A most happy birthday to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn
(Photo courtesy Bureau of the
Royal Household)
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was
born on April 2, 1955, the third child of Their Majesties the King and Queen
of Thailand.
HRH the Princess studied from kindergarten to high school at Chitralada
School in Bangkok. She ranked first in the National School Examinations in
the primary level (grade 7) in 1967 and in upper secondary level (grade 12)
in 1972.
Ranked fourth in the National University Entrance Examination, HRH the
Princess enrolled in the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University and
graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, first class honor, and a gold
medal in History in 1976. She continued her studies in two graduate programs
concurrently, obtaining an M.A. in Oriental Epigraphy (Sanskrit and
Cambodian) from Silpakorn University in 1978, and an M.A. in Pali and
Sanskrit from Chulalongkorn University in 1980. She enrolled in a doctoral
program at Srinakharinwirot University (former College of Education) in
1981, and was awarded a doctoral degree in Developmental Education in 1987.
The principle of using education as a means for community and social
development, which HRH the Princess acquired during her doctoral studies
along with her former experiences in the field, has provided her with a
solid base for her subsequent involvement in community development
activities.
In addition to her formal degree programs, HRH the Princess has attended
several training courses and workshops to enhance her knowledge and skills
in effective integrated development. These subjects include computer,
cartography, meteorology, survey and photogrammetry, remote sensing and
geographic information system and nutrition.
HRH the Princess has acquired first-hand experiences in working on
development projects initiated by Their Majesties the King and Queen. These
projects involve a number of diversified fields including health and
hygiene, education, water resource development, agriculture and cottage
industry by regularly accompanying Their Majesties on visits to remote areas
since the age of sixteen.
From these experiences, HRH the Princess has developed special interests in
agricultural extension to improve school children’s nutritional conditions;
supports education from pre-school to tertiary levels; and mother and child
care. She has also concentrated on helping the handicapped, especially in
using information technology (IT) to develop independent living and learning
skills.
HRH the Princess runs several philanthropic organizations and foundations.
She has been Executive Vice President of the Thai Red Cross Society since
1977; Executive Chairman of the Chaipattana Foundation (in charge of His
Majesty’s development and environmental preservation projects), Ananda
Mahidol Foundation (to promote higher education), the King Rama II
Foundation (to conserve and promote Thai Culture); President of the Sai Jai
Thai Foundation (to support disabled veterans), Prince Mahidol Award
Foundation (to award prizes annually to members of the international
community for outstanding performances in the fields of medicine and public
health); and Adviser of the Committee of Thai Junior Encyclopedia Project by
Royal Command of H.M. the King.
HRH the Princess began her teaching career in 1979 when she started teaching
the General Education Program at Chulalongkorn University. A year later, she
joined the Department of Law and Social Sciences, in the Academic Division
of Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy. Presently she is Director of the
Department of History, and has played an active part in revising its
curriculum. She also supervises the Thai Music Club at the Academy.
Occasionally HRH the Princess gives special lectures at several other
institutions and regularly attends academic conferences and seminars both in
and outside the country.
In addition, HRH the Princess represents Their Majesties in various royal
functions. She also presides over ceremonies as well as other social and
charity functions all through the year. In 1991, HRH the Princess was
awarded the Magsaysay Award for Public Service.
HRH the Princess likes to travel around the Kingdom and abroad to obtain
knowledge of physical geography and peoples’ varied lifestyles. One of her
favorite pastimes is writing articles, poetry and short stories. Proceeds
from her written accounts of her overseas travels are the main source of
income for the Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Foundation which was set up
in 1979 to support needy students in schools, vocational colleges and
universities.
HRH the Princess loves Thai literature and studies literature of other
countries. She enjoys playing classical Thai instruments and practicing Thai
classical dancing. She also paints and is keen on sports, including jogging,
swimming, biking and trekking - which gives her an opportunity to learn
about plants, trees and geographical features of the areas.
In addition to her knowledge of Pali, Sanskrit and Cambodian, HRH the
Princess is communicative in both English and French and has been learning
Chinese, German and Latin.
City hall will back entertainment outlets in demand for longer opening hours
Petition to be lodged with Interior Ministry
(L to R) Chanyuth Hengtrakul,
Itthipol Khunplome and Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn listen to the
hundreds of entertainment venue owners who showed up at city hall protesting
the new 2 a.m. closing time limit.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Pattaya entertainment outlet operators have protested about the new
closing time limit that has been set at 2 a.m., saying that it is going to
have a negative effect on their business, and city hall says it will support
their case.
More than 1,000 representatives are petitioning the Ministry of Interior,
which issued the new regulation, with city hall backing them up by saying
they will lodge the petition with the government and follow through with a
council resolution and discussions with the ministry.
The Interior Ministry has issued tough guidelines to provincial governors
and district chiefs regarding the hours entertainment places may operate,
and cracking down on other issues such as gambling.
Local administrations and police have a mandate to follow the policy, which
includes a stipulation that places of entertainment located within
entertainment zones must close at 2 a.m.
Pattaya’s entertainment operators gathered to protest at Pattaya City Hall
on March 20, requesting that the closing time be extended because of
Pattaya’s special status as an international tourism city. Mayor Niran
Wattanasartsathorn, mayoral advisor Itthipol Khunplome, and former MP
Chanyuth Hengtrakul were the city representatives who received the petition.
Bundit Siritanyong, head of the Entrepreneurs’ Entertainment Establishment
said that most entertainment outlet operators in Pattaya run orderly
businesses and comply with the requirements of the government. By applying
the 2 a.m. closing time, business is being restricted and tourists are
receiving an unfavorable image of a city that has a reputation for its
nightlife.
Itthipol said that Pattaya brings a large income into the country annually.
A significant proportion of this comes from the entertainment outlets, which
are regarded as being an important factor for tourism. He said the petition
would be lodged with the Interior Ministry. Further, a meeting would be
called of Pattaya City Council and a resolution called for to extend the
opening hours. With the resolution passed, a meeting would be arranged
between the chief of Banglamung District, the governor of Chonburi, and the
Minister of Interior to put the case forward.
Residents still worried about access as new road nears completion
Fear guardrails will block access to their homes
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
More than 200 householders who live alongside the railway line have once
again complained to city hall regarding access to their homes now that the
new road next to the line is nearing completion.
Pichet
Uthaivatananon, director of the Pattaya Public Works Department, shows the
villagers the contract that Pattaya City signed with the State Railway of
Thailand.
The residents gathered at Pattaya City Hall on March 17, saying that there
is still no clear agreement between the city and the State Railway of
Thailand regarding installation of a guardrail along both sides of the
railway. The inhabitants are afraid that if it were installed, the rail
would block their access.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, city permanent secretary Sittiprap
Muangkoom, and Pichet Uthaivatananon, director of the Pattaya Public Works
Department met with the residents to explain the plan.
Sittiprap said that the project is the result of an agreement between
Pattaya City and the State Railway of Thailand. Pattaya City pays 2 million
baht per year to lease this land, and the State Railway of Thailand designed
all of the construction plans.
Housing plots that existed before the project began have the right to
access, and this would be provided. New village developments, apartments,
hotels and any other construction must obtain permission for access from the
State Railway of Thailand, because the organization has full rights
regarding this matter. Pattaya City is not involved in this.
Mayor Niran confirmed that if a plot were a legal entity before the new road
was started, the property would certainly be accessible. Residents left the
meeting apparently satisfied with the clarification.
Election Commission sets stage for candidates in mayoral poll
Elections set for May 4
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
Candidates in the mayoral and council elections that will be held
within the next few weeks are to be provided with locations in which they
can do their canvassing.
Wuttipol
Charoenphol
The decision, announced by the Chonburi Election Commission, was taken to
avoid the ambiguity that surrounded the canvassing during the recent
senatorial election, and is designed for clarity and fairness to candidates
and voters.
Locations were discussed during a meeting at Pattaya City Hall on March 18,
chaired by Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn.
The mayor and city councilors will complete their four-year terms on March
26. The Pattaya City Administration Act of 1999 states that the new mayor
and councilors must take their seats within 45 days, which would be on May
10.
Wuttipol Charoenphol, head of the Pattaya City Management Office said the
Election Commission has announced that the local administration organization
must provide a location for candidates running for the vacant positions, so
they can set forth their proposed policies to the public.
Locations for Pattaya have now been decided. Zone 1 will have a stage for
speeches at Lan Pho Public Park, Zone 2 at Nongyai Temple, Zone 3 at
Chaimongkol Temple, and Zone 4 at the sports field next to Soi
Bunkanchanaram Temple.
Poonsak Sangkaew, head of the Chonburi Election Commission said that
applications for the position of mayor and councilors would be received
between April 1 and 5 at the Commission office. The date for the election
has been set for May 4. And yes, this means yet another no-alcohol weekend.
Mobile post office will
serve three city locations
Set to begin in April
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
A mobile post office service will begin in April, following a
decision on three city locations and the hours of service during a Pattaya
City Hall meeting on March 18.
Mayor
Niran Wattanasartsathorn approves the location and times for Thailand Post
Co., Ltd.’s new mobile service.
Mayor Niran Wattanasartsathorn, chairing the meeting, said that Thailand
Post Co Ltd had requested that the city provide the locations to park the
mobile postal unit. The intention is to provide more convenience for
residents and tourists, rather than having them travel to Banglamung Post
Office, Pattaya Post Office, or Jomtien Post Office.
Thailand Post Co will operate the service, which is scheduled to be underway
by the beginning of April.
The three locations are the front of Pattaya City Services from Monday to
Friday, 10am - 12:30pm; the front of Thepprasit Housing Village Services
from Monday to Friday, 1:30pm - 3:30pm, and on Saturday from 12:30pm - 2pm;
and at Bali Hai Pier, beside Bali Hai Plaza, from Monday to Friday, 4pm -
6pm, and on Saturday from 12:30pm - 2pm.
Final council meeting
discusses garbage problem
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
March 17 saw the final meeting of Pattaya City Council before
the present term officially ends, with the matter of waste disposal
looming large on the agenda.
The performance of East West Management Ltd was discussed, the company
having requested an increase in its fee for collection of garbage by 44
baht per ton, from 653 baht per ton to 697 baht per ton. The request is
on the basis of rising gasoline prices.
Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay said that Pattaya City had hired East West
Management at an agreed 653 baht per ton. However, the current fuel
price is 29.14 baht per liter, having recently increased by 6 baht per
liter, and the cost of transportation and operating machines has risen
significantly. The company says it is not able to support this cost and
has requested an increase in the fee to maintain its present level of
service.
The council agreed that there is a continuing problem with garbage
collection and that there had been significant complaints. Although this
price adjustment would suit the company, East West has to improve its
efficiency. A resolution was passed agreeing to the increase.
Councilor Sanit Boonmachai said that the problem of garbage collection
from Koh Larn is continuing, and the odors from the collection point
near Bali Hai Pier are not acceptable. This matter has been taken up
several times, following complaints, but nothing has improved. One of
the problems is that the garbage trucks are unable to get close enough
to the transportation barges, and rubbish is spilled onto the road and
gets blown along the street. It is to be hoped that the new
administration deals with this problem, which is detrimental to both
residents and tourists.
A foul odor emanates from the
garbage storage point at Bali Hai pier.
Nuts steal bolts
Pramote Channgam
The theft of metal bolts that anchor power poles to their bases has
reached epidemic proportions in Pattaya, the latest discovery being that
more than 100 bolts have been stolen from Bali Hai Pier.
Two
of the four bolts holding this light pole in place have been stolen. Many
others are in similar condition.
Other provinces have suffered from this problem, notably Ratchaburi and
Ayutthaya, where gangs have stolen so many bolts that several power poles
have collapsed, cutting off electrical supplies to the neighborhood.
With the problem now becoming so widespread in Pattaya, local residents have
taken to checking areas where large numbers of youngsters congregate. The
most recent discovery has been at Bali Hai Pier, where more than 100 bolts
have been removed. Each pole has four bolts to secure it to the base, and
typically the thieves are stealing two of the bolts, leaving the poles still
standing but in a weakened state, and consequently presenting potential
danger to passers-by.
Nattapong Saentaweesuk, head of the Pattaya City Civil Engineering Division
said that he himself had supervised the installation of the Bali Hai power
poles, and that he could attest to the fact that four bolts were used in
each case. He said measures needed to be taken to stop this particularly
stupid form of theft, which could be very damaging for Pattaya City.
Beach Bus Yellow Line falls victim to rising gasoline prices
Operator says low passenger numbers made service unprofitable
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pattaya’s Beach Bus is the latest victim of the increase in gasoline
prices, with the operator axing one of the routes because it is no longer
profitable to run.
The price of crude oil has risen inexorably on the world markets, having
increased from US$25 per barrel in 2002 to $69 in 2007, and passed the $100
mark in January of this year.
Gasoline prices have inevitably also risen, currently standing at 34.59 baht
per liter of benzene 95, 33.49 baht for benzene 91, and 30.94 baht for
diesel.
Pattaya Beach Bus Co Ltd, which has a seven-year contract to operate a
scheduled bus service and which began operations in August 2005, has found
itself with an inadequate number of passengers and escalating costs of
running its vehicles.
The company’s general manager, Suriyont Klindee, has announced that the
Yellow Line has been axed. The buses had run on a Soi Chayapreuk-Thepprasit
Road-Thappraya Road-Third Road-South Pattaya-Central Pattaya-North
Pattaya-Pattaya City Hall-Sukhumvit Road route. Suriyont said there were too
few passengers for the route to be viable.
The Red Line and the Green Line services remain. Suriyont said that the
travel time for these routes is 45 minutes and that the buses run from 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. The buses, however, must have at least 25
passengers for the service to be sustainable, he said.
“The service at present has a large number of problems,” said Suriyont.
“Gasoline prices continue to increase, but the price for service still
remains the same at 20 baht per route.”
He added that the company is running promotions and working on special
packages that use the vehicles to take tourists to famous attractions such
as Under Water World, Mini Siam and Tiffany. This is in the hopes of
bringing in different types of customer.
Although the Beach Bus is designed for passenger safety and convenience and
runs on regular routes, residents habitually use the ubiquitous baht buses.
There are more than 700 of these working under the baht bus cooperative and
plying the streets and outer districts of the city. The sheer convenience of
having a baht bus always to hand when you need one, and being able to jump
on or off at any point rather than use designated stops, makes them tough
competition for a scheduled service where you have to wait at a bus stop.
Walking Street security
is tightened
More police and CCTV cameras will
assist crackdown on touts and thieves
Pramote Channgam
Security along Walking Street is to be tightened, with more police
on patrol and more CCTV cameras.
Deputy
Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chairs a meeting of the Walking Street Committee at
Pattaya City Hall.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh chaired a meeting of the Walking Street
Committee at Pattaya City Hall on March 19, during which the problem of
touts, thieves and unscrupulous traders was discussed.
Also attending the meeting were Soontorn Kangsirikul, deputy chairman of the
committee, Pol Lt Col Suwan Unanan, investigator at Pattaya Tourist Police
Station, and Pol Lt Col Supachat Piemmanat, deputy chief of crime
suppression at Pattaya Police Station.
Pol Lt Col Supachat said that police officers are being briefed to crack
down on touts who try and entice people into entertainment venues, hustlers
with exotic animals who solicit tourists for photographs, and transvestites
who accost visitors for sexual services and who frequently steal their
property. The last category, said the police chief, is a particularly
significant problem.
More than 200 regular police officers, tourist police officers and volunteer
officers will now be deployed to patrol the area. In addition, there would
be a total of 10 locations for CCTV cameras on Walking Street, feeding
images back to the central control room and allowing fast response to crime,
and identification of perpetrators in the event of a crime being committed.
Trapped man rescued
from car wreck
Boonlua Chatree
A foreign man was injured when his car collided with a power pole on
Siam Country Club Road at the Wanasin Farm exit in the early hours of March
11.
Banglamung police and Sawang Boriboon rescue workers rushed to the scene
where they found a severely damaged bronze Toyota Hilux D4D pickup with the
driver trapped inside.
Rescue
workers peel back twisted metal so that they can extricate Anthony Olds from
the wreckage.
The man, later identified as Anthony Ronald Olds, 62, of unknown nationality
was pinned in the driver’s seat. Rescue workers used equipment to free him,
while a physician from Banglamung Hospital administered an injection to
relieve the pain, and oxygen for him to breath. It took two hours until he
could be removed from the damaged vehicle. The pickup involved in the
accident was taken to Banglamung Police Station, and is being kept there.
Eyewitnesses stated that Olds had been driving at speed, and had lost
control at the curve in the road.
Pole-wielding transvestite comes to rescue of 16-year-old girl in distress
Boonlua Chatree
A transvestite came to the aid of a 16-year-old girl who was being
molested by a drunken German man, beating him over the head with a beach
umbrella pole before fading modestly into the night.
Officers from Pattaya Police Station were called out at 12:15am on March 18
where they found the man unconscious from the beating and the alcohol, lying
on the beach opposite Soi Yamato.
The man, whose name was not given, was heavily tattooed and had a can of
beer within reach. His head was bleeding, and the blood had run down his
face. The officers woke him up, but the man declined offers of help.
He also declined to explain why he had been attacked, saying only that he
wanted to sleep. Then he got up and staggered away along Beach Road to get
away from the officers. He was allowed to go, because the officers realized
that he didn’t intend to file a report.
The 16-year-old girl in the dispute, given the alias of Ice, told the
officers that she was sitting with her friend when she saw an
impoverished-looking foreign man wearing dirty clothes. He was drunk and
carrying a can of beer, and was walking straight towards her. He tried to
persuade her to sleep with him. She tried to leave, but the man started
touching her breasts.
Ice said she shouted, and a transvestite of an unknown name who was sitting
nearby came to help her. There was an argument, and the German raised his
foot to push the transvestite away. The lady of the second category then
grabbed a long umbrella pole and hit the man on the head, hard.
The German man fell to the ground, and the transvestite left on a motorcycle
taxi. The German then drank a little more beer and fell asleep. Police filed
witness reports but will not press any molestation charges against the
German.
British man faces charges
of sex with 8-year-old boy
A man has been arrested in Pattaya on charges of sexual
abuse of an eight-year-old boy.
During the early evening of March 18, Police Col Khanisorn Yuwawithaya and
Supakorn Noja, director of the Child Protection and Development Center,
equipped with a warrant issued by the court arrested Ronald David Wiener,
aged 59, a British national at his residence in a Jomtien condominium.
Ronald
David Wiener is arrested from his residence in a Jomtien condominium.
He faces charges of sexual abuse of an eight-year-old boy, the arrest having
been made following a complaint to the police by the boy’s parents. Police
also confiscated 16 lewd CDs from Wiener’s residence.
Police say Wiener came to Pattaya as a tourist on February 17. He rented a
room in Jomtien and allegedly went around town looking for children under
the age of 15 years, luring them to his room for sex services by offering
500 baht.
Supakorn said that parents of the eight-year-old came to the Child
Protection Center to report that the child had gone missing when he was on
the beach, while they were selling food nearby. Allegedly, it turns out he
had been taken to Wiener’s room and forced to offer sex services to him.
Narcotics officers and
police bust steroids gang
Theerarak Suthatiwong
Two British men have been arrested for smuggling steroids into and out of
Thailand, following a report sent to Pol Maj Gen Amaresrit Wattanawiboon,
commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Division 1 by Andre Kellum of
the United States Drug Enforcement Agency.
Edwin
Richard Crawley is being led away from his residence in Jomtien. He has been
charged with illegally importing and selling medicines (steroids), avoiding
excise duty, and transporting forbidden substances out of the kingdom.
More than 100 officers and officials from the Food and Drug Administration
and the Customs Department worked on the case, led by Pol Col Chaiyapoj
Hasunha, deputy superintendent of crime suppression and Apichart Tanomsap,
director of the Anti-Money Laundering Office.
Police obtained warrant of arrest No 98/2551 dated March 20 and search
warrant No 132/2551 dated March 20 from Pattaya Provincial Court to arrest
Edwin Richard Crawley, a 44-year-old British national and to search his home
at 131/148 Pattaya Mueng Mai Village, Soi Chaiyapreuk, Jomtien Beach Road.
The premises were found to be a detached luxury house acting as the address
for a company named Nutree Mate Ltd. Nothing illegal was found during the
search. A neighboring house, number 131/133, in which 31-year-old Kraisorn
Thongrak, Crawley’s son-in-law resided, was also searched and nothing
illegal was found there.
Kraisorn was then invited to the Winsen Center’s office. This is a company
for paying for electricity and tap water, located in a commercial building
at 324/21-22 Soi Chaiyapreuk. Empty bags containing Dragon brand medication
and 2,500 leaflets with directions on how to use steroids were found.
Officers from the Anti-Money Laundering Office confiscated some documents as
evidence.
Additionally, a warehouse behind Nutree Mate Ltd was searched. Steroid
substances and some equipment were found there. Amongst the items impounded
were two house title deeds, a Toyota Corola with a Chonburi license plate, a
1200 RT BMW motorcycle, and 13 bank books that showed circulations of
millions of baht.
A second search warrant No 132/2551 and warrant of arrest No 147/2551, both
dated March 20 were obtained for the arrest of Ashley Vincent Livingston, a
45-year-old British citizen along with Mrs Jeerawan Livingston, his
38-year-old wife, and the inspection of a premises at 137/74 Pattaya Hill 1
Village, Soi Kaonoi, Nongpreu Sub-district.
Again, nothing illegal was discovered during the search. Property impounded
included a title deed, a Honda car, a Toyota Vios car, 100,000 baht in cash,
six bank books that showed a circulation of more than 10 million baht, and
numerous silver and gold necklaces and rings.
Pol Maj Gen Amaresrit said that the Narcotics Suppression Bureau Division 1
had cooperated with the Drug Enforcement Agency after US officials had
seized a planeload of steroids. The source was traced back to Thailand, and
investigators allege that Crawley, who lives in Pattaya, was the leader of
the gang and that he ordered the steroids from China, via the internet. The
steroids were then sold to customers in the USA and Europe.
Customers would transfer money to Crawley. The steroids would be transported
to Thailand, hidden in dolls or fruit. The substances were sent overseas
through the mail. Livingston is alleged to have been a member of the network
keeping in contact with the customers.
The operation had been running since 1999, and generated a substantial
amount of wealth, with real estate to the value of 20 million baht purchased
in Pattaya. Crawley became a notable figure in Pattaya society, and
undertook many honorable activities such as coaching the disabled.
Crawley and Livingston have been charged with illegally importing and
selling medicines, avoiding excise duty, and transporting forbidden
substances out of the kingdom.
The legal status of anabolic steroids varies from country to country. In the
US, anabolic steroids are currently listed under the Controlled Substances
Act, which makes the possession of such substances without a prescription a
federal crime punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Health minister lays foundation
stone for new hospital
2010 set as completion date
Public Health Minister Chaiya
Sasomsap lays
the foundation stone for the new Pattaya Hospital.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap laid the foundation stone for
the new Pattaya Hospital on Monday, March 17.
The hospital, which is being built on a site adjacent to the Public Health
Center on Soi Buakao has a construction budget of 135 million baht, and is
being built to a 500-day schedule with 2010 as the completion date.
Early morning saw the start of the stone laying ceremony, which began with a
Brahman ceremony followed by a ceremony conducted by Buddhist priests.
Chaiya placed nine auspicious wooden sticks (pink-and-white shower, pudding
pine, Indian coral tree, kalamona, teak, Siamese rosewood, tembusu,
jackfruit tree and bambusa) into the space for the foundation stone,
followed by three types of brick, namely silver, gold and copper alloy.
Pattaya Hospital will be an eight-story building on an area of 10 rai, and
have a capacity of 82 beds. The first floor will be used for registration,
medical screening, X-rays and the emergency room. The second floor will have
a dental clinic with five surgery units and six units for medical checkups.
The third floor will have 60 beds in rooms divided for male and female use,
and including quarantine rooms for contagious diseases.
The fourth floor will have 22 private patient rooms, including rooms for
disabled people and priests. The fifth floor will contain conference rooms
and offices for the administrators, and a special care section for children
and physical therapy is planned.
In addition to the hospital building there will be a central supply building
for the kitchen, laundry and utility systems, an eight-story dormitory for
physicians and nurses, a food center, and a parking lot for 250 vehicles.
These facilities are being costed out separately to the budget for the
hospital building, bringing the total budget including the medical equipment
up to about 400 million baht.
Even though the medical services will not come under the Health Security
Office, if it is necessary to charge medical fees then Pattaya City will
control the costs to keep them low. This will allow those on low incomes to
pay for medical services if they need to, and thereby not only bring
affordable healthcare to all members of the public but also control the
health of the community, protecting against the spread of diseases and
keeping medical budgets down.
Schools to adopt HIV awareness syllabus
Local HIV cases on the increase
Saksiri Uraiworn
A secondary school course for increasing awareness of the dangers of
HIV transmission will be implemented in Pattaya’s schools.
Srisumal
Sartsara
Miss Srisumal Sartsara, advisor on AIDS and sanitary health in schools for
UNESCO in Bangkok said that a survey of Chonburi Province for 2006 had found
1,389 new cases of HIV in youngsters between the ages of 15 and 24 years.
A syllabus that has proved to be effective in vocational schools would now
be adopted for use in Pattaya’s secondary schools said Srisumal. “The reason
for choosing Pattaya for this course is that Pattaya is an open city with a
diversity of cultures and has a high factor concerning sexual
relationships.”
There were 28 syllabuses presented at the March 18 meeting that discussed
the new course, having been collected from learning institutions throughout
Thailand. The meeting resolved to use the “Steps for understanding”
syllabus, which is considered to be practical and which has an effective
evaluation system.
The syllabus comes as a set including a manual for the administrator, a
manual for the teacher, a manual for the student, chosen activities for use
in clubs or for informal education, documentation to introduce clinics and
services to youngsters, and other media such as leaflets, posters and
cartoons. At least 16 hours per educational term are required for the
syllabus.
Rear Admiral Nora makes waves at CARAT opening ceremony
Patcharapol Panrak
One of the US Navy’s highest-ranking female officers, Rear Admiral
Nora W Tyson, co-opened the joint American-Thai CARAT 2008 exercise on March
10.
Rear
Admiral Thanarat Ubol (left), commander of Frigate Squadron 2 at the Royal
Thai Fleet in Sattahip and Rear Admiral Nora W Tyson (right) co-open the
joint American-Thai CARAT 2008 exercise.
Rear Admiral Thanarat Ubol, commander of Frigate Squadron 2 at the Royal
Thai Fleet in Sattahip represented Thailand for the opening ceremony, which
was held at the Navy’s Santhana Room in Guest Building 2 at the Sattahip
Naval Base.
CARAT 2008 is 14th in the series of joint exercises, of which the Royal Thai
Navy has assigned Frigate Squadron 2 to be the coordinator. This cooperative
effort is aimed at enhancing both individual abilities and tactics in all
levels of the military. It focuses on increased abilities to operate
jointly, and enhanced maritime awareness between the participating forces.
The exercises plan and conduct surface combat operations, submarine attack,
air defenses, amphibious assault, humanitarian assistance,
counter-terrorism, disaster relief, protection against smuggling, and
protecting territorial waters and natural resources. This year will see an
ASPIDE missiles exercise in the Gulf of Thailand.
Impeccably dressed, with short hair and masculine stride, Rear Admiral Tyson
is commander of the Naval Logistic Group Western Pacific. She has formidable
experience in combat operations, notably during the Persian Gulf War of
1990-91. Operation Petticoat this will not be.
Governor reactivates
anti-drugs program
To Be Number One program resumes
Pramote Channgam
Banglamung District is readying itself to follow the Chonburi
governor’s anti-drugs policy, entitled To Be Number One.
Banglamung
District Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun.
A meeting was held during the afternoon of March 6, chaired by Banglamung
District Chief Mongkol Thamakittikhun to prepare for the implementation of
the policy, which stems from the initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess
Ubolratana and which involves government organizations, institutions,
communities, and entrepreneurs.
These entities jointly apply for members to be selected as the
representatives of the district, to compete in the provincial level for
2009.
To Be Number One campaigns for a solution to the narcotics problem and
primarily targets young people in the 10-24 years age group. The project was
founded in 2002, and includes the organizing of music and sporting events
around the country.
There have, however, been fewer activities organized in Chonburi in recent
times, and Governor Pracha Taerat has decided to place more emphasis on the
project, issuing Chonburi Provincial Order No 100 / 2551 to every government
organization.
Following the issuing of the directive, Mongkol held the meeting to discuss
with representatives of government organizations, institutions, communities
and private business organizations ways in which they can respond. A further
meeting will be arranged to discuss each of the viable projects suggested.
Cheeky monkey steals
shrine offerings
Patcharapol Panrak
A mischievous and indeed sacrilegious monkey stole offerings of food
that had been laid out at Prince Chumporn’s Shrine by Navy officers, taking
advantage of the officers being momentarily distracted to steal choice items
and flee.
The
little monkey retreated to a quiet corner where he proceeded to eat his
ill-gotten gains.
Officers from Sattahip Naval Base had prepared a table at the shrine on Laem
Pujao Mountain on March 12, ready for a prayer ceremony that was to be held
for Sadet Tia. Food including a pig’s head, chicken, pork on banana leaf,
snakehead fish, shrimp and auspicious sweetmeats had been laid out for those
attending and for offering at the shrine, while the men awaited the arrival
of the commander.
An opportunistic monkey was, however, watching keenly, and when he thought
the coast was clear he jumped from his tree and ran to the shrine table,
where he gathered whatever took his fancy, which was mostly Chinese mixed
candy. Then the monkey retreated to a quiet corner where he proceeded to eat
his ill-gotten gains. The Navy officers could do nothing else but laugh at
the monkey’s bravery and quickness, and they let him get on with his meal.
Visitors to Laem Pujao Mountain are warned that the monkeys who are found on
the road leading to the top of the hill will frequently steal food and
anything else that takes their fancy. No one is allowed to harm the monkeys,
because it is believed they are followers of Sadet Tia.
Bay Watch: Left to rot on the beach
Kamolthep Malhotra
No, this isn’t a garbage dump. It’s Jomtien Beach, opposite Soi 19.
Pattaya Mail had received a number of complaints from readers that rubbish
was accumulating in this spot and not being cleared away, so a reporter went
to take a look. Sure enough, there were heaps of plastic bags and bottles,
abandoned fishing nets, cartons and other junk that has somehow escaped the
garbage collectors. City hall is urged to do something about this mess, as
it looks nasty and gives the impression that we don’t really care about our
visitors. Remember, tourism is the number one foreign currency generator in
Thailand, as well as the number one industry in Thailand regarding
employment.
Coastal Defense takes delivery of new glass-bottom boat
To be used to survey coral and marine resources
Vice Admiral Komin presents a
miniature model
of the boat to Khunying Srisiri Kritsanachan as a souvenir.
Patcharapol Panrak
Lady Srisiri Kritsanachan has presented a glass-bottomed boat to the
Coastal Defense Force of the Royal Thai Navy.
The
boat, named Srisiri, has a glass bottom and will be used for to survey coral
and marine resources.
The boat, named Srisiri, was presented to Vice Admiral Komin Komutanon,
commander-in-chief of the Coastal Defense Force on March 19 and replaces an
older boat that has been used for several years to survey coral and marine
resources along those parts of the coast, notably Koh Kham, which are under
military responsibility.
Vice Admiral Komin said the boat is made from fiberglass and was built by
Bangluang Shipyard Ltd. It is 2.6 meters wide, 10 meters long, 2.2 meters
high, and has a 20cm draught. Equipped with Isuzu diesel engines, the
Srisiri has a cruising speed of 8 knots, and a top speed of 12 knots. Four
sheets of glass measuring 60cm in width and 80 cm in length, with a
thickness of 20mm form the bottom of the boat. Passenger capacity is 30
people.
Lady Srisiri placed a garland of flowers on the bow of the boat, and signed
the logbook to transfer it to Navy ownership. Vice Admiral Komin presented a
miniature model of the boat to her as a souvenir.
New ship launched by Royal Navy
HTMS Paruehatsabodi commissioned
for hydrographic and minesweeping duties
Admiral Sathiraphan Kaeyanon
(left),
Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Navy, and his wife Pornpen Kaeyanon
perform a ceremony before launching the HTMS Paruehatsabodi.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Royal Thai Navy launched a new multiuse vessel, the HTMS
Paruehatsabodi, during a ceremony at Unithai Shipyard in Sriracha.
Admiral Sathiraphan Kaeyanon, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Navy
presided over the ceremony with his wife Pornpen.
The Navy commissioned HTMS Paruehatsabodi for hydrographic and minesweeping
duties, signing a contract with a joint venture between Unithai Shipyard Co
and Schelde Naval Shipbuilding Co of the Netherlands for 944,061,000 baht on
December 22, 2005.
A keel-laying ceremony was held on August 25, 2006 at the Unithai Shipyard
with Admiral Sathiraphan presiding. The Navy requested His Majesty the King
to provide a name for the vessel, which has been designated number 813, and
His Majesty granted the name HTMS Paruehatsabodi on December 18, 2006.
The Parueharsabodi was built under the 2005-2007 budget. It has a water
displacement of 1,344 tons, a gross weight of 1,636 tons, a length of 66.30
meters, and a width of 13.20 meters. She has a top speed of 12 knots and a
cruising speed of 10 knots. The ship has a capacity for 71 crewmembers for
15 days of operations.
The new vessel partly replaces smaller survey ships that have been
decommissioned and will go into service in the Gulf of Thailand and the
Andaman Sea. In addition to its mapping and military duties it will also
support environmental projects such as helping to clear oil spills.
The HTMS Paruehatsabodi
majestically slides into the water.
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