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Chiang Mai celebrates King Chulalongkorn Day
Somkid Chaiwong
Chiang Mai provincial authorities and residents
celebrated “Chulalongkorn Day” in the front of the King Rama V statue,
set up for this auspicious day, in the front of the old Chiang Mai City Hall
on October 23.
Local ceremonies were held as hundreds of government officials, community
representatives, traders, merchants, business owners, students and media
paid their respects to a great king.
We’re two years old!
The toddler takes off
Editorial
Staff
There are always milestones in life, and for a newspaper,
which is very much a ‘living’ entity, it is no different. Just as a
toddler ‘takes off’ on the second anniversary, we have seen the Chiangmai
Mail do the same.
From the first tentative steps at one year of age, your
weekly English language newspaper has become more confident and more aware
of its position in the ‘family’ of its readers in the North.
It has become confident enough to set its own editorial
policies and to present news as it happens, and how it happens. It has
become confident enough to resist outside influences when these have not
been in accordance with our policies.
The Chiangmai Mail has also become confident
enough to appreciate its own value to the local communities, and to help the
many ‘good causes’ in the north of Thailand - even when this support has
been at a direct cost to ourselves.
We have also been very heartened to see the way that the
Thai policymakers have come to respect our position in the community, and
now ask for our assistance in presenting official policies, be that
Immigration, business or even community living.
Finally, we wish to thank the advertisers who have seen
that the Chiangmai Mail is here for the ‘long haul’ and as a
community newspaper has become an integral part of the resident population.
Our readership has expanded beyond expectation, and for that, we thank you.
The toddler has taken off. This time next year the Chiangmai Mail
will be running!
One ton of “milk” jujubes exported to Hong Kong
New cash crop to replace languishing longans
Nopniwat Krailerg
“Milk” jujubes will be another important cash crop in
Fang this year. The milk jujube crop was planted by the Green Fresh
International Co. which had previously planted longans for export for over
18 years, but has recently seen longans becoming a losing investment in the
face of glut and Chinese competition.
 Milk
jujube produce on display.
The company researched new ways to improve income by
cross-breeding honey jujube from Taiwan with special jujubes from Thailand.
The breeding between these two strains brought about a new strain of milk
jujube which has a large size and weighs between 100-130 grams.
Somsak Keeratisermsin, from the Green Fresh International
Co. said that the milk jujubes were now planted in a 300 rai area of Jun Jan
garden, on the way up to Doi Ang Khang. Technology from Japan has been
applied in this jujube garden to increase productivity. Areas under milk
jujube plantation will be expanded to 4,000 rai in 2005.
It takes only six months for planters to harvest the crop
after planting. Significantly, there is no rival fruit to compete with this
new fruit in the marketplace. Even though Taiwan exports honey jujube, it
has small areas of plantation and Thailand has higher planting potential,
especially in Fang district.
After Hong Kong, the company plans to expand into Dubai,
Singapore and the Canadian markets and export at least 4,000 tons of milk
jujubes a year, said Somsak. AAA graded milk jujubes are sold at 45 baht a
kilogram in domestic markets and two US dollars a kilogram overseas.
“Our milk jujubes are organic and received GMP
guarantee from the Agricultural Department,” said Somsak. Each milk jujube
will be wrapped in plastic at 30 days and no chemicals will be used on the
jujubes for the 40 days before being harvested.
The company has patented the milk jujube as it foresees that the fruit
will bring it much in the way of financial rewards.
Fears that Yangon leadership change may affect Thai drug control
ONCB waiting for clear signals from Burma
Saksit Meesubkwang
The local director of the Office of Narcotics Control
Board (ONCB) is apprehensive that the new Burmese leader will not fully
support Thailand’s drug suppression in the region, following the ouster of
Gen. Khin Nyunt as prime minister, replaced by Lt.-Gen. Soe Win.
Pittaya Jinawat, director of the ONCB in the North, said
that it had noted the political change in the Burmese political leadership.
It predicted a renewed spread of drugs by some minority groups that the
Office had placed under observation, according to Pittaya.
“Thai officials need to keep a close watch on these
minority groups - the Red Wa, Ko Kang minority group members, Maung Tai Army
(MTA), Karen National Union (KNU) and Kayini National Progressive Party (KNPP),”
said Pittaya.
The ONCB was trying to negotiate with them, but had to
wait for signs of a policy from the new Burmese leaders.
Pittaya said that he was unsure about the impact on
Thai-Burmese relations, which involved the Ban Yong Kha development project
and mutual work to develop border villages, drug suppression and investments
by government and private sectors. Pittaya said that the changes in Myanmar
might have hidden benefits to that country’s leaders and that foreign
countries could not exert influence as it was an internal affair.
More than a million landmines still along Thailand borders
Thailand unable to honor its responsibilities
Phitsanu
Thepthong
Dr Suvit Yodmanee, director of the Asian Disaster
Preparedness Center (ADPC), Bangkok, said that 100 people have been killed
by landmines planted in 27 border provinces around Thailand.
Thailand is a signatory to the Ottawa Treaty regarding
the elimination of landmines. The agreement is that Thailand must destroy or
retrieve all landmines by 2009. However, in the past five years only an
estimated 1-2 percent have been removed, so Dr. Suvit feels that Thailand
will have to ask for an extension of time at the meeting this November.
As a preventive measure, seminars and training courses on
landmines organized in Chiang Mai would be very helpful, he said.
“Landmines are a problem, and we are coping with a million landmines
planted along the neighboring borders, especially in the country’s regions
adjacent to Burma, Laos and Cambodia. The Thailand and Burma borderline
stretches for a distance of 227 km.
Towards educating the public on the dangers, the Supreme
Command Headquarters of the Royal Thai Army, provincial governors, district
chiefs officer, kamnan and village headmen, met at the two-day training
courses organized in Chiang Mai.
Another two-day training course for 200 teachers from the
border areas in Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son were also held so that they
could teach their students and their families and community leaders in the
high risk areas.
With help from 150 countries and international
organizations like USA, UNICEF, and others they would help clear and get rid
of the landmines.
ADCP has implemented the training courses since 2000,
with a pilot project launched in Aranyaprathet district, Ta Phaya, and
Khlong Hat districts of Sa Kaeo province, in the east, and the second phase
was held in December last year in Surin province, and in Si Saket province
of the Northeast province, and then coming up in Wiang Kaen district, of
Chiang Rai in the North.
Mini-marathon held to raise funds for children
Autsadaporn Kamthai
To mark Chulalongkorn Day on October 23, Tambon Tha Sala
Administration Organization, in cooperation with village headmen in tambon
Tha Sala, Wat Don Chan Temple and Don Chan Temple School arranged the 5th Don
Chan Mini-marathon at the Don Chan Buddhist temple grounds.
Preparing
to start the mini marathon.
About 400 local people, including children, joined in the
sporting event held on October 24.
Apart from honoring the 72nd birthday of HM the Queen, the
mini-marathon was held to raise funds for disadvantaged students of Don Chan
Temple School and promote the value of physical exercise. It consisted of a 6
km running course and a 3 km walking course. At the end of the event, all the
participants were given medals bearing the image of HM the Queen.
Payap
Shinawatra (2nd left), the new Thai Rak Thai candidate presided over the
ceremony to honor Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday.
Wat Don Chan and Don Chan Temple School accommodate about
270 children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Most of them are from the Akha,
Hmong and Yao ethnic communities and the Thai Yai minority group.
New Thai Rak Thai party candidate Payap Shinawatra presided over the
opening ceremony.
Villagers slam off-road tours for tourists as eco-unfriendly
Staff reporters
Karen residents in Pha Mon village, Chorm Thong district
have petitioned the Doi Inthanon National Park, demanding that off-road
tours along the Khun Pauy-Pha Mon route be banned.
The villagers said the events cause noise pollution which
disturbs wildlife, damage the surface of the road and negatively affect the
ecology in the area.
The request has been granted, with Thitapat Phoraksa,
assistant to the head the park saying, “Inthanon National Park will
prohibit all off-road trips to prevent more damage to the environment.”
Doi Inthanon National Park is a reserved area and no
business is allowed to use it for commercial purpose, “But lately, some
foreign tourists have used the route for off-road trips,” he said.
The Thai Research Fund has approved a budget of 200,000
baht for the villagers to develop eco-tourism and sustainable culture to
promote Pha Mon village as a new eco-tourism site to attract tourists.
The project is expected to be completed by April next
year, but it sounds as if the four wheel drive enthusiasts should not hold
their breath.
Fare paying public confused over legality of black plate vans
Police confused too claims business association
Nopniwat Krailerg
Vans with black registration plates that carry
fare-paying passengers between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are apparently
illegal, as more than 20 drivers have found out.
 Boonlert
Pelera, president of the Chiangmai Tourism and Business Association.
Police arrested and fined them on the spot at a roadblock
at Ban Pa Kor Dum in Mae Lao district, Chiang Rai. They claimed that the
black plate van is an illegal type of public transportation service.
“This has had a detrimental effect on entrepreneurs,”
said Boonlert Pelera, Chiangmai Tourism and Business Association (CTBA)
president. He asked that the matter be resolved before it causes greater
economic losses to entrepreneurs during the tourism peak season.
“The relevant Act states that the black-plate van with
not over 12 seats can operate as public transport throughout the country, so
the drivers should not be arrested,” said Boonlert. He also claimed that
the policemen treated them unfairly and asked for a clear-cut policy to
indicate the role and limitation of the black-plate van service to resolve
the matter.
“This problem needs to be solved urgently or else it will affect
tourism because most tourists hire the vans to travel to Chiang Rai,” said
Boonlert.
Thais to share highland farming tips with rest of the world
Phitsanu Thepthong
An international symposium on sustainable highland
development highlighting lessons learned from the Royal Project will be held
in Chiang Mai.
Several hundred participants are expected to attend the
event at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel and the Royal Angkhang Agricultural
Research Station in Fang district from December 8-10. So far 250 delegates
from 18 other countries and about 150 from Thailand have registered.
HRH Princess Chulabhorn will give a keynote speech on
sustainable highland agricultural highland development, while Deputy Prime
Minister Jaturon Chaisaeng will also address the audience.
According to Jintana Phuntufak, chairperson of the
working group for the symposium, the Ministry of Agriculture and
Cooperatives has assigned the Office of Highland Agriculture Development to
be responsible for organizing the event.
It aims at compiling, collecting and presenting
information about research and development in highland economic and social
development, and will propose development strategies to help solve the
problem of opium cultivation and problems of natural resources in highland
development.
The symposium will offer a chance for attendees to
exchange views on highland development both in Thailand and abroad. The
symposium will also propose academic cooperation on development projects at
regional and international levels.
Two pubs fall foul of the law by hiring teens
Nopniwat Krailerg
Two pub/restaurants have felt the wrath of the law.
Legacy and BKK, situated at the Chiang Mai Land Housing Estate entertainment
complex, were ordered closed for 30 days and their operating licenses were
revoked by the authority of Chiang Mai Governor Suwat Tantipat, after it was
found they were employing youths under 20 years of age.
 Governor
Suwat Tantipat explains to the media that a number of entertainment outlets
have been closed, and their operation licenses revoked.
Neighbouring residents had lodged several complaints with
the governor, describing the karaoke bars as places for ill-behaved
teenagers to congregate and because of persistent noise pollution.
Chumporn Saengmanee, Muang district chief officer, in a prepared press
statement said that Legacy and BKK have been closed since October 18 after
assistant district chief officer Songsak Ma-ou and Dech Soonsiri, head of
the administration division, found the underage employees.
Deforestation in Mae Hong Son
Staff reporters
Suphote Laowansiri, the Mae Hong Son governor has asked
all district chief officers to examine forest lands and strictly enforce the
laws on invaders after high deforestation has been reported.
The Mae Hong Son governor said his province would use
strict measures to confiscate all encroached forest land from invaders to
maintain the forest areas of the provinces. So far, the province has seized
almost 1,000 rai of encroached forestland to return the land to state
ownership.
The problem areas are mainly in Mae Sariang, Pai and Mae
La Noi districts where great tracts of forest areas have been destroyed and
more attention from officers is needed to reduce the severity of the
problem.
Phayao province to turn Java weeds into compost for farmers
Staff
reporters
Phayao Lake has a total surface of 12,000 rai in which
3,000 rai always bears Java weeds and cause trouble for people, especially
during the raining season, said Baworn Rattanaprasit, Phayao governor.
The Java weeds need to be got rid of, because the Phayao
Lake is an important tourist attraction of the province, added Baworn.
Local administration organizations, Phayao Provincial
Agricultural Office and Fishery Office have been assigned to coordinate in
turning the Java weeds into compost.
“This project will also help increase incomes for
unemployed people, because the province will employ them to collect the
weeds in the reservoir,” said the governor.
The compost will be distributed to farmers in 5 tambons
and 14 villages located nearby the reservoir as a pilot project. The rest of
compost will be sold to other farmers to decrease of use of chemical
fertilizer.
More farmers in the provinces would be urged to turn to
using compost through this project, said Baworn, adding that, “If this
project is done seriously and produces satisfactory amounts of compost,
Phayao would become the largest source of compost in the country,”
predicted Baworn.
Students prefer playing truant to sitting in class
Earth-shattering breakthrough?
Staff
reporters
Over 800 Chiang Mai students find hanging out at public
places, entertainment venues and playing games more fun than sitting in
class.
A total of 813 students - 619 males and 194 females -
were caught playing truant when school inspectors and police recently
carried out spot checks.
The Chiang Mai Education Office Area 1 reported that most
of the truancy students were found playing games or using drugs and drinking
alcohol and playing snooker.
Of those caught, more than half were 1st to 3rd year
vocational college students, while another 11 percent were 4th and 5th year
higher vocational college students.
Frequent teaching staff meetings and subsequent
cancellation of classes are blamed for giving students too much free time,
while other supposed causes relating to the students are addiction to games
and watching sport as well as peer pressures and family problems.
The family was ranked as the most significant institution
to help change student behavior, while educational institutions were ranked
second.
“More importantly, some game shop owners lack the
proper morality and ignore the prohibition on students playing games during
class hours,” said Somsak Tarchai, director of the Chiang Mai Education
Office, Region 1. The owners realize that students are their main customers
so they consider income as more important than observing the law.
“Environment significantly shapes this improper
behavior, so the institutions and colleges have to strengthen their systems
and regulations to protect students and watch over them,” said Somsak.
While these are very noble sentiments, truancy is nothing
new, and one has to question just who is responsible for the students while
in college. The internet game shops or the school authorities? School
discipline has been a time-honored deterrent, perhaps it is time that the
institutions worked out how to carry out roll calls, rather than having the
Fun Police patrolling shops during school hours.
Traditional tricycle taxis tourist trap
Crash courses for riders
Nopniwat
Krailerg
The traditional tricycle revival project has gained
support worth 500,000 baht from Chiang Mai Governor Suwat Tantipat, to
improve their image and to give an extra ‘lift’ to Chiang Mai tourism.
This revival project has been executed jointly since
September 2004 by Chiang Mai Lands Transport Office, Labor Skill Development
Center, Chiang Mai Provincial Traffic Police Station, and the Tourism
Authority of Thailand. 50 tricycles were singled out from the total of 123
tricycles in town to be part of the pilot project.
 The
refurbishing of the first lot of 50 tricycles, part of the tricycle revival
to uphold tourism, is now complete.
These 50 tricycles have been refurbished by the Labor
Skill Development Center. The riders are made to dress well in Lanna clothes
- mor hom shirt and sa dor pant, belted with a pha kaomah and wearing a
bailan hat.
On October 18 at the Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai, a pilot
training course for all 123 tricycle pilots was held. They were taught
traffic laws, basic conversational English and good manners.
The first 50 remodeled tricycles were shown to the public
pedaling along Chang Klan Road, round the city moats and ending at the Night
Bazaar market.
This revival project should increase the income of all
tri cycle riders. This mode of transportation will be another alternative
available for visitors, especially during the tourism season and
international fairs and events, which will be held in the city.
The tricycle service is divided into three types: short
distance service (commuting between hotels and tourist sites), intermediate
distance service (1 hour duration) and long distance service (such as
traveling around the city moats). Maximum charge is only 300 baht.
Ae-rin said that some of the tricycles had 80-95 percent
of their bodies repaired which cost around 4,000-5,000 baht each. All
tricycles turned out looking very smart, especially with an elephant symbol
embossed on their seats. A manual of basic English conversation has been
published to let the riders chat to the tourists.
Pallop A-nuntapradith, head of tricycle for tourism club, said that this
revival project is very beneficial for them and supports their occupations.
Regular cost for service was only 20-30 baht while charges for tourist
services were around 120-300 baht depending on the distance, said Pallop.
Chiang Mai Food and Entertainment Festival to be held from November 1-7
Phitsanu
Thepthong
Chiang Mai Governor Suwat Tantipat and Keatisak (Dang)
Saythai, Chiang Mai Restaurant and Entertainment Association president
announced the upcoming Chiang Mai Food and Entertainment Festival, which
will be from November 1-7.
The
organizing committee led by Chiang Mai Governor Suwat Tantipat (center),
Keatisak (Dang) Saythai (on the governor’s left), and Chiang Mai Mayor
Boonlert Buranupakorn (on the governor’s right). (Photo by Saksit
Meesubkwang)
It will be held at the Kad Cherngdoi Fairgrounds near
Chiang Mai University. This will be the fifth time the festival has been
held, but this year promises to be bigger and better than previous years,
said Keatisak.
He expects that more than 350,000 people will visit the 7
day and night festival. More than 100 food shops and stalls from Chiang Mai
will be set up to sell correctly prepared hygienic food.
Other displays include furniture from Amporn Garden,
Bangkok, and a Motor and Hi-Fi Show.
He added that the giant cake, for Her Majesty the
Queen’s 72nd birthday will be dazzling, and there will be other shows and
performances to honor Her Majesty the Queen. These include the Carabao band,
artists from RS promotion, Ford, as well as Look Tung upcountry bands, like
the popular Sunaree Ratchasima, and artists from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and
comedy acts.
Other attractions are the kwanjai or sweet-heart beauty
contest, cabaret shows, arts and cultural shows representing the country’s
four regions, with special performances from the leading entertainment
restaurants from Chiang Mai, and dancers in variety shows from the New Chang
Puak Chiang Mai.
The festival is jointly supported by the Chiang Mai
Provincial Administration Organization (PAO), Chiang Mai Municipality, the
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Northern Office, Region 1, Chiang Mai
Provincial Public Health Office, TT and T Co. and Porm Klang Co.
For more information, please contact New Chang Puak Restaurant 053 891
118-9, 04-0418780.
Entertainment outlet closed for 90 days and police superintendent transferred
Underage revelers close Legacy Pub
Saksit
Meesubkwang
Ten days later after being promoted to a higher rank, Pol
Col Prayach Boonsri, the new superintendent of Muang District Police
Station, has been transferred to an inactive posting for 30 days, following
a raid by the Crime Suppression police and the Ministry of the Interior.
On October 18, Pol Lt Gen Panupong Singhara Na Ayutthaya,
commissioner of Provincial Police Bureau Region 5, transferred the new
superintendent as a consequence of his failure to keep all entertainment
outlets in line with the law.
Pol Lt Col Rangsit Lotaisong, deputy superintendent of
Muang District Police Station will be acting superintendent during that
period.
The penalty follows inspection of Chiang Mai’s
entertainment outlets in Chiang Mai Land Housing Estate, Chang Klan Road, by
Pol Maj Gen Winai Tongsong, commander of Crime Suppression Division, and
Sakol Muangsiri, advisor to Pracha Maleenont, Minister of Interior.
During the inspection, 102 teenagers aged under 20, 15
teenagers aged under 18 and another 8 people not carrying ID cards were
found in the Legacy Pub. This outlet now faces a mandatory 90 -day closure.
Pol Lt Gen Panupong said that the investigation committee
had to be fair to all sides. He said that the newly assigned superintendent,
Pol Col Prayach, had been in charge for only 10 days and would have been
unsure of the environment and areas.
Tourist season has come to Mae Hong Son
Saksit
Meesubkwang
Mae Hong Son is well prepared for tourists in this
upcoming high season, says provincial Governor Suphote Laowansiri.
He gave the assurance that local organizations had made
both security and accommodation ready for Thai and foreign tourists.
The Poy Loen 11, which commenced on October 24, saw the
kick off of Mae Hong Son’s tourism season. The opening of the tourist
season in Pai and Mae Sariang districts will be staged on November 5 and 13
respectively.
“After this, the Bua Tong (Mexican Sunflower) Blossom
Festival will begin,” said Suphote. “This year’s Loy Krathong festival
will include the launching of hot air balloons and the New Year celebration
of all tribes will follow at the end of the year.
“All these activities in Mae Hong Son will appeal to
tourists,” said Suphote.
“The Walking Street in this northern town will be held
throughout the tourism season. To attract tourists to visit the province,
organizers plan to give a certificate to anyone who drives to the city and
drives through the 1,864 corners between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son,” the
governor announced.
Police, soldiers and Territory Security Volunteers will
be at hand to serve road users in case of any road accidents and a commando
unit has been set up.
“New regulations have been passed allowing visitors at
Bua Tong Flower field in Khun Yuam district to enter the field between
sunrise and sunset,” said Suphote. “Visitors will not be allowed to
pitch tents or set up camp within the field, but the province has provided a
rest area about 400 meters from the field. Restrooms, shops and performances
staged by hill tribe are provided at the rest area.”
The new regulations would help reduce the amount of
garbage disposed at the field, said Suphote, adding that one of the charms
of Mae Hong Son City is the abundance of fertile forest, as 90 percent of
the area is covered by forest.
“All visitors who want to experience its charm will be
welcomed to the city,” he said.
Border tension increases after Burmese military ousts PM
Saksit
Meesubkwang
Since last week’s political change inside Myanmar, Thai
military and government officials in Mae Hong Son have been keeping a close
watch on the situation and are on the alert for the security of Burmese
refugees in the holding centers along this side of the border.
The authorities have been ordered to be ready for
unexpected unrest. Stricter measures have also been imposed at the
checkpoints for all vehicles crossing the border.
On October 24, about 100 military officers and troops
patrolled the area of the camp in Mae La Maluang, which accommodates about
30,000 refugees.
There are more than 100 Burmese students in the holding
center, and the 36th military ranger battalion, in Mae Sariang district, Mae
Hong Son, along with the infantry regiment, were instructed to patrol around
the refugee camps and along the border and Yom River so as to prevent
movement of the refugees, including Burmese students.
Col Karun Khunsungnoen, commander of the 7th infantry
regiment, and Col Nopporn Ruachan, commander of the 36th Military Rangers
regiment, consulted with Maj Gen Aung Aung, commander of the 130 Pasong
battalion, on behalf of the Thai Burmese Border Committee, at a meeting held
at Ban Saohin, in Tambon Saohin, in Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son.
They agreed on close cooperation for the protection of
the locals and the suppression of drug smuggling and cross-border crime, as
the border pass of Ban Saohin is still open for bilateral trade between the
two countries.
Muang Mae Hong Son district police set up border and
Highway 108 checkpoints which led to the arrest of Chumpol Pan-utama, a
pick-up truck driver. They confiscated about 20 million kyat (Burmese
currency, the equivalent of about 800,000 baht) packed in 50 black sacks.
Chumpol claimed that he had brought the cash to pay for
cattle from Burmese traders, but the police did not believe him. After
confiscating the money, he is being held for further investigation.
The police said that this amount of kyat could have been
used to buy illegal goods at the border instead.
Legal Guidance for Foreigners seminar scheduled for November 5 and 6
Dhurakijpundit University’s Faculty of
Law will sponsor its popular seminar, Legal Guidance for Foreigners,
Investing, Working and Living in Thailand. The seminar - all in English -
will be held at the Conrad Hotel, Wireless Road, Bangkok on November 5 and
6.
The seminar features top speakers drawn from the Thai
government, judiciary, and legal practice, talking on a variety of important
issues. For example, the Hon. Judge Vichai Ariyanuntaka of the Central
Intellectual Property and International Trade Court will talk on the
Settlement of Commercial Disputes in Thailand; while the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court, the Hon. Judge Prasobsook Boondech will talk on Law
Involving Land Ownership and Families.
Other talks are on taxation for foreign companies; laws
relating to foreign investment; latest development in financial laws; labor
law and employment issues; issues related to visas, work permit, immigration
and business start-ups; and, roles and responsibilities of directors of
Company Limited and Public Company Limited. Last year’s seminar attracted
80 participants from 25 countries worldwide.
This year’s seminar, Professor Dr. Sippanondha Ketudat,
the chairman of Dhurakijpundit University, will deliver a keynote address on
“Globalization in a Multicultural World: Implications for Professional
Learning”. Dr. Sippanondha is also a former minister of education, a
former minister of industry of Thailand and a former senator.
The fee for the 2 day event (including 2 buffet lunches
at the hotel and 4 coffee breaks, full set of conference documents, and
certificate of participation from Dhurakijpundit University) is 9,900 baht
per person.
For more information please contact Ms. Manisara
Chulasamya and Ms. Oracha Pikartporapak, Faculty of Law at
Mobile:09-813-6698,01-839-4321, respectively e-mail: legalguide_dpu@yahoo.com
or law@dpu.ac.th or visit the web-site www.dpu.ac.th/law/ or telephone
02-954-7300 ext. 662, 308.
Shop ‘Til they drop
Staff
Reporters
Members of the U.S. consulate community and guests
traveled to the factory and showrooms of CDC Design Resources just outside
Chiang Mai on the highway to Lamphun to see the manufacturing of designer
items exported to overseas markets.
Hosted by partners Richard Dixon, Annabel Coulet and
Manat Chowmuang, participants observed the finishing touches being applied
to several items before adjourning to the showrooms for refreshments and
serious shopping, selecting both newly manufactured and unique antique
items, some imported from India and Afghanistan.
Christmas is just around the corner and the serious
shoppers have already started.
English resident accused of pedophilia
Suspected of keeping hill tribe boy as sex slave for two years
Nopniwat
Krailerg
An Englishman, Clive Mark Feinson, 41, has been arrested
on charges of immoral behavior and pedophilia. The arrest was carried out by
the investigation police division of Provincial Police Bureau, Region 5 led
by Pol Col Sarawut Jantraprasert.
After searching his room, police seized 31 obscene VCDs
showing homosexual acts between men and youths. Equipment used for taking
drugs was also found.
The investigation police division allegedly discovered
that Feinson had kept a 14 year old Akha boy with him and had homosexual
intercourse with the boy for over 2 years. Feinson also kept the boy locked
in his room. The boy was homeless as his parents had been imprisoned for
drug offenses.
Feinson was sent to Pol Lt Gen Panupong Singhara na
Ayutthaya, commissioner of Provincial Police Bureau, Region 5, for further
investigation. Pol Lt Gen Panupong said that Feinson owned a beer bar at the
Night Bazaar, which is popular among Thai and foreign homosexuals.
He had previously been charged following discovery of ya
ba tablets, drug equipment, 20 X-rated VCDs recording sexual intercourse
between men and a 13 year old boy. The police charged him but a prosecutor
dismissed the case, said Pol Lt Gen Panupong. However, this time he was sure
the evidence and police case would stand up in court and a jail sentence
would result.
However, further information that has come to light, and
it is alleged that the boy escaped from the Home for Boys to voluntarily
live with Feinson. During the questioning, the boy has now insisted that
Feinson did not sexually abuse him or lock him in the room.
Feinson has also denied that had 31 X-rated VCD recording
sexual intercourse between himself and young boys, and has accused the Thai
police of fabricating evidence.
Police also claim that Feinson is wanted on drug charges in the UK, and
the Provincial Police Bureau, Region 5 have contacted Interpol and the
British consul to check his criminal record.
Bank employee uses
ATM cards to fleece customers
2.2 million out of the ‘hole in the wall’
Nopniwat
Krailerg
A warrant for the arrest of Kachakorn na Chiangmai, 36,
an employee at Siam Commercial Bank’s the Airport Intersection branch was
issued by the court, claiming that he had used ATM cards of four of the
bank’s clients and withdrew almost 2.2 million baht.
This missing money was discovered after one of the
victims, Chuanchuen Kiewwilai, 50, notified police about the loss of 2
million baht from her bank deposit account. Chuanchuen opened her account
deposit with almost 2 million baht at the bank on May 25 but she did not
request an ATM card.
In early August, she received money transfers from her
business partner. She updated her bank deposit book at the bank and found
out that almost 2 million baht of her money had disappeared.
According to the bank’s records, the 2 million baht in
cash was withdrawn using an ATM card during October 20-31 this year. Bank
officers investigated and discovered the culprit was Kachakorn, the bank
employee.
Police also found out that Kachakornhad also
misappropriated 200,000 baht of three other clients’ money by using the
same technique, as these three victims did not possess ATM cards either.
Kachakorn, who is now on the run with a bag containing
2.2 million baht, withdrew the cash from the bank accounts a bit at a time,
taking more than 100 times to amass that amount. His main duties at the bank
were ATM card service and money withdrawals. He began to steal the money in
early October. Perhaps police will be waiting for him to use his own ATM
card.
Yala man arrested in Chiang Mai after fleeing Bangkok murder charge
Saksit
Meesubkwang
Sumet Paochaemnoi, 21, from Yala province was arrested in
Chiang Mai on charges of murdering a staff member in a convenience store in
Bangkok. The arrest warrant was issued by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police 4
Station.
Pol Lt Col Narit Sondit, investigation inspector of Muang
District Police Station, looked for Sumet in Chiang Mai, after receiving
information from Bangkok that the accused had fled to the north.
After finding his hideout on October 19, Pol Lt Col Narit,
along with 20 policemen surrounded the house in tambon Pa Daed, Chiang
Mai’s Muang district. Sumet surrendered, and after being apprehended, he
confessed to the crime.
Sumet told police that he killed the staff member because
he was upset as he had been fired from the Minimart and the victim was the
person who had caused him to be dismissed.
He was taken under police custody to Bangkok where he
will undergo the due process of the law.
X-ray machines help catch drug traffickers, weapons
Staff
Reporters
A number of drug traffickers have been arrested and
illegal items seized after X-ray machines were set up in eight designated
villages along the Thai-Burmese border.
Col Anantasak Trilao, commander of the 241st cavalry
battalion, special task force, 2nd Calvary Regiment, Pha Muang Task Force,
said that they had prepared about 50 officers with sniffer dogs to patrol
villages and target people suspected to be involved with drugs.
X-ray machines were set up Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, Chai
Prakan, Fang, and Mae Ai districts of Chiang Mai, as well as Mae Chan, Mae
Fah Luang, Muang and Mae Suay districts of Chiang Rai, from October 20-26.
Using X-Rays, police found illegally processed kaya loei
wood, processed teakwood in the areas of Doi Phawog and Ban Lisu Nambormai,
84 ya ba pills, two drug suspects, an M-16 machine gun, grenades, one
pistol, two rifles, 16 rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles, four illegal
alien workers and four human traffickers.
Arrests were made and suspects held in custody for
further investigation.
Night Bazaar raid leads to arrest
of 11 Burmese alien workers
Saksit
Meesubkwang
Eleven alien workers have been caught at Chiang Mai Night
Bazaar, and a businessman is suspected of having facilitated their illegal
employment.
On October 21, Pol Col Phirojana Paresakul,
superintendent of the Chiang Mai Immigration Office, instructed Pol Maj
Puwapas Suwannarong and 17 forestry officials to investigate illegal alien
labor at the Night Bazaar on Chang Klan Road.
As a result, 11 Burmese laborers were captured. They will
be penalized under the terms of the Immigration Act 1979 and Alien Workers
Act 1978.
Pol Lt Col Pitchaya Boonkhajorn, deputy superintendent of
the Chiang Mai Immigration Office, said that the suppression of alien labor
is being carried out on a regular basis following the instructions of Pol Lt
Gen Ammarin Niamsakul, commissioner of the Immigration Police Division. For
national security reasons, he has also ordered an increase in the
suppression of organized crime.
“The Night Bazaar was chosen because it has many
non-Thai tourists and we knew a number of illegal aliens were hired to work
there,” said Pol Lt Col Pitchaya.
Wanted man walks into the arms of the police
Thought they had forgotten about the arrest warrant
Nopniwat
Krailerg
An accused drug trafficker, somewhat less than a bright
spark, walked into the Muang Police station to visit a relative who was held
there. This noble exercise would have been appreciated by the relative, but
even more so by the police who were holding an arrest warrant for him!
Preecha Rattanaworachote, aka Rattanapol, for whom an
arrest warrant was issued in June, thought that the police at the station
would not recognize him.
The history of the case began with police arresting
Somsak Saengjan in June this year, who spilled the beans that Rattanapol was
allegedly involved in the financial arm of a drug ring. With this
information, the Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) approved an arrest
warrant for him. This duly happened, but Pol. Lt Col. Narit Sorndit said
that Rattanapol was charged but had skipped while on bail.
Police also suspect that he is in possession of a
counterfeit ID card, uses the name of a deceased person and changed his
address to Phrao district, Chiang Mai.
With all this additional information, police are
arranging further charges for the intellectually challenged Rattanapol, the
dutiful jail visitor.
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