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18-wheeler truck slams into tour bus and motorbikes
Break failure blamed for horrendous crash, causing eight injuries
Boonlua Chatree/Songklod Kaewvisit
Eight people were injured and 10 vehicles received heavy
damages after an 18-wheel truck’s brakes failed and rammed into a bus and
motorcycles at the intersection of Sukhumvit and North Pattaya roads on
Friday afternoon.
 Riders
of these motorbikes crushed under the huge bus miraculously escaped death.
Police and Sawang Boriboon rescue personnel arrived at
the accident scene immediately and sent the 8 injured for treatment. The
injured included the driver of the semi-trailer, 36-year old Luechai
Kaewthongdam, Vatchapong Punrong, Tawatchai Bunnart, Tiyuth Phangun and 63
year old German national Henrich Ludeer. Five of the injured were sent to
Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, and the other 3 men, Thai nationals, were rushed
to the emergency room of the Banglamung Hospital.
Police officers attending the accident inspected the site
to find the front of the truck heavily damaged. The tour bus had been hit on
the side by the runaway vehicle, and a Mercedes Benz also took some of the
impact. Eight nearby motorcycles were also damaged from the collision.
 This
tough Mercedes was also not spared the wrath of the 18-wheeler.
Accident investigators mapped out the location of the
accident and the damaged vehicles were taken to a holding yard for further
investigation.
The driver of the truck, Luechai Kaewthongdam, told
police that he was driving the truck heading north from Central Pattaya
Road. When he reached the intersection the brakes of the heavy vehicle
failed. He said he was unable to stop at the red light and crashed into the
oncoming tour bus that was turning into North Pattaya Road, slamming into it
and pushing the bus into the Benz and motorcycles. Police recorded the
information as evidence in the case before calling the insurance company to
arrange the necessary procedures to pay for medical treatment and property
damages.
Sonsiri Juijanenarob, driver of the Mercedes Benz told
reporters how he saw the ac-cident happen, “I was turning right into North
Pattaya Road from Sukhumvit Road when I saw the truck speeding down the hill
from Central Pattaya. It (the truck) was moving very fast and slammed into
the empty bus with a loud bang. The motorbikes in front of the bus were in
the bus’s path and were also crushed. It’s a miracle that no one got
killed. After the crash, people who saw the accident helped us out, taking
the injured riders to hospital.”
Police have charged the 36 year old truck driver, Luechai
Kaewtongdam with reckless driving causing an accident and injuries to
others.
Pattaya Mobile Service goes to Soi Post office community in Naklua
Songklod Kaewwisit
The monthly mobile service unit from Pattaya City visited
Soi Post Office to serve the community with various activities.
This month the service unit also offered survival kits to
the people in the community along with other usual services on health
checkups, dental checkups, giving advice on legal matters and family
planning. There were also products on sale at very low prices including Thai
edibles, handicrafts and other daily consumer products. Pet vaccinations and
recyclable product programs are also part of the usual services provided.
 Mayor
Pairat Suthithamrongsawat leads his team from city hall in the service of
the community.
Among the regular activities are free haircuts for the
community people, which are provided by barbers who have had their extensive
training at the HRH Sirindhorn Vocational Training Center.
Pattaya mobile service unit has been giving their free
services by visiting different communities every month so that people who
live in remote areas can also enjoy the services that otherwise may not be
able to reach them at their villages.
Navy plants trees in honour of HM the Queen’s Birthday
Pacharapol Phanrak
The navy has shown that it not only takes care of Thai
waters through patrolling but also has initiated a land-based project for
beautifying the environment near its Sattahip base. The latest project
included planting trees in the popular park as part of their homage to HM
the Queen in honour of her birthday on August 12.
 Admiral
Yongyuth Noppakhun sprinkles water on a sapling at the tree planting
ceremony.
Admiral Yongyuth Noppakhun, commander and chief of the
Sattahip naval base presided over the tree planting ceremony, which included
the participation of naval, local government and civilian personnel. Located
near the Sattahip base the park is a favourite place for visitors and
residents to use as they rest and relax in its natural environment. The new
trees will add shade and beauty to this popular venue.
Old South Pattaya pier will cost 3.6 million baht to repair
Closure recommended until reconstruction is approved
Songklod Kaewvisit
The old South Pattaya pier has fallen into such a state
of disrepair through neglect that it is considered dangerous for residents
and tourists to use. At a recent meeting at city hall, chaired by Bunlue
Kullawanich, it was suggested that the time has come to rectify the problem
and close the pier for repairs.
 The
hazardous conditions of the South Pattaya pier, that is in urgent need of
repairs.
The costs of rebuilding the pier and bringing it up to
required safety standards, was estimated at 3.6 million baht. Bunlue told
those attending the meeting that the proposal would be put to the city
council for approval and a recommendation would be made to move all water
traffic to the new Bali Hai pier.
“In the interest of public safety it is best we close
the pier until such time as the project has been approved,” Bunlue said.
Other topics discussed included the issue of illegal
building on public land following an inspection of Soi Potisan. Officials in
charge stated the offending makeshift buildings could be easily removed.
Beach Road electrical cables to
go underground next year
Veerachai Somchart
Pattaya City administration is engaged in discussions
with the regional electrical authority to put Beach Road electrical cables
underground. The 68 million baht budget has been approved under next
year’s allocation.
Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat revealed that the city
would cooperate with the regional electrical authority in placing all cables
underground after the proposal received great support from the authorities.
A one-kilometer stretch is to be used to test the idea in order check
whether the project will conflict with other government and private
enterprises.
The idea is to eventually rid Beach Road of the unsightly
power poles and tangle of cables, which in recent times has caused criticism
from residents and business owners over the dangers of poor maintenance and
falling cables.
Whatever the case may be, the project is likely to cause
problems for a number of government and private enterprises due to the lack
of communication between the various public works, but it is hoped that they
will all join together and give their views as to how the projects can be
accomplished for the benefit of the city.
Construction is set to begin in 2004 where cables will be
placed in a suitable pipe underground. Although discussions on this issue
have dragged on for some time, with the government putting up the funds for
the project, the project will finally create a fresh new look for Beach Road
and will certainly enhance the area’s scenic image.
Beauticians trained to work within the strictest hygienic boundaries
Suchada
Tupchai
Over 300 hair and beauty business operators from Pattaya
attended a training session conducted by the city administration at city
hall last Wednesday morning. The training seminar was aimed at informing
beauticians on the importance of cleanliness and customer service to prevent
the possibility of communicable diseases that could be contracted by
unhygienic conditions.
 Beauticians
listen intently to the instructions given by experts at city hall.
As with any service oriented city, the focus on hygiene
is paramount and with the large number of salons throughout the city, the
importance of providing clean service and use of high quality products is
essential. Mayor Pairat Suthithamrongsawat opened the seminar, which was
conducted by The Beauticians Association of Thailand, Eastern Region.
Following the seminar each participant was presented with a certificate of
attendance and requested to inform their co-workers on what they had learnt.
The Beauticians Association of Thailand, Eastern Region
also announced the upcoming Hair Festival 2003, scheduled to take place at
the Ambassador Hotel in September where hair stylists and beauticians from
around the country will compete for top level prizes in creativity,
technique and style.
Pattaya Business & Tourism Association prepares for Chinese road show
Songklod Kaewvisit
The monthly meeting of the Pattaya Business & Tourism
Association (PBTA), held at the Green Park Resort reviewed the
association’s recent activities to raise funds for the community including
the Charity Boxing Match donation of sporting equipment to each of the
city’s 10 government run schools.
 Thanet
Supornsahasrungsi (left) presents sporting equipment to a representative of
Pattaya School No. 10.
However, it was discussions and preparations for the
upcoming road show to Beijing that attracted the most interest from PBTA
members. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi president of the PBTA said that “the
road show, planned for the near future, will focus on marketing Pattaya to
variety of groups in modernized China and most specifically, in the
country’s capital, Beijing. China is the world’s most populated country,
but for Thailand it remains a relatively untapped market. PBTA officials
feel the time is right to promote Pattaya as a prime tourist destination for
this target group.”
He continued saying, “The road show will be conducted
in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Beijing office.
The road show aims to attract golfers, eco-tourists for both land and sea as
well as promote culture and the arts and Pattaya City’s vibrant nightlife
to the very large Chinese tourist market.”
Amphol Wannakij, assistant TAT Central Region 3 director
added, “We are currently working in cooperation with our Beijing office to
prepare for this road show in China. Now that the SARS crisis has receded
and the Chinese government is allowing people to travel abroad, we feel it
is the perfect time for us to begin promoting our city in the market place.
We forecast good returns after the road show is completed and expect to
warmly welcome many more Chinese visitors to our region.”
Thailand’s first session of night court begins in Pattaya
Full docket calls for evening and weekend sessions to better serve public
Pacharapol Phanrak
Pattaya’s justice system has now advanced to the next
level with the addition of night court sessions and day sessions on Saturday
and Sunday. The increasing number of court cases and the need for quick
court action has pressed the local justice system into recognizing the need
for extra duties in order to serve the public and foreign visitors.
 Sutin
Uytrakul
As of Sunday August 17 the first weekend sessions began
and will continue with night session from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday.
This step will enable those people facing charges and or requiring court
assistance a new dimension of faster service.
Sutin Uytrakul, judge at Pattaya Courts said, “The
night and weekend court sessions brings the local justice system into line
with international service standards enabling us to serve residents and
tourists alike. It is especially helpful for those tourists who need to go
back to their own countries and for those witnesses who do not have time
during normal working hours. The full range of services includes normal
court judgments and bail services providing rights for those under court
process in line with the constitution.”
“The idea is fully supported by all of Pattaya’s 16
judges and will ensure the best level of service the justice system has to
offer,” added Judge Sutin.
The Pattaya Courts process over 1,100 cases per year from
Pattaya, Banglamung and the districts of Sattahip, Sriracha, Bovin, Ban
Bueng and Tungsukla. Increasing numbers have made this decision a timely
move.
Baywatch
Eakachai Kamolsri
‘Don’t throw rubbish here or
face a hefty fine’
It is good to see that the city provides
warning signs about people throwing their rubbish on the side of the road.
It would be even better if residents adhered to the sign. In any case, lazy
people have ignored the sign and dropped off their unwanted and unloved
trash directly under the sign.
 Located
in the Soi heading from Pattaya Third road up to Sukhumvit city officials
and residents have done little to rectify this unsightly and smelly
dumpsite.
It would be nice to see city officials
make good on their promise and fine offenders for littering rather than
depending on locals to inform them, because such laziness is damaging not
only the city’s ‘precious’ image, but also the environment. Let’s
hope City Hall’s trash police wake up from their dreariness and do
something about it.
Anna Kournikova appointed Tourism Ambassador for Pattaya
TAT will pay 10 million Baht
for her services to promote Pattaya
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is sponsoring
international superstar, model and tennis player, Anna Kournikova, to come
to Thailand in November as part of their “Unseen in Thailand” promotion.
The attractive Russian star is very well known amongst
tennis fans. Last year she was the most photographed woman athlete on the
covers of sports magazines and her magnetism attracts people wherever she
plays.
 Anna
Kournikova
Anna will act as Tourism Ambassador and will be a
presenter for tourism in Pattaya. She will also play a special tennis
exhibition match during the Volvo Women’s Open tournament at the Dusit
Resort, Pattaya. TAT has signed her up for 10 million baht to help promote
tourism to Pattaya.
Anna Kournikova will be visiting Thailand from November 6
- 9 in a special promotion jointly organised by the Tourism Authority of
Thailand, Pentangle Promotions Co. Ltd. and Traffic Corner Holdings Public
Company Limited.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand sees Anna’s visit to
Pattaya as an opportunity to boost the image and awareness of the city
internationally, and at the same time attract visitors from around the
region to Pattaya, during the period of her stay.
Santichai Euachongprasit, TAT Deputy Governor for Tourism
Products said that, “inviting Anna Kournikova to Thailand is a
value-for-money marketing investment to promote tourism in Pattaya and
Thailand in general. Her appearance in Pattaya will help to support the
image of the city as a tourist destination, entertainment and sports center.
In addition, by using well-known personalities as Anna Koumikova as
Ambassadors, we create a marketing tool, which will help to lift tourism
back to its normal levels, after the disruption of the industry through the
war in Iraq and the SARS epidemic.”
Anna will be staying at the Dusit Resort, Pattaya and
during her stay in Thailand she will be making a promotional video for the
Tourism Authority of Thailand on the major places of interest in and around
the city.
During her stay, she will take part in a best of three
sets exhibition match against Thailand’s Tamarine Tanasugarn on Sunday
November 9, during the Volvo Women’s Open World Tour Tennis Tournament,
which will be held at the Dusit Resort courts, from November 1 - 9.
Anna will also be taking part in a number of other
activities including a VIP reception, and joining with Tammy and the Volvo
Young Star tennis team for a special tennis show on Saturday November 8. She
has also donated one of her autographed tennis shirts for a charity auction.
Karl Johan Sandesjo President, Volvo Cars (Thailand) Ltd,
said, “I am certain Anna Koumikova’s presence in Pattaya will attract a
large audience for this event which increases in popularity every year. Both
Anna and Tammy are skilled professionals and I am certain the match will be
very close and entertaining.
I also am very pleased that Anna Kournikova will be
lending her support to the Volvo Young Star tennis team on Saturday, as this
will help promote and create interest in the programme. Volvo Thailand sees
the importance of ensuring there is continuity at the top level in Thai
tennis, if the sport is to increase in popularity, and Thailand is to remain
a leading tennis nation in Asia.”
Anna whose world ranking was as high as number 8 in the
world two years ago, has made few appearances on court this year, due to a
persistent back injury. Thai tennis fans will be some of the lucky few
around the world who will be able to see her in action on the tennis courts
during 2003.
Anna’s exhibition match with Tamarine will be held
after the women’s singles final of the Volvo Women’s Open on Sunday 9
November 2003.
Santichai Euachongprasit added, “Anna Koumikova will
come to Thailand just in time for the start of the tourist season in the
country. She will attract quality tourists, especially tennis fans to come
to Thailand and our research shows that tennis fans are well heeled with a
high spending power.
As the principle sponsor of Anna Kournikova’s visit,
the Tourism Authority of Thailand hopes that this marketing campaign will
increase income from high-end tourists and improve the image of Thailand,
especially Pattaya as a world class center for sports and entertainment.
Mute woman gang raped
Boonlue Chatri
Late last Monday evening, police from the Special Women
and Children’s Unit received a terrifying report from a 24-year-old mute
woman stating that she had been gang raped by a group of youths at hotel on
Second Road
Police Capt. Noawarat Pramualyart, recorded the report
from the young women, who’s name has been withheld. She informed officers
that she had earlier arranged to meet a young man, in person, at an Internet
cafe after chatting over the Internet with him. The young man asked her to
accompany him to the In Town Holiday Hotel on Second Road where they met the
man’s friends, who at that time, were drinking heavily in another room.
She then decided to join them and shortly after a few drinks the men forced
her onto the bed, restraining her while each of the 13 delinquent youths
violated her. She added that she had tried to fight off the young men but
was forced down while others cheered on the horror. She eventually escaped
the room begging for help from anyone to courageously report the crime to
police.
 The
victim reports the rape to the Pattaya police after having been deceived by
her Internet date.
The young woman was immediately taken to Banglamung
Hospital where she was treated for physical injuries and given a series of
drugs to ward off all infections and a possible pregnancy. Concerned police
visited the hotel where the rape had occurred but found no one there and are
currently continuing the investigation.
Staab stabs Suchart for stepping in to stop him from striking a woman
Foreigner plunges 5 inch scissors into victims’ stomach
Boonlua
Chatree
Some people are just plain mean. Or perhaps, ironically,
they are aptly named. Forty-nine year-old Volker Frederick Staab from
Germany was arrested at 11 p.m. on Tuesday evening for stabbing 43-year-old
Suchart Sombatlai in the abdomen with a pair of 5-inch scissors.
 Staab
confronts local people at the Pattaya police station.
Police arrived at the PP House apartments off Soi Bua
Khao after receiving a report that one person was seriously injured at the
hands of a foreigner. They arrived on the scene to find the injured man
bloodied and writhing on the floor in pain from a deep wound to his stomach.
The seriously injured Suchart was taken to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital for
emergency care while officers detained the violent Staab, taking the
scissors as evidence in the case against him.
Staab admitted to police that he had stabbed the man but
refused to sign any documentation admitting his brutal act. Meanwhile police
accompanying the injured man to the hospital were given a better picture of
what had happened.
Suchart told police that the German man was in the
process of delivering a vicious beating to a young Thai woman. Suchart
stepped in between them to put a halt to the violence. This infuriated the
foreigner, who picked up a pair of scissors and planted them squarely in the
upper right section of Suchart’s abdomen.
Doctors treating Suchart rushed him into surgery shortly
after talking to police. Apparently the scissors had severely damaged his
liver and he required immediate medical attention.
Volker Frederick Staab was charged with grievous bodily
harm with a dangerous weapon and now faces trial for his fierce behavior.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
No more sex shows says MOI
High ranking police officers from Chonburi and Pattaya
recently made inspection tours of entertainment venues in Pattaya,
especially the ones that are known to offer lewd shows. Officials did find
violations of the law in many of the places they visited and issued a
warning to the owners to clean up their acts or face the consequences.
The move follows an order issued from Bangkok’s
Ministry of Interior (MOI) to clamp down on establishments that offer
obscene entertainment. Any establishment that flaunts the warning will face
very stiff penalties.
Two teenagers arrested for
theft
Thamrat Pakkao age 21 from Kalasin Province reported to
police that his wallet and mobile phone were snatched from his hands by two
teenagers on a motorbike while he was withdrawing money from an ATM machine
in North Pattaya. Thamrat gave a description of the culprits and said they
were headed towards Big C.
Police radioed officers in the area who immediately
spotted the two young thieves and gave chase. The two teenagers panicked and
recklessly made a dash for it, but lost control of their motorcycle as they
failed to make a curve and fell.
Police apprehended the teens, identified as Athit and
Samrit, both 17 years of age. The stolen items of wallet and phone were
found in their possession.
They confessed to their crime and told officers they had
been doing this thieving business for a while, splitting the stolen money
between them for their expenses. Both men were charged with theft and taken
into custody.
Police and government officers raid popular disco on Third Road
Management and customers get more than
they bargained for
Boonlua Chatree
Over 100 police officers paid a surprise visit to one of
Pattaya’s largest discos in the wee hours of last Friday morning. The raid
followed orders handed down by Chonburi Governor Pisit Khetphasook that all
entertainment venues be inspected. Newly appointed Banglamung District Chief
Surapol Tiensuwan and his team made an appearance at the popular disco on
Pattaya Third Road at 1 a.m. to inspect the premises.
The venue was packed and 1000 partygoers and the
disco’s management received a rude shock as police and officials stormed
in and demanded that lights be turned on and the music turned off. Many of
the foreign customers were asked to leave and all Thai nationals were told
to present their identity cards.
Throughout the inspection 116 people were not in
possession of their ID cards, which they must carry at all times, as
required by law. Each was fined 100 baht for the offense. A further 8 people
under the age of 20 were detained and taken to the police station for
further questioning and charged accordingly. No drugs or other illegal items
were found on the premises or on any of the customers.
Surapol said, “During this official inspection we found
8 people under 20 and 166 without ID cards. I will send a full report to the
governor and even though we found no illegal drugs, I will recommend that
the venue be closed for 30 days for allowing the other offences to occur.
But that is entirely up to the governor’s discretion.”
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