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HEADLINES [click on headline to view story]:

HRH Princess Sirindhorn receives proceeds from Taal Yatra Charity Concerts

Military personnel take to the streets to back police in crime crackdown

Singapore warships moor at Sattahip

Volunteers will help protect Bangsarae marine resources

TAT receives 16 mn baht from city hall for next year’s marketing campaign

Mobile team inspects Sattahip food markets

Boat operators file complaint with harbormaster over arrests

Russian woman shot by two thieves at Jomtien Beach

Frenchman arrested for filming lewd acts with boys

Three teenage snatch-and-run thieves arrested in crackdown

Pub security guard injured in drive-by shooting

Navy ceremony honors HRH Prince Chumporn

Jordanian officials on group study tour of tourism, industry and agriculture in the region

Skål Pattaya thanks supporters of the 67th Skål International World Congress

Three citizens of Chonburi recognized as outstanding persons of society


HRH Princess Sirindhorn receives proceeds from Taal Yatra Charity Concerts

Indian classical concerts raise funds for the Chai Pattana Foundation

HRH Princess Sirindhorn graciously receives the delegation at Chitrlada Palace. (L-R) Khunying Tipawadee Meksawan, T.P Seetharam, Khun Busyarat Permsub, Paul Wong, Khun Sod Saengead, Khun Nanthiya Sawangwuthitham, Andrew Khoo, Khun Jirapha Prachakjit and Pratheep Malhotra. (Photo: Courtesy of the Bureau of the Royal Household).

On November 20, members of the organising committee of the Taal Yatra - An Odyssey into Rhythm Charity Concert were granted an audience with HRH Princess Sirindhorn in the Sala Dusidalai at Chitrlada Palace to present her with the proceeds of the charity events for the benefit of royal projects under the care of the Chai Pattana Foundation.
The delegation, led by Khunying Tipawadee Meksawan, minister attached to the prime minister’s office, included T.P. Seetharam, charge d’ affaires of the Indian Embassy, Khun Busyarat Permsub (wife of Gen Kanit Permsub), Paul Wong, GM Swissotel Le Concorde, Khun Sod Saengead, and Khun Nanthiya Sawangwuthitham both from the Ministry of Culture, Andrew Khoo, GM of the Hard Rock Hotel, Khun Jirapha Prachakjit (wife of Gen. Mana Prachakjit) and Pratheep Malhotra, representing the Thai Sikh Community, the Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya and Pattaya Mail.
The concerts, organised to celebrate of the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne, were held under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Embassy in cooperation with the Sri Laya Foundation. They featured Indian national artist, the great tabla maestro and music master Pandit Suresh Talwalkar and his troupe of musicians and cultural dancers.
Two charity concerts were held at the Thailand National Cultural Centre. The first performance was on August 26 and the second on August 27, with HRH Princess Sirindhorn presiding.
This was followed by a third concert in Pattaya on August 28, which was made possible through the auspices of General Kanit Permsub, Deputy Chief Aide-de Camp, General to His Majesty the King and Chairman of the National Project.
The musical gala performance in Pattaya received added support and cooperation from Pattaya City Hall, Thai Sikh Community, Hard Rock Hotel, Rotary Club of Jomtien-Pattaya and Pattaya Mail. (See Pattaya Mail Vol. XIV No. 36 Friday September 8)
At the Pattaya event Gen. Kanit Permsub, chairman of the organising committee said, “This concert is organised to honour His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of His accession to the throne. We are confident that this historic arrangement will further strengthen the cordial relationships between India and Thailand. In addition the coming together of the people of our two nations will promote interaction by enhancing knowledge and understanding of our esteemed cultures.”
The Pattaya community is a fusion of cultures from all over the world, so the presence of Taal Yatra was an integrated reason to rejoice. The Indian music festival was considered to be one of the most beautiful and meaningful cultural events of the year.


Military personnel take to the streets to back police in crime crackdown

Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat and local officials send out nearly 900 officers, sailors and foot soldiers to curb crime in Pattaya.

Boonlua Chatree
Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat has initiated a massive program that will see military personnel on the streets along with the police in an attempt to control the burgeoning crime wave.
Under the Soldiers Help to Prevent Crime in Pattaya program, Pol Maj Gen Anant Charoenchasri, commander of Chonburi Police, General Aekanant Rattanasopha, commander of Military Police Div 14, and Rear Admiral Apirat Sriwattana, deputy commander of Sattahip Naval Base are sending out police officers, military personnel and volunteers to help prevent crime in Pattaya.
The fight against crime involves 70 foot soldiers, 70 navy personnel, 70 tourist police officers led by Pol Lt Col Wutichart Luonsukhan, 460 Pattaya police officers led by Pol Col Suthin Sappuang, commander of Pattaya Police, and 200 volunteer police officers from Tourist Police Div 4, along with Banglamung volunteers.
The program will continue for 60 days to create local and foreign tourist confidence that they and their property will be safe in Pattaya.
Other than the program, Pracha said that visitors can call for assistance 24 hours per day on 1337. He said the issue of tourists who need medical treatment as a result of crime or accident is being arranged as a matter of urgency.
Recently Chonburi and the Chonburi Red Cross in cooperation with Pattaya Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn covered the medical expenses of a female Russian tourist who was shot in the back and Pattaya police are working hard to bring the culprits to justice.


Singapore warships moor at Sattahip

The Royal Thai Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy exchanged mementoes, and the RSN signed the visitors’ book when the Singapore Navy warships RSS Vigour and RSS Sovereignty sailed into Sattahip on December 13.

Patcharapol Panrak
Two Singapore Navy warships, the RSS Vigour and the RSS Sovereignty, sailed into Sattahip on December 13 and moored at Juk Samed, in Sattahip Naval Base. The two ships were due to stay until December 15.
Lt Com Alan Goh Kim Hua, commander-in-chief of the Vigour, and Lt Com Wong Chang Tong, commander-in-chief of the Sovereignty, paid an official visit to Sattahip Naval Base.
Vice Admiral Chanchai Charoensuwan, commander-in-chief of the base, appointed Lt Com Sanon Pa-Em, deputy chief of operations, to organize a welcoming party for the visitors at the base headquarters.
The Royal Thai Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy exchanged mementoes, and the RSN signed the visitors’ book.


Volunteers will help protect Bangsarae marine resources

After their initiation, volunteers were taken out to Koh Kram to study work going on there.

Patcharapol Panrak
A team of volunteers has been assembled by Bangsarae Sub-district Municipality to help protect marine and coastal resources.
The announcement was made jointly on December 15 by the Division for the Promotion of Marine and Coastal Resources, Office for the Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources, Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, the Royal Thai Navy, Bangsarae Sub-district Municipality, Na Jomtien Sub-district Municipality, and the Sriracha Fishery Research Station.
Heading the briefing session was deputy mayor of Bangsarae Sub-district, Sutas Tantisaraporn, along with deputy permanent secretary Mrs Kittiya Somjit and head of the Public Health Administrators Department Mrs Kesara Punsiri.
Bangsarae Sub-district Municipality will select areas for conservation, and the volunteers will monitor the sites and undertake work to ensure they are protected.
David Hong, general manager of Underwater World in Pattaya, presented funds of 15,000 baht to help support the initial volunteer program.


TAT receives 16 mn baht from city hall for next year’s marketing campaign

TAT Central Office Region 3 director Chaiwat Charoensuk (inset) said he is confident local tourist spots will be packed next year.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has drawn up its marketing plans for 2007 and has been given a budget of 16 million baht by Pattaya District Office to support its promotional strategies for Pattaya.
A meeting between Pattaya Business and Tourism Association chairman Thanet Supornsahasrungsri and TAT Central Office Region 3 director Chaiwat Charoensuk took place on December 13 at the Green Park Hotel to discuss next year’s strategies.
The TAT said that it has received a 16 million baht budget from Pattaya District Office to support its tourism promotion activities for 2007.
Chaiwat said that a new campaign entitled Thailand Unforgettable would be mounted next year for Thailand, with the intention of increasing the previous year’s 12 million tourists to 14.8 million, an increase of 8.42 percent, and a growth in revenues to 570 billion baht, an increase of 13 percent.


Mobile team inspects Sattahip food markets

Patcharapol Panrak
A mobile vehicle toured food markets in Sattahip on December 14 so that inspectors could examine the products on offer for any contaminants.
The Ministry of Public Health, Chonburi Public Health Office and Sattahip Community Health Center organized the project, with the team being led by food inspector Somsak Champathong and three nurses, Mrs Supanda Changchan, Mrs Suree Yuanglamyai and Mrs Pattraporn Chetwong.

Inspectors examine food products at local markets, checking for contaminants. They found none.

They were checking specifically for six contaminants, namely mycotoxin, sodium borate, potassium nitrate, formalin, pesticide residue and cadmium. All of these substances are known to be causes of cancer, hepatic diseases, nephrology and gomerulonephritis.
Five markets were inspected, the Early Morning Market, Sattahip Naval Base Market, Sahachaipattana Market, Sriprapat Market and Wong Rianthong Market. No contaminants were found.
Many Thai and foreign tourists visit Sattahip District, and in addition there are a lot of people visiting the Naval Base. Seafood is a real favorite amongst the visitors, and many buy their own food from the markets to cook for themselves. Sattahip Health Center is therefore very concerned about food safety and the mass inspection was devised as a way not just of checking but to reassure the public.


Boat operators file complaint with harbormaster over arrests

Sanit Boonmachai (left), chairman of the Pattaya Tourist Boat Association, leads the group in their complaint against the recent arrests.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya boat operators have filed a complaint with the harbormaster after several of their number were arrested and fined for infringing the regulations even though the operators claim their documentation is correct.
Over 50 boat operators gathered at the Water Transport Office 6 on December 20 to complain that officers from the Region 2 Provincial Police Station had arrested several of their number and charged them with various infringements of the regulations, including being unlicensed to use a boat, not having an engine number, altering and modifying their boats, and having no boat driver license.
Seven boat operators were charged and had to pay fines, even though they said they had obtained all the legal documents.
Sanit Boonmachai, chairman of the Pattaya Tourist Boat Association said that the purpose of their complaint was not to press charges against any department, but to ask that the Harbor Department cooperate with the police, who have a different understanding of the legalities.
He said that the boat operators had previously agreed to cooperate with the government in performing their work and in following the rules and regulations, and that this is what they were doing and they have the evidence to prove it.
Wittaya Chaiyanukulkitti, head of the Water Transport Office 6, said that Pattaya’s water transport services were developing and that there was a lot of new equipment coming into use. The boat operators need to have detailed knowledge of the regulations. The complaints will be investigated.


Russian woman shot by two thieves at Jomtien Beach

Boonlua Chatree
A Russian woman was shot in the back by two youths on a motorcycle who attempted to rob her as she walked along Jomtien Beach Road.
Police at Khong Tan Sub-station received a report at 2.30 a.m. on December 15 that a foreign woman had been shot in front of the Grand Jomtien Hotel. Officers led by Pol Lt Col Suthin Sappuang, commander of Pattaya Municipal Police, rushed to the scene accompanied by rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation.

Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat visits and hands over 20,000 baht to the Russian victim after she was shot by thieves and hospitalized for over a week.

On arrival the officers found droplets of blood and a .22 shell casing at the side of the road, the victim having already been rushed to Pattaya Memorial Hospital by a member of the public. Witnesses told officers that they saw the woman attempting to run away from two young assailants after they had stopped her to try to take her belongings, and that the two had shot her twice in the back before speeding off on a motorcycle.
Police went to the hospital to visit the woman who was identified as 30-year-old Miss Elena Kuzmina, a Russian national. She was unable to give a statement as she was in serious condition.
A later report from the hospital said that Elena was out of danger and her condition was improving, but that she needed to be kept under close observation for a further three or four days as a bullet had grazed her lung. Elena had been due to travel home to Russia on 18 December.
Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat and Mrs Tipawan Taerat, president of Chonburi Red Cross, later visited Elena in the hospital, together with Pol Lt Col Suthin. Chonburi Red Cross is covering all her medical expenses.


Frenchman arrested for filming lewd acts with boys

Boonlua Chatree
A Frenchman has been arrested on charges of creating pornographic materials with boys at his residence.
Issued with a warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court, police arrested Alain Paul Griffe, 48, at 5:30 p.m. on December 14 at his home on Soi Kaonoi, Thanyawan Village.
The police were acting on information that Griffe paid for the services of young boys from a beer bar in Soi Sunee Plaza, and that he would photograph and film them having sex with him and later post the material on internet sites.
Officers confiscated a quantity of photographs and CDs containing obscene materials that they found in his house. Griffe admitted that he paid the boys for sex and that he posted the pictures and films on websites.


Three teenage snatch-and-run thieves arrested in crackdown

Boonlua Chatree
Three teenage snatch-and-run thieves have been arrested in a concerted police attempt to crack down on street crime.

A Swedish tourist identifies the gold chain stolen from him at Jomtien Beach.

The importance given to the arrests was underlined by the joint announcement given at a briefing held in the evening of December 12 at Pattaya Police Station and conducted by station superintendent Pol Col Suthin Srappuang, deputy superintendent Pol Lt Col Chanapat Nawalak, and deputy superintendent in charge of crime suppression Pol Lt Col Sirichai Khruprasertwattana.
They said that the initial arrest had been of a 16-year-old boy identified by the alias of Pong, who had snatched a gold chain from a Swedish tourist at Jomtien Beach.
Pong told officers that he had robbed tourists in this manner on at least 10 occasions, and had sold the items he stole at a shop on Soi Nernplabwan. He deposited the money in a bank account, and used it to visit entertainment outlets, traveling on a motorcycle that he had bought for 4,000 baht from a friend identified as Chum, and which he knew to be stolen.
Police enquiries had turned up a number of items connected with Pong, including three gold chains weighing in total 4 baht, a number of gold pendants and Buddha amulets, 28 bullets of .38mm caliber, 12,000 baht in cash, and a red-black Honda Wave motorcycle.
Police also brought in Chum, and another youth identified by the alias of Kwang, both 16 years old. The two youths said they had carried out at least five robberies and had spent the money on drugs and entertainment.
Checking the daily police log, officers were able to invite several victims in to identify the teenage thieves. All three youths have been charged.


Pub security guard injured in drive-by shooting

Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya Police Station received a report at 2:30 a.m. on December 16 that a man had been shot in front of the Jupiter Pub and Karaoke, at Soi Buakhao Open Market in South Pattaya.

Police display the 12-guage handgun the shooters left behind.

Officers arriving at the scene found Weerayuth Wongudom, the pub’s 48-year-old security guard, injured from a gunshot to his upper left arm. Friends were preparing to send him to Pattaya Memorial Hospital. A Thai Pradit 12-gauge handgun was found on the ground, loaded with a one shell.
Witnesses said that Weerayuth was sitting talking to friends when a green Nissan pickup arrived with two men sitting in the back. One of the men pointed a gun at Weerayuth’s group, and fired.
A second gun was also fired, but it fell from the gunman’s hand into the road. The truck sped away down the soi towards Pattaya Klang.
Weerayuth said he had no argument with anyone, and that he believed the shooting was not personally motivated. Police believe this was a case of young gang members showing off with a gun.


Navy ceremony honors HRH Prince Chumporn

Rear Admiral Chumnum Ardwong, (director general of the Naval Communications Department, was honored to preside over a ceremony in memory of the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, HRH Prince Chumporn Khet Udomsak, on December 19.

Narisa Nitikarn
Rear Admiral Chumnum Ardwong, director general of the Naval Communications Department, presided over a ceremony in memory of the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, HRH Prince Chumporn Khet Udomsak, on December 19.
Navy officers and other participants gathered at Pratamnak Hill, where they were welcomed by Commander Somboon Wirawannawin, head of the Sor Thor Ror 5 Radio Station in Pattaya.
HRH Prince Chumporn was born on December 19, 1880, the 28th son of King Rama V and the first son of the King’s concubine Moad.
Moad was a daughter of Chao Phraya Surawongwaiwat, who was in charge of the Defense Ministry at that time.
HRH Prince Chumporn was the first Thai prince to graduate in naval studies in the United Kingdom. He came back to Thailand determined to build a navy that was as strong as those found in Western countries, and he was also determined the navy should be led by Thais, rather than by foreign mariners as before.
HRH the Prince restructured the Royal Thai Naval Academy, adding courses that would allow the cadets to learn skills compatible with foreign navies.
HRH Prince Chumporn became known to generations of Thai sailors as the Father of the Royal Navy, and a ceremony is held each year on the anniversary of his passing away, on December 19.


Jordanian officials on group study tour of tourism, industry and agriculture in the region

The Jordanian visitors (above) listen intently to Chaiwat Charoensook and Pratheep Malhotra (below) talk about the various aspects of tourism and the cooperation between the two countries in tourism, industry and agriculture.

Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Government officials from Jordan visited Pattaya on December 16 to study ways in which some of the city’s tourism techniques can be adapted to develop the tourism industry of their own country.
The delegation, which also studied various agricultural and trade matters, visited Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Resort where they were greeted by Chaiwat Charoensook, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region Office Region 3, Pratheep Malhotra, managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd, and Nong Nooch Garden senior manager Withaya Sriyoothana.

The Jordanian group was led by Nasser Shraideh, director of international cooperation, and included Mahmoud Nejdawi, assistant secretary general of marketing and information for the Ministry of Agriculture, Miss Maha Ali, director of foreign trade and policy for the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Khaled Haial, assistant director of international cooperation at the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Miss Basma Al-Hassan, researcher at the international cooperation department, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, and Miss Karma Shawa, international cooperation officer at the international cooperation department of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.
Chaiwat and Peter gave an interesting insight into the development of tourism in Pattaya. Chaiwat informed the visitors of facts and figures whilst Peter relayed the history of Pattaya from ancient times to what it is today, a thriving and sophisticated business and residential community not to mention a world class tourist destination.
Thailand exports include garments, vehicles and accessories, canned seafood, rice, and plastic products to Jordan while imports include fertilizer, minerals, fiber for steel manufacture, industrial machinery, scientific and medical accessories, tools, chemicals, and electrical equipment.


Skål Pattaya thanks supporters of the 67th Skål International World Congress

Skålleagues get together with the public and private sector to celebrate the success of the Skål World Congress.

Vimolrat Singnikorn
Following the significant success of the 67th Skål World Congress held in Pattaya last October 15-20, the local organizing committee of the world event held a thank you party to show appreciation for those who played vital roles in not only bringing the congress to Pattaya, but also to see it through without a hitch.

Ittipol Khunplome, advisor to the Mayor of Pattaya, gives his greetings to the gathering.

The social event was held on December 19 at the Moom Aroi Restaurant in Naklua.
Andrew Khoo, president of Skål Pattaya and East Thailand and chairman of the organizing committee of the congress spoke of the invaluable support given by both the private and public sector without which the world event would not have been possible.
Andrew also thanked the media for their concerted efforts in promoting and publicizing the event locally and around the world.
Those recognized for their support were, Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, Deputy Mayors Verawat Khakhay and Ronakit Ekasingh, Chaiwat Charoensuk, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Central Region Office Region 3, Kamphol Tangekachai, member of the Chonburi Province Administration Organization and Thanet Supornsaharungsi, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association.

Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, congratulates everyone concerned for the success of the event.

Supporting individuals and organizations receiving plaques of appreciation included Panga Vathanakul and Michael Swart (Royal Cliff Beach Resort), Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, Andrew Khoo (Hard Rock Hotel), Ingo Raeuber (Pinnacle Resort), Paisan Bundityanond (Rabbit Resort), World Travel Service, Joan and Kate Sarasin (Convention Organisers Co. Ltd.), Thai Airways International, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), Andrew Wood (Chaophya Park Hotel) and Peter Malhotra (Pattaya Mail).
Panga Vathanakul, managing director of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort said, “the success of the 67th Skål World Congress has resounded around the world which has brought short and long term benefits to Pattaya, the most noteworthy of which will be take place in the next two years when Pattaya and PEACH will not only play host to small and medium sized conferences but also to two big conventions, namely the International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA), and the world convention of Lions Clubs International.


Three citizens of Chonburi recognized as outstanding persons of society

Pratheep Malhotra honored as a recipient of this award

 (l-r) Pratheep Malhotra, Supakrit Akhalertlarp and Worawit Nijaya receive their awards from Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat.

Narisa Nitikarn
The Media Organization of Chonburi together with the combined press associations and clubs in Chonburi has chosen three citizens of Chonburi to receive the ‘Outstanding Person of Society’ award and our very own managing director of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co. Ltd. Pratheep Malhotra (Peter) is one of them.
At the annual year-end gala dinner and awards ceremony which was held on December 23, at the Tai Hee restaurant in Chonburi. More than 200 members of the media and their families attended this prestigious event, presided over by Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat and Vithaya Khunplome, former MP of Chonburi.

Padungsak Tantravorasilp
In his report Padungsak Tantravorasilp, chairman of the Media Organization of Chonburi and president of the Eastern Mass Media Association of Thailand said, “This is the second year that the awards are handed out and our committee, which consists of selected members from the Reporters’ Association of Chonburi, Friends of the Media Club of Chonburi and News Distribution Center of Chonburi, have been very thorough in making our choices and have finally recognized three upright citizens in our province who fit the strict selection criteria.
“The person who deserves this award must be one who dedicates his life to do good for every facet of society. He must be a person of excellent character, possesses the highest ethics in both his professional and social life.
“This year we chose three such noteworthy persons, namely, Supakrit Akhalertlarp, chairman of the Weekend Markets Club of the East, Worawit Nijaya and Pratheep (Peter) Malhotra of the Pattaya Mail.
Speaking of our MD, Padungsak said, “We have observed how Khun Pratheep has, since it’s founding, taken a small town newspaper and with tremendous dedication and passion made it into one of the most respectable newspapers in Thailand. The Pattaya Mail is always on the move and has not stopped innovating and improving their publications to bring high quality news and information to the communities of Pattaya and East Thailand in both the English and German languages. He also produces an English language television show (PMTV) broadcast on four cable stations across the eastern seaboard.
“We also commend him for utilizing his media to help efforts for the benefit of society, be they charity projects or other activities for the good of Thai and foreign communities. Khun Pratheep’s work with the Pattaya Mail media group is, and I quote his Rotary ideal, ‘dedicated to creating international understanding between peoples from different parts of the world, which will bring world peace.’
“Khun Peter is a member of the Rotary organization and we have observed that throughout the years he has facilitated many projects to raise funds for charity. His support through Rotary for the underprivileged in our society has been quite unique, which has been instrumental in improving the quality of many lives in our society. We are also pleased to learn that he is now the District Governor Nominee of our district (3340) and will serve his term in 2008-09.
“Khun Pratheep is also keen in helping the tourism sector. Throughout the years he has been part of both the public and private sector working for the betterment of the image of Pattaya and often traveling overseas as part of the promotional team. His media group has been active from the start in encouraging a balanced style of reporting about Pattaya in the Thai and foreign press and discourages them from publishing stories merely for the sake of sensationalism. Of late he was a member of the organizing committee of the 67th Skål World Congress held in Pattaya last October, which was a resounding success and has brought a good name for Pattaya, for Chonburi and for Thailand.”