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South Pattaya beachfront
to undergo drastic changes
New road to be built on pylons over the ocean
Suchada Tupchai
A new project in the works, briefly mentioned in last
week’s Pattaya Mail, if approved will essentially change the South
Pattaya land- and seascape from Soi Pattayaland 1 down to the Bali Hai pier.
The plan calls for a new road to be built on concrete and
steel pylons over the ocean, veering off from Beach Road at about Soi 13/3
(Pattayaland Soi 1), and rejoining land again between the Siam Bayshore Resort
and the new Bali Hai pier, eventually connecting to Pattaya 3 rd
Road.
In
the not too distant future, this area of South Pattaya could undergo a drastic
change.
The road would be 4 lanes wide, have two-way traffic, and
have promenades on both sides. Parks, bike routes and rest areas for walkers
are also being designed along the route. The entire project would be a total of
40 meters wide and about 1 kilometer long, all of it built on pylons over the
ocean.
An intersection would be created at about where the police
box is currently located where Beach Road turns up towards South Pattaya Road.
This intersection would allow traffic access to South Pattaya Road from the new
road via a new soi that would be built there.
Most of the Walking Street side of the 101 businesses that
currently occupy the ocean side of Walking Street would be left unchanged,
except for possibly one or more side sois being built into the system. Many of
these businesses would actually benefit from the project, as it would give them
additional storefront space facing the ocean along the new road. Some
businesses, however, would be adversely affected. For instance, the restaurant
areas that have been built on platforms over the ocean would most likely need
to be torn down.
The ambitious project, being named the “South Pattaya Bay
re-development project”, would take about two years to complete, says Seri
Yuwree, Associated Development Consultant Corporation Limited (ASDECON) project
supervisor.
ASDECON consultants have been hired to design the plan,
survey the area and solicit opinions from the public, specifically Walking
Street’s 101 business operators - the area that would be most affected by the
project – as well as community leaders, government department heads, private
enterprise and educational institutes.
Representatives from ASDECON presented their plans at a city
hall meeting on December 8.
Deputy Mayor Wattana Jantaworanon presided over the meeting
on behalf of Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, and stated he had called on
Walking Street residents and businesses to seriously consider the project as a
huge stride in the area’s development, and allow the city to proceed with the
next step in realizing the project.
The latest details breaking the project into sections are as
follows:
1. A 10 meter wide walkway in front of the buildings.
2. A 4-lane two way road, with no traffic island, a total of
14 meters wide.
3. A 16 meter wide seaside area to feature a footpath,
two-lane bike path, motorcycle parking and short-term car parking facilities.
4. Public gardens on the eastern side (Soi Pattayaland end)
of the project. This section could be used for activities and as a rest area
for residents and tourists.
Extra strength steel reinforced concrete pylons with the
ability to support no less than 1,000 kilograms per square meter would be used
to conform to quality specifications and ensure the project will stand up to
heavy traffic and Pattaya’s infamous rainstorms. Ready-made sections would be
put in place, eliminating the need to pour concrete.
Excess rainwater would be drained off into the sea through a
‘v-type’ drainage system. A wastewater drainage system would be built and
connected to the city’s wastewater system. Electrical cables would be
installed under the concrete structure, eliminating the need for power poles
and transformers. Lighting would be strategically placed for safety and
convenience.
The project isn’t quite ready to begin, however, as there
are still more studies to be conducted and approvals gained. If/when the city
council approves the proposal, it must then go through cabinet for approval.
The initial cost of construction has been set at 684 million baht; however,
this is without including other specific details, such as compensating
landowners in the area.
Kanchana Pollook-In receives royal decoration for her contributions to society
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
At 9 a.m. on December 17 a party was held for Kanchana
Pollook-In to present her with a medal and insignia signifying her becoming a
“Member (Fifth Class) of the Most Admirable Order to the Direkgunabhorn”
awarded by His Majesty the King for her charitable contributions to society.
(L to R)
Wittaya Pollook-In, Rewat Pollook-In, Kanchana Pollook-In, Chanyuth Hengtrakul,
Sangsorn Sunthornsilchai, administrators for Chonburi Province, and Adisorn
Pollook-In.
Khunakorn has been a shining light of inspiration in the
community for her devotion to improving the plight of the poor, youth
development, education, and promoting the principles of Buddhism.
The gathering, which also coincided with Kanchana’s
birthday, began in the morning with a traditional Buddhist ceremony which
included a blessing from the monks and a meal provided for them. Afterwards the
group gathered to share a meal together.
The party was attended by close friends and family. VIPs
included Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, Worawit Saisupatpol, Banglamung
district chief, and Chanyuth Hengtrakul, adviser to the Ministry of Tourism and
Sports.
As an acknowledgment of Kanchana’s tireless efforts to
improve the lives of those less fortunate, she was awarded this insignia on
December 5, 2003, the 58th year the king had been on the throne.
This year Tawin Samakrattakit, assistant director of the Buddhist
Department, organized the insignia celebration for her goodwill and charity
work which supports Buddhism. Partly due to her efforts, in the past two years
the Buddhist Department was established in Puttamonton Hall, Nakhon Pathom
Province.
Banglamung chief inspects entertainment venues to measure noise levels
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
In accordance with HM the King’s birthday speech on
December 4, Worawit Saisupatanapol, Banglamung district chief announced the
intention to measure noise levels in local entertainment venues. With laws
having already been in place for some time, the stepped-up enforcement has
been prompted by His Majesty’s words.
 Banglamung
district chief Worawit Saisupatanapol and his team inspect bars to ensure
regulations are being met, and whist there, held talks with owners.
On December 12, Worawit called a meeting with business
operators and relevant officials to announce an inspection and enforcement
of regulations. The legislation states that venues shall emit no more than
an average of 91 decibels and a maximum of 110 decibels in short bursts.
The king’s words were aimed at the nation’s youth,
many of whom already have hearing problems due to the excessive subjection
to loud music.
Worawit said, “It is time for the government to enforce
the law. We have four main objectives. First, we must control the level of
sound emitted according to the law. Second, we need to ensure that lighting
in entertainment venues is appropriate and safe and cannot cause injury.
Third, all venues must have an adequate number of fire extinguishers on hand
and they must be located in easily accessible places, and fourth, venues
must have an efficient exhaust system to allow stale air to exit the
building. All these points are under the guidelines set for entertainment
venues and building laws in the interests of safety.”
Specific teams were appointed to carry out inspections
and issue relevant defect warnings from December 13-17. Strict enforcement
began on December 18 and those found violating the law will face fines and
other penalties.
On Wednesday evening the Banglamung chief toured South
Pattaya, checking noise levels personally, to find that almost everyone was
in compliance with the law.
One entertainment venue owner said, “This is a good thing because HM
the King expressed his concern for his people. Currently there are only very
few places that exceed the noise limit and I am sure that most business
owners will cooperate and follow the law. However, the main problem at the
moment for most owners is the operating times, which has significantly
decreased business revenue. I would like to see the government review our
circumstances and help out on this issue.”
Pattaya New Year Festival begins today
Gala event to be broadcast live around the nation
Suchada Tupchai
Pattaya’s New Year festivities will kick off at Bali
Hai pier on Christmas day, starting a 7-day countdown to 2005. The weeklong
festivities will climax with spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the
skies over Pattaya to welcome in the New Year.
The final decision was announced at a press conference in
Bangkok on December 13. The organization of the festival was handed to SCV
& Associates Co. Ltd. who bid against the Four Lions Company to run the
event.
SVC and Associates Co. Ltd. has successfully held a
similar event in Phuket, and will run the Pattaya New Year Festival 2005
with a live telecast on ITV featuring concerts with major Thai artists over
7 days - December 25-31.
The grand celebrations will start on Christmas Day with a
giant snowman, reindeer, Santa Claus, a colorful parade and a Santa Lady
pageant. The festivities will include a variety of booths selling food, Thai
crafts and souvenirs, beer drinking contests, special stage shows and a
stunning fireworks display.
Major artists from RS Promotions will lead into the
countdown in the final seconds of 2004 followed by special effects and
pyrotechnics shows broadcast live around the nation from 10.30 p.m. till
12.30 a.m. on December 31-January 1. The budget for the weeklong festivities
is just over 10 million baht.
During the Bangkok meeting, which was attended by SVC
senior management and ITV’s managing director as well as city councilors
and senior administrators, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn said, “The city
wants to create something different from previous years. We think this
special celebration will match Pattaya’s image as a world-wide tourist
destination making it a fun event for everyone.”
Important aspects of safety and traffic control, an
intense public relations campaign and standby medical services were also
discussed at the meeting. Representatives from the management company laid
to rest fears over the issues saying they would cooperate with the relevant
authorities.
The highlight of the weeklong festivities will be the
massive fireworks display, which will be carried out by professionals who
competed on the world stage and have won numerous awards for their work.
“The focus will be on safety throughout the entire
event,” said SCV’s managing director Suradech Junyasawat.
The schedule of events at
Bali Hai pier
December 25: From 6.49 p.m. official opening with mayor
presiding. Christmas gifts will be handed out around the stage area along
with special shows.
December 26: Concert by Nontiya Juebangpar leading the
line up.
December 27: Special show by famous women of the
‘second category’; Sunny Yupro and a concert by the band Ohio.
December 28: Shows and a concert by Michael ‘Tung’
and Pattaya bands.
December 29: Concert - Eternal rock lead by Pe-Hirock
December 30: Bangkok Convention performance and ‘Go
Zak Man’
December 31:
5.30 p.m. Chatree Band
6.00 p.m. Pattaya Best of Music Dancers - HY-X Venture
6.10 p.m. Pattaya Best of Music Dancers - The Power
6.20 p.m. Pattaya Best of Music Bands - EVA
7.20 p.m. Pattaya Best of Music Bands - Star Dice Pub
8.25 p.m. Concert by RS Promotions artist ‘Pink’
9.10 p.m. Concert by RS Promotions artist ‘View’
10 p.m. Concert by RS Promotions artist ‘Bogie
Dodge’
10.40 p.m. Concert by RS Promotions artist Sornrarm
Theppitak
11.10 p.m. Concert by RS Promotions artists ‘Rock
Stars’
11.50 p.m. Dignitaries and distinguished guests prepare
for the countdown and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
11.54 p.m. The Final Countdown performance
11.59 p.m. A world time clock will display the final
seconds of 2004 in the countdown. Start of fireworks.
Midnight: The 2004-2005 fireworks begun by dignitaries
and musical artists, with special light and sound show.
00.18 a.m. Dance show Amazing Pattaya by ‘the Bank’.
00.35 a.m. Concert by Baby Bull
1.45 a.m. DJ 1 show will conclude the end of the party.
Chonburi tops list with
fewest couch potatoes
On December 13 the Ministry of Public Health
handed trophies from Prime Minister Taksin Shinawatra to provinces that had
inspired the highest number of residents off their couches to exercise during
the ministry’s recent nationwide fitness campaign.
Dr. Vichai Tienthavon, permanent secretary for public health,
handed trophies and prize money to Chonburi, Roi Et and Songkha, all of which
had more than one million of their residents engaging in fitness activities on
November 20. Second and third prizes were given to provinces with lower numbers
of participants.
Dr. Vichai said that the prizes would boost the morale of
provincial authorities which attached importance to the health of their
residents.
The permanent secretary stressed that exercise helps reduce
cases of adverse medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood
pressure and hip fractures.
Over 43 million people took part in the fitness campaign, 10
million more than the ministry’s target. (TNA)
MOF to propose specific time for cigarette and liquor sale
The Finance Ministry
plans to propose a draft ministerial announcement limiting the sale of
cigarettes and liquor to a specific time period at a mobile cabinet meeting
in the southern province of Trang for consideration.
Finance Minister Somkid Jatusripitak disclosed the
announcement was aimed at discouraging consumption of the products, which he
said could benefit society.
According to the announcement, the sale of liquor is
banned for people aged below 18 years and the sale time period is limited to
11.00-14.00 and 17.00-24.00. Liquor sales are also prohibited in religious
sites and educational establishments.
However, Somkid said, the proposed ban on liquor sales at
service stations has not been imposed because he views a campaign on liquor
consumption reduction should be made instead of imposing too many
constraints on the sale of the product.
The announcement also covers a ban on cigarette sales to
people aged below 18 years, since the Tobacco Factory Act fails to stipulate
the ban.
Utis Thammavathin, director-general of the Excise
Department, said should any entrepreneurs violate the announcement, they
would have their licenses revoked immediately. They also would be
blacklisted and prohibited from selling these products indefinitely, he
said. (TNA)
Thai wife is murder suspect in English husband’s death
Wife claims her husband stabbed himself
Boonlua Chatree
At 2.30 a.m. on December 11, Pattaya police were called to a
Soi Arunotai residence concerning the death of an English resident. The man’s
wife, Sunee Crabtree, 52, told police that her husband was trying to kill
himself.
 Harry
Crabtree (right) during happier times.
Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate, Pattaya police superintendent
and a team of officers visited the house along with criminal investigation
units. They arrived at the house to find the naked body of Harry Crabtree,
68, lying on the floor of the bathroom. He was covered in blood with two
stab wounds - one to the chest and one to the throat. An initial
examination suggested that Crabtree had been dead for at least one hour.
The man’s wife, Sunee, told police that she had been
married to her husband for 10 years and that they had bought the house
together. She said her husband had arrived home late after a night out on
the town and that they had got into an argument over his late return. As a
result her husband went into fit of rage and allegedly stabbed himself with
a knife from the kitchen. It was then she called police for help.
Investigating officers and a Banglamung doctor examined
the body and the surroundings. The blood from Harry Crabtree was dry. In
the kitchen they found a knife used in the stabbing that someone had tried
to clean, but still had traces of blood on it. Police forensic units
collected the evidence. Harry Crabtree’s body was sent to the police
forensic institute for a post mortem examination.
Speaking to witnesses outside, it appears that the
couple had a violent argument outside the house before moving inside to
continue their quarrel.
Sunee’s claims of her husband’s self inflicted
injury were inconsistent with evidence at the scene, and she still had
dried blood on her clothing. Officers informed her of their initial
findings, stating that she was a murder suspect. Sunee Crabtree collapsed,
apparently from shock, and she was taken to Banglamung Hospital for
treatment.
Pol. Col. Somnuk Changate, Pattaya police superintendent
who also inspected the house, said there was evidence that conflicted with
Sunee Crabtree’s story and since there were only two people in the house
at the time - one of them dead, police would have to wait for further
scientific evidence to come to light to be included in the investigation.
“The doctor and investigating officers believe that this was not a
suicide. We will conduct a detailed investigation and most likely will
press charges once the report comes back from the coroner’s office in
Bangkok,” said Pol. Col. Somnuk..
Two foreigners and a Thai woman arrested in drug sting
Boonlua
Chatree
Pattaya police, investigating claims of foreign drug dealers
in South Pattaya’s Walking Street area, carried out a sting operation, netting
one Thai woman and her foreign counterpart in possession of .8 grams of cocaine
and 22 ecstasy pills.
Pranom, aka Ann Pramunkata, 28, and British passport holder
David Leejuves (sic) were detained as they tried to sell the drugs in front of a
Soi BJ beauty salon. Both confessed to selling the drug and said they purchased
it from a U.S. national, Paul Miller.
Cooperating with the police, the Brit agreed to call Miller
to arrange a further purchase in Soi Yensabai. Once the deal was made police
moved and arrested Miller and detained Leejuves.
All three were charged with possession and distribution of
illegal drugs and were duly sent for legal processing.
Police still believe there is a large amount of narcotics in
the city and vow to continue their operations to weed out the dealers.
German tourist has face rearranged by safari suit thugs
Assailants take umbrage at humorless remarks
Boonlua Chatree
At around 3 a.m. on December 14, Pattaya police received a
report from residents that a foreigner had been beaten by a group of safari suit
clad thugs. The incident occurred outside the Green Roof Mansion in Soi Kor Pai,
South Pattaya.
Police and Sawang Boriboon personnel rushed to the scene to
find the man, later identified as German national Olaf Didier, 25, unconscious
on the ground in front of the hotel. He sustained numerous facial injuries and
was transported to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment.
When he finally regained consciousness at the hospital, the
foreigner was less than pleased to see reporters and threatened them, saying
that the situation was his problem and had nothing to do with anyone else.
Hospital officials took the German into the X-ray department, before giving him
further treatment.
According to investigating police, Olaf had been drinking at
a group of Naklua beer bars where he allegedly had created a scene, and was
jokingly saying in Thai that he would slap someone around. Apparently someone
was less than pleased with the idle threats and sent two safari suit thugs, most
likely bar security, to teach him a lesson.
Police said they are investigating the case, that they know
the group of bars and were confident in making an arrest.
Immigration police nab Korean national wanted in homeland on drug charges
Boonlua Chatree
Acting on information from the South Korean Embassy in
Thailand, Pattaya immigration police arrested Lee Jag Bong on suspicion of
overstaying his visa.
Lee
Jag Bong
Following a brief investigation, immigration officers
detained Lee Jag Bong in a Pattaya Naklua massage venue. He was taken to Soi 8
immigration office for further questioning.
Police revealed that Lee fled drug selling charges in South
Korea and had spent some time in Thailand. As news of the arrest spread, bail
bond representatives crammed into the Soi 8 immigration office, looking to post
bail for the Korean.
At the height of the frenzy, Lee Jag Bong was transferred to
Soi 9 police station with bail being refused under strict instructions from the
South Korean Consul, due to the nature of Lee’s crimes.
Thai and Korean officials transported the man to Bangkok before deporting
him back to Korea to face legal proceedings.
Police briefs
Boonlua Chatree
Gardener
kills
common-law wife and later tries to hang himself
On December 17 police received a report that a man had
just murdered his wife and was attempting to hang himself. Officers rushed
to the location of a rented room behind the Cozy Inn Hotel in Jomtien. At
the scene officers heard a hotel employee screaming that a man was trying
to hang himself from a tree behind the hotel.
Fast acting officers rescued the distressed man, later
identified as Bun Thee-Art, 52, a gardener employed at the hotel.
During questioning Bun Thee-Art admitted he had just
murdered his wife with a hatchet. Officers entered the rented room and
found the mutilated body of a 44 year old woman identified only as
Petchpiri, from Khon Kaen, lying in a pool of her own blood. Beside her lay
the bloodied hatchet used to kill her.
The police detained Bun Thee-Art, who said the victim
was his ‘second’ wife and the couple had been living together in the
rented room, but their relationship was stormy. At the time, he had
demanded sex from her and she refused. Bun Thee-Art admitted that after she
had fallen asleep he had bludgeoned her with the hatchet in a fit of fury.
After his confession he was charged with first degree murder.
Immigration police detain and blacklist Italian pedophile suspect
Boonlua Chatree
Acting on orders from senior immigration officers after
numerous complaints from residents and victims, Pattaya Immigration police
raided the house of an alleged Italian pedophile. Police carried out an
investigation into the man’s activities to confirm the allegations.
 Italian
Franco Gheding was deported and blacklisted for his alleged involvement in
pedophilia.
The man, identified as Franco Gheding, 61, was in his
Suksabai home when police knocked on his door. They immediately requested to
view his passport and visa status.
Officers informed the man that he was accused of committing
an offence after one of his victims complained of sexual abuse. Officers also
discovered a 13 year old boy on the premises, without specific reason. No
charges were placed against the man as there were no illegal activities taking
place.
Gheding was ordered to leave the kingdom and was deported immediately.
Immigration has blacklisted him, which means he can never return to Thailand,
citing that he was considered a danger to society.
EDITORIAL: A time for giving
Suchada Tupchai
Christmas time is a joyous season meant to spread happiness
around the world. Even though it is primarily celebrated in the Western world,
the concept has crossed continents and borders, and has been integrated into
Eastern cultures. The colors of green and red decorate many cities,
complementing the glittering gold and silver tinsel decorations that adorn
Christmas trees. It’s the season of festive cheer; “Peace on Earth and
goodwill toward men.”
As the warmth of the Christmas season spreads around the
globe, its interpretation and methods of celebration vary widely. The spirit of
the season is seen through different eyes and is very subjective, depending
one’s point of view.
For many, this season is a time to reflect on those less
fortune, such as children without families and people in society who remain on
the fringes, just outside the circle of warmth and acceptance they so
desperately need. It is also a time when our hearts go out to people in the
world who are suffering from social problems, poverty, hopelessness and
despair, and often it is at this time when we are most inspired to extend a
helping hand because the Christmas season is a time for giving.
And of course, Christmas is a special time for children, no
matter what race or creed. Kids, rich or poor, see Santa Claus as a universal
symbol of happiness and the jolly man in red who brings joy and makes their
dreams come true. Underprivileged children are no different then their more
fortunate peers. They too, want to participate and share in this season of joy.
They see the happiness of others and are no different from any other child,
only that they cannot have what most take for granted, happiness and festive
cheer during this time of the year.
The real meaning of love and warmth does not come from
decorations or gifts during Christmas, or the materialistic and often
superficial side of this particular holiday. Those amongst us who understand
the true spirit of the season are those who reach out and give warmth, love and
support to those in the community who need us most.
In Thailand, government and private statistics reveal a
frightening truth - the number of orphans and abandoned children and street
kids is mounting. Thai youngsters, the future of our nation, are in trouble and
their numbers are growing. This group of children have problems with their
families - they are discarded and missing the important nurturing and love that
each child needs - they are often forced into illegal activities, theft or
worse just to survive.
There many good people in Pattaya, Thai and foreign, who are
trying to turn that around. Their heartfelt efforts that shine bright are
helping to guide these children in their time of darkness and despair and not
just at Christmas time. These are people who try to give what the children
lack, whether it is love and warmth, food or drink and gifts in exchange for
laughter and a smile from the children.
Even if it is just an exchange of gifts, a fun party, a
wholesome meal or sporting event, the participation and bonding with the
community is a positive experience for these kids and brings happiness into
their lives
This outpouring of goodwill towards these kids during the
Christmas season is especially important because it comes at a time when it is
most needed and wanted, not just for the children but for all the
underprivileged adults and those who face suffering, and for those in
Thailand’s troubled south.
No matter where you’re from, what religion you follow or
whatever your culture, to give to others in earnest incorporates the core of
true Christmas spirit. During this holiday season, we must open our hearts and
remember this is the season for giving.
Nightclubs near schools and temples banned
The government plans to ban new nightclubs and
entertainment venues from opening close to education institutes and
religious places. The ban will come into force from January 1, the deputy
interior minister, Pracha Maleenont said.
Under the new regulation, night entertainment venues and
places that sell alcohol and cigarettes should be located more than 500
meters away from education and religious establishments. Owners of night
entertainment projects must apply for government licenses to operate these
venues, and if the planned project is close to a religious and educational
establishment, the authorities will not issue the license.
The ban is an interior ministry regulation. It is part of
a new bill regulating night entertainment currently being considered by the
Cabinet. (TNA)
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