NEWS
HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

City urges caution about land instability

Minister of Tourism and Sports inspects indoor stadium progress

Justice Department hosts seminar to uphold social order

Walking Street’s “Walk of Love” to entice lovers on Valentines Day

Pattaya City announces registration for disabled people

Chonburi’s parliamentary candidates out on the campaign trail

Three escape death as pile driver crashes down on Soi 6/1

Tourists robbed at gunpoint atop Pattaya Hill

Norwegian resident passes away in Jomtien

Drunken tourist attempts to trash restaurant

Teen shot on roadside refuses to answer police questions

- EDITORIAL -

More than 2,000 people participate in Teacher’s Day 2005 at Sukhawadee House

Child rehabilitation center to be built in Phuket

City urges caution about land instability

Possible sinkholes as a result of seismic activity

Suchada Tupchai

The public relations office at Pattaya City Hall has issued a cautionary warning to residents concerning the possibility of sinkholes occurring in the region due to the after effects of the seismic activity off the shore of Indonesia and the subsequent tsunami.

The warning was issued for 49 provinces after a number of sinkholes and incidences where the ground had moved building structures were reported at 19 locations in Thailand.

Pattaya officials have urged building owners and residents to report such incidents or any extraordinary building movements. They also urged that if residents see the beginnings of a sinkhole that they stay at last 100 meters away from it.

Chonburi has been included in the 49 provinces with potential problem areas being identified as Chonburi City area: Huay Kapi sub-district; Sriracha District: Bangpra, Surasak, Tunhsukhla sub districts; Sattahip: Sattahip, Plutaluang, Bang Saray and Saemsarn sub-districts; Borthong district: Borthong and Ponwongtong sub-districts.

Reports should be directed to the Department of Mineral Resources at telephone 02-2023744-5. Visit the website www. dmr.go.th for further information.


Minister of Tourism and Sports inspects indoor stadium progress

“Should” be completed nearly on time

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

The construction of Pattaya’s Indoor Sport Stadium is almost on schedule. Sontaya Khunplome, tourism and sports minister and Santiparp Dechawanich, Thailand Sports Authority governor inspected the progress of the Soi Chaiyrapruk 2 venue last week.

The new 472.5 million indoor sports stadium began construction in November 2004 with a 450 day schedule for completion, due on October 30 this year. Once completed, it will host the inaugural Asian Indoor Games due to be held November 12 to 19 on the 140 rai site.

(From left) Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn and Sontaya Khunplome inspect the plans and progress of Pattaya’s new indoor stadium.

Following the inspection, Sontaya revealed that that construction was only slightly behind schedule due to delays in pouring concrete. “I am satisfied with the progress but have instructed all parties, whether it is the Sports Authority of Thailand or Pattaya City to fully cooperate with the contractors to keep the project on schedule in order to avoid delays of the important upcoming sporting event. It will increase Pattaya’s sports and tourism sectors as a result of the stadium and I am assured that it will be open on time,” said Sontaya.

When completed, the stadium will contain a 200 meter running track, a center arena and enough seating for 4,000 people. Contractors Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc. and designers SPC Consulting Engineering Co. Ltd. have over 900 workers on site to complete the stadium on time.


Justice Department hosts seminar to uphold social order

Suchada Tupchai

The Justice Department held a seminar at the Town in Town Hotel to efficiently develop volunteers to control public behavior, and to stress activities for crime prevention. On January 19, Puangkeaw Chuachoi, director of the Department of Probation Office under the Justice Ministry in Region 2 officiated over the opening ceremonies. Over 100 people attended the conference.

Assistant Professor, Dr. Sutin Noppakate addresses the volunteers at the seminar.

In an opening address, the office’s assistant director, Alongkorn Kanchanachiwa, explained that volunteers are trained to assist in social order, crime prevention and extend mutual cooperation to various communities.

The volunteer project aims to protect residents by educating the community about correct behavior, and by providing help with crime suppression. Their presence is intended to aid law enforcement and heighten a sense of security within the populace.

Qualified experts including Dr. Sutin Noppakate, director of Human Rights in Thailand and Chaiwat Ranglek, director of the Department of Probation Office in Rayong lectured the volunteers on human rights, social order and techniques in how to join with community leaders in mutual cooperation for the good of society.

Certificates were presented to those in attendance for completing the seminar.


Walking Street’s “Walk of Love” to entice lovers on Valentines Day

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Deputy Mayor Wirawat Kakhai called a meeting on January 13 to discuss details of the city’s celebration of Valentines Day. This special occasion will be coordinated by the I.D Graffic Co. Ltd. which is making preparations in South Pattaya’s Walking Street and aims to attract visitors to the city’s most famous tourist area.

February 14 is officially Valentines Day, but Pattaya City will expand the celebrations from February 12-14 to allow tourists to make the most of this lovers’ holiday.

The city will decorate about 400 meters of the area, from the Walking Street archway to Tony’s Disco. The area will be divided into zones; the first zone being around the Walking Street archway, which will be designed as a Christian church. The next zone will be decorated with flowers and colorful cloths, and dry ice will furnish a soft and dreamy atmosphere. Every 30 minutes lights will change from pink to red for 100 meters along a game arch and show floor that will be set up in the area.

The second zone will become a lovers’ garden, complete with a Cupid statue and a fountain, surrounded with a selection of beautiful flowers. A night star held by a wire net catching the light, will grace the third zone at a game arch, producing the effect of a falling star.

Entertainment will include music from Sony Music Camp and Grammy Camp, and many games involving loving couples and tourists competing with each other. Shops will be packed with items associated with Valentines Day such as bouquets of flowers, cards, chocolates and romantic memorabilia.

A stunning extravaganza, the “Walk of Love” will definitely be one of Pattaya’s most memorable Valentines Day events.


Pattaya City announces registration for disabled people

Suchada Tupchai

The Social Welfare Department in Pattaya City announced that Pattaya City Hall will open a handicapped registration facility to help the large population of disabled persons in the city, with an aim to make registration easier.

The facility will accommodate individuals who are categorized at level 3 of disability, which labels them as able to help themselves in their daily lives and live independently. The registration area will help people who need advice, assistance or medical supplies. This group also includes those who cannot go outside to study, work or operate in society alone.

Level 3 handicapped people who want to register must prepare the following documents; [1] an ID card, or an official card, or an alien immigrant card, or official documents issued by an Official Department, [2] 3 sets of house registration documents, [3] 2 photos 1.5 x 1.5 inches, [4] a certificate issued by a government hospital physician stating the person is disabled or certified disabled by the Ministry of Health (1 copy).

In the case of registration for a disabled person other than yourself, you must submit evidence of documents for the disabled person as follows: [1] the ID card of the person (1 copy), or their official card, or their alien immigrant card, or their official documents, [2] the power of attorney or official certificate (1 set), [3] the 3 sets of house registration documents for the handicapped person you are registering for, [4] 2 photos of the person 1.5 x 1.5 inches, [5] the judgment stating they are disabled, or have an appointed guardian in case of a minor with no parents, or the parents have dismissed their rights as guardians, [6] a certificate issued by a government hospital physician stating the person is disabled or certified disabled by the Ministry of Health (1 copy).

Any handicapped people who would like to register can do so at Pattaya City Hall on January 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Bring all necessary registration documents.

The Pattaya City Social Welfare Department’s vehicle service can transport handicapped people who are not physically able to come to Pattaya City Hall for registration. Those in need of this service can contact the Social Welfare Department, tel. 038-371123 ext. 195. On the registration date physicians will be present to check and rate the disability of the handicapped people who come to register and don’t know the extent of their disabilities.


Chonburi’s parliamentary candidates out on the campaign trail

Boonlua Chatree

Campaigning for Chonburi’s parliamentary elections is in full swing, with candidates out on the trail meeting residents, kissing babies and shaking hands.

Campaigning for the February 6 elections is in full swing.

Last week Wittaya Khunplome, Chanyuth Hengtrakul, Poramet Ngamphichet and former RTN Vice Admiral Roje Vipaphumipratet, all running on the Thai Rak Thai ticket, paid visits to the markets in Sattahip to rally voters.

The four candidates took to the stage to introduce themselves to vendors and market patrons. In their speeches they voiced support for the Taksin administration’s plans for the next four years, which they said will focus on the Thai people. The promise is to create a better quality of life for everyone, with the main aim of eliminating poverty in Thailand and eradicating illegal drugs from society.

The candidates pledged to help residents achieve the government’s goals and provide a means of support for those unable to find a job or work due to their personal circumstances.

National elections are scheduled to take place on February 6.


Three escape death as pile driver crashes down on Soi 6/1

Negligence cited as main cause

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

A beer bar owner eating outside her premises, a som tam vendor and her husband narrowly escaped death when a pile driver tipped over and came crashing down on them. The force of the impact left a deep hole in the concrete and damaged 2 cars parked along the small soi.

Shortly after 3 p.m. on Monday afternoon, January 24, the regular hustle and bustle of the small soi was shattered when the large pile-driving crane tipped over.

Two cars were crushed and one woman was injured when after a pile driver tipped over on Soi 6/1.

The injured woman, Noppar Sudsudar sustained serious head injuries when the large mass of steel fell on top of her beer bar/laundry. The som tam seller was luckier, as he managed to jump out the way of the falling object. Two cars were crushed in accident. Noppar was taken to Pattaya Memorial Hospital for treatment, and doctors kept her under observation overnight in case of any brain hemorrhaging.

Initial investigations revealed that the contractor, Viroje Construction Company was contracted by the landowners to build the Foreshore Thai Hotel on the land next to the soi. The equipment used to drive foundation pylons into the ground was past its used by date, and there was an apparent lack of safety controls on the building site.

Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, who inspected the scene said, “This particular construction site has received a number of complaints from residents concerning the excessive noise and level of safety. (Pattaya) has yet to enforce safe building regulations with regards to the laying of foundation pylons, similar to that enforced in Bangkok. However, this accident is clearly a case of negligence and police will investigate and deal with (the contractors) accordingly.”

The injured woman’s husband was visibly upset, but said that the construction company had promised pay for medical bills and damages.

Police, however, are still on the lookout for the careless worker responsible for the accident.


Tourists robbed at gunpoint atop Pattaya Hill

Boonlua Chatree

Two tourists from the United Arab Emirates were the latest victims of Pattaya’s criminal youths. The pair was on their way to the top of Pattaya Hill when a gang of teenage youths held them at gunpoint, making off with cash, a mobile phone and a motorbike.

Saeed Sultan (left) and Abdullah Hassan make their statement to police.

Saeed Sultan and Abdullah Hassan, both from Dubai, reported the crime to the Pratamnak police box shortly after 2.30 a.m. on January 18. Both men had sustained injuries when the 4 youths pistol-whipped them before making off with their belongings. They described their 4 attackers as teens from 16 to 20 years old.

According to their report they were on their way up to the top of the hill to view Pattaya Bay and the city at night when the boys approached and demanded them to hand over their cash and goods. A total of 1,300 baht and 300 Malaysian ringgits were stolen, along with the other items.

Police recorded the two men’s statement before taking them to hospital to receive treatment for their injuries. Police are still searching for the 4 muggers.


Norwegian resident passes away in Jomtien

Boonlua Chatree

Police were called to a Jomtien guesthouse shortly after 9 p.m. on January 18 following a report of the death of foreigner. Officers arrived at the Barbierong Guesthouse on Jomtien Beach and were taken to the 5th floor apartment where the man had passed away.

They found Arne Hansen, 65, from Norway on the floor. Initial examinations revealed no signs of foul play and the room was neat and orderly.

Police questioned Khumkrong Kidchem, 43, the deceased’s girlfriend; she told them that she and Arne had been together for just over a year. She told police that he had been receiving treatment for kidney disease and earlier that afternoon Arne had complained about not being able to go to the bathroom.

Khumkrong suggested that her partner go to a doctor to get it checked out but he appeared uninterested in doing so. Khumrong said she had gone out for some time and returned to find him dead on the floor.

Officers took down the woman’s statements before sending the body to the police forensic institute for a post mortem examination.

Police surmise that the man’s death was caused by kidney failure, which is yet to be verified by medical authorities.


Drunken tourist attempts to trash restaurant

Boonlua Chatree

Pattaya police detained a drunken Russian tourist, later identified only as ‘Igor’, after he attempted to destroy a small Walking Street restaurant.

Officers arrived on the scene when the owner called for assistance. They found the man throwing chairs, tables and a beer bottle around the area. Police handcuffed the soused man and took him to the station for questioning. Two of the man’s friends joined him.

Russian liquid courage created an eventful arrest.

Along the way one of the tourists threw his gold chain on the road forcing police to stop and collect it. The three Russians tried to escape by attempting to take the handcuffs off their friend.

Arriving at Soi 9 the trio refused to enter the police station, again forcing the officers to use a little muscle power. The tussle lasted over 30 minutes until police had to call the men’s tour operator to talk to them. Once they understood the situation they calmed down long enough to be questioned.

According to the restaurant owner, Busarin Prasiton, 18, the man had tried to destroy her property and sent her customers fleeing in fear. She called for 2,000 baht in compensation for damages sustained to both her business and property. The man agreed to pay the sum. Police recorded the incident and the tourists were set free with a warning to behave themselves.


Teen shot on roadside refuses to answer police questions

Claims revenge is imminent

Boonlua Chatree

The latest incident in gang violence involved a 17-year-old youth who was shot outside a Third Road entertainment venue. However, the victim was less than cooperative when officers attempted to find the shooter.

Police arrived at the Pattaya Memorial Hospital shortly after 10.30 p.m. on January 19 after hospital staff reported the admittance of Suchart Sitti. Doctors were in the process of removing a .38 caliber slug from the teen’s buttocks when police began their questioning. The youth refused to register a police complaint or give further details. Suchart said he knew the rival gang well and would take care of them himself.

Police left the emergency room to question the injured boy’s friends. Danai Duangsuk, 17, told officers that Suchart had had an altercation with a group of teens, but he didn’t know them. They were riding along Pattaya Third Road when a gang of teens fired shots into their group, one of which hit Suchart. Danai said he and other friends brought in Suchart for treatment at the hospital.

Police have been forced to wait until the injured makes a police statement before they can act on the shooting; however, they are continuing with their investigations.

Pattaya’s teenage gangs are continuing their reign of terror throughout the city. Despite calls from residents to put a halt to the violence and muggings, they continue to escalate with law enforcement agencies appearing to do little about it.


EDITORIAL: Don’t lose your footing

Suchada Tupchai

It appears we might be in for even more headaches caused by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that recently hit the southern part of Thailand. The government has just released a warning to the country: watch out for sinkholes.

Lertsin Raksasakulwong, director of the Department of Mineral Resources, recently released the warning after people in the south and northeast of the country began getting “that sinking feeling”.

The first warning sign usually shows up in areas where there are large amounts of concrete, i.e., boundary walls cracking due to the effects of earth movement. The second warning signs include an odd sound of falling earth, or water seeping through concrete for no apparent reason, or cracks in paths 3-5 meters in length and with a spider web appearance.

It seems as if nature is reacting from the shock. Thailand’s Department of Mineral Resources director has announced 49 provinces where there is potential for such incidents to occur. Chonburi is one of those provinces. However, so far there has been very little reaction from officialdom to the alarming warnings and potential danger in Chonburi, and chances are that little fuss will be made in the other provinces either.

Yet another phenomenon relating to moving earth to watch out for is the opportunity for landslides instead of sinkholes. Evidently there are two main opportunities for this to happen: firstly if the ground is soft and secondly if there is an embankment.

Even though these two issues (sinkholes and landslides) have been made public, so far no one is game enough to point out exactly where the potential hazards could be located, as there has been no solid evidence to substantiate any claims.

However, the most worrying thing - if there is potential for a sinkhole - is the number of buildings and construction sites that have altered their structures illegally throughout the country, leaving a possibility for catastrophe looming like dark clouds on the horizon of a sunny day. Effective town and country planning has never been Thailand’s strong point, and enforcing strict and safe building codes is still all but non-existent.

The current building control legislation for multistoried buildings allows for regular settling and minor earth movement. But building owners appear not to be interested in the issue because “it could never happen to them”. That is also what everyone thought about a tsunami hitting Thailand.

The opportunity is there and it is up to lawmakers and officials to enforce building laws to enable multi-story structures to handle extreme conditions. Structures already completed can be reinforced but the time to change is now. Thailand is a growing country and the need to tighten building regulations is at hand.

Earnest catastrophe prevention and solving building issues today should not be thought of as short-term profit/loss (although addressing these issues now could very well avoid major losses, which would lead to bigger profits, at a later date), but are instead our responsibility to society.

To people who cannot see the problem, in the end it could very well be - sorry, it’s too late! You’ve lost your footing on the present - no chance to correct the problem once the damage is done.


More than 2,000 people participate in Teacher’s Day 2005 at Sukhawadee House

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

National Teacher’s Day in Thailand is a day for pupils and students to pay tribute and respect to their mentors and educators. On this day, youngsters around the kingdom gather to thank their teachers and send cards and flowers to the people who dedicate their lives to molding the character of the nation’s youth in preparation to enter mainstream society.

Over 2,000 people turned out to honor teachers at Teachers Day ceremonies held at Sukhawadee House.

Owner of Sukhawadee House, Dr. Panya Chotitaewan opened “Teacher’s Day 2005”. Held on the premises on January 16, advisor to the ministry of tourism and sports, Santsak Ngamphichet (a parliament candidate for the Chonburi Province in Zone 6); Idthipol Khunplome (a parliament candidate for Chonburi Province in Zone 5), and Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn attended the ceremony. Teachers from Banglamung district, VIPs and over 2,000 people from the general public gathered to celebrate this special day. The motto of the day was, “Teachers nurture the people and the nation through science and art. The entire country believes in and cherishes the teacher.”

The morning’s formalities started with a Buddhist ceremony, after which students gathered to thank their educators for passing on their invaluable knowledge and showing them the right path to life. In return, the Council of Teachers praised supporters and presented awards to the best teachers from each school.


Child rehabilitation center to be built in Phuket

In Memory of His Majesty the King’s grandson Khun Poom Jensen

A child rehabilitation center will be built in Thailand’s southern resort province of Phuket in memory of Khun Poom Jensen, the grandson of His Majesty the King, who died in last month’s tsunami disaster, a senior Public Health Ministry official said on Friday, January 21.

Dr. Vichai Tienthavorn, the permanent secretary for public health, said that the center, to be called Baan Khun Poom, will be built near Watchira Phuket General Hospital with a contribution from Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Phuket was one of the country’s six southern provinces hit by the giant waves on December 26, which claimed the lives of more than 5,300 people, while over 8,400 were injured and thousands of others still missing in Thailand alone.

Dr. Vichai said the center will provide rehabilitation for children, as well as care for those with autism. He said that HRH Crown Princess Sirindhorn had made a donation for the construction of Baan Khun Poom, and that the Public Health Ministry would cover the balance.

Meanwhile, a World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Thailand suggested that communities take part in efforts to rehabilitate the mental health of tsunami survivors who lost their properties and assets, as well as loved ones in the disaster.

Dr. Samlee Plianbangchang, director of the WHO Southeast Asian Regional Office, said on Friday that those people need urgent assistance for post-traumatic stress. “Long-term assistance is also necessary for them; otherwise, their mental health will become even worse,” he said. (TNA)