baht-weight
gold chain from around her neck before fleeing the scene.
Nearby police officers responded to the call for help,
and managed to arrest one of the juvenile delinquents as he attempted to
flee through the grounds of nearby hotel.
Officers were at the scene in minutes and gave chase to
one of the thieves attempting to flee along Pattaya Second Road in the
direction of North Pattaya.
Officers caught up with and tackled 16-year-old Kasem
Wongcharoen in the grounds of the Montien Hotel. Kasem had the broken two
baht gold chain in his possession and was escorted to Soi 9 police station
for questioning.
After being caught with the stolen goods, the youth
confessed to his crime saying that he and two others, identified as Tom and
Kob had decided to roll the couple and use the money for a night on the
town. Kasem said it was the first time he had done such a thing.
The couple identified the teenager as one of the three
that had mugged them while on their way to the supermarket.
Major motorcycle theft ring in Pattaya finally busted
Cops nap three, who then snitch on 9 fellow gang members
A major gang of motorcycle thieves bit the dust when
criminal investigation officers broke up the ring after arresting three
teenagers at the intersection of Pattaya Central Road and Third Roads.
Officers found two stolen bikes and tools used for hot wiring in their
possession.
Police
lined up the motorcycle stealing gang members for all the world to see ...
well, at least all the world who happened to be at Soi 9 at the time.
Detention and interrogation of the three youths lead to
the arrest of another 9 gang members between the ages of 17 and 34 at
various locations around the city. Officers eventually confiscated 13
motorcycles in a series of raids.
The gang had been operating in Pattaya for quite some
time, roaming the city in search of fresh victims. Police believe that the
gang is responsible for hundreds of motorcycle thefts throughout the city.
In a press conference at Soi 9, the police chief and his
subordinates put the gang on show for reporters to see. Questioning the
group, it was revealed that they frequently stole motorcycles, stripping
them down and selling the parts to various shops and around villages. Some
of the stripped parts were used for alterations on other motorcycles.
Police told reporters that that they had been after the gang for a long
time but had found it difficult to find any definite leads until the arrest
of the first 3 teenagers. All are now facing trial for theft and receiving
stolen goods.
Over 2,000 pirated CDs confiscated as police swoop through the city
Boonlua Chatree
On March 14th Pattaya police were contacted by
representatives from the Sony Music Entertainment to inspect Pattaya’s
streets for pirated compact discs, which were being widely sold throughout
the city.
Police
confiscated 2,000 illegal CDs, including movies and porno. It appears as
though this fellow has his evening all planned out.
During a thorough sweep police rounded up three illegal
CD sellers, Marint Buddawan, age 29, a Chachernsao resident, Chaiporn
Boonsiri, age 22, a Bangkokian, and Somchai Napasikaew, age 39, from
Chonburi. Officers confiscated over 2,000 fake CDs including music, movies,
karaoke, and porno.
Police detained the cunning business dealers for further questioning and
kept the seized merchandise as evidence. It is unknown whether or not they
promised not to watch them.
Road Rage hits Pattaya; gun-carrying youth shoots man for cutting him off
Boonlua Chatree
After a drinking session with his friends,
thirty-year-old motorcyclist Boonnum Pierban got more than he bargained for
when he accidentally cut in front a group of teenagers in North Pattaya. One
of the enraged youths shot Boonum in the chest with a handmade pistol.
Friends and nearby residents took Boonum to Banglamung
Hospital where he was treated for his wound.
Investigating officers questioned the injured man’s
drinking companions, Minyu Yingyong and Adinan Somdua. The pair told police
that they had just finished a long drinking session with friends and were on
their way home at 4 a.m. to North Pattaya with Boonum as the designated
driver. When they reached the intersection, they pulled out onto the main
road and three other bikes with a group of six teens pulled up beside them.
Boonum apparently looked at them the wrong way, which
obviously upset them. Not content to leave it at that, the gang of hoodlums
chased after the drunken trio. One youth pulled a gun and shot Boonum in the
chest. The teenagers immediately fled the scene in the direction of
Sukhumvit Road and headed towards Sattahip.
A team of officers was sent out to search for the young
thugs but returned empty handed. Police are still searching for the shooter
and his friends.
Englishman dies from 4th story fall
Boonlua Chatree
Andrew Leslie Leaver, age 55, from London died from
injuries incurred after plunging from the 4th floor of a hotel in Soi
Pattayaland 3.
Pattaya police and Sawang Boriboon Foundation rescue
personnel attended the scene and learned that Leaver had been residing in a
room on the 4th floor of the hotel for an undisclosed period of time.
Police surmise that he jumped off the 4th floor in a
successful suicide attempt. He sustained massive injuries from the fall.
Police found no evidence of a struggle or signs of foul
play in the deceased’s rented room. Police suspect he may have had some
unsolvable relationship problem with his partner.
The death was reported to British Embassy and police
transferred the body to the forensic department for further examination.
American resident viciously
murdered in his Pattaya condo
Police investigators say they know the identity of the killer
Carl Lupone, a 65-year-old American national was found
murdered in his Pattaya condo on March 19. Lupone had been stuck over the
head with a beer bottle and stabbed in the throat with broken glass.
On the afternoon of March 19, police received a call from
the condominium’s security guard that he had discovered the body of the
foreigner during a routine inspection of the floors. Police rushed to the
scene to find the man’s naked body in the bathroom.
An examination of the room and the body revealed evidence
of a scuffle. All the drawers had been emptied and their contents strewn
around the room. Officers also found blood near the dining room table and
pieces of a broken beer bottle. An examination of the body showed that the
American had a head injury, possibly from being hit with the bottle, and two
stab wounds, one in the chest and the other in the throat. Pieces of glass
were found in the wounds.
Police questioned a night security guard who told
officers that around 4 a.m. a young Thai man visited Lupone. The guard
described the visitor as between 18-20 years old who was thought to be
working in the area of Soi Pattayaland. When the young man emerged from the
building some time later he was sporting a change of clothing. The guard
said although he noticed it, he thought nothing of it, as the foreigner was
known to have frequent visitors. However, during the day while he was making
his routine rounds of the property the guard noticed that the door of the
foreigner’s apartment was ajar. That is when he discovered the body.
The following day, criminal investigation officers
revealed that they knew the identity of the murderer but were unable to give
any further details. They described him as a Thai man between 18-20 and
approximately 165cm tall and known to frequent Soi Pattayaland, although he
does not work in a bar.
Police suspect that Lupone and the murderer had known
each other and arranged to meet in the apartment and after amorous
activities; the Thai youth killed the foreigner making off with any
valuables he could find.
Officers will question the witness, who said he could
positively identify the murderer through police photos. Police expect to
make an arrest very soon.
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