|
DG Komsan says legal action will be taken against vendors breaching new beach regulations
Persistent offenders could lose concession area
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Chonburi Deputy Governor Komsan Ekachai has directed officials to
monitor the new concession arrangements at Pattaya Beach and to report any
attempts at infringements of the new regulations.
Komsan visited the beach on July 3 to see that the new lots were being
occupied in accordance with Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat’s policy.
The governor has implemented his new lot allocation policy for beach bed and
umbrella operators in the face of strong opposition from the vendors, and
the new arrangements have taken more than six months to be brought into
effect. Agreement was finally reached late last month.
Komsan said that the governor’s plan was designed to reclaim for public use
50 percent of the beach area that had been swallowed up by the undisciplined
sprawl of vendors along the beach.
He said that on the first day of the new lots coming into effect, there had
been some instances were the vendors had exceeded their area of 7 x 7
meters, but that they had moved into the specified area when this was
pointed out.
Komsan added that clear directions have now been given to officials to
monitor the situation and report any breaches of the regulations. Persistent
offenders would have their rights to the concession area revoked, he said.
Plans will be implemented next to rearrange the concession areas on Jomtien
Beach.
Buddhist Lent begins next week
July 17 & 18
This year, the Buddhist holy days of Asalaha Bucha and
Khao Pansaa fall on July 17 and 18. Both are recognized public holidays, and
therefore banks and most businesses will be closed. It is also against the
rules to sell alcoholic beverages during the beginning of Buddhist Lent.
Many activities are planned throughout the city, especially at our temples,
and everyone is invited to take part.
Asalaha Bucha Day (July 17)
The Buddhist Holy Day of Asalaha Bucha falls on the 15th night
(15 kham) of the full moon during the eighth month of the Buddhist Lunar
calendar, this year equating to Thursday, July 17. “Asalaha Bucha” means
paying homage and worshiping on the day identified according to the Lunar
calendar during the eighth month, Ahsala being the name of the eighth month
in the Pali language.
Asalaha Bucha Day is worshipped because of three important events occurring
on the day. Called the “Triple Gem” (the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), these
commemorate the first sermon given by the Buddha, called the
“Dharmachakapavattama Sutta” concerning the “Four Noble Truths” presented to
the Buddha’s first five disciples. The sermon set in motion the “Wheel of
Dharma”, which is the meaning of “Dharmachaka”.
The sermon concluded that: 1. All things are a source of suffering from the
constant cycle of birth, disease, old age and death. 2. Desire or the
inability to obtain what one desires is the cause of suffering resulting
from cause and effect. 3. Freedom from suffering can be obtained after the
complete cessation of desire. 4. The last of the Four Noble Truths is the
“Middle Way”, or the path between extremes of asceticism and indulgence
leading to the eliminating of desire. The Eight-Fold Path consists of
possessing the correct: Views, Resolve, Speech, Conduct, Livelihood, Effort,
Mindfulness, and Meditation (or Concentration).
Secondly, the day is considered to be the birth of Buddhism, as the Buddha
departed the location where he obtained his enlightenment two months earlier
and then, coming to a forest area in the city of Pharansi, he showed favour
to five ascetics who became his followers.
The third of the Triple Gems is the Sangha. On this same day, the first
person listened to the Buddha’s sermon, realising the truths contained
therein and becoming the first Buddhist monk. This created the Buddhist
order “Sangha” and the day is known as “Sangha Day” as well as Ahsala Bucha
Day.
The Thai government established the observance of Asalaha Bucha Day in 1958.
Buddhist temples throughout the Kingdom arrange ceremonies venerating the
important historic events in the past. Devout Buddhists participate in the
ceremonies by presenting offerings to monks, listening to sermons and
performing ritual prayers.
The entire day is revered and certain precepts are adhered to by the more
devout Buddhists, and by those who have the inclination and opportunity to
do so. The Wien Tian ritual ceremony is performed in the evening as many go
to nearby temples bringing candles, flowers and joss sticks, completing
three trips walking around the temple area sacred grounds.
“Khao Pansaa”
(July 18)
The day following the start of Buddhist Lent (Asalaha Bucha Day),
another important Buddhist holy day begins in Thailand with the custom
called Khao Pansaa. This day falls on the first full moon (1 kham) of the
Buddhist Lunar calendar during the eighth month of every year, which this
year equates to July 18, and ends on the 15th full moon (15 kham) of the
11th month of the Buddhist calendar, usually in mid-October. During a leap
year it is identified during the second eighth month.
The term “Khao Pansaa” can also translate to entering the months of the
rainy season when monks return to the temple for the duration of the rains,
usually to the temple where they were ordained. They stay there for
approximately three months. The monks are not supposed to depart the temple,
or stay overnight at any other location during the months of rain. Although
the rainy season is considered to be longer than three months, lasting up to
four or even more, monks are only required to remain at the temples for
three months. During the last period of the rainy season they can then go
elsewhere when the “Katin” ceremony is performed presenting robes to the
temples.
Initially, monks were discouraged from travelling during the rainy season
because of the idea that it was inappropriate to walk about during the rainy
season when many small living creatures were about, which could be
accidentally stepped on. This included the rice crops. Inclement weather
also made it difficult to get out and about. Therefore, it was established
long ago that the monks would remain in temples during the rains for three
months, discussing and studying Buddhist scriptures, following Buddhist
disciplines, meditating and performing ritual ceremonies.
The custom of Khao Pansaa has continued on to this day with three classes of
ceremonies, a Royal ceremony conducted by HM the King of Thailand, ritual
ceremonies for devout followers of Buddhism throughout the Kingdom and
ceremonies performed by monks in the temples.
The Royal ceremony is similar to the ceremony performed by the general
public, but more elaborate. HM the King and members of the Royal Family
perform ritual ceremonies to pay homage to Buddhism, and present Khao Pansaa
candles and traditional garments to Buddhist monks. The Royal Family also
donates many other items used in these ceremonies.
Other followers of Buddhism all over Thailand will attend temples in the
morning, bringing food, necessity items, money, the traditional candles,
garments and ceremonial items for the monks, with flowers and candles in
hand.
For those people having devout faith they may refrain from the recognised
eight offences for the duration of the three month rainy season just as
monks do, while others may give up a single vice, with yet others
recognising 5-8 offences for the day.
The ceremonies performed by monks in temples revolve around rituals
accepting new monks, who take vows for periods up to the three months, with
some staying even longer. Senior monks at each monastery perform other
ceremonies leading followers in worship and prayer.
The two main items presented to monks during Khao Pansaa are the candles and
garments worn by monks, specifically the bathing robe. The candles were
essential in former times and needed for ceremonies, studying scriptures and
performing various other functions. The candle offering has developed into a
custom still followed.
The presentation of garments worn by monks is said to have originated from
methods of bathing in former times, commonly done in community areas using
streams, rivers, ponds and other sources of water, with monks requiring a
bathing robe. The garments worn by monks continued to develop until the
custom included presenting the entire arrangement worn by monks.
Many people take time away from their work on Khao Pansaa to recognise the
importance of the Buddhist holy day. Everyone is invited to participate in
the temple ceremonies and to refrain from offensive behaviour for the day,
and to make the same effort thereafter.
Srisaket police visit Pattaya to view security arrangements
Congratulate new municipal chief
Srisaket police officers and
volunteers congratulate Pol. Maj. Jeerawat Sukonthasap, the new chief of the
Pattaya City Municipal Office.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Pol Gen Sanon Samonparn, superintendent at Posuwan Police Station in
Sirsaket Province led 60 police officers to Pattaya City Hall on July 1 to
examine the security procedures employed to protect the city and its
residents and visitors.
The visit coincided with the first day of duty for Pol Maj Jeerawat
Sukonthasap in his new position as chief of Pattaya City Municipal Office.
Pol Gen Sanon is a long-time colleague of Pol Maj Jeerawat, who was
previously an investigator at Posuwan Police Station, and the visitors were
given an especially cordial welcome.
The Sirsaket officers had asked to view Pattaya City’s security
arrangements, particularly those around the area of Pattaya Beach, the main
tourism venue in the city. They also visited the CCTV control room.
During the visit, former chairwoman of the YWCA Bangkok-Pattaya Center
Dujduan Ruangwettiwong took the opportunity to present a bouquet of flowers
to congratulate Pol Maj Jeerawat.
Also present to welcome the new chief were officials from various
departments in Pattaya City Hall, along with officers from the Volunteer
Tourist Police.
Emotional scenes as rumors spread over water privatization
PAD members picket water authority office
PAD members picket outside
the Provincial Waterworks Authority Office in Pattaya.
Theerarak Suthatiwong
Emotions ran high at a public meeting held on June 30 to discuss
rumors of the privatization of parts of the water supply industry.
At the meeting, held at the Provincial Waterworks Authority Office in
Pattaya, Labor Union president Thammarat Ramkwan and Thanee Tongprachum,
manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authority of Pattaya announced the
results of talks that had just been held.
Mrs Potchanat Kaewpluk, MP for Chonburi in Zone 2 for the Prachatipat Party
and more than 200 members of the People’s Alliance for Democracy
Pattaya-Naklua came to protest with posters in front of the Pattaya
Provincial Waterworks Authority Office.
Thammarat declared that it was a misunderstanding that private enterprises
would be allowed to buy the Pattaya Provincial Waterworks Authority. The
reality was that there was only a proposal from the private enterprises
working under the Waterworks System Development Project, which is using an
803 million baht budget to develop upgrades to plant waterworks volume for
Pattaya City at the Nong Klangdong Water Plant, and the Mabprachan Water
Plant.
This will upgrade the volume of water from 120,000 cubic meters per day to
35,000 cubic meters per hour. The proposal had nothing to do with allowing
private enterprises to buy and operate waterworks systems in the three areas
of Chonburi, Pattaya and Laem Chabang.
Thanee also announced that the Chonburi and Laem Chabang Water Works
Authorities had held a meeting for a resolution to be put to the Provincial
Waterworks Authority. With Pattaya City using more than 120,000 cubic meters
of water per day and increasing the ratio by 7 percent annually, there was
an idea to ask for an 803 million baht budget to upgrade the plant.
However, the Provincial Waterworks Authority doesn’t have this support
budget. East Water Resources Development and Management Public Co Ltd
proposed to manage the entire system and distribute water to Pattaya City.
However, there was concern that the private enterprises might take over
these operations and the resolution was to operate independently by further
applying for a budget.
The People’s Alliance for Democracy Pattaya-Naklua representatives said they
were satisfied with this answer.
Nongprue Temple opens new
building for pre-school children
The official opening of the
Khun Mae Rampai Pornprapa building
at Nongprue Temple for the pre-school children.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Nongprue Temple opened a new two-story building for pre-school
children at a ceremony on June 22 attended by Chonburi Governor Pracha
Taerat, Mayor Itthipol Khunplome, and Khunying Pornthip Narongdech and her
family.
Abbot of Nongprue Temple Priest Pittikitjarak led the ceremony for the
opening of the Khun Mae Rampai Pornprapa Building at the Center for
Pre-school Children, which began with a Buddhist religious ceremony and
local students performing a show.
Khunying Pornthip then cut the ribbon to declare the building officially
open. She and her family also presented a new van to Abbot Pittikitjarak for
use in his community and religious activities.
The building is an extension to the Nongprue Temple Pre-school Children’s
Center, which was established in 1979 by Abbot Pittikitjarak in cooperation
with Niyom Surakhot, director of Ban Nongprue Community School. The
intention was to help parents with their small children, as the mothers and
fathers could drop the youngsters off at the center each morning on their
way to work, and collect them in the evening.
The first Khunying Pornthip had officially opened the center in October of
1980, in cooperation with Dr Thaworn Pornprapa. At that time there were 40
children.
In 1993, Mrs Somjai Chantanawaranon made a donation to build a two-story
extension with six rooms, with a capacity to support 120 children. However,
it was still not enough for the increasing number of youngsters. In 1999,
Khunying Pornthip Narongdech added two more classrooms, which were able to
take 60 more children. Still this proved insufficient in terms of space and
facilities.
In 2005, Abbot Pittikitjarak consulted with the temple committee members and
members of the public to buy an additional plot of land with an area of 5
rai, 2 ngan and 60 square wah. The cost for construction of an additional
building was 6,850,000 baht. Khunying Pornthip added an additional 2,800,000
baht in memory of Khun Mae Rampai Pornprapa, whose name was given to the
building.
The foundation stone of the Khun Mae Rampai Pornprapa building was laid on
May 9, 2006, with the ceremony chaired by Khunying Pornthip Narongdech and
Pornthep Pornprapa.
This school building is 42.30 meters long and 12.39 meters wide. It is a
two-story building with four classrooms, one cafeteria and 10 bathrooms for
the teachers and students on the ground-floor level. The upper floor has
five classrooms, 10 bathrooms, one office, and one exhibition room.
Construction costs were 8,854,500 baht, and the furniture and
air-conditioners in each room cost 948,000 baht. In total, the building cost
9,427,500 baht.
Angry residents block village
development as owners vanish
Theerarak Suthatiwong
Angry villagers surrounded the entrance to a village development
on July 2, blocking the way with 10-wheeled trucks and claiming that the
owners of the project had cheated them.
The residents have filed a complaint stating that the owner of Patsorn
Village Project 1, located on Soi Kao Makok 6 in Huayyai, had breached
their contract. When investigators went to verify this they found about
50 people crowding round the entrance to the project and blocking the
way with 10 large trucks, so that no one was able to get in or out.
Nong Mantham, the 58-year-old village headman of Moo 4 in Huayyai
Sub-district said that Samroeng Wadsanit and Mrs Chomsutha Pangnapa were
the owners of the project. They had constructed the village and hired
him to do some work on the plot with a tractor for 7,500 baht. When he
asked for his payment, Nong said he was refused. That was two years ago,
and he still has received nothing.
Pitsanu Chandet, 37, said he had deposited 15,000 baht to reserve a
house. He was refused when he requested the house documents from the
owners of the project. He intended to submit them to take out a loan for
this house, and was also refused when he asked for the deposit for the
reservation to be returned.
Mrs Urai Thonglop, 31, the owner of a grocery store near this village
said that Samroeng had asked to open credit with her allowing employees
to have a meal at her shop. The bills would be cleared at the end of
each month, she was told. A year has passed by, but she hasn’t received
any money. The total amount that she claimed for was about 5,000 baht.
Therefore, she also joined this protest.
Prasong Laipungthong, 41, said that he was a close friend of Samroeng.
Therefore, he trusted him and let him borrow 1 million baht. Prasong
also agreed to buy one house on this development for a price of 2.4
million baht. He paid it in full and signed the contract. However, the
project owner always refused each time he was asked to transfer the
right of ownership.
Complaints have been filed with Banglamung Police Station. Samroeng and
Chomsutha have meanwhile disappeared from their houses, and no one knows
where they are.
After blocking entrance to the
village, angry residents pour over documents stating their claims with the
media.
Camp for vagabond youngsters postponed
Officials discover it contravenes Child Protection Act
Sawittree Namwiwatsuk
The 4th Sai Yai Rak Youth Camp, in which 30 vagabond youngsters
deemed to be at risk from narcotics abuse were to be sent for 45 days
intensive re-education, has been postponed after it was discovered that the
camp contravened the Child Protection Act of BE 2546 (2003).
 Deputy
Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn called a meeting on June 27 at Pattaya City
Hall to discuss the future of the Vagabonds and Beggars Solution Project.
Wutisak explained that the project in its present format was not possible,
and that members of the commission need to discuss a correct method to
continue with the camp. Suggestions are meanwhile awaited from the Child
Probation Commission of Chonburi.
The meeting resolved formally to postpone the 4th Sai Yai Rak Youth Camp,
but discussed the possibility of holding the camp for students in Pattaya
City, who are also deemed to be at risk from narcotics.
The project involves sending a group of youngsters to training camp at Wiwat
Polamuang School, under Royal Thai Navy 3, Artillery Battalion, Royal Thai
Marine Corps).
Those who were due to attend were young offenders between the ages of 12 and
18. After training was complete, as with the previous three camps, either
the families of the youngsters were due to collect them and take them home,
or they were sent to child shelters.
Youngsters from the previous camps have been monitored after training, with
the results proving to be of mixed success.
Ministry explains new Prevention of Human Trafficking Act
Homes to be built for victims of trafficking crimes
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
The Department of Social Development and Welfare has worked in
association with Pattaya City Hall to provide information on the new
Prevention and Suppression of Human Trafficking Act, which came into effect
on June 5.
 Campaigners
act out a human trafficking scenario to promote the new Prevention of Human
Trafficking Act.
In addition, a hotline number has been set up for members of the public or
victims of human trafficking to immediately contact the authorities in the
event of suspicious behavior or abuses of the Act. The number is 1300.
With June 5 marking the first day of the Act, police officers from the
deputy superintendent level upwards now have the authority to check out
suspect locations without obtaining a search warrant from the court.
The Social Development and Welfare Department, which comes under the
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, conducted a seminar in
association with Pattaya City on June 28 at the Royal Garden Plaza.
Deputy director general of the department Mrs Napa Sethakorn said that the
new law operates on several levels relating to human trafficking and forced
sexual services, and aims to help those who are under threat.
The ministry has the authority to support the victims of such crimes,
including provision of food, shelter, medication, education, and legal aid.
Napa added that the Department of Social Development and Welfare has a
program for 2009 in which 33 additional homes will be constructed for the
victims of trafficking crimes. This is in addition to the existing 43
locations, and means that these homes will in future cover all 76 provinces
of Thailand.
Israeli man arrested for drug use
Theerarak Suthatiwong
An Israeli man has been arrested along with two Thai women for
taking ya ice in a Pattaya hotel room, Pol Col Noppadon Wongnom,
superintendent of Pattaya Police Station, announced at a briefing on June
27.
 Nahmias
and his two hired friends were caught smoking ya ice.
Avraham Nahmias, 47, was arrested in a hotel room in Central Pattaya, along
with Ms Prakrong Meethongsaen, 25, a resident of Nakhonpanom, and Ms Art
Ngongam, 22, of Buriram. Police also confiscated 3.4 grams of ya ice and a
set of ya ice paraphernalia. A urine test on all three proved positive.
Pol Col Noppadon said he had received a report that a foreign tourist was
consuming narcotics in the hotel room, and he sent a team of officers to
investigate. The officers found the accused coming out of room number 103.
After asking for his permission to search they found ya ice hidden in his
pocket. They then entered the room and found Prakrong and Art.
Nahmias stated that he had bought the ya ice in Bangkok before coming to
Pattaya. Then he hired the two bar girls to come to his room and consume the
ya ice before having sex with them.
Police charged Nahmias with illegal narcotics consumption and with
possession of the drug intended for distribution. The two women were charged
with drug use.
Police arrested four
major dealers of narcotics
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya police have arrested three men and a woman who were dealing
in ya E and ya ice, and confiscated drugs valued at nearly 1 million baht.
Pol Lt Col Nopadon Wongnom, superintendent at Pattaya Police Station held a
briefing on July 5 at which he confirmed the arrests.
Rachanon Saenkhot, 36, of Banglamung was found with evidence consisting of
400 ya E pills in four packs when police entered a room in an apartment
building on Soi South Pattaya 5. Ms Sabaiprae Saelim, 28, of Banglamung was
arrested with 40 clear plastic packs of ya ice, totaling 20 grams. She was
arrested in front of her residence at the same address as Rachanon.
Pongsak Homchaiyawong, 22, of Banglamung was arrested with six pills of ya E
in room number 111 at the Suchat Apartment in Central Pattaya. Somchit
Bunbutta, 35, of Kalasin Province was arrested alongside Pongsak with
evidence consisting of 10 pills of ya E.
Pol Lt Col Nopadon said that the police were now operating a strict policy
with regards to rounding up drug dealers and users. They had arrested a
large number, and in this way had been able to trace even more of them.
In the case of the four people arrested, the police had started off by
arresting Pongsak and Somchit, both of who were sub-dealers distributing
drugs to groups of homosexuals in entertainment locations. They were
arrested with ya E at their residences. They implicated larger drug dealers,
and this led officers to Rachanon, with 400 ya E pills in his possession.
Rachanon said he had bought them from a fellow gang member named Tong for
500 baht per pill, and distributed to them to sub-dealers for 800 to 1,000
baht per pill.
Sabaiprae was a beer bar employee before she began peddling ya ice,
distributing the drugs to young people in Pattaya night entertainment
establishments. She packed 0.5 grams into each pack, and sold them for 1,500
baht. She stated that it was a favorite drug for male and female young
people, Thais and foreigners. It was a very good business for her until she
was arrested.
Police estimate the drugs haul had a street value of almost 1 million baht.
Dutchman found dead
in apartment
Theerarak Suthatiwong
An elderly Dutchman ended his life in an apartment room by covering
his head with a plastic bag and then inserting a rubber hose under the bag,
with the other end connected to a gas outlet.
 The
late Cornelis Faber
Pattaya Police Station received a report at 4:30 p.m. on June 29 that a
foreign man was lying dead in a room on the fourth floor of an apartment
building on Soi Chalermprakiet 23, Pattaya Third Road, and officers went to
investigate along with rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation.
The building is located next to the Excite Discotheque. Waiting for the
police were Mrs Boonyang Faber, 46, the owner of the apartment room, and
Miss Wilai Horsil, 21, her daughter.
The dead body was lying in the bathroom and was identified as that of
Cornelis Faber, a 61-year-old Holland national. There was a pillow under the
head, and the body was shirtless. It was estimated that the time of death
was approximately three hours previously.
A black plastic bag was near the body, along with a rubber tube that was
attached to a gas outlet.
Mrs Boonyang stated that she had been married to the deceased for 17 years.
Her husband was an architect in his hometown, and he had resigned from his
work to live in Pattaya City approximately 20 years ago. Recently her
husband had serious worries, because his money had run out. He became
seriously depressed, and had tried to commit suicide five times by
overdosing on drugs. However, on each occasion he had been found and given
medical help, and had consequently survived. Boonyang said she had quit her
job to more closely take care of him.
Mrs Boonyang said that during the afternoon she had gone to fill up a number
of water bottles at the drinking water vending machine on the ground floor.
She had spent a number of hours talking to a friend. When she returned home,
she found her husband unconscious, with a black plastic bag on his head and
the hose fixed to the gas outlet. She closed the gas valve and removed the
bag, but was too late to save the life of her husband.
Police have sent the body for autopsy.
Brothers fight off robber who
tried to snatch their mother’s bag
Police officers and marines,
along with Mabeech the search dog,
caught Wichai Noochit (barefoot, wearing t-shirt and silver chain).
Patcharapol Panrak
Two brothers fought a robber who attempted to snatch the handbag of
their mother as she waited at a red traffic light.
The would-be thief fled into woodland, and was eventually tracked down by
police using a military dog from the Royal Thai Marine Corps.
Sattahip Police Station received a call at 2 p.m. on June 27 to say there
had been an attempted robbery at the entrance to Royal Thai Fleet Command in
Sattahip Sub-district. The robber had left a motorcycle hidden in a grove
behind the Sattahip Waterworks.
Pol Col Supathee Bunkrong, superintendent at Sattahip Police Station
requested the use of a trained Labrador from the Marine Corps, and officers
went to the scene together with dog handler Sub Lt Kriangkrai Supapol and
the dog, whose name was Mabeech.
At the scene of the attempted robbery, Sawang Rotchana Thammasathan
Foundation rescue workers were administering first aid to Kawee Petchngam,
22, Watcharachai Sroisiri, 17, and Mrs Supawadee Suksawat, 39.
In the middle of the intersection was a blue Mess motorcycle, which belonged
to the injured people. A black-blue Suzuki motorcycle, which belonged to the
robber, was also at the scene.
The officers and marines, approximately 10 in total, searched the woodland
at the roadside with the dog, and they tracked down the man. He was
identified as Wichai Noochit, 34, of Makkang, Udon Thani. Mrs Supawadee
identified him as her attacker, and he was taken to Sattahip Police Station.
Supawadee said she had been riding her motorbike from the house to work at
the Lotus Sattahip branch. Her two sons were in front of her. When she
stopped at a red light, Wichai came alongside her on his motorcycle and
snatched her handbag from her shoulder. She shouted to her sons in front for
help. Kawee rode his motorbike at the thief, who was making a U-turn to
escape. A fight broke out, and then Wichai produced a knife. He left his
motorcycle, and ran into the woodland.
Wichai admitted to the crime. He said that three days previously he had had
a dispute with a restaurant captain at Sattahip Market. He said the man had
told Wichai’s wife that her husband was infatuated with a restaurant
waitress. Because of this, Wichai’s wife took all of their money, clothes
and their daughter and left him. He used the knife to attack the captain,
and was facing a charge of attempted murder. He planned to flee to the
South, but had run out of money, hence the attempted robbery.
Monks fear for strays as food donations reduce
Rising cost of living to blame
Patcharapol Panrak
Sattahip monks are worried about the possibility of stray dogs and
cats starving, as less people are offering food to the monks because of the
deteriorating economic situation, and the monks have less food left with
which to feed the strays.
 The
abbot of Payub Temple in Sattahip Sub-district, Priest Teerasak
Chantawangso, said monks have less food left with which to feed strays cats
and dogs.
The monks say that whereas the number of strays is increasing, the amount of
food to feed them is decreasing.
The abbot of Payub Temple in Sattahip Sub-district, Priest Teerasak
Chantawangso, said that the economy is causing people great hardship, with
the cost of food rising sharply, and that consequently less food is being
offered to the monks. He said he was afraid the situation is going to become
worse.
In former times, said the abbot, the temple had enough food to distribute to
people in need, and enough food left over to feed stray animals. Members of
the public, who were no longer able to take care of them or feed them, had
left many of these strays at the temple.
He said that the temple is offering advice to people facing serious economic
problems.
MOU signed for
development of Nongprue
To be carried out within environmental
and natural resources guidelines
Pramote Channgam
Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat chaired a meeting at the
Rattanakosin Room at the Eastern Grand Palace Hotel on June 25 designed to
create a community integration plan for Nongprue Municipality.
 (L
to R) Nongprue Mayor Mai Chaiyanit, Chonburi Governor Pracha Taerat, and
Sumeth Sara-aporn from the Department of Public Works and City Planning.
The plan is being drawn up between the municipality and the Public Works and
City Planning Department in Chonburi Province.
More than 300 committee members from 43 communities in Nongprue Municipality
attended the meeting.
According to Ministry of Interior policy, local development has to be
carried out under environmental and natural resources guidelines, and with
precautions undertaken against natural disasters and public hazards.
Nongprue Mayor Mai Chaiyanit said that community involvement was also a
strong part of ministry policy, hence the public consultation.
Governor Pracha signed a memorandum for cooperation between the Department
of Public Works and City Planning, which was co-signed by the department’s
Sumeth Sara-aporn and Mayor Mai Chaiyanit.
Pongsri Chumsai na Ayuthaya, former deputy director general of the
Department of City Planning explained the process to the meeting, this being
followed by a discussion session.
Eastern region school wins
Fanta Young Ambassador contest
Designed recycling project from durian paper
Mayor Itthipol Khunplome
awards the trophy to contest winners Miss Silathron Phupathee, Miss
Paweennut Hongron and Miss Waetaka Naruemol from Tesaban Klung School of
Chantaburi.
Ariyawat Nuamsawat
Tesaban Klung School in Chantaburi won the East Fanta Young
Ambassador 2008 contest, the finals being held at Central Festival on June
29, and the winning team will travel to Japan in October.
The 13th Thailand Fanta Young Ambassador 2007-2008 project was organized by
the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection, and Empowerment of Vulnerable
Groups, in cooperation with Thai Namtip Co Ltd, Hadtip Co Ltd, and Coca-Cola
(Thailand) Co Ltd.
The organizers divided the contest into six regions throughout the country
with a three-round competition consisting of the selection round, the semi
finals, and the finals.
Mrs Sukanya Wetchasilp of the Office of Welfare Promotion, Protection and
Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups said that the Fanta Young Ambassador
Thailand contest has been held for 13 years.
This year the theme was environment related and the focus was on youngsters
between the ages of five and seven.
Parents throughout the country were encouraged to enter their children, and
the schools had formed teams with three children on each team, led by a
teacher. Ten schools had reached the finals, and the winning school was in
the Eastern region, Tesaban Klung School of Chantaburi.
The winning team consisted of Miss Silathron Phupathee, Miss Paweennut
Hongron and Miss Waetaka Naruemol. They had devised a recycling project from
durian paper, which created household items and gifts from the paper.
The school will receive an award from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn, and the winning team will travel to Japan this October to
visit the Environmental Achievement Project.
515 Sattahip youngsters to receive scholarship support
Assisting families during this period
of economic unease
Patcharapol Panrak
A meeting was held on June 27 to find a way of supporting 515
underprivileged Sattahip students with scholarships.
 Prasong
Iamsuk, deputy chairman of the Sattahip-Sub-district Administrative
Organization
Prasong Iamsuk, deputy chairman of the Sattahip-Sub-district Administrative
Organization, and Mrs Wiyada Khodkam, acting on behalf of the head of the
Education, Religion and Culture Department were assigned by Pairoj Malakul
na Ayutthaya, head of the Sattahip SAO to head the project.
The intention was that the SAO find away of supporting underprivileged
youngsters in its area, and thereby helping to assist families during this
period of economic unease.
The scholarships were to go to students at the Small Children’s Development
Center, and students at schools under the Sattahip SAO’s area of
responsibility.
Prasong said that a good education is the key to the future for any child,
and that under conditions of poverty and inability to pay school fees there
was a danger that youngsters would grow up with no education, and turn to
drugs and vice.
Pairoj said that the Education, Religion and Cultural Section had been asked
to provide support with school equipment, living costs, school uniforms, and
books. The 515 students entering for the scholarships will use them for
future educational needs to help reduce the financial burden on their
parents.
Khao Kheow Zoo hosts 110 students for self-improvement course
Learn how they can make a difference
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Deputy Mayor Wutisak Rermkitkarn formally opened a project on July 1
in which 110 students from schools in Pattaya City attended Khao Kheow Open
Zoo on a course that teaches them ways in which they can act for the benefit
of society.
 Youngsters
from city schools learn how they can make a difference in life.
The students were from Pattaya Schools No.’s 1 to 9, and from Banglamung
School, with the course lasting from July 1 to 3.
Wutisak said that large numbers of youngsters face problems that are rooted
in poverty, which in turn reduces their sense of worth, as they feel unable
to do anything about it. He said that it is important the children learn how
an individual can make a positive difference, and in doing so enhance the
lives of others and himself or herself.
The course taught the students how to develop their skills and their social
abilities, and how they can play a role in their own family and community.
The intention, said Wutisak, is that they use their free time to help
others, which teaches them how valuable they can be, and encourages them to
stay away from bad company and drugs.
The event was organized in association with Match Point Tour Training and
Organizer Co Ltd, who provided experts and information for the 100 students
during the three-day program.
Redemptorist Vocational School
students provide repair service
to Northern community
Administrators meet to discuss upcoming school year
Vimolrat Singnikorn
A visit by students from the Redemptorist Vocational School for the
Disabled to the North of Thailand, where they repaired electrical goods free
of charge for the local community, was one of the recent highlights of the
school’s activities.
 Fr.
Worawut Saraphan
A meeting was held by the Redemptorist Vocational School administrators at
the school on June 25 to discuss the coming educational year.
Chaired by Father Worawut Saraphan, the committee also included Deputy Mayor
Ronakit Ekasingh and Sopin Thappajug, associate judge at the Juvenile and
Family Court in Chonburi.
School director Sister Pavinee Pichaisrisawat reported that Udomchok
Choorat, who was previously school headmaster, would be school director
starting from the 2008 educational year.
A report was also given on a visit made by 40 students of the school to Ban
Keknoi, in Petchabun Province over the period April 1 to 7, where they
repaired electrical goods such as TVs, refrigerators, electric fans, radios
and tape recorders for the local community, and provided some teaching in
Basic English.
This seven-day open-air service attracted a large number of local residents,
who brought along in total more than 400 electrical items.
This project will be organized again during October at Mae Cham District,
Chiang Mai Province, as it will provide another excellent opportunity for
the students to interact with the people of another Northern province.
Chiang Mai media visits
Khao Kheow Zoo
Promoting the venue to northern readers
The journos receive up close
experience with some giraffes.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
Members of Chiang Mai’s media visited Khao Kheow Open Zoo over the
period June 26 to 28, to supply their publications and broadcast media with
stories on this well-known Chonburi attraction.
The journalists were welcomed to Khao Kheow by director Suriya Sangpong, who
said that in addition to touring the zoo during the day, the media personnel
would be taking part in the Night Safari.
The zoo has been open for almost 10 years, said Suriya, and has gained an
excellent reputation in the world of zoology for its various animal breeding
and exchange programs.
During their visit the media also toured the fish nursery in Samaesarn.
Members of Chiang Mai’s media
gather
for a group photo at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
300 Tourist Police officers attend training
Designed to help them provide more comprehensive service
Hundreds of Tourist Police
gather in Naklua for training.
Boonlua Chatree
More than 300 Tourist Police and Volunteer Tourist Police officers
attended training on June 29, designed to help them provide a more
comprehensive service to visitors to Pattaya.
The course, which was designed for officers based at the Tourist Service
Center, was organized by the commander of the Tourist Police, Pol Maj Gen
Atthakrit Thareechat, who also conducted the official opening.
Venue for the course was the Garden Sea View on Soi 555, Naklua, beginning
at 9 a.m. The officers learned aspects of tourism service, including
information on locations and on environmental conservation projects in
Pattaya.
At 2 p.m., Pol Maj Gen Atthakrit led the officers on a beach clean-up
project at Pattaya Beach, as an example of the environmental aspects of
policing.
|
