Pattaya News Flash - The Source
Pattaya is clean
On July 31st, 2013, Chonburi's Immigration Office, Pattaya's Tourist Police, Pattaya's Business and Tourism Association as well as representatives from the National Intelligence Agency and Internal Security Operational Command and Officials from from Police Stations in Banglamung, Chonburi, Nongprue and Pattaya told the press that the media are hurting Pattaya's image.
Pattaya is free of any mafia organisation they told the press.
The loveely group even asserted that Pattaya doesn't have illegal taxis threatening and gouging tourists and that Jet Ski and Speedboat problems are solved.
Pattaya's Police Officers care and enforce the law, the group told the press.
According to the group Pattaya's problems are the media. They are sensationalizing crimes and distorting facts with the sole intention to sell their newspapers.
The group told such a shit, we don't have to comment it.
If you want to know the reality you have to spend one single day only at Pattaya's Beach...
Lazy City Hall
Efficiency à la Pattaya City Hall
Pattaya City Hall and its Boss, Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpluem, like to praise the efficiency of their administration.
Fact is that Pattaya City Hall is far away from being an efficiently working community.
Four years ago residents informed Pattaya's Waterworks of a leaking water pipe on Pratamnak Soi 5. Despite numerous phone calls it took Pattaya's 'efficent' Organisations 4 years to fix the problem.
It is estimated that about 5 million liters of water trifled away during that time...
Who pays for the loss? Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpluem and/or his lazy Officials?
Same same but...
Stop Corruption
In Bangkok you can see this sign almost everywhere, but not in Pattaya.
Traffic Crackdown
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, the well-known City Hall babbler, announced a 90-day traffic crackdown starting on November 1st, 2013.
Let's hope Pattaya Police will provide qualified personnel.
We experienced that many of Pattaya's Officials do not known (or don't want to know) that 2-wheeled or 3-wheeled battery operated vehicles not exceeding 50km/h do not need a licence number here in Thailand.
The same is true for vehicles powered by an engine of 50cc or less not exceeding 50 km/h.
Please read too:
Illegal Parking?
Crackdown?
City Hall Babblers
On November 1st, 2013, City Hall's biggest Babbler announced a 90-day long Traffic Crackdown mainly targeting illegal parking in Pattaya.
We made the above picture on Saturday night, November 16th, on Pattaya's Beach Road.
The road's new 3rd lane has a no parking marking.
Nevertheless, between Mike Shopping Mall and Royal Garden Plaza over a dozen car drivers ignored the signs, parked their cars and hindered the traffic.
During the time we took the photos about 10 security officials in khaki uniforms passed through the new Beach Promenade, obviously with closed eyes.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome seems to be nothing else than a comedy actor.
Ferry sunk
Ferry Pattaya - Koh Larn
Pattaya Tourist Ferry sunk near Bali Hai
Shortly after 17:20 we got the first information that a ferry connecting Koh Larn (island) with Pattaya got in problems approximately 1.5km offshore from Pattaya (according to Bangkok based media) or about a half-kilometer off Nuan Beach of Koh Larn (according to local media).
Koh Larn itself is about 8km from Pattaya's Bali Hai Port. With all that controversial information it's a small miracle that rescuers and Thai Navy divers could find the wrack.
According to eyewitnesses about 30 ambulances rushed immediately to Bali Hai.
The boat known as Koh Larn Travel 1 Ferry was a 2-storey ferry with a licensed capacity of 150 passengers, but it was quickly confirmed that the boat was completely overloaded with 209 passengers.
A report from Thai TV Channel 3 broadcasted shortly after the incident said that the ferry's water pump(s) broke down. Thereafter the engine stopped working.
Police Col. Suwan Cheawnavinthavat from Pattaya Soi 9 Station says that about 200 Thai and foreign tourists were on the double-decker ferry that left (Koh) Larn island.
Police confirmed that the ferry was operating over its rated capacity.
Rescued passengers reported that there were not enough life-vests or life-belts on the ferry, people had to cling onto coolers or ice containers until rescuers arrived.
Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation confirmed that 6 people have been killed. According to this source, 3 Thai Nationals, 1 Russians, 1 Chinese and a foreigner of unknown nationality lost their lifes. 18 people are injured and some of them are in critical condition in hospitals in Pattaya.
On Monday ten scuba divers from Thailand's Navy inspected the the sunken ferry. They found no other bodies.
According to Chonburi Police Chief Pol Maj Gen Katcha Tatusatra the captain of the ferry, the 42-year old Saman Kwanmuang, confessed to officers that he took some drugs (incl. narcotics eg. methamphetamine as an urine test confirmed) before going to work, and that he and the crew lost control of the vessel as a result.
He allegedly confessed the ferry wandered off course, and hit the rocks, breaching the vessel, punching holes and letting water pour in. Passengers panicked as the boat began to sink and made their way to the upper-deck which caused the boat to become unstable.
The ferry owner said that his insurance policy ensures a financial compensation per death up to 300'000 Baht (confirmed by AIG New Hampshire Insurance Company) and medical coverage per victim up to 115'000 Baht (100'000 Baht according to AIG New Hampshire Insurance Company). If seriously injured, 100'000 Baht are far below the invoice you will get from an internationaly acclaimed hospital here in Pattaya.
Chonburi Governor Comson Ekachai demanded that the Marine Department and Pattaya City take measures to boost water-transport safety in and around Pattaya.
Marine department officials claim that their focus on speedboat and Jet Ski issues distracted them to control Pattaya's ferries...
The Marine Department said that authorities had already suspended Saman Kwanmuang's licence for six months and are considering if it should cancel the licence of the involved ferry operator too...
Local Government Officials said they expect confidence in Pattaya and its marine activities will restore in the long term...
Pattaya News Flash and some other media in Pattaya will watch the City closely over the coming months to see how strict our lazy Officials are enforcing the regulations.
No additional information was available from Pattaya's authorities who are responsible for Marine safety.
Only a few weeks ago they promised to enforce regulations at sea to prevent major disasters.
The new tragedy shows that their promises were nothing else than blah-blah.
It's time to replace all these babblers from Chonburi, Banglamung and Pattaya by capable officials - immediately.
During April 2013 we already reported from overloaded boats and missing officials.
We then concluded that it is just another proof that promises aren't worth anything if made by Pattaya City Hall!
Update:
On November 7th, 2013, at 10:00 a 12-year-old Russian boy succumbed to his injuries from Koh Larn's ferry accident at Samitivej Sriracha Hospital. The incident raises the total death tolls to seven.
We offer our sympathies to the affected families.
Do not hesitate to read the best story published so far by Pattaya Mail
On November 5th, 2013, TV-Station around the Kingdom showed its citizens how a bunch of highly educated Officials inspected Pattaya's Ferries at Bali Hai.
According to Pattaya Daily News Investigation officers concluded that a ferry struck a large rock which caused water to flood the ferry and that the cause was not that the skipper had been drinking or taking drugs...
Obviously the rock is guilty. It obstructed the ferry without permission from Pattaya's authorities.
TiT (This is Thailand).
Please read too:
City Hospital
Soi Buakhaow Hospital
Soi Buakhaow Hospital probably will open during January 2014
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, a well-known City Hall babbler, announced that Pattaya's new Hospital, known as Pattaya City Hospital and located on Soi Buokhaow, probably will open during January 2014.
According to City Officials the Pattaya City Hospital will offer free primary health services for people with state insurance and low prices for tourists.
The 24-hour center will have five medical departments with 86 beds.
Parts of the Hospital already opened on May 2013 but for outpatient services only.
The Mayor did not explain the more than two-year delay to put the facility in operation.
More Information
Fast Links
Thapphraya 2310: A Police Organisation - or not?
During March 2009 Pattaya City Hall launched a local radio station called Radio Thappraya 2310 Club. Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Manaswee Pinyasiri, the president of the Thappraya 2310 Club, said during the inauguration of the new radio station that it is available for use by official and private organizations to support troubled tourists, including crime suppression and prevention of mishaps in the community.
The radio station is transmitting its signals on citizen's band radio frequency at 245 MHz (Channel 69). Therefore its broadcasts can be received only by using special receivers.
The Radio Club took its name from the Buddhist year of 2310 (1767) - before the loss of Ayutthaya to the Burmese. When Praya Taksin, the commander-in-chief, realized he could not hold the old capital of Ayutthaya against Burma, he withdrew his forces from the capital. On the way back he stopped his troups at Ban Nongpai in the Naklua Sub-district, very near to today's location of the Pattaya Police Station.
Thap Phraya therefore means the Army of Phraya or in simple english a General.
Only a few month after its radio station was on air City Hall created the Volunteer based Thappraya 2310 Security Group.
The Mayor's Thappraya 2310 Security Group got every equipment a real Police Organization is dreaming of: New cars, roadside emergency telephones, communication tools and an uniform duping a real police organisation...
Thapphraya 2310
Thapphraya 2310 is the only non-Police Organisation running an Infromation site on Walking Street.
Thapphraya 2310
Most Tourists, even local ones, believe the ladies and men in uniforms sitting under Walking Street's Holy Tree are real Police. They aren't! It's a scam!
Thapphraya 2310
Thapphraya 2310
Thapphraya 2310 is the only non-Police Organisation patrolling with an electric vehicle on Pattaya's Walking Street, giving the impression to be part of a Police Organisation. Again: It's a scam organized by Pattaya City Hall!
Thapphraya 2310
All over Pattaya City you can find this Thapphraya 2310 marked emergency telephones. They again suggest to be part of a Police Organisation. They are not! It's a scam! If you use them you get connected with Pattaya City's Call Line 1337!
Thapphraya 2310
The Thapphraya 2310 'security cars'. They look like real Police cars. They aren't! They are copies of them! Worthless like the copies of Apple, Samsung or Nokia devices you can buy in Pattaya's electronic shops.
Remember:
The people from the Thapphraya 2310 security group don't have the right to fine or arrest you!
Nevertheless, some of them have a beavior of real Policemen.
Since the group exists it had a lot of problems with some of its volunteers: Some of them acted as thieves and drug dealers in their privat life, using their uniforms to intimidate their victims...
Funny: During February 2013 Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announced City Hall's Consumer Protection Operation Center in conjunction with Thailand's Consumer Protection Police. Perhaps this people should have a closer look at City Hall's Thapphraya 2310 Security Group too.
First published in Pattaya News Flash March 2013.
For the Selected Few?
Skytrain Pattaya
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome's Skytrain Dream for Pattaya, connecting Pattaya City Hall with Bali Hai.
In January 2011 Bangkok's Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta) told Itthiphol Khunpluem, Pattaya's repositioning as a tourist destination has to go ahead without Itthiphol's dream toy, his Monorail.
Nevertheless, City Hall is still spending money on feasibility studies...
Pedestrian Signals
Pattaya's 42 Pedestrian Signals, installed during February 2009, but still ignored by all car & motorcycle drivers, most pedestrians and the Police.
Pattaya's highly skilled Police ordered to close down all signals on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Produced, installed during May 2010 and paid, but never used.
Produced, installed during May 2010 and paid, but never used.
On December 16th 2010 the Chief of the Sea Rescue Teams of Pattaya promised to rectify this shortfall in the near future.
But nothing ever happened: The observation towers are still empty.
Building for the Fire Brigade in Jomtien - never used.
The Fire Brigade building in Jomtien. Beautifully finished since many years - but never used.
Update August 2013: Jomtien's Fire Brigade Building on Soi Wat Boon is now populated with fire engines and firefighters.
City Hall's Dolphinarium
City Hall's Dolphinarium on Pattaya North Road: A flying Dolphin every 20 meters.
Fully automated parking.
Pattaya's fully automated parking tower, located on Bali Hai and designated for cars and boats. It is spoiling a once beautiful recreation area.
Bali Hai wind wheel.
The eye-catching wind wheel, located at Bali Hai, turns in its horizontal plane, but its propeller isn't able to rotate.
According to a Corruption Specialist from Scandinavia, all these projects have one thing in common: The general public can't benefit from this innovations.
First published in Pattaya News Flash April 2012.
First published in Pattaya News Flash July 2012.
Pattaya's New City Hospital
Pattaya's New City Hospital
During September 2012 we learned from Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome that Pattaya's new hospital is expected to open in February or March 2013, one year later than previously announced. He also informed the press that the new hospital already has 50 doctors from the 'Doctors to Home' project, a project established by Thailand's Ministry of Public Health Pattaya Office.
The missing budget of 216 million Baht to purchase medical equipment also mentioned in our report has already been approved, our Mayor added.
Update April 21st, 2013: The hospital was still not working...
First published in Pattaya News Flash September 2012.
Works already started on March 26th, 2013
In our March 2012 News we reported that on February 7th 2012 Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announced that his organisation will start a major beach beautification program. Pattaya City Hall will planting new trees and gardens, do some painting and a lot of other works, our beloved Mayor told the press.
Itthiphol Kunplome also announced that the 140 million Baht project will include an additional 3rd traffic lane to Pattaya's Beach Road.
We first understand that our Mayor will remove all the parking lots along the street and use the space as a third lane, but in the meantime we learned that's not the case!
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and his team will purloin the needed 3 meters from the almost nonexisting Pattaya Beach Promenade*.
* A Beach Promenade usually describes a 4 to 5 meter wide pedestrian lane along a clean and sandy beach. Also known as Esplanade. It allows people to walk for recreational purposes. Not even influential motorcycles drivers are allowed to use it as their prefered racing circuit.
Little news were available in last few months about the projected new Promenade. During March 2013 some people told us that the works for the new Promenade will start during July 2013.
But on March 26th we saw that the works already started: The fountain at the Northern end of Soi 1 got closed and the first trees already lost their life...
The current Promenade was built under then acting Pattaya City Mayor Niran Wattasartsathorn during 2006.
City Hall projects usually have a short life-cycle in this resort. Eventually every new Mayor has to take his chance to fill up his pocket during his reign - and the father of Itthiphol Kunplome showed his sons how to make a fortune within a few years only as the Mayor of a small community.
In our News from October 2006 we published the following pictures from the then 'new' Pattaya Beach Promenade:
The following pictures show sketches from Pattaya's new Beach Promenade and the enlarged Beach Road:
Pattaya's New Beach Promenade
Pattaya's New Beach Promenade
Pattaya's New Beach Promenade
As you can see on the sketches, the new footways are very small, they just provide the space for a small, very small, buggy. Therefore our ingenious Mayor proposed an even/odd day Walking Regulation for Pattaya's new Promenade:
During even days walking on Pattaya's upcoming Beach Promenade will be permited from North to South, during odd days from South to North only. Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome's famous Thappraya 2310 Security Group will control the observance of the new regulation, 24/7.
Pattaya's New Beach Promenade
First published in Pattaya News Flash March 2012, revised version published April 2013.
New Beach Promenade erodes Pattaya Beach
Beach Promenade
Beach Promenade
Why use brain? We can make money without using it!
Since decades Pattaya's Beach Road gets flooded. Everybody seems to know it - with the exeption of Pattaya highly educated Beach Promenade Designers.
They removed the slope designed into the former promenade to prevent the water to reach the beach unhampered.
Pattaya's new design doesn't provide any barrier for the water. The water runs directly into the sea, and with it most of the sand.
Moreover, if the sand disappears, the wall reveals its flimsy and unprofessional construction.
In 2012 the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) revealed that Thai students are not good at thinking.
At Pattaya's new Beach Promenade you can see the result of Thailand's disasterous education system.
Beach Promenade
Obstructed
Obstructed
Power transformer, stinky trash dumpsters, City Hall's banners and small businesses are obstructing the Southern Part of Pattaya's new Beach Promenade - annoying.
Parking
Parking
Professional Parking in Front of Pattaya City Hall:
Apparently the drivers of these busses do not know any traffic signs or regulations. They even park their vehicles on the zebra crossing and are obstructing the pedestrian lights.
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announced a 90-day traffic crackdown. It starts on November 1st, 2013. We recommend to clean up Pattaya's North Road first, with a special attention to the parking habits in front of Pattaya's City Hall.
Illegal Parking
Since many years the renter of this motorcycles is illegally occupying public parking space between Soi 8 and Soi 9. City Hall and Police close their eyes.
On July 9th, 2013, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho announced loudmouthed that City Hall will start the clearing of sidewalks to free parking spaces. Just City Hall's usual blah-blah.
Nothing than empty words!
Pattaya without Busses?
Bus Parking in Pattaya
During Itthiphol Kunplome's first meeting on June 2 2008 the newly elected Mayor of Pattaya presented his development strategy for Pattaya:
1. Providing car parks for large tour busses to prevent them entering the city. failed
2. The adjustment of traffic lights and traffic lanes. failed
3. To close Pattaya Beach Road to traffic from Friday to Sunday. failed
4. A closer control of entertainment outlets and other places such as internet cafes. failed
5. The management of public places in accordance with official regulations. failed
6. Better security of lives and property for residents and visitors. failed
7. Efficient collection and disposal of garbage and wastewater. failed
With every single month more and more tourist busses are obstructing Pattaya's traffic, and most of them are real 'dirty bastards' - old stinkers and polluters of Pattaya's roads and Pattaya's air. The drivers ignore almost all traffic regulations and are parking their vehicles wherever they can find a suitable space.
Moreover, most of Pattaya's Sois are not constructed to withstand the weight of this busses, and the right-angled entries to most of Pattaya's Sois are a big obstacle for a trouble-free traffic.
Pattaya's new Hospital?
Pattaya City Hospital
During September 2012 our lovely Mayor told the press that Pattaya's new City Hospital on Soi Buakhaow will open during February or March 2013. failed
On May 1st, 2013, the hospital was still closed.
Construction started on March 19th, 2009. The new hospital was expected to be fully operational at the beginning of 2012...
Pattaya ready for Bicycles?
During his second election campaign Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announced to transform the city into a bicycle friendly place. failed
Pattaya's main street are so bumpy that they not only are an impertinence for every single bicycle but also for the back of its rider!
Not one single street in this city features a bicycle lane.
For Pattaya's High-Speed Traffic we remove all the Green we can!
Green Pattaya
As mentioned above Pattaya's Mayor announced to close Pattaya Beach Road to traffic from Friday to Sunday. failed
Instead of implementing Itthiphol Kunplome promises Pattaya City Hall closes the the traffic lights during weekends and is upgrading Pattaya's Beach Road into a 3-lane Racing Circuit.
Green Pattaya
First published in Pattaya News Flash May 2013.
Itthiphol Kunplome and his City Hall promise sh*t only
On July 9th, 2013, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh and Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho announced loudmouthed that City Hall will start a crackdown on the makeshift businesses. They also promised the clearing of sidewalks to free parking spaces, including bus parking and large motorcycle rentals. Nothing ever happened, but Pattaya is ready to ASEAN - our babbling City Hall claims...
Public parking hacked
Indigo, the Indian Restaurant, is illegally occupying public parking space a few meters only from the South Road / 2nd Road junction. Our lazy Police ist strolling there on a daily basis, but close the eyes.
No Parking
No Parking
No Parking from 19:00 - 03:00, the signs tell on South Pattaya Road between Beach Road and 2nd Road, but the Police close the eyes.
No Parking
No Parking on even dates from 11:00 - 23:00 the sign tells on South Pattaya Road. We made the picture on December 30th, 2013 on 21:37.
The street is even marked red and white.
No problem for drivers as well as our lovely police.
Both ingore the law since years...
Bicycle lane
During his election campaign Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome announced to transform the city into a bicycle friendly place. Nevertheless, you still can't park your bike securely at Pattaya's supermarket and post offices, and, surprise, surprise, there are still no bicycle lanes in this 'tourist friendly' city resort.
Pattaya's Funny Officials
Please wait for the green light...
Pattaya's Funny Officials
to hit the (North Pattaya Road) Bar...
Ready for Guinness World Records: Seems to be the only bar in the world without street and parking lot but with an official traffic light - and the right to get overrun by Pattaya's traffic.
Chonburi's former Senator Surachai Chaitrakulthong is luring potential investors from Taiwan and other countries by promising 'Thailand's plus is the availability of a skilled workforce'.
The contrary is true, Thailand's problem is the lack of a skilled workforce.
Yield
Do you understand the marking on this street bump in front of Pattaya's Police Station? According to City Hall's Officials it should tell Pattaya's Beach Road speeders that wheelchair users have the right of way.
Nevertheless, the signs are a stupid thing: The sidewalk on the other side is too small for almost every single wheelchair. The space is occupied by Pattaya's notorious motorcycle taxi drivers...
It seems idiots are responsible for the 139 million Baht beachfront renovation project: The buttons to control the traffic lights can't be reached by wheelchair users. They are installed to high...
No Parking
No Parking
No space for your wheelchair on the sidewalk...
Yield
.. a vehicle (with POLICE signs!) is even blocking the crosswalk.
Chonburi's former Senator Surachai Chaitrakulthong is luring potential investors from Taiwan and other countries by promising 'Thailand's plus is the availability of a skilled workforce'.
The contrary is true, Thailand's problem is the lack of a skilled workforce.
Bus Stops along Beach Road
Bus Stop
On January 8th, 2014, Chonburi's Province Governor officially opened 17 pick-up and drop-off zones for Baht Busses along Pattaya's Beach Road.
Chonburi's lovely Governor claimed that any Baht Bus who stops outside of a parking area will be fined and clamped!
City Hall's Officials were notably absent during the ridiculous opening ceremony. It seems they didn't wanted to irk Pattaya's influential Baht Bus Cooperative.
And, as you can see from our pictures, Pattaya's Baht Bus drivers can't use the Bus Stops and ignore the new regulation completely: All Bus Stops are already blocked by other traffic users. Pattaya's busy Police can't be seen. It seems they are not interested in fining any bus drivers...
Bus Stop
Occupied by cars and a thimble
Bus Stop
Occupied by motorcycle, cars and foodcars
Bus Stop
Occupied by motorcycles
Bus Stop
Occupied by cars and motorcycles
Bus Stop
Bus Stop can't be used: Already fully occupied by motorcycles and street vendors!
Chonburi's former Senator Surachai Chaitrakulthong is luring potential investors from Taiwan and other countries by promising 'Thailand's plus is the availability of a skilled workforce'.
The contrary is true, Thailand's problem is the lack of a skilled workforce.
Wasted Money
Wasted Money
Installed during May 2010 along Pattaya's and Jomtien's Beaches but never used!
Wasted Money
During the day pigeons are observing the beach, during the night homeless people.
Wasted Money
Exceptions: The tower in front of CentralFestival is sometimes populated with volunteers provided by Thai Life Savers. During Sundays a tower on Jomtien's beach is also used by Life Savers.
Pattaya's latest Cock-Up!
Empty Tower
Placed on Walking Street during October 2012, Unused since November 2012.
Pedestrian Lights!?
Security for Pedestrians?
Pedrestian Lights!?
Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and his City Hall wasted millions of Baht for something that never worked the way it should and that our Police not even like: During Weekends, when our resort is full of visitors, they had to blink only; between December 21st 2012 and February 2013 they didn't do anything else but blinking. 24/7!
After only five years...
Bye Bye Lighthouse!
Pattaya's Lighthouse at Bali Hai Pier was a nice gadget installed about five years ago. As usual with projects from City Hall it never was maintained and installed by people not knowing what they do. As shown in our slideshow about Pattaya's new Port, the whole area has sunk and the installations are unusable. The Lighthouse will disappear. Perhaps our lovely Mayor will replace it with one of his flying dolphins...
Double-Click
Try it:
A double-click in an empty space brings you back to the top of the page!
This feature works with most browsers running on Windows and Linux, but not on Google's Android.