Fake ID easily attainable in Thailand

Fake ID's easily had in Bangkok

With the Malaysian Airliner missing, two Iranian men boarded on stolen passports on purchased tickets from a Pattaya travel shop, i thought this was interesting. It's scary what kind of official documents can be easily duplicated in Bangkok's Khao San Road. Check out this article:

Khao San Road fake IDs look like the real thing
Nirmal Ghosh
The Straits Times


file photo

BANGKOK: -- Khao San Road, crammed with budget tourists from across the world, has long been a backpacker hub for Southeast Asia.

The streets are lined with restaurants, guest houses, travel agents and shops selling cheap cotton clothes and souvenirs.

Police lounge at either end of the 200m street, keeping an eye on things.

Itinerant Indian "fortune tellers" and Nepali tattoo touts lurk and accost passers-by.

"You have a very lucky face," one Indian "fortune teller" told me.

Normally, the handful of vendors making fake identity cards are clearly visible. On Wednesday though, I had to hunt for one.

I asked a Nepali boy who was trying to find customers for a tattoo shop, and he took me to a man, who was this time positioned slightly back from the street at a discreet table with two stools.

He was a Thai man, in a blue shirt and wearing glasses. There was an air of edginess from the start.

"What country?" he asked me.

I told him I was Indian and he looked incredulous. But then he produced a large album - the kind used to hold business cards - for me to flip through.

In it there were well over 100 samples of identity cards, from driving licences to student passes to airline crew passes and many others. There was even an Interpol ID card and a Singapore identity card.

When I expressed surprise at the Interpol card he stared and said: "Are you Interpol? Are you Interpol?" But I laughed it off.

I chose a Singapore driving licence and a Qatar Airways crew card. They cost 800 baht each.

He informed me they would take an hour and a half to make. I gave him a couple of passport photographs I had brought for the occasion, and he said that for the airline card he could alter the photograph to have me in a suit and tie.

I asked him quietly if he knew anyone who could make a passport, and he said he did not. I asked him if he made Thai IDs and he said: "I don't do Thai."

This was something a law enforcement source had told me - the fake ID peddlers don't ever make Thai IDs, which is why police leave them alone.

It is also probable that they pay police, my source said - entirely believable given the environment and the trade they are in.

When I arrived at the appointed hour, the man again said: "Are you police?" I laughed and shook my head. Then he asked where I lived and what I was doing in Bangkok. He seemed satisfied by what I told him.

Then a young South Asian man who seemed to be helping him appeared and pressed a folded piece of paper into my hand. Inside were the cards.

In my hands were a spanking new Singapore driving licence and a Qatar Airways crew card. The only difference from the real Singapore licence was the absence of holograms. The fake ID vendors do not seem to be able to make cards with holograms.

Yet, on the face of it, the cards were startlingly realistic.

"If any enforcement officer just takes a quick look, or Googles these documents to compare them, they are unlikely to spot any problem," my law enforcement source said.


-- The Nation 2014-03-15

Thailand getting serious abour drunk driving!

New Thailand laws crack down on 

drunk drivers.

Thailand is seen as a very relaxed tourist destination, which it is. However it's showing almost zero tolerance against drinking and driving.

Many foreign tourists come to Thailand and think it is a great party atmosphere. Cheap drugs easily accessible, and in places like Pattaya it's the wild west. Just do what you like and there's no repercussions. Many times it has been witnessed foreigners drinking and riding motorbikes, drunks on the backs of motorbike taxies with big bottles of local brew in hand. Well that is all changing, just to what extent? Check out this article i saw today on Thai Visa.

Don't drink and drive -- New strict rulings!

HUA HIN: -- The Office of Alcoholic Beverages has announced that the occupants of vehicles of any kind who drink alcohol during travel are subject to six months imprisonment and/or a 60,000 THB fine.

The penalties will also be imposed on drinkers in vehicles parked on sidewalks or shoulders of public roads, including sois, regardless of whether the vehicles are moving, OAB director Samarn Footrakool said.

Passengers of railbased transport who drink are not subject to the penalties. Drinking occupants and drivers will be equally liable for such violations. "The only exceptions under this law are occupants of vehicles parked in front of their homes," he said.

Some Other Alcohol Rules In Thailand
Since January 1st 2006 Thailand has enforced a law that only allows shops to sell alcohol between 11.00 am.- 2.00 pm. and 5.00 pm.- 2.00 am.

Staff at some stores have difficulty in explaining to foreigners why they cannot be sold alcohol between 2 and 5 PM. Angry outbursts by customers who think they are being singled out are not uncommon. However remember it’s not up to them; it’s the law!

The Election Commission of Thailand bans the sale of alcohol at any retail outlet, and the serving of alcohol in all bars and restaurants during elections. This ban only applies to so-called Type 3 and Type 4 sellers, those who are licensed to sell liquor and spirits in quantities below 10 litres per occasion. Retail shops such as 7-Elevens and Big C supermarkets are put in the same position as wholesalers (being Type 1 and Type 2 sellers) and can only sell in quantities above 10 litres.

The reason given in the text of the relevant Ministerial Regulation is to enhance ''the government's policies towards controlling the consumption of liquor and tobacco for the benefit of society, in the case of liquor by decreasing the times for retail liquor sales''. Yet the choice of the hours of 2pm to 5pm must have had a more specific purpose than that. One popular school of thought is that it is designed to help prevent underage drinking. Classes typically finish for the day by 2pm, and the theory is that wayward students might then run to the nearest 7-Eleven and start drinking. Yet the ban is in place seven days a week.

Another reason for the ban may simply be that the government is trying to curb all-day ''benders'', or afternoon drinking by people who might be inclined to play hookie from work after lunch with their colleagues.

Legal Drinking Age and Alcohol-Free Zones
Thailand introduced the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act in 2008 , which amended some of Thailand’s previous alcohol laws and increased the drinking age from eighteen to twenty. The Act has specific language making it illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under twenty years old. The Act also set forth laws and penalties for designated areas where alcohol cannot legally be consumed. For example, drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations: temples or places of worship; infirmaries and pharmacies; public offices; education institutions; petrol stations or petrol station shops and public parks. There are exceptions to many of these locations. For example, if you are attending an authorized banquet at an education institution or public office, or if you are within a temple at which consuming alcohol is part of the worship, then you may legally drink an alcoholic beverage. The penalty for drinking alcohol and one of the aforementioned locations without proper authorization is up to 6 months imprisonment and/or no more than a fine of ten thousand baht.

Selling alcohol to anyone who has previously lost consciousness from drinking is also against the law in Thailand. Additionally, if you are considered intoxicated and provoke an altercation with a law enforcement official, the penalty can be up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine up to twenty thousand THB.


-- Hua Hin Today 2013-11-27

Thailand to charge tourists extra to enter The Kingdom?

Thailand's government gearing up to charge tourists a 500 baht entrance fee for emergency medical costs??

Thailand's government is proposing this fee to build a fund to help pay medical expenses for tourists that find themselves needing medical attention but possibly can't pay the costs incurred for treatment. These conditions can range from food poisoning, dengue fever, heart attack, or physical injuries from such things like, car or motorbike accident, minibus or buses going off the road, jet ski accident, slip and fall, etc.

The Thai government is wondering if this would scare off tourists. Not too long ago tourists had to pay an exit fee to leave The Kingdom. It didn't really seem to affect tourism at all but when the proposed fee was to go up another 200 Baht the Thai's hid the fee and the increase incorporated into the price of a return ticket.

This may make for heated discussions on local chat forums and bar stools but i can't really see paying another 500 Baht to enter Thailand turning tourists away, especially when it it going to something that can be of benefit to them should something arise. My only question is "what about the all tourists must have travelers insurance to enter The Kingdom" proposal? Would these two work in conjunction or is this another government scam? Please read the article from "The Nation" below:

Would a Bt500 emergency-coverage fee scare off tourists?
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- The government's attempt to launch a new regulation to collect an entry fee from foreign tourists to cover their emergency medical services could prompt tourists to choose destinations in other countries.

The concern, raised by the Tourism Council of Thailand, comes after the Public Health Ministry proposed a plan to collect Bt500 as a fee for entering the country from foreign tourists staying in Thailand from three to 30 days; and Bt30 for less than three days. The fee would be used to support a ministry programme providing emergency medical services for foreign tourists.

According to Public Health Minister Pradit Sintavanarong, currently the ministry has to shoulder about Bt200 million to Bt300 million as the financial burden for providing emergency medical services for foreign tourists.

Each year, the ministry estimates that about 23 million foreign tourists from around the world visit Thailand. It expected that if the plan to collect a fee for entering the country were approved by the Cabinet, the ministry would be able to collect about Bt10 billion.

This money would be used to support the ministry's budget to provide emergency medical services for foreign tourists suffering serious illness or injury. Under this plan, each foreign patient would be covered by Bt200,000 to Bt300,000 in emergency care. This budget would also be used to develop healthcare units and procure medical devices.

"They [foreign patients] must pay to enter the country because they have to use our medical resources," Pradit said.

The ministry is now discussing with related agencies - the National Security Council, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Tourism and Sport Ministry, Labour Ministry and Immigration Bureau - to find appropriate ways to collect the fees.

If the agencies come up with a good plan, it will be deliberated by the Cabinet before the Office of the Prime Minister makes an announcement.

But Tourism Council of Thailand president Piyaman Tejapaibul does not believe this plan would benefit the tourism industry. Instead of attracting more and more tourists to visit our country, the plan would hurt tourist figures, Piyaman said.

"Each year Thailand gets a lot of revenue from the tourism industry - but the government has never used money from this industry to develop and support tourism," she said.

Currently, many tourists bring their own travel insurance from private insurance agencies in case of unexpected accident or illness, covering them for medical services in the destination country. Some countries require travellers to attach their health insurance when applying for a visa, so that they do not have to shoulder the burden of paying fees for medical services at their destination.

"We want good tourists to visit Thailand - not the [type of tourist] who does not want to enter because he or she has to pay Bt500 as an entrance fee," Pradit said. He added that European countries and the US have supported the government in collecting entrance fees from their tourists, as they see that the plan would reduce risks for their citizens travelling abroad.


-- The Nation 2013-11-19

The U.S. Embassy in both Bangkok and Chaing Mai continue to operate

Despite the partial shut down of the U.S. government both branches of its embassy remain open.

This article according to this mornings "The Nation"

 

BANGKOK: -- The US Embassy in Bangkok on Tuesday announced that the embassy and the Consulate General in Chiang Mai remain open to the public as the US government began its first partial shutdown in 17 years after Congress failed to break a partisan deadlock by a midnight deadline.

The embassy issued a statement in its facebook; U.S. Embassy Bangkok, saying that all consular services, including visa processing, are also open for public.

"The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and Consulate General Chiang Mai remain open to the public. As always, our priorities remain providing safety, security, and service to U.S. citizens. We are open for all consular services, including visa processing," read the statement.
 

First Tourist Court to Open in Pattaya Tomorrow

Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit
The Nation

PATTAYA: -- Thailand's first tourist court will open tomorrow in the popular beach resort city of Pattaya as part of the government's move to reassure travellers of their safety while visiting the country.

From 4.30pm to 8.30pm, foreign tourists can come and lodge complaints, especially over unfair services and personal security. Consideration of cases will be cut to one day for uncomplicated disputes from the usual six months, Wirat Chinwinigkul, secretary-general of the Judiciary, said yesterday.

The specialised court will encourage negotiations between parties. Most of the cases are about consumer protection, so it is easier to reach a compromise. If it's a serious issue, the case will be transferred to the regular court. There will be capable officials speaking foreign languages to help.

Six more night courts are planned - Pathum Wan district for the Silom area and Dusit district for khao san in Bangkok, Krabi, Samui, Chiang Mai and Phuket. Those tourist destinations have faced various problems, especially cheating by operators.

The Pattaya court would be a pilot project. It is expected to take up speedboat services, which is one of the serious issues corroding the country's tourism image. It's also related to criminal cases.

Yesterday, four parties - police, prosecutors, the courts of justice and the Tourism Ministry - signed an agreement to set up the court and work together to help take care of foreign holidaymakers.

The court will also be responsible for looking after Thai tourists and scrutinising the role of tourism operators in providing fair services to tourists.

The ministry should set up a department to handle cases because some tourists have to go home before a ruling is handed down, he said.

In the future, Thailand should enact legislation to regulate the industry, like in France, because tourism is an important industry strengthening the national economy. It has grown rapidly, but existing laws cannot keep up, he added.

Tourism Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said it's a good sign for the country's tourism industry. The night court would help secure the industry's role in the long term, especially in achieving the target of Bt2 trillion in tourism revenue in 2015.

The ministry has made a big effort to standardise the industry, launching measures and regulations to crack down on scams. Especially Phuket needs a clean-up. The resort island is overrun by illegal services and gangsters.


-- The Nation 2013-09-04

Pattaya's Walking Street sinking to new lows??

Pattaya's Walking Street selling "Funny Air"

Of all the weird, wacky, crazy, zany things you see on Walking Street this is amazing. 

 

 We've seen it all from acrobat kids, break dancers, flower sales people, shoe shine, the massage and show touts. Most of us that have ever been down Walking Street have been offered illegal drugs, but how about underground rave hits....legally? 

 

The company "Funny Air claims it is harmless and legal but the local boys in brown seem to have a different opinion and are saying illegal underground nitox hits should not be allowed for sale...at least not on Walking Street. Check out the full article from Pattaya One Here

 

 

Pattaya Police seem to be cracking down on gambling dens

12 “Hi-Low” Gambling suspects arrested at North Pattaya house.

Two days ago a house was raided on Pratumnak Hill. Underground card games and other forms of gambling are not uncommon but perhaps Pattaya's boys in brown are getting some better tips, check out this article from Pattaya One News:

 12 suspected gamblers were caught by Pattaya Police playing the popular dice game “Hi-Low” for money at a house in the Naklua area on Sunday Evening.

Officers received a tip-off about the illegal gambling event which was generating excessive noise alerting others to the gathering.

A team of Police and Police Volunteers made their way to the location and arrested 12 people, 11 men and 1 woman. Evidence seized includes a game-board and dice along with 100 Baht in cash.

The organizer of the event was identified as Khun Paiboon aged 49 who was charged with the offense of gambling along with his friends who were all locked-up pending further investigations.

9 Foreigners arrested at Illegal Casino in South Pattaya

 

As Tourists or Ex-Pats here in Thailand we all like to indulge once in a while. Lets be honest...who doesn't enjoy a good card game once in a while!Just be careful when thinking you're covered, in the loop, in the kow, or in the right circle. This can happen to you. Found this in PattayaOne.net

 

9 foreign nationals including two Cambodian Casino workers were arrested after Pattaya Police conducted a raid at a 2-storey house on the Pratamnuk Road in South Pattaya early on Sunday Morning.
Police were able to earlier infiltrate the casino which allowed invited players to play poker for money, which is in contravention of Thailand’s Anti-Gambling Legislation.
The organizer of the event was identified as Mr. Matthew Greynom aged 35 from USA. Other poker players at the event were Mr. Brian Thomas aged 46 and Mr. Mark Neddleman aged 67, both US Citizens, along with Mr. Craig Daniel aged 25 from UK, Mr. Frank De Busscher aged 73 from Belgium, Mr. Martin Picheslberger aged 40 from Australia and Miss Monica Lee aged 47 from Canada.
Two Cambodians, one acting as hostess and the other working as Croupier, were also arrested and were known to be paid between 1,500 and 2,000 Baht per day to work at the illegal casino. They would travel from Cambodia where the pair work in Casino’s close to the Thai Border.
107,000 Baht, 1,771 US Dollars and 380 Euros were seized along with casino chips, a computer notebook and a bank book which featured 72 pages of credits and withdrawals between March and July 2013.
All those arrested have been charged and await Court appearances.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/97012/9-foreigners-arrested-illegal-casino-south-pattaya/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.2sj26NoB.5omuMI35.dpuf

9 foreign nationals including two Cambodian Casino workers were arrested after Pattaya Police conducted a raid at a 2-storey house on the Pratamnak Road in South Pattaya early on Sunday Morning.

Police were able to earlier infiltrate the casino which allowed invited players to play poker for money, which is in contravention of Thailand’s Anti-Gambling Legislation.
The organizer of the event was identified as Mr. Matthew Greynom aged 35 from USA. Other poker players at the event were Mr. Brian Thomas aged 46 and Mr. Mark Neddleman aged 67, both US Citizens, along with Mr. Craig Daniel aged 25 from UK, Mr. Frank De Busscher aged 73 from Belgium, Mr. Martin Picheslberger aged 40 from Australia and Miss Monica Lee aged 47 from Canada.

Two Cambodians, one acting as hostess and the other working as Croupier, were also arrested and were known to be paid between 1,500 and 2,000 Baht per day to work at the illegal casino. They would travel from Cambodia where the pair work in Casino’s close to the Thai Border.

107,000 Baht, 1,771 US Dollars and 380 Euros were seized along with casino chips, a computer notebook and a bank book which featured 72 pages of credits and withdrawals between March and July 2013.


All those arrested have been charged and await Court appearances.



Looking to buy rent or sell?

Please e mail brian@bigmangoproperties.com

9 foreign nationals including two Cambodian Casino workers were arrested after Pattaya Police conducted a raid at a 2-storey house on the Pratamnuk Road in South Pattaya early on Sunday Morning.
Police were able to earlier infiltrate the casino which allowed invited players to play poker for money, which is in contravention of Thailand’s Anti-Gambling Legislation.
The organizer of the event was identified as Mr. Matthew Greynom aged 35 from USA. Other poker players at the event were Mr. Brian Thomas aged 46 and Mr. Mark Neddleman aged 67, both US Citizens, along with Mr. Craig Daniel aged 25 from UK, Mr. Frank De Busscher aged 73 from Belgium, Mr. Martin Picheslberger aged 40 from Australia and Miss Monica Lee aged 47 from Canada.
Two Cambodians, one acting as hostess and the other working as Croupier, were also arrested and were known to be paid between 1,500 and 2,000 Baht per day to work at the illegal casino. They would travel from Cambodia where the pair work in Casino’s close to the Thai Border.
107,000 Baht, 1,771 US Dollars and 380 Euros were seized along with casino chips, a computer notebook and a bank book which featured 72 pages of credits and withdrawals between March and July 2013.
All those arrested have been charged and await Court appearances.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/97012/9-foreigners-arrested-illegal-casino-south-pattaya/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.2sj26NoB.5omuMI35.dpuf

Pattaya 7/11 and Family Mart now adhering to alcohol sales laws

No more 24 hour beer and booze buying at 7/11 and Family Mart!

 

Looks like the days of Pattaya's reputation as the Wild West may be starting to fade:

Over the last few days wandering in and out of various 7/11 and Family Marts here in Pattaya i have noticed signs on the chillers now warning customers that alcohol will not be sold from 14:00 - 17:00 and after midnight. In family mart the sign read they will not sell after 01:00. These signs also stated that they would not sell until after 11:00 A.M.

If you think this is just another one of Pattaya's attempts to appease the local Boys in Brown you may be surprised! I just went to a local 7/11 to buy some stuff for a late afternoon party and as the girl was ringing up the order she suddenly stopped with a very scared look on her face. She then checked her watch to make sure it was after 11:00. 

I am not sure how long this will last, if it is for good, or just another low season crackdown. One thing i am sure of is that it is for real right now, and that this is the first time i have seen this at local convenience stores here in Pattaya. So unless you have a local mom and pop mini mart close by, you may want to stock up ahead.

Thailand to require foreign tourists to buy health insurance

Published: June 28, 2013 at 6:04 PM from UPI.com

 BANGKOK, June 28 (UPI) -- Lawmakers in Thailand say they want all foreign tourists to be required to purchase travel and health insurance before arriving in their country.

Thailand's Public Health Ministry Wednesday proposed the measure during a meeting with representatives from the Airports of Thailand, Royal Thai Police and other government ministries, the Bangkok Post reported.

The health ministry has suggested the cost of health insurance coverage might be included in visa fees, Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong said at the meeting. 

Those visiting Thailand without visas would be required to buy insurance at immigration checkpoints or the fees could be added to the cost of airline tickets.

After the meeting, Pradit said all of those involved agreed to set up a subcommittee to work on the proposal.

The health ministry set up the meeting after Thailand's government asked it to address concerns about the financial burden on the country's state hospitals, which are required to provide foreigners with free medical service, Pradit said.

In Pattaya be nice to the locals or else...especially on Walking Street

When will they ever learn? Whether tourists or Ex-pats as foreigners we are all just guests here. This is what happens when you try to be a 

"Big Somebody". 

 

 

Check out the article from Pattaya One

A report of an assault by a group of 8 individuals was reported at Pattaya Police Station just after 5am on Sunday by a Russian Resort Owner and his Thai Girlfriend.
Mr. Dmitry Kozlov aged 36 and his Thai Girlfriend reported the incident which resulted in Mr. Kozlov sustaining a suspected broken nose and facial abrasions. The pair had come to Pattaya for a 3 day holiday and run a resort on the Island of Phangan in the South of Thailand.
The pair were standing on Walking Street in front of the P72 Restaurant when they were asked by a motorcyclist to step-aside so he could park. Initially Mr. Kozlov refused to move which made the driver angry. He placed a call to friends who were asked to attend the scene urgently.
Before the rest of the group arrived Mr. Kozlov claimed he apologized to the driver and assumed the problem had been resolved.
A group of 8 people arrived consisting of four Ladyboy’s, three teenagers and one woman who, without consulting with the bike driver, set-upon Mr. Kozlov and his girlfriend who were able to escape and made their way straight to the Police Station.
Police will now analyze CCTV and attempt to catch the attackers who remain at-large for now.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91407/russian-resort-owner-beaten-up-pattayas-walking-street/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.EYlkd2iw.401Aqbkg.dpuf

A report of an assault by a group of 8 individuals was reported at Pattaya Police Station just after 5am on Sunday by a Russian Resort Owner and his Thai Girlfriend.
Mr. Dmitry Kozlov aged 36 and his Thai Girlfriend reported the incident which resulted in Mr. Kozlov sustaining a suspected broken nose and facial abrasions. The pair had come to Pattaya for a 3 day holiday and run a resort on the Island of Phangan in the South of Thailand.
The pair were standing on Walking Street in front of the P72 Restaurant when they were asked by a motorcyclist to step-aside so he could park. Initially Mr. Kozlov refused to move which made the driver angry. He placed a call to friends who were asked to attend the scene urgently.
Before the rest of the group arrived Mr. Kozlov claimed he apologized to the driver and assumed the problem had been resolved.
A group of 8 people arrived consisting of four Ladyboy’s, three teenagers and one woman who, without consulting with the bike driver, set-upon Mr. Kozlov and his girlfriend who were able to escape and made their way straight to the Police Station.
Police will now analyze CCTV and attempt to catch the attackers who remain at-large for now.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91407/russian-resort-owner-beaten-up-pattayas-walking-street/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.EYlkd2iw.401Aqbkg.dpuf

 A report of an assault by a group of 8 individuals was reported at Pattaya Police Station just after 5am on Sunday by a Russian Resort Owner and his Thai Girlfriend.

 

Mr. Dmitry Kozlov aged 36 and his Thai Girlfriend reported the incident which resulted in Mr. Kozlov sustaining a suspected broken nose and facial abrasions. The pair had come to Pattaya for a 3 day holiday and run a resort on the Island of Phangan in the South of Thailand.

The pair were standing on Walking Street in front of the P72 Restaurant when they were asked by a motorcyclist to step-aside so he could park. Initially Mr. Kozlov refused to move which made the driver angry. He placed a call to friends who were asked to attend the scene urgently.

Before the rest of the group arrived Mr. Kozlov claimed he apologized to the driver and assumed the problem had been resolved.

A group of 8 people arrived consisting of four Ladyboy’s, three teenagers and one woman who, without consulting with the bike driver, set-upon Mr. Kozlov and his girlfriend who were able to escape and made their way straight to the Police Station.

Police will now analyze CCTV and attempt to catch the attackers who remain at-large for now.

While i will admit having to call 8 of his friends - including 3 ladyboys and another woman it totally cowardly...just be nice and all can be avoided. Remember we are guests here

A report of an assault by a group of 8 individuals was reported at Pattaya Police Station just after 5am on Sunday by a Russian Resort Owner and his Thai Girlfriend.
Mr. Dmitry Kozlov aged 36 and his Thai Girlfriend reported the incident which resulted in Mr. Kozlov sustaining a suspected broken nose and facial abrasions. The pair had come to Pattaya for a 3 day holiday and run a resort on the Island of Phangan in the South of Thailand.
The pair were standing on Walking Street in front of the P72 Restaurant when they were asked by a motorcyclist to step-aside so he could park. Initially Mr. Kozlov refused to move which made the driver angry. He placed a call to friends who were asked to attend the scene urgently.
Before the rest of the group arrived Mr. Kozlov claimed he apologized to the driver and assumed the problem had been resolved.
A group of 8 people arrived consisting of four Ladyboy’s, three teenagers and one woman who, without consulting with the bike driver, set-upon Mr. Kozlov and his girlfriend who were able to escape and made their way straight to the Police Station.
Police will now analyze CCTV and attempt to catch the attackers who remain at-large for now.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91407/russian-resort-owner-beaten-up-pattayas-walking-street/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.EYlkd2iw.401Aqbkg.dpuf

Police raid three more Pattaya Pharmacies in search of unlicensed sex drugs

Pattaya Police continue to crack down on pharmacies selling sex enhancing drugs with out the proper license. Check out this article from Pattaya One.

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.

The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.

The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.

A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.

We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

 

 

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

In the early hours of Saturday officers from Police Region 2 raided three pharmacies located in Pattaya which were accused of selling sex enhancement medication without the correct licenses.
The officers split into three teams and raided three Pharmacies simultaneously which were all situated on Pattaya Second Road.
The three targeted shops were the K & Pharmacy, Thailand Pharmacy and In-Town Pharmacy. At all three locations shop assistants were arrested as the owners of all three businesses were not present.
A collection of sex enhancement medications including Viagra, Cialis and Kamagra Jelly were seized as evidence and the assistants and unlicensed drugs were taken to Pattaya Police Station where legal proceedings were initiated against all three shops.
We would like to warn you that use of such medication should be made under advice from a Doctor, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or a heart condition.
- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/91288/police-raid-pattaya-pharmacies-search-unlicensed-sex-drugs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PattayaOneNews+%28Pattaya+One+News%29#sthash.T5hZ082s.dpuf

Report: Thai nationals to be caned for overstaying in Brunei

I really hope Thai's don't follow this model for foreigners that overstay here in Thailand!

 

 

I saw this article on Bangkok Coconuts, they have just opened a discussion on their forum that may be interesting. Enjoy the article.

Two Thai men have reportedly been sentenced to “strokes of the cane” for overstaying their visas in Brunei without reasonable causes.

Sombat Chamnanrop, 44, was sentenced to six months in jail and three cane strokes, while Phaisan Saensimon, aged 32, was sentence to three months in jail and three cane strokes.
 

The Bandar Seri Begawan Magistrate's Court sentenced the two men yesterday, the Borneo Bulletin reported, after all defendants pleaded guilty to overstaying in the country without reasonable causes.

The two men were apprehended along with Thai female Sirithip

Champasaeng during a raid in the morning of May 22, 2013 at the male defendants' rented home in Kg Kilanas.

Sombat was reportedly found to be a fugitive employee and earned a living on a freelance basis with an employment pass that expired on December 3, 2008.

Meanwhile, Phaisan worked until his employment pass was cancelled and was due for repatriation on October 31, 2012 but he failed to leave the country.

As for Sirithip, she was found to have been issued a special pass initially and told to report to the Immigration Department but failed to do so.

She was sentenced to three months and a week's imprisonment for the offense of overstaying.

Can Thailand change from driving on the left side of the road to the right??

This should be interesting. Found this article on Thai Visa and wanted to share.

 
Right hand countries in red, left hand countries in blue



BANGKOK: -- The Thai government is proposing a change from driving on the left side of the road to driving on the right side of the road, the department of public roads has announced. The proposal will be send to parliament in June and the law will take affect on 1 January 2014, with the turning of the year.

According to Tongchai Matchamonton, spokesman for the department, the change is being proposed to better prepare for ASEAN community and meant to strengthen the economy. “Most of the ASEAN member states already drive on the left hand side and with more
open trade between the countries this will make transports and logistics more easy, especially with the neighboring countries Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Also important is that China drives on the right and the change will make transport to and from the greater Mekong region  easier. This is an important step forwards for our economy. Already Thailand is planning its rail transport to have the same rail gauge as neighboring countries. Driving on the same side of the road is only the next logical step in order for Thailand to become a transport hub for Asia.”

The spokesman expects that the change would be without major problems or accidents.
“We will inform the people beforehand with a campaign. “Our successes with reducing the number of accidents during holidays like Songkran proofs we can do the transition safely. The change will take place during the new year as at that time there are already a lot of check-points all over the country. They will see to it that the change will be made without incident”.

It is also hoped that the change will increase the safety of tourist, as most tourist are used to drive on the left. The department confirmed that many accidents with tourists happen because they go out and drink too much. When they get on their motorcycle they cause accidents because they drive on the wrong side of the road out of habit. This is being confirmed by Phuket police.

The government will demand that car manufacturers only sell new cars with the steering wheel on the left and is busy with consulting the major car manufacturers. It already agreed with the Chinese car manufactures' that their new to open plant in Thailand
will only produce cars for driving on the left.

As of 1 January 2014 all cars sold in Thailand will need to have the steering wheel on the left side. Old normal cars can keep their steering wheel on the right, but owners cannot sell these cars. For that the car must first be refitted with the steering wheel on the left.
Per 1 January 2020 all cars in Thailand, including old cars, must be refitted. However buses, trucks and taxis will be exempted as they are driven by professional drivers who can handle their vehicle safely.

The spokesmen further announced that the government is negotiating with car manufacturers in Thailand to set a fair price for refitting cars, so consumers will not pay too much to adjust their car. Under the plan owners of a car not older than 5 year will get half of the price for refitting back from the government through their personal income tax, so they don’t have to spend too much money.

 

Thailand dry for Songkran??

Found this on Thai Visa and thought i would share!
 


Songkran alcohol ban mulled in a move to reduce deaths during holiday

BANGKOK: -- The Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee will on Monday consider whether to issue a ban on the sale of alcohol during the Songkran holiday period, Songkran Pakchokdee, director of the Anti-Alcohol Organisations Network, told The Nation.

A ban, aimed at reducing deaths from road accidents over the period, will be proposed by Dr Saman Futrakul, director of the Disease Control Department's Office of Alcoholic Beverage and Tobacco Consumption Control Committee.



The committee, chaired by Public Health Minister Pradit Sinthawanarong, is expected to announce a decision on Monday. If the proposed ban is passed, it will be submitted for final approval to the National Alcohol Beverage Policy Committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Plodprasop Suraswadi, on March 28, in time for next month's water festival.

Saman's earlier proposal for a year-round ban on the sale of alcohol on pavements, roadside areas and public walkways was shelved by Plodprasob's committee last December.

Thailand currently bans alcohol sales on four major religious holidays: Makha Bucha Day, Visakha Bucha Day, Asarnha Bucha Day and Buddhist Lent Day.

In related news, the Thailand Accident Research Centre (TARC) recently conducted a study into accidents on Thai roads over the past 20 years.

Kunnawee Kanitpong, who headed the research, said that statistics for 1993-2011 road accidents and fatalities gathered by two agencies - the National Police Office and the Public Health Ministry - varied significantly (see graphic).

Prommin Kantiya, director of the Accident Prevention Network, said Thailand lacked a single systematic process to gather such information.

He said police statistics only covered cases in which victims had died on the same day as their accidents, while the Public Health Ministry collects follow-up information for another 30 days and therefore records a much higher number of road-accident fatalities.

However, the number of road deaths recorded by the Health Ministry is still lower than that gathered by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Last month the WHO reported that up to 26,000 people are killed in road accidents every year in Thailand, which places the country as sixth-highest in the world for road fatalities.

The TARC research indicates that integration of relevant agencies is necessary to gain a true reflection of trends in road use and the toll that road accidents take, said Kunnawee.

The research study, the fruit of almost a year's work, will be forwarded to the Road Safety Centre and published in a book this year.


-- The Nation 2013-03-23

90 Day check in at Chonburi Pattaya Immigration

Thailand has a 90 day check in rule for all foreigners residing in the kingdom. Is Chonburi Pattaya immigration really ready to handle the growing foreigner population?

The new immigration office has now been open in Jomtien Beach for a few years now, having moved from its old location Pattaya Beach Rd soi 8.

This new building and location was set up to be a bigger and more efficient office. In reality it is about a 100 square meter building with very limited parking and limited capacity to properly handle the various departments needed to handle the many different immigration issues concerning foreigners.  I'm not quite sure how such a small building will be able to cope in the future with a few looming challenges...

1. The growing number of tourists coming for longer periods of time and therefore needing visa extensions.
2. The growing number of retirees moving here and now needing to check in every 90 days
3. With the growing industry here in Pattaya Jomtien areas there are far more foreign workers also needing to re issue visas and do their required check ins.  

 I showed up today for my check in at 1:00PM, i had a few errands to run in the morning so i could not be there when the doors opened. The place was so over crowded it took a few minutes just to be able to enter. It was another 10 minutes of waiting in line just to get the proper form to fill out and another few minutes just to be able to hand it back in. Once i was assigned a number, i saw there were about 12 people ahead of me in the queue. I thought for sure i would be there all afternoon, i was totally surprised to see that i was done and out the door in 15 minutes!

The 90 day check in is free. All you need is a copy of your passport, visa, and tm arrival card. No photos, bank statements, etc. All the immigration officer does is look at the form, hit it with a half dozen stamps, tear off the bottom and staple it in your passport. 

With the ability to check in for a flight on line, download and file your taxes on line i find it hard to believe there can not be a similar process for foreigners to check in. I was number 397 today. Just for that department. Now i am not sure if i was the 397th person to do a 90 day check in here in the Pattaya Jomtien office but by the looks of things there was sure to have been more than 100. What if the local immigration offices could reduce the number of people they needed to serve and increase the space available for other more complicated matters, would that be a possible solution to an obviously growing problem?