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Miss Siam contestants visit Pattaya for second round judging
Bevy of beauties speak out for women and athletes
Boonlua Chatree
Forty of Thailand’s most beautiful women were recently
in Pattaya for the second round of judging in the Miss Siam Beauty Pageant.
The visit follows the first round in Phuket, and these lovely ladies
participated in numerous activities at the Pattaya Park Beach Resort.
During their stay, contestants performed a variety of
tasks. During the Feminine and Physical challenge each displayed their
versatility and prowess as spokespersons for Thai women and athletes on land
and water. The winner of the Miss Siam pageant will go on to represent
Thailand in the Miss Tourism World 2004 pageant.
The final round of judging for Miss Siam 2004 was held last Saturday,
June 12.
Police patrol Walking Street looking for football gamblers
You can watch, but you can’t bet
Boonlua
Chatree
During the opening match of Euro Cup 2004 between the
teams from Portugal and Greece last Saturday morning, Pol. Lt. Gen. Jongrak
Juthanont, National Police commissioner Region 2, along with Superintendent
Pol. Col. Kamolchai Tiengrungroj, deputy superintendent, Pol. Lt. Col.
Sakrapee Preawpanich of Pattaya police station and a squad of police
officers patrolled South Pattaya’s Walking Street, inspecting bars and
restaurants in an attempt to quash betting on the game.
The effort was part of the national campaign against
football betting.
The commissioner ordered police officers under his
command to monitor football gamblers that might set up betting tables in
public bars and restaurant corners or anywhere else in Pattaya. He said bar
and restaurant owners should obey the call that the National Police Bureau
(NPB) asked for in putting up signboards and stickers in Thai and English
language to promote Thailand’s anti-gambling campaign.
The commissioner told reporters that he was satisfied
with the support Walking Street’s entertainment complex owners gave to the
NPB. Nevertheless, he said the monitoring and searching should last until
the tournament ends in July.
He said he believes that gambling is an entrenched
problem and that people would find a way to do it, no matter how tough the
law becomes or how hard the police work. He encouraged his team to stop this
misconduct and keep searching for the big fish.
Promotions, problems and solutions discussed at monthly PBTA meeting
Region’s infrastructure not ready for new airport and Laem Chabang port expansion
Ariyawat
Nuamsawat
An olla podrida of topics was brought forward at the monthly
Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA) meeting, held at the Green Park
Hotel on June 9.
 Thanet
Supornsaharungsi, PBTA president speaking at the June meeting.
First on the agenda was a new marketing plan targeting
national and international markets to attract more visitors to the region by
involving the hotel and golfing industries in Chonburi, encompassing the sports
and tourism theme.
However, topping the list of items was the inherent problems
facing Pattaya and the region when the new Suwanabhumi (Cobra Swamp) Airport
opens in 2005. The business and tourism community are concerned that the current
infrastructure is inadequate to handle an increase in demand when the airport
opens.
A letter to the government requesting information and
clarification on plans has already been sent to the relevant departments,
specifically in terms of road transport and the impending complete relocation of
the Klongtoey Port facilities to Laem Chabang, which will create numerous
problems for traffic in the region.
These concerns are despite the planned 10-lane route from
Bangkok to the region, with construction beginning in 2005 and set for
completion in 2007. Concerns were raised due to the construction not coinciding
with both the airport opening and cargo port changes. A decision to petition the
government to rectify the issue was agreed upon.
Thanet Supornsaharungsi, PBTA president suggested that Pattaya also have a
24-hour call center set up for tourists wanting information on hotels and
tourist venues, which was decided to be again submitted to the relevant
government bodies for further consideration and advice.
TAT hosts general meeting on hotel standards
Industry regulation to improve tourism in the region
Decha Chalimyart
Aiming to improve regional hotel standards, hotel
representatives from Pattaya and surrounding districts attended a meeting
hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Tourism Industry
Service and Personnel Development Foundation at the Siam Bayshore Hotel last
Friday afternoon.
 (L
to R) Samphan Panpattana, director for the Tourism Industry Service and
Personnel Development Foundation, and Dumron Chalimroj, assistant director
of the tourism development section of the TAT.
Chairing the meeting was Dumron Chalimroj, assistant
director of the tourism development section of the TAT and Samphan
Panpattana, director of the Foundation.
The goal was to encourage hotels in the region to
participate in improving standards in products and services, from the 1 to 5
star categories under the present Thailand Hotels Standard, supported by the
TAT. The project, which has been running for over a year, judges hotels and
resorts accordingly in an effort to make Thailand a world class destination
with consistent standards.
A total of 9 meetings in each region will be held to
bolster support for the project in developing Thai tourism standards.
Currently, 84 out of the 110 members in the region have been rated.
The project has received a great deal of interest from
proprietors, which has allowed visitors to choose a hotel to their taste and
budget according to the rating system.
Membership details are available from the Tourism Industry Service and
Personnel Development Foundation on 02 281 9496 or by visiting the website:
www.thaihotel.or/star
Sixty-year-old fruit seller still climbs trees for a living
Customers have been coming for tastysugar palm fruit for over 30 years
Pacharapol Panrak
Dongtan Bay in Sattahip is known for its sugar palms
trees and abundance of delicious fruit. One man has been gathering sugar
palm fruit (‘luk tarn’) and selling it by the roadside for over 30
years. The fruit is widely respected as a form of Thai herb and said to be a
cure for numerous ailments.
Strong and sturdy Preecha Sahasuk, aka Lung Tao, 60, is
the owner of the concession, which allows him access and harvest rights to
some 2,000 palms. The literal fruits of his daily labor net him up to 2,000
baht per day.
 Lung
Tao is not afraid of heights or wind; “When it rains is the only time I
don’t climb the trees,” he says.
Over the years people from all levels of society have
sought out Lung Tao’s product, valued for its medicinal properties.
Despite his steady income – and healthy stature, which he attributes to
eating luk tarn and climbing coconut trees daily since he was a child, Lung
Tao lives in a modest house on his reserve and has no family to care for.
“I have no one to take over the concession when I
die,” says Lung Tao who has held it since 1957. “When I was a child, we
used to play tag and no one could ever catch me if I scaled the trees. I had
no idea I would be doing this as a career, but it’s an honest way to make
a living and I’m happy.”
Lung Tao pays 2,500 baht per year for 1,800 palms on
Royal Thai Navy land and only requests assistance on cutting down tall
weakened trees when necessary.
Over
the years people from all levels of society have sought out Lung Tao’s
product, valued for its medicinal properties.
Lung Tao says he climbs the trees sometimes twice a day
to collect the fruit, only stopping his routine during heavy rain. “I’ve
never been scared of heights or even strong winds. When it rains is the only
time I don’t climb the trees,” added Lung Tao.
The luk tarn sells for around 2.50 baht each and offers a
discount of 5 baht if a customer buys 10. “The fruit is sweet and can be
eaten at any stage of ripeness,” according to Lung Tao, who says he allows
vendors to collect those that have fallen from the tree to make Thai sweets.
“Sometimes customers are waiting for me. You
shouldn’t discount the effectiveness of the luk tarn. Not only is it soft
and sweet but a very strong herb, especially as a tonic and for easing
fevers,” says Lung Tao.
For a man of 60 with no illness and being very fit, Lung
Tao looks set to be around for a long time to make sure tourists and ‘hi
so’ types will be able to get their fix of luk tarn for many more years to
come.
Vietnamese Navy commander visits Royal Thai Fleet
Two navies join forces in attempt to end piracy
Pacharapol Panrak
In May, Vice Admiral Doh Suan Kong, commander-in-chief of
the Republic of Vietnam Navy, and his followers visited HTMS Chakri Naruebet
at Sattahip Naval Base under a warm welcome from Admiral Wichai Yuwanangkoon,
Royal Thai Fleet Commander, and Thai navy personnel.
A few days before, Vice Admiral Suang Kong met with
Admiral Chumpol Puchjusanon, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy, at
the Navy General Headquarters in Bangkok.
Vice admiral
Doh Suan Kong (left), the Republic of Vietnam Navy commander, and Admiral
Wichai Yuwanangkoon, Royal Thai Fleet commander.
Admiral Wichai said, “Royal Thai Navy and the Republic
of Vietnam Navy have had a good long relationship. We always exchange
official visitation among high-rank commanders.
“In 2000 and 2003 the Thai navy dispatched its navy
drill team to Ho Chi Minh seaport. According to the contract signed on the
territorial waterline between Thai and Vietnamese navies, we have
collaborated to release marine patrols to support the countries’ benefits
in maritime resource exploration. Besides, this project helps protect
trawlers and fishing boats from pirates.”
Vice Admiral Doe Suan Kong revealed, “This is my first
time in Thailand, which is a very beautiful country. I am really happy to
meet Royal Thai Navy Commander Chumpol and have a chance to discuss
collaboration to suppress pirates in Thai and Vietnamese waters. Moreover, I
am honored to visit the Royal Thai Fleet and HTMS Chakri Naruebet at this
Sattahip Naval Base.”
The Thai Navy will dispatch a fleet of navy ships to reach Ho Chi Minh
City again from June 21-27 to show an established relationship between the
navies of Thailand and Vietnam.
Two-baht coin to be introduced
The government plans to introduce a
two-baht coin in 2005. A government study on the pros and cons of the
production of two-baht coins is being finalized, said the director-general
of the Treasury Department, Wisudhi Srisuphan. The study found that a
two-baht coin would increase consumers’ convenience and improve coin
circulation in the country.
The total value of coins in the market now amounts to 14
billion baht, with 54% of this being one-baht coins. However, there are
more constraints on the use of one-baht coins than the 5 baht and 10 baht
coins.
The Treasury Department says it is ready to start the
production of the new coins. The Ministry of Finance will soon submit the
study to the cabinet for its consideration.
While 2005 is the target for the introduction of the
two-baht coin, further studies on production technology and pattern will be
explored to reduce the amount of metal used because of the rising costs of
nickel and copper on the world market. (TNA)
Baywatch
Sinkhole reappears on Soi AR
Eakachai
Kamolsri
The notorious sinkhole located a hundred meters from the
Nova Park serviced apartments on Soi AR has reappeared following the spate of
recent rains, and has become even larger than before. The busy route serves as
a shortcut from Pattaya Second Road to Central Pattaya Road and onto North
Pattaya. The half-hearted repairs made by the city do not last and constant
water flows in the area have washed away the fill.
 The gaping hole is now deep enough to swallow a motorbike
or small car (rumors are most likely unfounded that there are several
motorcycles, motorcyclists and one Daihatsu Mira still residing there, trying
to find a way out - although it seems no one dares check).
During heavy rains it becomes invisible to the unsuspecting
user. Poor lighting at night has made the corner become even more lethal. Now
that the mayor has finally been allowed to take office, perhaps he can have
his city maintenance crew fix this hole once and for all.
Motorcycle ride-by thief arrested
Used money to enjoy the nightlife
Local police arrested Thanin
Pinthonkhum, 27, on June 8 for motorcycle ride-by thefts. Before his
arrest Thanin stole a mobile phone belonging to Anthony Holburn, from
England, on June 5.
The arrest came after investigation officers
traced the phone to a second hand shop on Soi Bua Khao where the
Banglamung resident had sold the phone for 6,000 baht.
 Thanin
Pinthonkhum (right) faces a healthy stint in jail for his nefarious
activities.
Through documentation, police tracked Thanin to
his home and arrested him with numerous stolen goods in his
possession. Holburn positively identified Thanin as the person whole
stole his mobile phone.
Thanin admitted to the thefts saying he would sell the stolen
goods for cash so he could enjoy the city’s nightlife. Police
charged the 27-year-old with theft and possession of stolen goods.
Investigation leads to muggers’ arrest
Steak knife used to get victims’ valuables
Shortly after midnight on June 10, Pattaya police
announced the capture of three youths following a recent armed robbery at
the Marina Inn Hotel in South Pattaya.
The perpetrators used a steak knife to steal a gold chain
and mobile phone from two men inside the hotel. Ritthichai Kaewramook, 23,
Yothin Gertwiphan, 20, and Nirute Nohkaew, 21, were found hiding in Rayong
Province following the crime. The 3 men confessed to their activities,
revealing the details.
They told police they had been drinking heavily nearby
the hotel when the two victims walked past. Ritthichai apparently approached
the two men and they chatted briefly before returning to their drinking
session. Thereafter, the effects of inebriation set in and the three
criminals got into an argument with the two victims and they went to their
hotel room, taking a steak knife with them.
Once the two men opened the door the three drunken men
assaulted them, held the cleaver to one victim’s throat and demanded
valuables. The two victims, Apiwat Rittdech and Pongsatorn Kreephumi, were
tied up before the three assailants fled to Rayong to hide out. All are now
facing judicial proceedings for their actions.
Uzbekistan women nabbed on prostitution charges
“Why don’t you arrest Thai women doing the same thing,” was their plea
Boonlua Chatree
Foreign crime suppression police moved into Walking
Street after undercover investigations revealed that a group of foreign
women were walking the streets and bars propositioning tourists.
Enticing
tourists to pay for play with them landed these Uzbeki women in the Soi 9
police station.
Out of uniform police made their way to a South Pattaya
beer bar where they found seven women sitting inside. Two of them approached
the officers and a price of 1,000 baht each for sexual services was reached
before they returned to the Marine Mansion nearby.
Once the women had undressed and police, using marked
banknotes, carried out the financial transaction, the women were immediately
arrested and taken to Soi 9 police station. Five other women in the same bar
were also taken to Soi 9 where their personal details were recorded and
given a stern warning before being released.
However, the two women arrested, Krushida Azimova, 27 and
Dilova Boymurabova, 21, were charged with prostitution and creating a public
nuisance. Both admitted money from their illegal activities would pay for
their vacation in Thailand and questioned police as to why they did not
arrest all the other Thai women who were carrying out the same activities.
Krushida Azimova and Dilova Boymurabova were each fined
1,000 baht and sent to immigration police for deportation.
Isuzu branch manager loses 60,000 in cash and 57 baht-weight
in gold to car break-in thief
Doughty police predict a quick arrest
Pramern Sareeboonrit, 45, branch manager for the Chonburi
Isuzu sales office, reported that his car had been broken into in a Central
Pattaya shopping center. The thieves made off with 60,000 baht in cash, 57
baht-weight in gold (worth approximately 370,000 baht) and a licensed 38
caliber pistol.
Officers arrived at the shopping center at around 11 p.m.
on June 9 following the report. Inspecting the vehicle police noted numerous
fingerprints on both sides of the vehicle, the doors of which had been
jimmied open.
Pramern told officers that he had parked the car around 2
hours earlier when he met a customer for dinner. He was dropped off at the
shopping center and checked on his vehicle before going in to do some
shopping. Pramern said he noticed something odd and on a closer look found
that it had been broken into. The valuables were missing.
Police recorded the statement and took fingerprints from
the vehicle. Officers surmise that the criminals knew Pramern well enough to
know that he stored the items inside the car. They expect to make an arrest
shortly.
Armed drug dealer arrested in tourist police sting
Cornered, pusher draws gun on officers
Boonlua Chatree
A joint operation between Pattaya tourist police and
Region 2 criminal investigation officers led to the arrest of an armed
37-year-old man known to be dealing methamphetamines.
Investigations led police to a meeting point in Soi
Potisan in Naklua just after midnight on June 11. A net of police lay in
wait to capture the drug dealer, identified as Kowit Glomnangnon, as he rode
a motorcycle along the soi. When Kowit reached the meeting point officers
closed in him. When Kowit saw the police, he pulled out a loaded 38 caliber
pistol. Forewarned, police wrestled the gun from him and immediately cuffed
and searched him.
A body search revealed 100 methamphetamine (‘ya ba’)
pills and Kowit was taken in for interrogation. During questioning he
confessed to selling the drugs to local service girls and youths in the area
after purchasing the pills in his home province of Angthong.
Kowit was charged with possession and intent to sell a
class 1 illegal substance, illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a
loaded weapon within the city without a permit. He now faces judicial
proceedings which may lead to the death penalty.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Drug dealing couple detained
The crackdown on drugs continues with yet another
arrest. As a result of undercover investigations, police detained a man and
a woman in the Foodland supermarket car park after midnight on June 10 as
the pair strode to their car. Police arrested Somchai Homhuan, 24 and
Wittree Chayawoong, 22, as they finished eating at the supermarket and were
about to leave.
Officers confiscated 30 methamphetamine pills, a mobile
phone and a Mitsubishi sedan as evidence. During interrogation, they both
admitted to the selling the drugs after purchasing them from another
dealer. The pair was charged accordingly while police continue to hunt for
the source of distribution.
Ganja dealer weeded out by tourist police
Sharp-eyed tourist police on patrol in South Pattaya’s
Walking Street spotted the suspicious behavior of 18-year-old Prasopchoke
Siripochanakarn in front of the Family Mart convenience store.
Tourist police approached Prasopchoke, who fled at the
sight of law enforcement officials. However, police were too quick for him.
A body search revealed a plastic bag containing 4.3 grams of marijuana.
Prasopchoke told officers that he sold the pot to
foreign tourists to supplement his income. Not impressed with this illegal
entrepreneurial activity, Prasopchoke Siripochanakarn was taken to Soi 9
police station and charged with possession of a class 5 illegal substance
and now faces a heavy penalty.
Police gatecrash drug and gambling parties in Soi Bua Khao blitz
Crime suppression and investigation officers
gate-crashed two parties in separate locations in Soi Bua Khao on the same
night. The raids followed undercover investigations by local police.
The first of the two parties in which law enforcement
officers were not invited led to the arrest of 10 young men and women. Each
tested positive for methamphetamine abuse and were detained and charged
accordingly.
The second venue, in Soi Tangmo off Bua Khao, saw officers break up the
party before it started. The rented apartment was used a venue for gambling
and police confiscated cards, dice and the large sum of 40 baht. Four
people were arrested and charged with illegal gambling. They are now facing
criminal charges.
A quick glimpse at Pattaya’s new mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn, born January 12, 1960
Currently lives in Naklua
Education:
 Primary education at Boonpuengwittaya School, Banglamung
Secondary Education Pothisamphan School and Dusit Commercial College,
Bangkok
Bachelor of Law at Ramkhamaheng University, Bangkok
Mini MBA, Burapha University, Chonburi
Honor degree in Law, Law Management Institute, Chonburi
Work Background:
Pattaya City Council Member, 1989-1993 and manager of Simon Safety and Card
Company.
Advisor and vice president, Laognuanlee Co., Ltd (Flipper House)
Advisor and vice president Pattaya Best Food Co., Ltd
Advisor and vice president, Flipper House
1996-1998 deputy permanent secretary for Pattaya City
1999 Pattaya City secretary
1999-2004 Pattaya City deputy mayor
City-wide recycling competition announced for school children
‘Idea, Can Do’
To coincide with the current heightened interest on
environmental issues, local businesses have teamed up with schools and
government administrators to encourage children to get into the habit of
recycling waste.
In a press conference held at the Marriott Resort &
Spa on June 1, teachers from city schools and members of the press listened
as the aims of the project unfolded.
(from right)
Suwat Rachotwattnakul, deputy managing director of Sophon cable TV, Mai
Chaiyanit, head of the Nongprue District Administration organization,
Chatree Sophonbunaluk, director of sales and marketing, The Market Pattaya
and Suwanthep ‘Tony’ Malhotra, executive director, marketing and
communications for the Pattaya Mail.
Suwat Rachotwattnakul, deputy managing director of Sophon
cable TV explained, “Since Pattaya and the surrounding areas are growing
rapidly, waste is escalating in direct correlation. Our aim is to encourage
children to recycle their waste and turn it into something useful.”
Mai Chaiyanit, head of the Nongprue District
Administration organization (DAO) added, “We include the youth community
in these projects to educate them to care for the environment so they can
help prevent problems becoming worse in the future. Currently, the region
has 300 tons of daily waste to deal with and it is with activities such as
this that we, as a collective, can focus on the importance of environmental
issues.”
Suwanthep ‘Tony’ Malhotra, Pattaya Mail’s executive
director of marketing and communications said, “The Pattaya Mail is happy
to support the project, since Pattaya is a national and international
destination. We are happy to relay the facts to the foreign community,
especially those interested in environmental issues. As such, we will
provide information and support the project and continue to promote the
importance of environmental care in the city.”
The project will challenge children and young adults at
the primary, secondary, vocational and university levels to create
innovative products from recycled material, under the theme, ‘Idea, Can
Do’. Teams of 3 are accepted and each product must be a new creation and
have a practical application. The focus will also be on creativity.
Entries can be submitted to the stall at The Market Pattaya, before July
26 with final judging on July 27. Those interested in participating can
contact Sophon Cable TV at telephone 0378 423 777 for further details.
PM presides over launch of ‘Modern Radio 107 FM Metropolis’
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra presided over the
launch of a radio initiative of the Mass Communication Organization of
Thailand (MCOT), called the ‘Modern Radio 107 FM Metropolis’ Program.
Distinguished guests took part in the ceremony held in
Bangkok, including foreign ambassadors in Thailand, local journalists, top
executives of Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI), the
national flag carrier, and those of MCOT.
The Thai leader praised the creativity and initiation of
MCOT, through Thai News Agency (TNA) - its major news production structure -
for joining forces with five international news agencies in jointly turning
Radio MCOT 107 FM into the ‘Modern Radio 107 FM Metropolis’ with around
the clock services through their news exchange deals.
The five international news agencies include Japan-based
NHK, US-based CNN and VOA, UK-based BBC, and Australia-based ABC.
“I support creativity and initiation of people in all
circles, particularly MCOT, which is now a state-run media organization. I
hope that this creativity will soon be followed by other radio stations
across the country so the radio audience will increase,” said the Thai
leader.
According to the government’s recent survey, 83% of
news consumers in the country now rely on TV news reports, while those who
rely on newspapers and radio news reports account for only 8% and 7%
respectively.
Thaksin suggested that MCOT, through TNA, continue its
moves to further develop itself to achieve its goal of becoming an
internationally-recognized news production base in the region, serving
precise and timely news services to people all over the world.
‘Modern Radio’ will begin with the launch of the
‘Metropolis 107’ radio station, using the English-language Radio MCOT
FM107MHz as the broadcaster, which will be followed by a phase-in series of
initiative programs like those of ‘Modernine TV’.
Highlights of the ‘Metropolis 107 Radio’ Program will
be the unprecedented cooperation in news presentation in English between
TNA, and the five internationally-renowned news agencies. Broadcast on the
FM 107 MHz frequency, the ‘Metropolis Radio’ began offering
entertainment and news information to the audience on June 1.
‘Metropolis 107 Radio’ will target the Thai audience
interested in listening to news development and learning English, as well as
foreign envoys, executives, tourists, and expatriates who stay in Thailand,
and are unable to understand Thai.
The station will broadcast news coverage provided by TNA
and the five international news agencies around the clock, with live news
reports from every corner of the world at the beginning of every hour, and
popular international music from the 1970s and 1980s.
MCOT also inaugurated the Super Station on June 1 as a
venue where the Thai audience can hear favorite folk songs. It will be
broadcast on FM 95 MHz during 24.00-05.00 hours.
MCOT has three main structures, including ‘Modernine
TV’ (TV Channel 9), TNA, and Radio MCOT, as well as supportive units,
namely the Marketing, Accounting, Planning and Policy, Personnel, Public
Relations, Welfare, and Engineering Department. (TNA)
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