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Heavy rains flood Pattaya streets and homes
Estimated damage costs rise faster than the water
Damri Muangkaew
Second Road looked
more like a river than a major thoroughfare when the first “normal”
heavy storm of the season hit Pattaya last Sunday night/Monday
morning.
Large areas of Pattaya were left inundated when 189.4 mm
of rain fell late Sunday night June 22 and early Monday morning June 23,
overloading the drainage system.
Commander RTN Perm Buasawat, an official at the Thai
Meteorological Department in Pattaya said, however, that there was nothing
particularly unusual about the storm, that the rain was normal for this time
of year, and that there was no major storm or depression in the area, “it
was just a lot of rain”. He said that the flood was caused by an
insufficient drainage system.
Despite this being a “normal storm”, some roads in
Pattaya were left as much as a meter or more underwater, which created
hazardous driving conditions. One dangerous point, Sukhumvit Highway from
just south of the Central Pattaya Intersection down to the low area near Soi
Batman, was turned into a raging river, stranding cars and sweeping away
motorcycles.
The big
yellow banner in the back reads, “Pattaya 4 Fun...” - rather fitting
given what is going on beneath it. (Photo sent in by Pattaya Mail reader
Torsten Schumann)
Soi
Yamato was one of the areas hit hard by Pattaya’s first “normal” heavy
storm of the rainy season. (Photo sent in by Pattaya Mail reader Torsten
Schumann)
Don’t
stop, or you won’t be able to get going again. (Photo sent in by Pattaya
Mail reader Torsten Schumann)
Hundreds of homes in low-lying areas from North to South
Pattaya were also flooded. In Soi AR, residents awoke to a soggy feeling as
almost a meter of water swamped their houses. One resident, Thanuchai
Jumparbuab said he hadn’t slept all night as he had no place to sleep,
“We grabbed everything and started trying to pump the water out of the
house. It was scary because we were concerned about an electrical short, the
floor of the house was nothing but water,” Thanuchai said.
At the intersection of Soi Yensabai and Soi 17, a large
python was stuck in a drainage grate, leaving bystanders watching in
amazement and wondering how such a large snake could be present within the
city limits, let alone stuck in a drain.
Signs of the previous night’s deluge were more evident
on Monday morning. Pattaya Second Road was flooded and in South Pattaya
water levels reached almost two meters.
Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya Second Road, Sukhumvit Road,
Soi Buakow, Soi Yensabai, Soi Post Office and Soi Yamato were awash.
Shopping centers such as Mike Shopping Mall and the Royal
Garden Plaza used motorized pumps to remove the flooded underground car
parks.
This
6’5" (1.95m) falang standing knee deep in water says, “When the
going gets tough, the tough drink beer. Enough said.”
The
worst part is getting the mud out after the flood has subsided.
“Thanks
to my Austrian Alps rain jacket, I’m dry from the waste up. Can’t say
the same about everywhere else.”
Wow,
there’s more water on Second Road now than there was during Songkran ...
ok, not much more, but still more. (Photo sent in by Pattaya Mail reader
Torsten Schumann)
Jomtien Beach was particularly affected as the torrential
rains washed away paved walkways and sections of road in the Dongtan area
all the way up to Pattaya Park Hotel, and the entire stretch down to the
Siam Commercial Bank.
Soi Wat Boon was completely cut off by the previous
night’s downpour. Strong currents from subsiding water posed a threat to
those who were brave enough to traverse the sodden conditions.
When the rains finally stopped and the flood subsided,
many residents were left with the arduous task of trying to clean out
leftover water and smelly, obstinate mud, perhaps not as dangerous as the
floodwaters, but surely the most difficult aspect to deal with.
The total damage caused by Pattaya’s first flood of
this rainy season has been estimated at millions of baht.
As we are just now entering the rainy season, let’s
hope that this first flood isn’t an omen of things to come, and that our
city officials can figure out what happened and fix it before the next
“normal storm” hits. If Sunday night’s events are any indication what
Pattaya is in for, then everyone had better batten down the hatches and buy
plenty of sandbags for the next round.
Commander RTN Perm Buasawat left us with these final thoughts, “Don’t
panic,” he said, but added, “Anyone leaving their home over the next few
days should carry an umbrella.”
Jomtien General Committee meets to discuss water drainage issues on the beach
Dirty water continues to drain
into the bay
The Jomtien Beach general committee met at Pattaya City
Hall last week to discuss the possibilities of resolving water drainage
problems along the beachfront in Jomtien.
Committee members approached town planners and civil
engineers on the current main drainage pipe that runs out to sea, saying
that every time there is heavy rain thousands of liters of dirty water from
the streets runs into the bay causing ugly and potentially dangerous
conditions.
The
Jomtien Beach general committee met at Pattaya City Hall to try and work out
how to resolve water drainage problems along Jomtien Beach.
This particular issue has remained unsolved for some
time, as the current drainage pipes are unable to cope with the volumes of
water after rain and with the oncoming rainy seasons concerns over the issue
are growing. The longer it is left the more damage to the local environment
is likely to occur.
Phichet Utaiwattananont, director of the building and
construction department, told the committee that a thorough inspection is
required before action can be taken. He said city engineers must decide
where to lay the foundation for a new drainage pipe. The initial suggestion
was in the area in front of the Grand Condo complex, because it has a large
number of drainage pipes in the area and it is at the lowest point in
relation to surrounding areas.
However, Sanit Boonmachai, city council member interjected by saying,
“As a resident in Jomtien, in reality the most appropriate point to place
the pipe is near the Police Box in Dongtan as it is a main collection point
for water in the area up to Pattaya Park. I would like to see the city
survey the area properly to avoid any mistakes in the construction, similar
to those already made on Wongamat Beach and South Pattaya. Whatever the
case, Pattaya City should do their homework first before making any
decisions on laying drainage pipes in the wrong area.”
Pattaya organizes anti-drug youth football
10,000 baht cash prize for winners
Songklod Kaewvisit
To encourage youth to play sports and steer away from
drugs and to build unity among the youngsters, Pattaya City has organized
anti-drug youth football matches. The games are divided into two categories:
8 teams of children not over 15 years of age and 16 teams of children not
over 12 years of age.
Mayor
Pairat Suthithamrongsawat (inset) presided over the opening of the anti-drug
football matches at Pattaya School Number 7 in Ban Nong Pang Khae.
The winning teams will receive a trophy and 10,000 baht
in cash with runners up receiving 8,000 baht, then 6,000 baht and 4,000 baht
and 1,000 baht for 3rd, 4th and 5th places respectively. Another 1,000 baht
will be up for grabs for the most well mannered team.
The football matches will run until July 10.
Students pay respect to their teachers in the annual ‘Wai Kru’ ceremonies at the Redemptorist Center for the Disabled
Suchada Tupchai
The annual ‘Wai Kru’ ceremonies are traditionally
held around Thailand, whereby students pay their respects to teachers and
mentors leading them through their life on the path of education.
At the
school’s auditorium, Redemptorist Center for the Disabled students paid
their respects to their teachers and mentors: Father Patrick Morrissey,
Suporntham Mongkolsawat, Father Bunjong Chaira, Sister Pavinee
Phichaisrisawat, teachers and guests.
Last Thursday morning, the students of the Redemptorist
Center for the Disabled paid their respects to their teachers at the
school’s auditorium. Father Patrick Morrissey, Suporntham Mongkolsawat,
Father Bunjong Chaira, Sister Pavinee Phichaisrisawat, teachers and guests
were present for the annual ceremonies.
Students presented flowers and joss sticks and bowed
before their teachers, thanking them for imparting invaluable knowledge on
their already difficult path through life, each making a promise to continue
to do their best and be leading examples to the community, overcoming their
physical challenges and excelling in their chosen fields.
Udom Tongtar, representing the students, read a poem
titled, “Our Teachers Are In Our Hearts”, promising to do their best,
study hard and be model members of the community.
A number of other activities held, including the most beautiful flower
and joss stick arrangements, poetry competition and most outstanding
performance by students in academic and sporting activities. This year’s
annual ‘Wai Kru’ warmed the hearts of all those attending.
City Hall to fund local social and religious events
Officials also want to help communities promote their local products
Songklod Kaewvisit
Commenting on budget allocation and preparations for
upcoming events, Wutthisak Rermkitchakarn, one of Pattaya City’s deputy
mayors said, “Pattaya is in the process of allocating funds to some
communities that are preparing for annual, social and religious events that
will come about during the next six months of this year. Events such as the
celebration of HM the Queen’s birthday and the beginning of Buddhist Lent
will be supported financially by the city.”
Deputy
Mayor Wutthisak Rermkitchakarn told a group of Pattaya community leaders
that the city is prepared to help fund some upcoming annual local social and
religious events.
During the recent meeting at city hall preparations were
discussed for the “Mobile Pattaya City Care for Community” scheduled to
be held on Tuesday, June 24 at Wat Chong Lom situated on Sukhumvit Highway.
Many activities such as medical and physical check-ups
service, One Tambon - One Product booths, music entertainment, and hairdo
service will be some of the highlights of the day.
City officials are trying to help every community promote
their local products to other regions through teamwork between the city and
community leaders.
“Communities that are preparing for social progress activities such as
profession and skills development will also be funded. A special team from
the city will monitor each community on its budget management and supervise
the spending on each event. Interested communities that are planning special
events should contact the city to discuss budget allocation before June
25,” Wutthisak said.
Pattaya City to raise consumer rights awareness for residents and tourists
Call Hotline number 1166 for complaints
Songklod Kaewvisit
Komsan Eakkachai, permanent secretary of Chonburi
Province chaired a meeting at last week at Pattaya City Hall as city
officials gathered to address the issue of consumer rights protection for
people in Pattaya and surrounding areas. Chonburi’s consumer rights office
is taking the matter seriously and is now trying hard to promote an
awareness campaign throughout Chonburi, starting in Pattaya.
Komsan
Eakkachai, permanent secretary of Chonburi Province, said that Chonburi’s
consumer rights office is taking the matter seriously and is now trying hard
to promote an awareness campaign throughout Chonburi, starting in Pattaya.
“Pattaya is a major business destination in Chonburi. A
lot of foreigners are living here and doing business here and they have
registered many complaints regarding unfair trading practices and
sub-standard goods,” said Komsan.
The Thai government issued a law of consumer rights
protection in 1979 to create fairness among producers, sellers, and
consumers in the nation. The law states clearly that anyone who is being
taken advantage of or being cheated while purchasing goods or services can
bring their grievances to the Consumer Rights Protection Bureau in their
home town and will receive compensation if they win the case.
Komsan said the publication and promotion of this
information would be useful for foreign residents, commercial travelers and
tourists so that they will be more aware of their rights.
City officials said they make monthly market observations
and examine the quality of goods and their price labeling, weighing
machines, and look for food contamination in Pattaya, Jomtien, and Naklua
markets.
Officials said stickers and brochures containing consumer
rights details and useful telephone numbers were available around town to
provide channels for consumers who receive sub-standard service and poor
quality goods. Those individuals are urged to voice their complaints.
The following telephone numbers are available to seek help. Pattaya City
Hall at 038-429374 ext 234, Pattaya police station at 038-420802-5,
Banglamung district office at 038-227724, Tourist Police Pattaya at
038-425937, or 1166 the consumer right protection hotline, or send a message
to P.O. Box 99, Bangkok 10302.
Students and local citizens join in beach cleanup activities
Songklod Kaewvisit
To make sure Pattaya City’s most alluring tourist
attraction stays appealing, the city’s beaches got a good cleaning
recently. Students from Pattaya schools and members of the public cleared
away debris, litter, sharp stones and seaweed.
Thanks
to an army of good-hearted people, Pattaya Beach was once again clean for a
day.
The
mayor, offered inspiring words before setting the event in motion.
Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat and city officials led
the opening ceremony at the old pier in South Pattaya.
The beach cleanup was organized by the city’s Health
and Environment Department and Pattaya Schools numbers 3, 7, 8 and 9.
Business operators and residents came to join the effort and a total of
1,400 people pitched in to sweep the area clean all the way up to North
Pattaya.
Look
what I found. What is it? I don’t know. Never mind, put it in the basket.
Ok. You missed. Oops.
To give the students a little extra incentive 1 baht was given for each
kilogram of waste they collected.
National Road Safety Center to upgrade road safety measures
Aiming to reduce traffic fatalities
Suchada Tupchai
Deputy Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng, who is also
director-general of the National Road Safety Center, announced that after a
thorough study of safety conditions on the nation’s highways, the results
showed total failure in preventing hundreds of accidents and deaths during
and after the Songkran holidays, even after strict measures were issued to
prevent further loss of life and property.
Deputy
Prime Minister Chaturon Chaisaeng announced that there was a total failure
in preventing hundreds of accidents and deaths during and after the Songkran
holidays, and the National Road Safety Center has come up with a preliminary
plan that he hopes might eventually remedy the situation.
The deputy prime minister was at the Dusit Resort in
Pattaya last week to chair a meeting on road safety.
The Center for Road Safety has been assigned to
investigate and come up with solutions to raise the level of awareness of
safety on the roads and to submit their recommendations on how to improve
the situation to the cabinet.
The center has established 5 avenues for improvement: 1.
Strict and sustained enforcement of road and traffic laws. 2. Education
through intensive public relations. 3. Emergency medical services. 4.
Develop engineering skills relating to road traffic. 5. Information,
evaluation and administration.
Sub-committees have been formed for each avenue, which
will evaluate and make reports on strategy, regulations, and projects and to
calculate budgets needed to implement them.
The center has named 8 pilot provinces to implement these projects. These
are Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chachoengsao, Songkla, Pathumthani, Nakhorn
Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan and Khon Kaen.
Municipal officers remove paint from statue of King Taksin at City Hall
Voices told them to clean the statue
Songklod Kaewvisit
Local government employees and city management received a
huge shock when they turned up for work on Wednesday morning. The statue of
King Taksin, founder of Pattaya, had been stripped of it protective black
paint down to yellow-green bronze colors, and was exposed to the elements.
The
paint was stripped off the King Taksin statue in front of city hall. It has
since been sent to the city’s Fine Arts Department for repairs.
Shocked city managers and Mayor Pairat Suttithamrongsawat
wondered who would carry out such an act of vandalism.
Sukgarn Yuttiwat, municipal office department supervisor
told the mayor that he and two subordinates had ‘cleaned’ the statue the
previous evening. Sukgarn said, “We started at 6 p.m. and finished at 8
p.m. Our intention was to clean the statue - seal and repaint it, not to
deface it.”
City
officials made offerings and paid their respects to the statue before
sending it out for repairs.
When asked the reason behind this unauthorized act
Sukgarn and the two other men said that “the spirits had told them to
clean the statue of all the grime before returning it to its former glory as
the symbol of Pattaya. The intention was good but the results came out
differently.”
The mayor, obviously not pleased with such an esoteric
explanation, told reporters that the damage has already been done. “An act
such as this is demoralizing to residents and officers who regularly pay
their respects to the city founding father and monarch,” he said.
The mayor ordered further investigation into the incident
and later that day officials made offerings and paid their respects before
sending the statue to the city’s Fine Arts Department for repainting and
urgent repair before further damage is done.
The people responsible for the unauthorized ‘cleaning’ of the statue
are being questioned by both police and city officials and could face stiff
penalties for damaging public and government property.
Small time drug dealers arrested with speed pills in possession
Drug dealer reveals name of accomplice and sting operation leads to arrest of agent
Boonlua Chatree
Police raided a venue in front of Marina Inn in
Banglamung and apprehended a drug dealer named Vichien, who at the time had
30 methamphetamine pills in his possession.
Police
are still vigilant in their crackdown on drug dealers and managed to take
two more off the streets.
Vichien told officers that he had bought the illegal
goods from a woman named Achara at 200 baht per pill and that the goods had
just been delivered to him right before he was arrested.
Police then told Vichien to call up his agent and order
30,000 baht worth of product while they waited for the goods to be
delivered.
As planned, Achara approached the appointed place on her blue Honda Wave
before being surrounded by police. A searched produced another 188 pills.
Vichien and Achara are now in custody.
Police raid South Pattaya go-go bar allowing lewd entertainment
Arrest 48 performers
Boonlua Chatree
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday evening, Pattaya
police rolled into a go-go bar in South Pattaya where, to their shock, they
saw 47 young women at a number of spots around the venue dancing naked.
Oh, now
they’re shy - a half hour earlier they were all dancing nude in a South
Pattaya bar.
Police immediately ordered the DJ to turn off the music,
requested the 50 odd patrons to leave the premises and ordered the girls
into one corner, telling them to get dressed, after which they took them all
to the station. Police also arrested a 27 year old man claiming to be the
bar’s manager.
At the station 35 of the girls were fined 500 baht each, another 12 were
fined 600 baht for not carrying their ID cards and the manager was fined
1,000 baht for allowing public nudity in the premises. Each of them were
then released of their own accord and given a stiff warning to behave.
Lottery ticket vendors arrested and fined for selling overpriced tickets
Fined 2,000 baht for charging 10 baht more
Boonlua Chatree
Thailand’s main lottery is held twice a month. Earlier
this week 11 ticket vendors were detained by Pattaya police in a sting
operation. Each of the vendors, arrested at popular spots around the city,
was detained for selling tickets between 90-100 baht each. The legal price
is 80 baht.
These
“unlucky” lottery salespeople lost their bet that the police wouldn’t
catch them overpricing their tickets.
Police used marked bank notes to purchase the tickets and
once the bait was taken made their move.
At the station, each of the vendors confessed to their
illegal practices, stating that they had been selling tickets above the real
price for quite some time, saying that they had found it difficult to change
their habits.
Police fined each vendor 2,000 baht for their bad habit of overcharging
and set them on their way with a stiff warning about following the laws.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Laotian construction worker brutally murdered in his sleep
Tao Bunhome, a Laotian construction worker was brutally
murdered while he slept in his makeshift shelter at a construction site in
Soi Thamasamakee. A fellow worker discovered the body.
Banglamung police were called to the makeshift
accommodation, housing construction workers building a 3 story apartment
block in Soi Thamasamakee at 1.30 a.m. Police arrived on the scene to
discover some 50 people gathered around the room of the dead man. Clearing
the way for Sawang Boriboon personnel and investigation officers they
entered the dead man’s room.
The deceased, later identified as Tao Bunhome, Laotian
national was still lying on his bed. Police noted multiple wounds and deep
cuts to the man’s face, possibly made by an axe or a hatchet blade. The
body was taken to the Police Forensic Institute for a post mortem
examination.
Officers questioned the women who discovered the body.
She told police that her room was directly above and she had last seen
Bunhome alive at around 8 p.m. earlier that evening. She had gotten out of
bed at around 1 a.m. to go to the bathroom when she noticed a strange stench
coming from Bunhome’s room.
When she went to look she saw blood and raised the alarm
with the other 50 laborers living in the building. A couple sleeping just a
few meters away in another room told police they heard and saw nothing, as
they were both sleeping.
Officers then located the contracting manager for further
questioning. He told police that Tao Bunhome came to him some ten days prior
pretending to be from Khon Kaen, adding that he didn’t know the man was
Laotian.
Initial suspicions point to a fellow construction laborer
committing the grisly act. Tight lipped, police are still investigating the
case.
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