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Σάββατο 3 Δεκεμβρίου 2011
Τρίτη 26 Ιουλίου 2011
New High Speed Train -- Pattaya to Bangkok in 30 Minutes
Pattaya to Become "Beachside Suburb" of “World's Best City
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At a recent closed door meeting of Pattaya business people, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekkasing unveiled plans for the extension of the high speed train from Bangkok to the airport to make stops in Pattaya and along the way to Rayong.
“The first route chosen for the project travels to Pattaya, and continues from there to Rayong,” the hard working Deputy Mayor said.
The high speed train tracks will replace the outdated tracks running parallel to the east of Sukhumvit Highway. Currently, only one train operates a day, coming to Pattaya from Bangkok in the morning and returning to Bangkok in the afternoon. The cost is 37 baht per passenger and the train stops numerous times, taking more than four hours one way.
Pattaya property developer Drew Noyes told the Pattaya Times "With Bangkok soon to be only a short 30 minute trip train away,
Pattaya will become a fashionable "beach side suburb" of the city recently voted best in the world."
The high speed train will be completed by 2015 and will reduce the time it takes to go from Pattaya to Bangkok to less than 30 minutes.
At the train station you can buy a ticket to and from any city in Thailand. This system will stay in place after the upgrade to high speed rail.
Outgoing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came to Pattaya weeks ago and vowed to spend up to 10 billion baht per year until the high speed train service was complete. Now, Prime Minister elect Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to assure the project is properly funded.
Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva helped establish and lay the initial political groundwork for the project. The plans have already met with cabinet approval.
The Bangkok-Pattaya-Rayong route has been finalized, and other routes are currently being finalized.
The existing Wat Yan train depot and the Siam Country Club train depot will be the two stops in Pattaya.
The Siam Country Club train station is only a kilometer from Sukhumvit and almost opposite Pattaya Klang (Central Road) leading to the beach and the entertainment and shopping district.
The Wat Yan train station has recently been expanded and renovated. It is located on the east side of Sukhumvit and is opposite the beautiful public beach and park of Baan Amnpur .
A bus or car ride between Pattaya and Bangkok takes over 90 minutes. The train will travel at over 200 kilometers per hour, shortening the 90 minute car ride by a full hour, while also reducing automobile traffic on Bangkok Motorway 7.
“With seven members of the Phalungchon Party in Parliament from this region and Pattaya’s planned status as a special development area under the government, the train project will move quickly as a high priority,” averred Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekkasing.
The Pattaya labor market is expected to receive a big boost from the development of the railroad. Pattaya could become a suburb whereby residents who prefer the quality of life in the resort city could live in Pattaya but earn higher incomes from working in the Rayong industrial estates or Bangkok thanks to the quick commute.
Thitiphan Deepet, a graphic designer at Tong Graphics in Pattaya, expressed his hopes that he might be able to “live close to Pattaya’s beautiful beaches” while “making more money at a Bangkok firm.” “I used to live in Bangkok but couldn’t handle the traffic and pollution so I moved to Pattaya and took a pay cut. With the new train, I can commute easily to Bangkok every day.”
Land prices are already soaring in Pattaya, as “Asia’s most popular beach resort” looks destined to become a beachside suburb of Bangkok.
LPN Public Company showed foresight in launching their Lumpini CondoTown North Pattaya-Sukhumvit. The massive project is being built just north of Bangkok Hospital Pattaya and the Highway 7 Motorway entrance to Bangkok on Sukhumvit highway with ocean views of Naklua and Laem Chabang.
Other major developers are expected to follow suit in investing in property in Pattaya.
LPN’s 32-story twin buildings will house 1500 condominiums. The 750 units of Building A sold out in five days and the identically sized building B, launched a month later six months ahead of schedule, similarly sold out with 1,000 people eventually lining up for a “lucky draw” chance to buy an LPN condo. LPN, formerly a developer exclusive to Bangkok chose Lumpini CondoTown as their first project in Pattaya.
The railway will tie Pattaya’s fortunes more closely to Bangkok’s, which bodes well for the resort town because the capital city was recently voted by Travel + Luxury Magazine’s readers as the number one city on their “World’s Best City” list.
Julio Cesar, a Brazilian investor, is now considering moving to Pattaya because he says, “I’d much rather live in Pattaya and commute to Bangkok for business.”
Pattaya City Council will offer shuttle services from the train station to every major location in the city. Baht buses, taxis and hotel courtesy vans will await arriving passengers and assist departing passengers.
Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronnakit Ekkasing added, “Transportation in Pattaya is quite cheap and convenient relative to Phuket and Bangkok, with a ride on a songtaew costing ten baht to what may be a 300 baht ride in Phuket. Traffic in Pattaya is also a considerable improvement on Bangkok’s oft-congested roads and highways."
Those already living in Pattaya will have best of both worlds, enjoying the laidback lifestyle of Pattaya with the luxuries of Bangkok, like restaurants and malls, only half an hour away. Shopping will now be an easy day trip saving the cost of overnight accommodation.
Other high-speed train projects are also planned with routes extending from Bangkok to Chiang Mai – a total of 745 kilometers. That particular route is expected to cost 209,396 million baht, with a 615 kilometer route from Bangkok to Nong Khai costing 234,071 baht.
The Bangkok-Pattaya-Rayong line spans 221 kilometers and will require an estimated 56,601 million baht to build.
Σάββατο 2 Ιουλίου 2011
Παρασκευή 1 Ιουλίου 2011
Δευτέρα 20 Ιουνίου 2011
Κυριακή 12 Ιουνίου 2011
Israeli Life-sentenced Criminal Arrested In Thailand
Israeli Life-sentenced Criminal Arrested In Thailand
Bangkok, 31 May 2011 [PDN]: Pol. Maj. Gen. Tanapol Sontet, (Commissioner of Patrol and Special Operation Division); Pol. Col. Wiwat Kumchumnan and his team along with Kaki O-Bek (The Israel Police Chief of Asia Pacific) arrested Ben David Levy, 41 on Tuesday in an apartment room 406 of Public Mansion in Din Daeng District, Bangkok.
Ben, an Israel national was accused of robbery and murdering two people in Belgium before fleeing to Thailand twelve years ago.
Gen. Tanapol said the order to arrest Ben was given by the National Police Officer in a joint investigation with the Embassy of Israel.
Ben-David received double life sentence in Belgium for the murders in 1992. He served seven years of his sentence.
On 29 September 2003, during a short release from prison, he fled to Thailand with a fake passport under the name Dimitry Milev of Maldives national.
According to Gen. Tanapol, the Israel suspect had been living in Bangkok for the past twelve years with a Thai wife.
Based on their investigation, the suspect’s wife, Buakaew Junreung said she was introduced to Ben by a friend 12 years ago.
They have been living together with their two children while selling bags and watches at Suan Lum Night Bazaar for a living, Buakaew told the police.
Bauakaew added she was oblivious to her husband’s past criminal record as he had always been a quiet man.
The Israeli Embassy in Thailand was also involved in the arrest in cooperation with Thai police force.
Ben- David is expected to be extradited back to Israel.
Pork and Eggs – Too Expensive Says Thai PM
Pork and Eggs – Too Expensive Says Thai PM
The trade cost of pork and eggs in Thailand is potentially set to drop over the next few months as Thai Prime Minister, Abhisit Vejjajiva, authorised the Commerce Ministry to begin plans to reduce prices without having a direct and severe impact on farmers.
The Prime Minister spoke with the ministry about the possibility of reducing eggs by a minimum of 20 satang each. Pork, he said, should also be cheaper as the raw material costs for producing pork can be slashed without affecting the farmers.More and more suppliers of pork and eggs have been entering the market, making it likely that prices are going drop as the year rolls on.
As of the 18th of May, The International Trade Department reported the price of eggs at approximately 2.90 baht each in varying sizes and roughly 3.30-3.40 for an individual size three egg. However, the ministry’s price recommendations were 2.90 baht an egg, and 135 baht per kilogramme of red pork meat.
Earlier this year, many businesses were allegedly in talks with the ministry to increase the market value for up to eleven products, including batteries, soybean oil, tyres, electrical wire, palm oil, soap, fertilizer, monosodium glutamate, steel and fresh milk.
To date, only four of the eleven products were given permission by the ministry to boost their prices – soybean oil, fertilizer, fresh milk and palm oil.
Price adjustments are likely to be made to five more products due to higher costs of raw materials. The ministry reported these to include an increase of 37-90% in raw material costs for steel products, 15-27% for batteries and 51-70% for electrical wire. The most dramatic increase was for the price of raw rubber for tyres, which went up by 169%, leaving a 42% increase for tapioca.
By : Kyle Pala
Cambodia slams Thai ‘spy’ arrests
Cambodia slams Thai ‘spy’ arrests
“The Royal Government of Cambodia wishes to assert that the above fabrication is only a pretext to justify future aggression against Cambodia,” said a foreign ministry statement released on Friday.
Thailand and Cambodia are locked in a bitter dispute over their shared border that has seen 28 people killed in two outbreaks of fierce fighting this year, and the row has since moved to the United Nations’ highest court.
On Friday Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said the alleged spying activities were unacceptable and accused Phnom Penh of “violating Thai territory”.
One Thai, one Cambodian and a Vietnamese man were picked up in Thailand’s northeastern Si Sa Ket province on Tuesday evening carrying maps with military facilities marked on them, according to Thai police.
The suspects have denied they were spying in the area, the officer who made the arrest told AFP.
Cambodia said it “categorically rejects this deceitful fabrication by the Thai authorities and prime minister, intending to mislead the public and malign Cambodia”, adding it had no need to spy.
Last month the country launched a legal bid at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague seeking to force Thailand to pull troops from a disputed strip of land near the 900-year-old Preah Vihear temple.
The court ruled in 1962 that the temple itself belonged to Cambodia but both Phnom Penh and Bangkok claim ownership of a 4.6-square-kilometre (1.8-square-mile) patch of nearby territory.
In April Cambodia asked the ICJ to clarify its initial ruling.
US Citizen Jailed in Thailand Over Internet Outrage
US Citizen Jailed in Thailand Over Internet Outrage
Lerpong Wichaikhammat, 54, also known as Joe Gordon was taken from his place of residence in Nakhon Ratchasima by the Department of Special Investigation and is currently being held at Bangkok Remand Prison with a denied request for bail.
The charges against Thai-born Mr. Wichaikhammat fall under lese majeste, which breaches section 112 of the Criminal Code as well being charged for subversion and uploading false information which violated the Computer Crime Act. Altogether, the charges could potentially add up to a 22-year jail sentence.
Mr. Wichaikhammat, who had been living in the USA for 30 years before returning to Thailand in 2009 for medical treatment, allegedly posted a link on his blog to ‘The King Never Smiles’, an unauthorised biography of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, that is banned in Thailand. The book is perceived as critical of the Thai royal family and sparked flickers of unrest as the country prepares for the election on the 3rd of July.The US embassy in Bangkok is said to be providing consular assistance to the man who, to this point, has denied charges against him.
“The United States Government strongly supports freedom of expression, and asks that the Thai Government provide Mr. Gordon (Lerpong Wichaikhammat) with fair treatment,” said Kristin Kneedler, the deputy spokesperson at the US Embassy in Bangkok. “We remain in close contact with Mr. Gordan and his family and we are providing consular assistance – as with all other United States citizens arrested abroad.”
“I cannot speak to exact legal details as yet,” she was quoted as saying when questioned as to whether the US Embassy intended to officially make a public statement concerning the situation. “But I will say that we are in the process of determining the nature of those charges.”
Mr. Wichaikhammat told a reporter from Prachatai online newspaper that he was having difficulties adjusting to Bangkok Remand Prison and that he was worried about the cleanliness of the drinking water.
The DSI are treating this as an “important case” but police have so far refused to divulge the details of the material posted by Mr. Wichaikhammat, although they have stated that the case contains three separate offences that allegedly “violate state security”.
Written by: Kyle Pala
Photo : ASTV, AP
Hermaphrodite Woman Seeks Corrective Surgery
Hermaphrodite Woman Seeks Corrective Surgery
Sirilada Kotpipat admitted “I have testicles and a clitoris but I don’t have a penis or a vagina,”
At birth, the doctor had identified Sirilada as a boy although her sexual organs were ambiguous.
“I was shocked when I saw her. I thought she looked a lot like a girl. But when we registered her birth at the age of six, the government determined that she was a boy. We had to agree”, Sirilada’s mother said.
“Deep down in our hearts, we wanted a son as well, so we raised her as a boy by dressing her in blue and bought her boy-toys”, the mother continued.
Regardless of how her parents had treated her over the years, Sirilada knew within herself that she was a girl. She attempted explaining to her parents about her gender but they refused to accept.
However, as Sirilada grew into a well-behaved and respectable child, her parents’ acceptance of her female characteristics also developed. They had learned to love her and were proud of who she was, more and more each day.
With the support of her parents, Sirilada decided to have an operation to remove her unwanted male organs. However, the first two transgender operations were unsuccessful.
On 12 June 2010, Sirilada was selected as an eligible candidate for a transgender operation in the First Free Sex Change Project.
According to the project’s committee, she was selected because her situation was unique and more important than others.
On 2 December 2010 Sirilada went to Bangkok for her third transsexual operation.
Sirilada said she was very worried as she recalled the pain that she had endured from the first two unsuccessful surgeries.
According to the surgeon, there were two major issues associated with Sirilada’s surgery. The first was her small vagina. The second was that the integrity of her skin had lost its elasticity caused by previous operations.
Nonetheless, Sirilada underwent her third operation as scheduled.
The surgery has left her with a long suture mark but Sirilada remains optimistic.
“After looking at the wound, I don’t think it will improve. The wound is full of stitches. But I’ll try to stay positive and overlook the stitches,” Sirilada comments.
Sirilada says that whether the surgery was successful or not, she will always be a female, stating that this would be her last operation.
Two months after her surgery, Sirilada returns to her normal life as a female although the operation was not as successful as she has hoped.Sirilada is determined to find a job and save up money for her education. She accepts that she will face further challenges in life.
“Some people would think that I have fraud documents because I have Mr. as my title but look like a Miss,” she said adding that she would like to be either a man or a woman in her next incarnated life.
Although the operation did not change her physically, Sirilada is determined to change her mind mentally. She has learned to live a happy life, accepting who she is on the inside regardless of the outside.
Sirilada’s last wish is for other people to accept her and understand her situation without passing judgement based on her appearance.
Ταϊλάνδη: Το βακτήριο E.coli
Ταϊλάνδη: Το βακτήριο E.coli σε κουνουπίδια από την Ευρώπη
ΑΠΕ Σάββατο, 11 Ιουνίου 2011 13:10
Οι ταϊλανδικές ανακοίνωσαν σήμερα ότι το βακτήριο E.coli ανιχνεύτηκε σε κουνουπίδια που είχαν εισαχθεί από την Ευρώπη και διενεργούν εξετάσεις για να καθοριστεί αν πρόκειται για το ίδιο στέλεχος του βακτηρίου που έχει προκαλέσει το θάνατο 33 ανθρώπων στη γηραιά ήπειρο
Τρίτη 31 Μαΐου 2011
Τετάρτη 18 Μαΐου 2011
Property Tax Obligations in Thailand
Property Tax Obligations in Thailand
There is a general consensus that Thailand’s property tax regime is in need of reform but for years it has been a thorny issue for Thailand’s governments to address.
A draft of a new property tax law has been mooted but progress to date has been slow and any change will require careful planning and implementation over the long term. The election planned for this year will see the law’s introduction deferred until a new government is formed. In the meantime, property owners will this year once again need to consider their liability to file house and land tax returns.
Who needs to pay?
If you own real estate in Thailand that has been used in the last year for commercial purposes, including a holiday house or unit, you may be liable to file a return for house and land tax (HLT).
Villas owned by foreigners in Thailand may be structured with the land being leased on a long term basis. In this case the foreigner owns the villa building but not the land on which the villa is built. Where the owner of the building is not the same as the land owner, the law provides that the building owner shall be the person liable for HLT for both the land and the building.
Having an interest in Thai property by indirect means, such as fractional ownership or a leasehold condo unit, may also result in a liability to HLT. In this case, the liability would arise because of contractual terms agreed with the property owner, which allows him to pass on any HLT assessed against the property.
What property is exempt.
A number of exemptions are provided under the law. Where the property is used by the owner as their place of residence, then it shall be exempt from HLT under Section 10 of the HLT Act. An exemption is also provided under this Section if a representative of the owner resides in the building to take care of it and the building is not used for storing goods or for a commercial purpose.
It is conceivable that foreign owners may claim exemption for their holiday homes, if it is not used for a commercial purpose, such as short term lettings.
Foreign property owners might chose to invest in Thai real estate via an offshore holding company, typically in a tax haven jurisdiction, with a view to minimising taxes. Whether or not an offshore company is the right choice requires careful analysis of the costs and benefi ts, taking into account the particular circumstances of the owner. Buying a villa or condominium unit in Thailand using an offshore company opens up the buyer to a potential liability to HLT. In principle, a company cannot avail itself of the residency exemption. This principle was adhered to the Supreme Court when it ruled against a company that tried to avail itself of the residency exemption, on the grounds that the directors of the company resided in the building.
How much do I have to pay?
HLT shall be calculated on the yearly rent received for the property. If the property is not rented out e.g. the owner uses it in his business, an assessed rental value shall be determined instead. A reduction of the rental value may be requested in certain circumstances e.g. the property has been vacant, it has been damaged or is in a serious state of disrepair.
The real sting of HLT is the tax rate – 12.5% of the rental value of the property. The new property tax regime if introduced would calculate the tax on the official appraised value of the property instead. Land and buildings generally would be taxed at a rate of 0.5% under current proposals.
What are the filing requirements?
Persons liable to HLT shall submit Form Por.Ror.Dor.2 at the District office or Sub-district Administrative Organization where the property is located within the end of February. For new properties, supporting documents should also be provided, for example, title deed of the property, sale and purchase agreement, lease agreement, construction permit, house registration, map of the property etc.
A tax assessment shall then be issued and shall be payable within 30 days from the date of receiving the assessment. Surcharges apply for late payment.
What if I disagree with the assessment?
A taxpayer not satisfied with the assessment because the HLT is too high or the assessment is not made correctly, is entitled to appeal within 15 days from the date of receiving the assessment. If the taxpayer is not satisfied with the result of the appeal, he can bring the case to the court within 30 days from the date of receiving the verdict.
How are rental programmes taxed?
Some developments in Thailand, particularly those in resort areas, offer rental programmes as part of the package, including guaranteed rental returns. With HLT still likely to be around in the near future, property owners and managers will need to agree on how rental values should be declared and who will be responsible for filing the returns and making the tax payments.
Being part of a rental pool should make a property owner a soft target for a tax audit. Records of the rents received by owners are maintained in Thailand by the rental pool manager. It is important that owners and property managers alike understand and comply with Thailand’s tax laws if they are to avoid nasty surprises when the taxman eventually pays a visit.
This article was written by Paul Ashburn, Senior Partner, BDO Advisory Limited.
BDO Advisory Limited, a limited liability company incorporated in Thailand, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDO is the brand name for the BDO International network and for each of the BDO Member Firms.
Visit BDO website at www.bdo.co.th
Δευτέρα 16 Μαΐου 2011
New Pattaya Police Chief Begins Promised Clean-up of City
New Pattaya Police Chief Begins Promised Clean-up of City
Pattaya, 9 March, 2010 [PDN]: Police Colonel Nanthawut Suwanla-ong, Pattaya ‘s new Police Commissioner, his deputy and their team held a meeting with 200 Baht Bus and motorbike taxi drivers at Cesar Palace Hotel, Pattaya 2nd Road, to concentrate on implementing tourist safety measures and crime prevention.Police Colonel Suwanla-ong announced to the gathering his alarm at the recent rise in crimes in the Pattaya region, particularly those involving theft, snatch and grab and robbery in general, especially as it affects tourists. Accordingly, the Police are doing their utmost to improve tourist protection, specifically by enlisting the help of over 10,000 baht bus and motorbike taxi drivers, who, being at the grass roots level, have a great part to pay in this new crime prevention campaign, by remaining constantly vigilant, reporting crimes and even preventing them before they happen. As an inducement, rewards of up to Bt2,000 per case are being offered, particularly if the culprits are successfully prosecuted.
The Pattaya Police Commissioner also pointed out that research has indicated the significant role that drug-taking plays in crime commission, due to the constant need to find the wherewithal to buy expensive drugs. As a result, urine testing will be stepped up to identify drug users; the results to be used subsequently as evidence in prosecutions or rehabilitation treatment as and where necessary.
The Pattaya Police Commissioner, who was interviewed recently by PDN’s editor-in-chief, also passed on the message to foreigners living or visiting Pattaya that they should pay more attention to their motor bikes, whether hired or their own, as regards self-vigilance. He said it would be a good idea if they took photos of their bikes to make for easy reporting, identification and follow ups in the event of theft and to always lock and park them properly. Police Colonel Suwanla-ong also wishes to warn foreigners that any drink and drive offenders will be dealt with severly, including being arrested if the case merits it.
New Stricter Rules Established For Baht-Bus Drivers
New Stricter Rules Established For Baht-Bus Drivers
general survey has been conducted regarding the tourism in Thailand. Results show that 84.7% of tourists were not concerned about the political conflict in the country. Thailand is worth visiting for 77.5% of tourists, meanwhile 71.4% would return to Thailand. Regarding activities in Thailand, 36.3% loves Thai beaches; 45.6% enjoy Thai food and 41.9% appreciates Thai spa and massages.However, the most concerning statistics is that 27.9% of 5000 tourists travelling to Thailand criticises the Thai transportation services, according to Suphol Sripan, the Director-General of Department of Tourism.
A common criticism about Thailand’s transportation such as hired cars, taxis or tuk-tuks is that the drivers deliberately overcharge their customers by taking indirect longer routes, Suphol says.
The tourism image in Pattaya City is also affected. In particular, many tourists experience unsatisfactory customer services and reckless driving from their rental cars in Pattaya.
Regular customer complaints are received via two Pattaya Hotline numbers: Pattaya City Hotline number 1337 or Chonburi Transportation Authority Office Hotline number 1556.
Pattaya Bus Cooperative has established new regulations to control misbehaving Baht-bus drivers and car rental owners. For example, the cooperative will impose a fine of 500B for any Baht-bus that overcharges their customers or abandons passengers at inappropriate destination. The bus drivers will receive 200-Baht fine if dressed inappropriately or behaved rudely. Furthermore if these misconducts recurred, the drivers will be suspended for 3-7 days and if the convicted drivers refuse to change their behaviour, their businesses will be permanently suspended.
On every Baht-bus, there will be attachments of a price list based on distance; feedback forms in Thai and English and Hotline numbers, the Chairman of Pattaya Baht-bus Cooperative states.
These ways are to improve the quality and services of Pattaya buses; ensure that customers are not overcharged and to intimidate misbehaving drivers, the Chairman adds.
Furthermore disorder parking of Baht-buses has contributed to the traffic congestion on the streets, especially Pattaya beach road. Therefore the Cooperative has established a new rule which states that red and yellow stamped buses will operate on alternate days. If the bus drivers violate the regulations, they will be fined 100 Baht.
According to Pattaya Deputy Mayor, Ronkit Ekasing, Pattaya is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, attracting both Thai and international tourists.
Therefore, Deputy Mayor Ronkit has encouraged all organisations to train their employees about customer service in order to improve the tourism industry in Pattaya.
Mayor Ronkit has emphasised customer service training because Hotline 1337 receives many complaints regarding impolite manners of bus drivers.
Pattaya City has also allocated a budget to train Baht-bus drivers about customer services, fare collections and traffic laws.
Several private companies have also established their own bus services. Earlier last year, the private air-conditioned buses were in operation for a short period. However, those buses cease their services due to several issues such as expensive fares, extended waiting hours and limited bus stops.
Therefore Baht-buses remains the preferable transportation for tourists because they are flexible, convenient and inexpensive.
Boy, 9, nicked for drink-driving
Boy, 9, nicked for drink-driving
The lad was breathalysed by police and taken into custody after they spotted him behind the wheel in Cumbria. But they were forced to let him back on the streets as his age meant he was not old enough to be held accountable for his actions. The child, who has not been named, was among thousands of under 18s arrested in the north of England over the past two years.
These included four 11-year-olds and a ten-year-old arrested in the Northumbria force area for car theft, and seven 12-year-olds arrested in Cleveland for the same crime.During the same period, Durham Police arrested one 12-year-old for aggravated vehicle taking and North Yorkshire Police arrested one ten-year-old for car theft.They were included in 2,467 juveniles arrested for crimes including car theft, aggravated vehicle taking, drink driving and underage driving.
Safety campaigners demanded more action to be taken about warning children about the dangers of drinking and driving.Brake spokesman Kath Hartley said: “It is incredibly concerning that young people are risking their own and other people’s lives on the road.”This has to be addressed as a matter of urgency.”Young people must be taught the dangers of getting behind the wheel without proper training.”
Northumbria Police tried to play down the shocking figures and insisted child car crime and motoring offences had dropped since last year.A spokesman for Cumbria Police, where the nine-year-old was arrested, said it was working hard to try and curb bad behaviour.He said: “It is of particular concern when young people drive under the influence of alcohol, but we are working hard to keep the roads safe.”
Report by : The Sun
Κυριακή 15 Μαΐου 2011
Lawsuit Filed Against Bangkok-Registered Taxi Drivers
Lawsuit Filed Against Bangkok-Registered Taxi Drivers
Pattaya, 11 May 2011 [PDN]: At 1 p.m., a group of Pattaya taxi drivers filed a lawsuit against Pattaya Co-Op Taxi, according to Police Colonel Nuntawut Suwanlaong (Superintendent of Pattaya Police Department).
Over 100 Pattaya taxi drivers claimed that the Co-Op Taxis, who were mostly registered in Bangkok, physically and verbally abused them as well as taking their customers, Colonel Nuntawut said.
According to a Pattaya-registered taxi driver, the Co-op Taxi group had interfered with her work and threatened her.
In one incident, a Co-op taxi driver pulled in front of her car and told her that she was not allowed to take any passengers, Narumon Kongthai said.
He even came to her house and threatened to harm her if she continued driving, Narumon said adding that she had reported this incident to the police.
Police Colonel Nuntawut stated that this issue had been an ongoing problem between Pattaya and Bangkok registered taxi drivers.
Based on the law, a taxi registered in Bangkok is permitted to take passengers in other provinces provided that there are less than or equal to seven passengers in the car, he said.
However, physical abuse of other taxi fellow is against the law, Colonel Nuntawut continued.
Police Lieutenant Colonel, Rut Pratumkeau said the police team will process the lawsuit against Pattaya Co-op Taxi drivers, while threatening cases will also be investigated
Tourist Released Although Found Guilty Of Fraud
Tourist Released Although Found Guilty Of Fraud
Pattaya, 11 May 2011 [PDN]: At 1 a.m., Pattaya Police Department was notified that a foreigner had used fraud money to exchange for Thai Baht at a money exchange booth on Walking Street, South Pattaya.
According to one of the tellers, Davis Henry Shakie, 33 approached the booth with several foreign $100 bills and enquired to exchange about 180,000 Baht in Thai currency.
One of the tellers gave the Liberian customer his Thai money, while the other counted the cash and discovered that there were many $1 banknotes hidden in a pile of $100 bills.
The cashier confronted the tourist but he ran away after denying that those $1 notes were among his pile of cash, the teller told the police who arrived at the scene within minutes.
The police caught Davis at Wat Chaimongkon intersection and found the cash as reported by the teller.
However, the currency exchange cashier did not wish to press charges against the Liberian tourist, the police said.
Thereofre Davis was released after he returned all the Thai cash to the teller upon request, the police added.
Thailand Patrols Internet For Royal Offence
Thailand Patrols Internet For Royal Offence
“My inspiration to be a cyber scout is the king. There are many ways to protect the institute, and this is one of them,” Thattharit Sukcharoen, a 39-year-old administrative worker at a school in Bangkok said.
“Sometimes there are just fun conversations among teenagers and they think it’s not important, but for those who love the royal institute, some comments that I see are not appropriate. I must report them to the authorities.”
According to a recent study by Freedom House, a US-based group campaigning for democracy and human rights, this shift “has provoked greater efforts by the government to control the free flow of information and commentary online.
“Ironically, the large-scale blocking of websites critical of the royal family has further deepened the politicization of the monarchy in the eyes of many Thais, while the increased content restrictions and legal harassment have contributed to greater self-censorship in online discussions,” it added.
In March a webmaster was jailed for 13 years after his Internet site, which connected to the opposition movement, allegedly published comments insulting the monarchy.
Another website editor is sentenced up to 70 years in prison for failing to remove reader comments about the Thai monarchy.
Anyone can make an accusation of insulting the monarchy and the police are duty-bound to investigate.
The monarchy is a very sensitive topic in Thailand. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world’s longest-reigning monarch and revered as a demi-god by many Thais.
The 83-year-old King has no official political role but is seen as a unifying figure in a country that has been frequently riven by political violence, particularly since a military coup in 2006.
Thailand has seen an explosion in the popularity of social networking sites, fuelled by fierce debate over a political crisis that erupted into deadly opposition protests in Bangkok last year which left 90 people dead.
In recent years the Thai government has removed tens of thousands of web pages from the Internet for allegedly insulting the monarchy, and the cyber scout initiative is the latest attempt to monitor online debate.
“I believe this project has a political motivation because this government sees the Internet as a threat. That’s why it is trying to control it,” said Supinya Klangnarong, a web freedom activist with the Thai Netizen Network.
“The authorities shut down websites and arrested people who posted messages that threatened state security or the monarchy but they couldn’t block them all and it also affected Thailand’s human rights image,” she said.
“So they had to find a new way of controlling information by coming up with this project.”
According to the project’s website www.justice-cyberscout.org, volunteers “will have a duty to monitor information and actions dangerous to the country’s security and will protect, defend and hold the royal institute in esteem.”
Thattharit attended one day of training to become a cyber scout.
“I learned about the history of the king, his majesty, and how divine he is … and also how to use a computer, the Internet and Facebook,” he said.
The project is in its infancy and so far Thattharit has not reported anybody to the authorities.
He explained that if he finds comments deemed offensive to the king he plans to contact the person who posted them first to warn them and give them a chance to change their views, before informing officials.
“Not many people know about the project. They may think they’re talking to a friend because I don’t tell them I’m a cyber scout,” he said.
“I feel I am doing an important job. I can give back to the country
April, The Month Of ‘Tidying’ Illegal Venues And Punishing Authorities
April, The Month Of ‘Tidying’ Illegal Venues And Punishing Authorities
On 20th April 2011, the Commander of the National Police ordered all superintendents in Bangkok and other provinces to inspect and arrest any entertainment facilities that are operating illegally.
Many venues were convicted especially in Bangkok Metropolitan region which is growing economically. These facilities are convicted for either operating without a permit or accommodating underage children or endorsing gambling machines or distributing illicit drugs to youths.
The command specified that local police would be hold accountable if these convicted facilities are not penalised according to their offense.
Therefore many superintendent officers were punished for neglecting National Police’s order. As the results most of the officers were repositioned to a lower status or department.
20th April 2011: Police Colonel Paskorn Klanwan (Police Superindendent of Poh Keaw police station in Bangkok) was transferred to another position as a temporary Assistance Police Officer at Nakorn Patom Province. Col. Paskorn was repositioned because he allegedly received 500B per month for covering illegal operation at Full Moon Pub. The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) also arrested 20 other police officers convicted of the same crime. The pub operated without an authorised license and permitted entrance of underage teenagers.
21st April 2011: Police Colonel Rungsan Pradit (Police Superintendent of Don Meung police station in Bangkok) was relocated to another position as temporary Assistance Police Officer at Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB) for 30 days. The reposition occurred after the CSD discovered four karaoke restaurants and gambling venues operating without a permit in Don Meung area.
22nd April 2011: Police Colonel Poothapong Poopienlert (Superintendent of Bangplat Police Station in Bangkok) was transferred to Metropolitan Police Bureau working as a temporary Assistance Police Officer for 30 days. The relocation took place after The Sodiac pub was closed down when police unit team raided the facility on Sirindhorn street, near Tang Hua Seng superstore.
23rd April 2011: The Narcotics Suppression Division (NSD) and Office of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) inspected Red Seed pub and closed it down after they discovered that the bar permitted entrance of several underage customers who also had guns. As the result, Police Colonel Surachai JetPee Nong RoumJai (Superintendent of Phasee Jaren Police station in Bangkok) was transferred to work as temporary Assistance Police Officer at Metropolitan Police Bureau for 30 days.24th April 2011: The NSD and PACC also inspected Night Speed Special pub in Bangkae area and shut it down for illegal operation. Police Colonel Teerapong Klaikeaw (Superintendent of Pet Kasem police station in Bangkok) was reposition to Metropolitan Police Bureau as temporary Assistance Police Officer for 30 days. Five more officers were suspected of being involved in the crime and hence will be interrogated by the police board.
25th April 2011: Police Colonel Manot Rattanachot (Superintendent of Pra Kanong police station in Bangkok) has been repositioned as temporary Assistance Police Officer at Metropolitan Police Bureau for 30 days, after the local pub Flip Pub was inspected and closed down by an external police unit team.
Pattaya pubs, night clubs and other entertainment venues open through the night, where children enter and exit these facilities illegally without fearing the law. Consequently crimes occur every night in these facilities throughout Pattaya.
25th April 2011: a former boyfriend shot the girl’s new partner in front of her friends before walking out of Kor Tor Mor Pub and restaurant freely. 29th April 2011: At 7:30 a.m. the police team from Region 2 closed down T & T pub in South Pattaya after discovering that the venue opened all night, past permitted time. The police also found a large number of adolescents, less than 20 years old. Illegal drugs were also distributed to customers at this pub.
1st May 2011: At 3.30 a.m. Pattaya police squad raided Jupiter Pub & Karaoke in South Pattaya after discovering that the venue operated and selling alcohols without a permit.
Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. Hence there are a vast number of entertainment venues, pubs and bars throughout the area to accommodate for the demanding population. The police officers are outnumbered, as indicated by the increasing crimes and criminals in Pattaya.
The Commissioner of Region 2, Police Lieutenant General Tha-Ngai Prasajak Sattroo states that he has passed on the order to local police stations in 8 Eastern provinces of Thailand, after he received the instruction from the Commander of National Police.
Pattaya is the most difficult area to clean up because there are so many pubs opening secretly in the side-streets, General Tha-Ngai comments.
He adds that it is too much for Pattaya authorities to handle.
According to General Tha-Ngai, the convicted pubs must be closed down permanently as a warning to others.In addition, Genearl Tha-Ngai encourages local people to report any illegal operation in Pattaya, via his direct contact number: 08-1887-8563 or his office at 038-274-066.
The ‘clean-up’ operation of pubs and bars should be carried out all the time, in order to discipline the Superintendent Officers in performing their duties, Tha-Ngai comments.
He believes that this is one of the ways the country can protect the future of Thai children.
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