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Deputy Interior Minister promises to do something about flood damage
Nopniwat Krailerg
Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Soonthornwat toured
Chiang Mai on an inspection tour of the damages left by last weekend’s
flooding. Before his tour was over, he promised local officials that he
would ensure necessary steps would be taken to restore the area.
The deputy minister’s inspection team consisted of
Pakorn Buranupakorn, MP of Chiang Mai area 1, Chumporn Sangmanee, Muang
Chiang Mai district chief officer and Chiang Mai Mayor Boonlert
Buranupakorn.
They checked riverbanks and roads along Mae Ping River at
Baan Taw Muang Lang, Tambon Patan near a bridge in front of Chiang Mai City
Hall that was destroyed by the Mae Ping River for 15 meters.
Deputy Minister Somchai said that the Mae Ping River
current was very strong and even though the concrete riverbank had been well
constructed it could not restrain the floodwaters.
However, he promised to contact those concerned to quickly repair that
area and several damaged points, including buildings and households in
Chiang Mai and nearby provinces. He said that the cabinet would promptly
approve funds for the restoration process because it is a problem that needs
to be solved urgently.
PM now involved
in flooding and
Mae Ping riverside invasion
Nopniwat Krailerg
The floods in Chang Mai, which reached the highest
level recorded this century, have caused concern in the Cabinet.
Consecutive daily rainfall in Chiang Dao of 200, 141 and 139 millimeters
has raised the level of the Mae Ping, Nan and Yom rivers, caused
widespread flooding, damage and traffic chaos.
In order to relieve the resulting hardship, Dr.
Surapong, PM’s Office spokesman, said that the PM had instructed the
Government Housing Bank to reduce loan interest for six months and to
maintain same rate for old and new debtors for five years.
The Government Saving Bank will allow victims to
borrow money without charging interest for one year and the Ministry of
Finance would hold off on collecting tax for one month from businesses
affected.
The PM has assigned Newin Chidchop to solve the
shallow rivers problem and rekindle the Mae Ping River invasion case in
Chiang Mai. Whoever does not hold documentary rights to riverbank
property would be forced to evacuate and those who do hold title would be
asked to sell the land back to the government who would modify some
low-lying areas as flood water storage ponds.
The PM instructed that solving flood solutions should
be presented to him as one project package and not piecemeal plans.
Yongyut Tiyapairat, minister of natural resources and
environment said that variable size dams would be used to collect water
in dry season and would drain water in the rainy season. The Department
of Public Works and Town and Country Planning is presently armoring the
banks of the Mae Ping River to prevent flooding on Chang Klan Road and
Night Bazaar.
Sermsak Pongpanich, deputy minister of interior, as
president of the Chiang Mai Flood Solving Center, said that Mae Ping
River intruders would be prosecuted while checks at both riversides,
including Mae Kha Canal dredging and roads obstructing the river should
be rapidly dealt with. The Department of Public Works and Town and
Country Planning authorized 29 million baht fund to studies about dam
construction to prevent flooding and to set up warning systems.
This is not a new problem. On July 3, 2003, Sqn. Cdr.
Baworn Bunleng, director of Marine Department of Chiang Mai Office Region
1 said that there were 52 intruders invading the Mae Ping River from
Tambon Don Kaew, Mae Rim district to Padad Bridge in Muang, Chiang Mai
and 41 persons had already been forced to move out from the area and the
rest were being prosecuted.
Most of those intruders were from well known families
in Chiang Mai, who normally regard themselves as above the law, including
those, often with political connections, who have built restaurants and
hotels.
On July 8, 2003, Sukin Ratanasatian, head of the
Chiang Mai Office Region 1 Marine Department ordered 41 intruders to
remove their buildings within 25 days, but this was ignored until 2004,
when Witthaya Yamuang, new head of the office, negotiated with them. Even
then, only 30 persons agreed to do so, and 11 cases were taken to court.
Later, only ten were fined and one person’s case
would have judgment pronounced at the end of this year. The PM has
ordered these cases to be raised again and to prosecute the persons
concerned whatever influence they might hold, but as pointed out, this
was also the call in 2003.
Shops offering dirty
downloads into cell phones
Nopniwat Krailerg
Entrepreneurial students have devised a new way to make
money. They take nude photos of themselves to sell to shops that retail them
to clients to download onto mobile phones, all for 200 baht each.
 Porn
pictures are easy to download from some mobile phone shops.
The commissioner of the Provincial Police Bureau Region 5
is now spoiling the fun by checking shops purchasing porn pictures from
students.
Female students short of money use camera cell phones to
take their own ‘naughty’ images to sell to mobile phone download service
shops at 300-500 baht a time, depending on their scale on the shop
porno-meters. Students often exchanged such pictures amongst themselves and,
it was also claimed, that some who had received pictures by this method,
sneakily and without permission, on-sold them to the shops for a little
extra disco money.
The shops will in future, if discovered, face prosecution, after any
doubtful downloads are thoroughly inspected by the Thought Police.
Mae Ping widening by 100 meters planned for completion in five years
Nopniwat Krailerg
Phumtham Wetchayachai, deputy minister of transport has
become involved in the restoration and development of the Mae Ping River
after the latest Chiang Mai flooding.
Some
points of Mae Ping Riverside have sprouted new land that will be dredged.
The deputy minister said, “Fundamentally, we need to
plan how to revive and improve the Mae Ping River Basin along the whole
river and then to manage it systematically. It has been discovered that
there are many encroachers in both government and private organizations;
nevertheless they will be dealt with urgently to solve the narrowing
watercourse and restricted flow. Political and jurisprudence roles are to be
applied to deal with the encroachment but political persuasion will be used
to negotiate with trespassers to move out and demolish buildings from
riversides. If it does not work then legal means would be used.
“The dredging of the Mae Ping River has been underway
since 2003 and it helped the Mae Ping River support a greater volume of
water and has reduced the damage from this latest flood, which would have
been worse without the dredging. The Mae Ping River dredging plan will be
continued until the river is 120 meters wide, from its present 40 meters
width. Five years are needed to finish the task,” he added.
After the conference, the deputy minister traveled by
helicopter to look around Chiang Mai and Mae Ping River water sources at
Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng districts.
“Each side of the river will be dredged to provide an extra 20 meters
in depth and 49 shallow points in mid river are to be dredged as well. The
entire plans will be presented to the cabinet after all information is
concluded. This plan could be completed within five years,” the deputy
minister claimed.
New route built linking Chiang Rai to Doi Wawee
100 million baht link
Saksit
Meesubkwang
On August 8, Adisorn Piengkes, deputy minister of
agriculture and cooperatives presided over the opening ceremony of a route
linking Chiang Rai to Doi Wawee.
Adisorn said that the new route would make transportation
easier for farmers and exporters. Products would be exported to China
through route (R3e) crossing the Mae Khong River and passing Laos or a route
in Mae Sai through Burma to get China.
Chalong Mahawute, MP of Mae Suay area said that this new
route was important for local people especially for hill tribes to transfer
agriculture products such as tea, lychee, and coffee grounds, tomatoes and
fruit from Doi Wawee and Doi Chang. The old route was difficult especially
during the rainy season and some goods had to be transported by boat.
More than 30,000 hilltribes, Lahu, Lisu, Mien, Chinese
Haw and Karen Hill tribes live in those areas. The new route would also be
attractive for tourists to visit Doi Wawee.
The new road was constructed with help from the Armed
Forces Development Command. Three bridges were constructed over 500 meters
above sea level and costs were 109 million baht.
Chiang Mai floods spark fears of disease
Nopniwat Krailerg
After the floods in Chiang Mai receded, Chiang Mai
Provincial Public Health Office is preparing offices to check residents of
flooded areas for waterborne diseases.
Rattawut Sukmee, the head of Chiang Mai Provincial Public
Health Office said that 3,000 sufferers had already been aided and medicines
have been collected to prevent diseases caused by floodwater, such as skin
diseases and those affecting the alimentary system.
Residents of affected areas are advised to pay particular
attention to the hygiene of food and water, to wear boots if necessary when
walking in mud or water and to clean carefully every time after walking
through water or mud.
Boonlert Buranupakorn, Chiang Mai mayor said that the
city would be cleaned up within three days and it would be revived to be
beautiful again according to the North’s hopes of it being an attractive
place to visit. The municipality would spend 10 million baht of its
emergency budget and 20 million baht of provincial funds. Chiang Mai
municipality had received cooperation from several sectors, including around
1,000 of its own staff and students to clean the city.
Phayao opens human trafficking center
Chiangmai Mail Reporters
Sampan Suwanathap, Phayao’s head of Social Development
and Human Security Office revealed that Phayao province had set up a center
to attempt to solve the human trafficking problem.
The province has instituted a six part plan - prevention,
suppression and law enforcement, victim rescue and protection,
rehabilitation, system management and plan development.
The Phayao governor would lead six teams - children and
women’s rescue, a law department, rehabilitation, coordination and
pursuit, intelligence department and academic dissemination.
Sub-committees to protect women and children at district
level will be set up, including at tambon and village levels. The governor
has had the CEO budget approved for training and information for the
district, tambon and village monitoring teams to concentrate on the problem.
The province has also trained police to understand the human trafficking
problem and how to treat victims after they have been rescued.
Magical reappearance
of disappearing video equipment
Nopniwat Krailerg
In April, Chiangmai Mail reported the loss of a
video camera, remote control, microphone and linked instruments costing
600,000 baht while being installed in a conference room at Chiang Mai City
Hall. This followed a report from Dumrongsak Chommontha, representative of
Chiang Mai Provincial Office. The case was then put under investigation by
Chang Puek Police Station and committees appointed by Suwat Tantipat, Chiang
Mai governor.
After nearly five months of detailed and painstaking
investigation, worthy of Sherlock Holmes, Colombo, Kojak and the FBI
combined, it is now learned that the equipment had simply not been delivered
but was still in storage by the appointed supplier, Samart Com Tech Company.
Samart have now, with red faces, withdrawn the report of
its loss. It is not known if penalties for late delivery of the equipment
will be imposed.
Ancient remains of Wiang Kum Kam in danger from flood waters
Nopniwat Krailerg
Staff from Chiang Mai Irrigation brought pumps and pipes
to Wiang Kum Kam, an ancient monument in Chiang Mai located at Koo Pa Dom
Temple, Tambon Tha Wang Tan in Saraphi, Chiang Mai on August 19. Flood
waters had inundated it to a height of almost two meters since August 13.
Pongsak Wangsamer, Chiang Mai assistant governor, arrived
with Chiang Mai Irrigation officers to check Wiang Kum Kam, and revealed
that other monuments were also in danger from floodwaters. It would require
at least two days and no more rain to drain the area sufficiently to reduce
the risk of damage. Building foundations would then be checked but he
believed that they may be safe as all had already been restored.
Wiang Kum Kam was established by King Mengrai but was
flooded way back then, so the king moved and established Chiang Mai. Wiang
Kum Kam then became an abandoned city for a thousand years until it was
discovered and restored only a few years ago - only to have history repeat
itself this year.
Cooperation contract signed for the first e-government site
Nopniwat Krailerg and
Saksit Meesubkwang
A pilot project for a cooperation contract to test
information and communication systems for Suthep TAO management in Chiang
Mai has been signed.
Representatives
of four organizations sign a cooperation contract, witnessed by Thongchai
Wongrianthong, deputy Chiang Mai governor (left) and Assoc. Prof. Tosaporn
Sirisampan, secretary-general of Thai Government System Development
committees (right).
This project covers several sectors such as Management
Information System: MIS, Excusive Information System: EIS, Geographical
Information System: GIS, Agriculture Information System, E-filing and
others.
It is expected that Suthep TAO and local administrative
organizations throughout the country could offer their citizens e-service
and service links to help people online.
The Agriculture Information System could be accessed
through the internet and School Education Information system that is able to
systemically report students and teachers’ data including public health
information to prevent disease and effective prevention methods.
CAT Telecom has linked the network to organizations participating with
this project, and is letting Suthep TAO act as the pilot local organization
to manage the ICT linkup with the province’s data base and country
information center. All this is being supported by Chiang Mai Rajabhat
University.
Minister views National Astronomy Research Center at Doi Inthanon
Saksit Meesubkwang
Dr. Prawit Ratanapiarn, minister of science and
technology, and officers of the ministry arrived to view the National
Astronomy Research Center at Doi Inthanon on August 21. They were welcomed
by Prapote Manoonsaran, head of Inthanon National Park.
 Dr.
Prawit Ratanapiarn, minister of science and technology and officers of the
ministry visit the National Astronomy Research Center in Doi Inthanon,
Chiang Mai.
The minister said that this center was being built to
support astronomy research. After the center was complete, it would be the
main observatory in Thailand, having an automatic telescope of 2.4 meters
diameter, making it the biggest telescope in Asia and reaching international
standards for modern instruments to stimulate Thai astronomers. It could
also be used as an international astronomy conference room and an
international center available for astronomy studies.
The center was set up with a budget of 130 million baht and is intended
to be completed before 2007 to celebrate HM King Bhumibol’s 60 years on
the throne and 80th year birthday anniversary.
Deputy PM tours north
to examine flood damage
Saksit Meesubkwang
Suwat Liptapanlop, deputy PM invited the governors from
the eight northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, Lamphun,
Lampang, Phayao and Mae Hong Son to report on damage and to estimate cost
required for repairs.
 Suwat
Liptapanlop, deputy PM listens to reports from eight northern province’s
governors.
It appears that Mae Hong Son experienced the most damage
and the cost might reach 200 million baht. Most of the damage was to houses,
orchards, farms and some ranches, whilst roads, bridges, public water,
telephones and electricity were also affected.
The least affected province was Chiang Mai with estimated
repair costs of 100 million baht with most damaged areas in the city - the
Night Bazaar, hotels and eastern shops, while the six other provinces had
not suffered much damage at all.
However, the damage cost estimates may not be accurate
and could increase. One urgent project is to repair the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong
Son route, where long-term repairs and improvements need to be made to
prevent future occurrences.
Supoj Laowansiri, Mae Hong Son governor, reported that there were 15
deaths and 40 households destroyed. The Ministry of Interior had approved 50
million baht for the province and 7 million baht has been distributed to
help victims. He recommended four projects: 1) to improve the Chiang Mai-Mae
Hong Son route and to repair destroyed bridges; 2) to dredge watercourses
and comply with city planning by moving riverside households away from the
river at least three meters; 3) to expand drains in municipalities and
villages and 4) to build small dams along main rivers to reduce flow speeds.
HRH Princess Patchara Kittiyapa presents aid to flood victims
Nopniwat Krailerg
On August 17, at Chiang Mai City Hall, Lady Supa
Kitjathorn, honorary president of Red Cross volunteers and various other
organizations, presented 1,050 aid packages for Chiang Mai residents who
were affected by the flood.
The entire presentation was organized by the graciousness
of HRH Princess Patchara Kittiyapa, who cared for citizens especially after
learning they were in trouble, so arranged for these packages to be
transferred to Chiang Mai by the Air Force and Nok Air.
They were presented to residents in Mae Taeng, Muang and
Saraphi districts on the same day, transported by 42 vehicles from the Off
Road Confederation of Thailand to reach some villages that were difficult to
access because of mud and high water levels.
Participating organizations were Asa Puan Pueng (Pa) Yam
Yak Foundation in cooperation of UCOM Company, DTAC Company, Nok Air, Off
Road Confederation of Thailand, Air Force headquarter, Po Tek Tueng
Foundation, FM 100 MHZ station, and Chiang Mai University.
Route 1095 suffers severe rain damage
Chiangmai Mail Reporters
Mountain torrents and resulting wash-aways, uprooted
trees, and mudslides on August 13 destroyed 25 kilometers of route 1095
linking Pai-Pang Ma Pha in Mae Hong Son.
A survey of the road revealed five bridges destroyed,
large trees fallen on the road and mudslides at several points. The
Department of Highways has approved 100 million baht to repair the road
using local departments and military engineers.
Kasidit Wattanasapt, head of Mae Hong Son highway
district office said, “This repair job is receiving good cooperation from
all sectors and a temporary route (was expected to be) finished before
August 19, but other permanent construction will take a bit longer to
complete.”
Lucky villager
receives a DIY house kit
Nopniwat Krailerg
Surasak Soijai, 55, living at Tambon Nong Kaew in Hang
Dong, Chiang Mai was the lucky recipient of a house building kit valued at
200,000 baht from a lottery at the celebration of HM Queen Sirikit’s
birthday August 9-12.
 Pol.
Gen. Chitchai Wannasathit, deputy PM and minister of justice draws lots
searching for the lucky winner, witnessed by Governor Suwat Tantipat.
It was presented as part of government’s solution for
solving poverty. The house was presented by Pol. Gen. Chitchai Wannasathit,
deputy PM and minister of justice, who presided over the celebration on
August 10 at the Northern Study Center, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai.
Surasak said he was overjoyed to receive the house as he and his wife had
wanted a home of their own for a long time. All they have to do now is find
a place to put it, and then build it.
Natural resources training
for local administrators
Saksit Meesubkwang
Dr. Meithee Phayomyong from the National Economic and
Social Development Board is lecturing local administrators, such as Tambon
municipality, PAO and Land Development Department of the four provinces,
Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son, concerning plans for
natural resources and environment management. Eighty attendants gathered at
the Chiang Mai Hills Hotel on August 15.
 Lecturer
Dr. Meithee Phayomyong from National Economic and Social Development Board.
Apiwat Kunarak, the director of Regional Environment
Region 1, Chiang Mai, said that the Department of Natural Resources and
Environment had planed regional environment quality management for year
2005-2006 to link with the national environment management plan. That plan
was to protect, restore and conserve natural resources and environment and
to use its benefits to develop the country. At present, Regional Environment
Region 1 is responsible for regional environment quality in the northern Mae
Ping, Mekong and Salawin rivers basins in four provinces.
Dr. Meithee said that transferring natural resources and
environment management work to the Royal Forest Department had been wrong as
forests had been destroyed and less than 20 percent now remain. Some, if not
all, forest officers cooperated with influential illegal loggers. He would
like the government to pay more attention to natural resources and
environment and to prosecute such officers.
He added that natural resources and environment management should be a
duty of the local administrations and the government should simply assist in
giving advice and budgets to those administrations to take care of natural
resources and the environment.
Chiang Rai successful trade negotiations with Laos P.D.R.
Chiangmai Mail reporters
Worakiat Somsoi, Chiang Rai governor, revealed that the
province now has a closer relationship with neighboring countries after
successful negotiations with representatives of Huay Sai, Udomchai and Luang
Prabang, led by Thao Boonhuang Duangpharchan, Luang Prabang president.
The Chiang Rai representatives from Chiang Rai Chamber of
Commerce and Industrial Assembly of Chiang Rai were also involved in the
negotiation. The governor spoke of the convenience as a trading location of
Chiang Rai, located near Laos and China and having the Mekong River as a
transportation route.
Chiang Rai has planned a management strategy to develop
itself as a bridge for international trade, to be served by logistics and a
network of economic cooperation between neighboring countries. This should
be of mutual benefit adding trade income and international investment.
Trade, investment and tourism policies in Thailand and
Laos are expected to be a good opportunity in the future for both countries.
Laos asked Thai businessmen along the border of Chiang
Khong to purchase corn and invited Thai businessmen to use their alternative
sources of materials for supporting the spa businesses of both countries, as
many such materials are found in Laos. In return, Laos requested Chiang Rai
to provide academic knowledge about hotels, restaurants and tour services
both in the government and private sectors to reach a better standard as
more travelers are visiting Luang Prabang, now a world heritage listed site
since December 1995.
The governor promised to provide a seminar and training
courses in Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai and to invite representatives from
Luang Prabang to join a cultural festival of the four countries in the
Mekong River Basin that would be organized November 13-17, 2005 in Chiang
Rai.
Wing 41 campaign to use bicycles to conserve fuel
So there will be enough for the planes?
Preeyanoot Jittawong
Wing 41 Chiang Mai is campaigning for the use of bicycles
to support the government fuel conservation policies and reduce Chiang
Mai’s pollution.
The
parade leaves Wing 41.
In accordance with the government and the Air force’s
energy directives, especially petroleum fuel conservation and the fact that
Wing 41 covers a wide area with offices and residences in the locality,
means the use of bicycles to get to work and use in the daily lives of air
force personnel and employees would conserve energy and reduce pollution.
Wing 41 invited government departments in the area, such as the Chiang
Mai air traffic control, center to also participate in its bicycle campaign.
To promote the cause, a bicycle rally was held, leaving and ending up at
Wing 41.
Tesco Lotus sends relief convoy for flood victims in the North
Martin Clutterbuck
Tesco Lotus sent supplies for flood victims in northern
provinces, with two containers of food and water delivered to the provinces
of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to assist families affected by flooding. Relief
supplies included rice, water, canned tuna, instant noodles and tissues.
At
Chiang Mai City Hall, Tesco Lotus Chiang Mai Khamtieng Store directing
manager Thawatchai Unprasert presents essential items to Thai Red Cross
representative Narumon Panthong for distribution.
“The impact of the heavy rain and flash floods was felt
by many thousands of families in the northern provinces,” Tesco Lotus
chief executive, Jeff Adams. “We consulted with provincial authorities to
find out what was needed and moved quickly to help the communities most
affected. Helping families with necessary supplies of food and water is
something we are happy to do as part of our support for flood affected
areas.”
Two 40 foot containers were loaded and dispatched from the campaign
distribution centre in Bangkok late Sunday afternoon and were being unloaded
at provincial relief centers by Monday morning.
Public Health Department campaigns for clean oil
Preeyanoot Jittawong
Food fried in used oil could cause cancer, so the Public
Health Office checked vendor stands at all markets. If old oil is found,
that user will be prosecuted and may be imprisoned and fined.
The office, meanwhile, in cooperation with Thai Oil
Company, continues the campaign to stop using old oil, starting at Ying
Jareun Market.
Prof. Dr. Suchai Charoenratanakul, minister of public
health, revealed to the public that a rule to control used oil has been
enforced since November 6, 2004, and received cooperation from several
sectors, e.g. food industry, food producer association, Thai Restaurant
Association, Dunkin Donuts and Mac Thai, so that the use of old oil has been
reduced by 80 percent. However, some merchants still ignore the rule and
they have to be made aware not to fry food in used oil. Manuals have been
distributed describing the effects of used oil in respect to cancer risks,
one of the main causes of death amongst Thai citizens.
Officers would be sent to continually check on oil being
used to fry food at markets, vendors’ carts, restaurants and fast food
shops.
Police monument almost completed
Nopniwat Krailerg
A police monument that has been built in the west corner
of the Provincial Police Bureau Region 5 office grounds and is being
dedicated to police officers of the eight northern provinces who died on
duty over the past ten years.
 The
police monument to fallen heroes will soon be finished.
The names will be engraved on the monument to remember
them and make their descendants feel proud of their forebears’ heroic
performances.
The monument has been in construction for two months
commissioned by Pol. Lt. Gen. Panupong Singhara Na Ayuthaya, commissioner of
the Provincial Police Bureau Region 5.
The monument is already 90 percent complete and the formal unveiling
ceremony will be held soon.
Police monitor tour agents cheating tourists
Chinese and Taiwanese mostly targeted
Nopniwat Krailerg
The practice of tour guides, restaurant venues and
souvenir vendors colluding to overcharge tourists and sharing the proceeds
is widespread, said Pol. Lt. Col. Nuttawute Chotikanchanawat, chief
inspector of Chiang Mai tourist police. The groups targeted are mostly
Chinese and Taiwanese, as they are described as the most gullible and
traveled more in groups. This happens in all the principal tourist venues
including Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket.
 Pol.
Lt. Col. Nuttawute Chotikanchanawat, head inspector of Chiang Mai tourist
police.
Tourist police are now cooperating with the Chiang Mai
Tourist Business Association to prevent tourists being deceived, especially
the aforementioned Chinese and Taiwanese. They would monitor tour agents in
Chiang Mai and would require agents that provided tours for those
nationalities to provide information. They also would question guides, check
tour schedules and would offer to listen to tourists complaints. Officers
both in and out uniform will patrol tourist haunts, especially guesthouses,
hotels and on Moon Muang and Loy Kroh Roads.
A hot line is provided to serve tourists on 1155.
Police blame local muggings on start of foreign football season
Nopniwat Krailerg
Each year during the international football seasons,
students and a section of the public spend time gambling on football matches
which results in debts and crime, including theft, bag snatching and mugging
to pay for their gambling. Many students have ruined their futures because
of gambling, it is claimed.
Pol. Col. Chamnan Ruadraew, deputy commander of Chiang
Mai Provincial Police said that during the foreign football seasons this
year the police will keep a close watch on gambling operators, especially
those with previous convictions.
However, it is reported that there are many large
football gambling syndicates in Chiang Mai, with many opening restaurants as
a front, with large TV screens where the customers go to watch the matches
and place their bets. Police will be making strict checks and pressing
charges against the proprietors.
Pha Muang Task Force arrests “mule” with 10,000 ya ba pills
Seems like he was more of a donkey
Nopniwat Krailerg
Namthip Jankaew, 34, a Thai Lue tribesman, was arrested
by Pha Muang Task Force at Baan Mae Ja in Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, with
10,000 speed pills on his person. He drew attention to himself by riding a
motorcycle with a loosely fixed license plate, on his way to Baan Arunothai,
Tambon Muang Na, Chiang Dao near the Thai-Burmese border to transfer the
drugs to clients at a fresh market in Chiang Dao.
After questioning, he admitted that he was hired by a
Chinese Haw to transfer ya ba at 2 baht per pill to a man called Daeng
(unknown last name). That hirer also provided him with the defective
motorbike and a cell phone.
Namthip, the mule, was sent for investigation to Chiang
Dao Police Station and police expect to learn some other names from him,
when he changes from a donkey to a canary, with a little pressure.
Pha Muang Task Force and police have set checkpoints and
search every village continually to prevent drug transfers from the border.
Most drugs are being kept outside the kingdom awaiting orders from Thailand.
Chiang Mai is one of the destinations to distribute drugs and spread them to
other regions.
Ya ba ‘mule’ fingers hirer
- both arrested
Nopniwat Krailerg
Having received a tip off about a drug transfer, anti
drug forces intercepted a man on a motorbike at a checkpoint on Ping
Kong-Huay Luek Road on August 6.
Nikorn Puanmalai, 18, living at Tambon Chiang Dao, Chiang
Mai was searched and 400 speed pills hidden in the motorbike tool cover were
found.
The usual questioning revealed that he had been hired by
Somjai Saengthong, 51, also from Chiang Dao, to purchase 400 ya ba pills at
Baan Huay Luek and had been given 10,000 baht for the purchase. He was going
to be paid 1,000 baht for being the willing ‘mule’.
A sting operation was mounted by the officers, getting
Nikorn to call Somjai to collect the ya ba. Somjai waited at the appointed
place and was later arrested. Both miscreants were sent to Nawai Police
Station, Chiang Dao for prosecution.
Policeman attacked by motorcycle rider
Lack of ‘jai yen’ results in arrest
Nopniwat Krailerg
Marut Prathan, 42, was arrested by Chiang Mai police at
his home after severely injuring police officer Kamphol Wongpan of the
Chiang Mai Special Force Police Division who was carrying out his duties
near the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai.
The event in question occurred on the night of August 10
after Kamphol came on duty. Marut was riding his motorcycle in the wrong
direction along Loy Kroh Road, a one way thoroughfare. The police officer
was worried that an accident could happen and stopped him and issued a
ticket. Marut responded by physically attacking the officer before riding
off.
Police traced him through his registration number and
made the arrest the following day at his home and confiscated the
motorcycle. He was charged with obstructing justice and injuring a police
officer. Not everything is ‘open go’ in Loy Kroh Road!
Police in Chiang Mai seize
over 400 obscene comic books
Is someone taking the Mickey?
Nopniwat Krailerg
Chiang Mai police could stand the complaints of parents
no longer of children reading obscene comic books. It had grown into a
fashion and the comic books could be bought easily and could lead to social
problems. The police finally found the source and entered the warehouse
where they discovered the obscene material.
On August 4 Pol. Col. Chamnan Ruadraew, deputy commander
of the Chiang Mai Provincial Police led a team from Mae Ping police station
to search a warehouse belonging to Tashimoto International around Oom Muang
Road, Tambon Tha Sala, Chiang Mai that stored tens of thousands of Japanese
comic books. Most of the comic books contained obscene images. Four hundred
were X rated that contained sex scene images and were subsequently seized.
Police arrested Somsak Tonglert, 40, the warehouse
caretaker and charged him with the import, distribution and possession of
pornographic material. He is liable to a prison term of not over three
years, or a fine not exceeding 6,000 baht. Somsak claimed that the company
belonged to a Japanese national who imported all the second hand, damaged
material for repair before being sent back to Japan and were not distributed
here. The police confiscated all the material as evidence.
Sneaky snacks for ya ba
4,000 ya ba pills hidden in snack on bus
Nopniwat Krailerg
Roongthip Boonrawd, 54, of Samut Sakorn resident, was
arrested by Pha Muang Task Force and Mae Sai police while she was on a trip
to Bangkok on August 8.
Officers, having been tipped off, searched a bag of
snacks she carried, and found 4,000 ya ba pills.
The drugs were seized and she was sent to Mae Sai Police
Station where she confessed to smuggling ya ba pills from Burma for sale,
not for snacking.
American dies in Chiang Mai
Nopniwat Krailerg
On August 20, Thomas Harvey Mills, 61, an American
tourist, died in Blue House Residence on Moon Muang Road, Chiang Mai. His
body was discovered by a hotel worker who called the police.
The partially clothed body was found lying beside the
bed. No evidence of violence was apparent nor were any of his possessions
missing. High blood pressure medicine and other medications were also
discovered in the room.
Initially it was assumed that he had high blood pressure
and whilst walking from the toilet had suffered a stroke, fallen and his
head had struck the floor, causing death. The man had been in Chiang Mai for
two months.
The police and officers of American Consul in Chiang Mai
transferred the body to Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital for an autopsy.
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