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SONGKRAN FESTIVAL

Koh Si Chang fishing trips provide respite from crowds

Boats chartered for B1,000-1,500 per day (www.bangkokpost.com) 15th April 2004

Chon Buri

Some people find Koh Si Chang an ideal place to escape the Songkran crowds, while still getting the most out of the water festival.

Si Chang island of Si Racha district is popular with people keen on fishing.

The passenger boats Si Chang Palace and Prateep Nava take the first groups of about 300 travellers from Si Racha boat landing about 6am. Two boats follow every hour until 8pm. Three or four groups of fishing lovers join each trip.

Jeh Mieo, a rental boat operator, said 30 boats are available for rent at Si Chang and Koh Kham, another island nearby. Most tourists made reservations for fishing boats before Songkran. Some rent a boat for just a day while others take one for overnight. Rental fees range from 1,000 baht to 1,500 baht a day, she said.

``During Songkran there usually are not enough boats for rent. I make about 20,000 baht a day from renting the boots and selling food. I think for the whole of Si Chang, the daily circulation of money is about 10 million baht,'' said Jeh Mieo.

``During the Songkran holidays you see a lot of people everywhere you go. It is a time when most people get away to the provinces. Traffic jams, drunk people and accidents are all over the place,'' said Kamchai Kunjara na Ayutthaya, a keen amateur sport fisherman.

``Since a long holiday comes only once in a while, I prefer taking my family to a quiet place. I don't want to fight for places to stay or eat and be overcharged for everything. I feel it's too dangerous to let my children play with water on the streets. That's why we came here to Si Chang.'' On Tuesday, Mr Kamchai took his family through the traffic to Si Racha, where they took a boat to Si Chang. The fare is only 30 baht each. It took them 45 minutes to reach the island.

The family spent the day collecting sea shells on the beach, and fishing on a long pier jutting into the sea. At night, they went out fishing for squid and watched stars in the dark. Mr Kamchai said he wanted his children to be exposed to outdoor life and get close to nature. Fishing taught them to concentrate and be patient.

Yesterday morning, Mr Kamchai took a boat ride with his family around the island. The skipper took them to a place replete with fish. His children seemed content just to fish. None talked about water-splashing. Si Chang has its own time to celebrate Songkran, on April 15-19. The islanders play with water, climb on slippery posts coated with pig lard and carry girls into the sea. During that time people who prefer the solitude of fishing must head somewhere else.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT

Erosion fears sparked by aquarium
Plodprasop admits it is probably a `dream'

Ranjana Wangvipula www.bangkokpost.com 12th April 2004

The state's plan to build a new aquarium museum with some parts projecting into the sea would lead to coastal erosion, an environmental official says.

The worry was raised after Plodprasop Suraswadi, permanent secretary for natural resources and environment, unveiled plans to develop Chang Archipelago at the eastern end into a ``sustainable'' tourist destination.

``If we want to experience nature under the sea, it would be easier to teach people to dive and they would find it more interesting,'' said an environmental official, who asked not to be named.

His worry is about serious coastal erosion near an area where the aquarium museum would be built. Its structure, built in the sea, could trap sediment and sand taken by what scientists call ``along-the-shore current''. Less sand may end up on the nearby beach.

The weak shore would be made more vulnerable to erosion when it was hit by the ``direct current'' of sea, which usually comes directly toward the coast.

The situation could get even worse as the climate grew warmer.

The official wondered whether the government could achieve its goal to make an aquarium museum. A big budget would be needed to ensure the structure was able to withstand sea winds and storms. Other countries often built on-land aquariums, where large swamps are dug and waterways are built to bring in sea water, he said, referring to one built in Australia.

Mr Plodprasop said the aquarium museum would cause some impact, but hopefully not a big one. ``Some parts of the museum need to be in the sea to allow whales, dolphins and sharks to come in,'' he said. However, the project was probably ``a dream'' because the design and technology requirements were hard to meet.

TOURISM

Suriya backs port project
More ferry services to Samui, Phangan

www.bangkokpost.com Sunday 11th April

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has voiced his support for a 299-million-baht multi-purpose port project to promote water transport and tourism in the Gulf of Thailand.

Mr Suriya yesterday inspected the site of the Marine Department's Don Sak port project at Baan Laem Thuad, Don Sak district, which would link Don Sak district to Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.

He said the new port would be available for use by private ferry boat operators, help promote their competition and attract more tourists to Surat Thani, which now had two private ports and drew 1 million tourists a year.

``This port will ensure convenience for the people and further water transport links between Surat Thani and Laem Chabang. Water transport is the best choice because of lower costs. Generally, transport costs account for 30-40% of the total value of goods,'' the transport minister added.

Wanchai Sarathoonthas, director-general of the Marine Department, said the port would be complete in one and a half year after this month's signing of the contract and would be the first state-owned port on mainland Surat Thani.

The new port would be able to accommodate two ferry boats and a 500-tonne ship at one time in the first phase, and have a new pier worth 750 million baht for 8,000-tonne ships in the second phase during 2006-2008, he added.

Surat Thani Governor Thira Rojanapornphan said the port would link the transport of goods in the Gulf of Thailand to Ranong port in the Andaman Sea in line with the government and province's plan to build a four-lane road connecting the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Surat Thani-Chumphon route to Ranong.

Travelling by boat from mainland Surat Thani to Samui, Phangan and Tao islands has promising future and the number of tourists visiting Ko Samui has increased by 5% from the average 800,000 tourists per year.

COBRA GOLD

Thaksin will observe joint war games for the first time in May
Will witness fighter jet drills, tour US warship Essex

www.bangkokpost.com 10th April 2004

Wassana Nanuam

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will observe the Cobra Gold joint military exercise on May 24 for the first time.

He will witness a bombing exercise in Khao Phu Lon in Lop Buri and tour the US warship Essex in Sattahip, Chonburi, later in the day. The 2004 Cobra Gold is on May 13-27.

Maj-Gen Nopparat Yodvimol, director of the Joint and Combined Exercises and also Cobra Gold 2004 exercise director, said Mr Thaksin would also be taken to see fighter jet drills and the command post exercise at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Mr. Thaksin wanted to watch a full-scale military drill, having flown on an air force F-16 and watched the armed forces put together a coordinated battle simulation last year.

The joint exercises are taking place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Lop Buri and Chon Buri provinces.

Thailand, the United States, Singapore, the Philippines and Mongolia are taking part. The US is sending as many as 13,500 soldiers, up from 7,000 last year.

The war games will also be joined by 6,000 soldiers from Thailand, 95 from Singapore, 14 from the Philipines, and 10 from Mongolia.

Washington pledged US$25 million to finance the games while the government has offered 15 million baht.

Maj-Gen Nopparat said Cobra Gold would emphasise humanitarian and disaster relief operations, evacuation of people from disputed spots and counters to terrorists.

The drill would also focus on peace-keeping and peace enforcement in troubled areas.

No invitation was extended to Malaysia to send observers, after Kuala Lumpur rejected the invitation last year.

The Thai and Malaysian supreme commanders had made preparations, but then-Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohammed rejected the invitation due to his sour relations with US President George W Bush.

However, Malaysia will participate in a peace-keeping exercise held by the United Nations in June, which will be joined by soldiers from Thailand and 40 other nations, the source said.

Launches C-801 and Exocet missiles www.pattayamail.com 9th April 2004

Pacharapol Panrak and Boonlua Chatree

Four divisions of the Royal Thai Navy recently wound up a two-week annual training exercise in the Gulf of Thailand by conducting target practice with both Exocet and C-801 missiles.

Admiral Chumpon Pajusanont, commander in chief, Royal Thai Navy presided over the closing ceremony of the annual training exercises and observed the missile launch from the HMS Chakrinarubet.

The joint exercises included the Thai Coast Guard, Naval Defense, Thai Marine Corps, the Air and Coastal Defense Commands and 17 other training divisions.

In previous years, the Navy has had to combine its training exercises with other units in order to adhere to strict budget guidelines without shirking their duties to protect Thai waters.

According Admiral Pajusanont, “The economic crisis in 1997 caused the government to reduce the military budget, tightening budgets for general training exercises, especially the navy, which requires constant maintenance to its fleet and needs to keep up with the technological race in the use of advanced surveillance and weaponry in order to maintain readiness should the need arise.”

Admiral Vichai Yuwanangkoon, commander in chief of the Royal Thai Fleet operation, headed up the operations for the finale. “We launched 10 missiles 7 times with 80% accuracy, each of them not being loaded with explosives due to the enormous cost. The missiles are considered to be crucial weapons for the navy which can effectively be used for national protection.”

The ‘Exocet’ was made in France with special attack qualities on water to protect harbors, seaports and communication routes, including natural gas rigs. It is constructed of lightweight materials, is small in size and had high accuracy. The C-801 is a Chinese made missile primarily used as a ground-attack missile with the similar abilities as the ‘Excoset’, but it is slightly bigger.

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Off duty policeman drowns while looking for mussels (www.pattayamail.com)

Pol. Sgt Maj. Kiatsak Nilyaem drowned while looking for fresh water mussels near the Thammasart Meeting Center in the Pong sub-district. Resident who saw the Pattaya police officer wading in the water reported his disappearance to the Banglamung police station at around 3.30 p.m. on March 29.

Banglamung officers and Sawang Boriboon personnel arrived at the location to help residents look for the body.

The policeman allegedly hadn’t slept after completing the graveyard shift at Pattaya police station the previous night.

Rescue personnel discovered the body in 3-4 meters of water and initial examination revealed that he had been dead for approximately 2 hours. He was taken to the forensic institute for a post mortem examination.

Tracing the course of events leading up to the tragedy, Pol. Sgt Maj. Kiatsak Nilyaem, a call operator at Pattaya Police station had finished his shift at 8 a.m. that day and had apparently went looking for fresh water mussels in the area, diving down to collect the food source.

Police suspect that he suffered shock as a result of the water temperature and lack of sleep causing him to drown.

WATER CRISIS

Parks may ban overnighters
www.bangkokpost.com (Monday 5th April)

popular destinations have already run dry

Kultida Samabuddhi

Tourists will be banned from staying overnight in some popular government-run national parks if the water shortage does not ease soon, said Thanee Viriyarattanaporn, director of conservation, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Fresh water has already run out at Koh Samet, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Similan marine national parks and at Khao Sam Roi Yot national park, prompting officials to buy water from private companies to serve tourists and creating the possibility that some government-run parks there will be forced to close, he said.

Most waterfalls had completely dried out as well.

``This year's water shortage is more serious than in previous years. So we have suggested tourists to choose day trips instead of staying overnight at the parks,'' he said.

However, an official at the national park reservation desk said all lodges and camp grounds in national parks countrywide had been fully booked throughout April.

The rising number of tourists and their excessive use of water was also responsible for the shortages, said an official.

``Tourists always think they are entitled to unlimited use of the parks' resources because they pay for entrance and accommodation fees,'' he said. ``Water shortage is intense in marine national parks because tourists take many showers a day. These kind of convenience-addicted tourists don't realise how scarce the water is at this moment.''

The sharp increase of agricultural land and communities around protected forests are also to blame for the aridity in inland national parks.

He said farm owners in the vicinity had pumped underground water and diverted water from natural creeks to feed their farmland. Panya Cotsaendee, chief of Phu Rua national park in Loei province, said around 5,000-6,000 tourists were expected to visit the park during Songkran holidays. However, only a maximum of 100 tourists would be allowed to stay in the park each night because of limited water there.

The park was shut temporarily from March to April in 2002 due to severe water shortage. To avoid closing, the park had already stored a large amount of rain water for tourists visiting in the dry season. ``With strict control of visitor numbers and a limit on water use, I think there will be enough water for tourists throughout April,'' said Mr Panya.

At Khao Sam Roi Yot national park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, officials have had to buy fresh water from private water suppliers since January.

``The park's lodges and camp site will be temporary closed in the near future,'' said Sakhorn Anukul, the park chief.

He also expressed concern over the unusual dryness of the park's 20,000-rai wetland, known as Thung Sam Roi Yot, saying that a number of fresh-water species and lotuses would die if it did not rain soon.

Officials at Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet national park in Rayong province, meanwhile, have requested a supply of water from the navy, which agreed to ship about 100,000 liters of fresh water from its base in Chon Buri to serve tourists on Koh Samet.

The park's deputy chief Chalerm Klinnimnuan said two projects were in the works to tackle fresh water-shortage in the long run.

These included a 70-million-baht 3-kilometre undersea pipeline, which will carry tap water from the mainland to Koh Samet, and a 40-million-baht desalination plant to make fresh water from the sea. The latter would be financed by a private firm.

Meanwhile, Vittaya Hongwiangchan, chief of Koh Similan national park in Phangnga province, said the park's major reservoir, which was always filled with water from the forest, was running out of water and the park would have to buy fresh water from the mainland soon.

``The problem is that all lodges at the park's famous islands, such as Koh 4 and Koh 8, have been fully booked. This means about 600 tourists will stay overnight on the islands,'' Mr Vittaya said, adding that tap water would be available on the islands only two hours a day to limit the tourists' water consumption.

The park also had a plan to construct a desalination plant to cope with water shortages in the future, he said.

WATER CRISIS

Algae turns beach resort into eyesore (www.bangkokpost.com)

Atchataya Chuenniran (1st April 2004)

The provincial governor has ordered the immediate completion of a local wastewater treatment plant and enlisted volunteers to help clean up Patong beach, which has become an eyesore over the past week due to large algae deposits washing up on a daily basis.

The algae began washing up at the popular tourist resort about a week ago. Marine officials warned the situation could get worse if no concerted action was taken.

Provincial governor Udomsak Assawarangkul said the algae would likely continue to wash up on the beach for about two months, due to rising temperatures during the hot season.

He said the release of wastewater into the sea was believed to have caused the algae to grow at a faster-than-average rate.

Samples from Pak Bang canal tested less than two weeks ago found the water quality to be below acceptable standards, he said.

Officials concluded in their report the water was ''extremely dirty'', with garbage, low levels of oxygen, and high amounts of bacteria and phosphorus substances.

The report blamed the rapid development of local communities and tourism as a major cause of the pollution.

''Patong municipality must awaken to this situation and speed up construction of its wastewater treatment facility,'' said Marine and Coastal Resources Department deputy chief Udom Bhatiyasevi. ''Patong beach brings in several billions of baht per year in tourist revenue.''

Marine officials said the coastal ecology would be adversely affected if local authorities failed to deal with the problem.

Governor Udomsak said he had instructed municipal authorities to speed up construction of the waste treatment facility.

Officials, hotel employees and volunteers had already cleared algae from a 600m stretch of the 6km beach, he said.

Monday, March 29, 2004 Phuket Gazette

KATA: The wife and friends of dive instructor David Wiewel, 57, have issued an appeal for anyone who has seen the Dutchman since 8 am on Friday (March 26) to get in touch with them.

Mr Wiewel left his home at 121/1, Koktanod Rd, Kata, at that time and was last seen walking toward Kata Noi. He left behind his passport, his keys and his mobile phone and is believed to have been carrying no money. He has not returned.

His disappearance has been reported to the police but they say they can take no action apart from keeping an eye out for him.

Mr Wiewel’s wife Supatra “Too” Wiewel said in an appeal to her husband, “We all miss you very much and need you to come home as soon as possible. Your mother, too, is worried. Please call her or us.”

A friend, Kevan Thompson, said that everyone was mystified by Mr Wiewel’s disappearance. “He is a very straightforward guy, doesn’t drink, and is always impeccably dressed. It’s totally out of character,” Mr Thompson said.

Anyone who has seen Mr Wiewel is asked to call K. Too at Tel: 01-8943132 or 076-284026.

The disappearance is not believed to be related in any way to that of another dive instructor, Phikun “Nori” Srisaksungnoen, who has been missing for four months.

Sattahip Coast Guard storms fishing trawler, arresting captain and crew

Once again, drama on the high seas

Boonlua Chatree ( www.pattayamail.com - 26.03.04)

Regular Coast Guard patrols in the Sattahip Bay area netted a bootie of illegal foreign crewmembers and three Thai nationals. The fishing vessel was located approximately 1 nautical mile off the shores of Rarnkian Island when water police boarded the vessel.

Officers detained 17 Cambodian crew members without the appropriate work permits and charged them with illegal entry into the Kingdom, as well as failing to have relevant work permits.

The Thai vessel’s owner and 2 other crewmembers were also apprehended and charged with employing and harboring illegal foreign laborers. They were also charged with use of illegal fishing equipment and catching undersized fish. Come trial day, they’ll surely have a lot of explaining to do.

Further interrogation led to the arrest of another 13 Cambodians and another two Thai boat owners on similar charges. The foreigners were transferred to a Sattahip holding cell before being deported. Both vessels were impounded by coastal patrol agents.

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Fears over Gulf bridge plan (www.bangkokpost.com) 22.03.04
Villagers say link will damage beach resorts

Ranjana Wangvipula - Phetchaburi

Villagers are preparing a parallel study of the state proposal to build a bridge across the Gulf of Thailand with an emphasis on the potential threat the project poses to a cape that many believe helps to protect beach resorts.

Cape Laem Luang is in Laem Phak Bia, and under the 47km bridge designed tentatively to land at Kra Sa Khao temple in Samut Sakhon. This section of a new, 128km motorway could be a short cut to the South, but local villagers worry about possible environmental impact.

``We would even be unable to see beautiful beaches at Cha-am and Hua Hin'' if the project goes ahead, said Phetchaburi villager Sumon Sutaviriyawat, a teacher at a provincial school.

The 2km cape is, according to villagers' belief, a natural barrier blocking mud and sediment from the two beaches, popular tourist destinations. The unique outcrop divides muddy beaches to the north and white beaches to the south.

Locals fear the pillars of the raised motorway section would divert and strengthen sea currents, and tear apart the cape with negative effects on tourism.

``We're trying to conduct a villagers' version of a study on the currents, waves and sediment,'' said retired teacher Lom Pengkaew. ``It will prove what we're worried about is true.''

Mr Lom, together with local villagers and teachers, have recently founded the Network for Thai Gulf Protection to conduct the study. They will send it to the government and ask for a review of the highway project.

The government announced the motorway project last year and sent an environmental impact assessment report to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning for approval. It asked the Highways Department to do the detailed design.

``People are welcome to give their opinion,'' said Prasit Rugsayos, director of Analysis Land Transport and Traffic under Transport Ministry.

Public consultations were held, but the villagers said there was a lack of transparency.

In addition, they said the government is determined to build the bridge regardless of local opinion. It was not interested in what people thought.

``The last public consultation, held here in July last year, was not completed, but you already made a decision,'' said Ms Sumon. Cabinet resolved to go ahead with the project in the same month.

Villagers opposed to the bridge have marshaled support.

``I just want to ask if our southern part is a whole island,'' which demands a bridge, said Samut Songkhram native Surajit Chirawate during a forum held by the Thai Society of Environmental Journalists.

Mr Surajit said his concern is sediment accumulation under the bridge's pillars, which could block water flow from river mouths.

The water usually carries pollutants from hundreds of riverside factories, pig farms, and communities.

He said the flow has been already made slower due to the construction of dams upstream.

New base for anti-smuggling operations (Phuket Gazette - 21.03.04)

AO MAKHAM: The new Customs House and pier at the Ao Makham Deep Sea Port, officially opened yesterday, is expected to play a major role in the protection of the area around the port from various maritime perils, including smuggling and environmental problems.

The Customs Department will base five vessels there to intercept fuel-oil smugglers and drug runners. Anti-smuggling operations may also target yachts entering Phuket that are suspected of carrying drugs.

Other ships under the aegis of the Customs Department will be on standby to deal with maritime problems such as oil spills and ships in distress.

Chavalit Sethameteekul, Director General of Customs Department, who opening the new facility, indicated that the area was ripe for investment and development.

“There is already a Thai investor interested in building a marina and shipyard close to the Customs pier,” he said. “I'm sure that the pier area will attract many more investors.”

Another world-first for Thailand as local coral preservation project receives a boost

Marine conservation project replenishes coastal reefs www.pattayamail.com  19.03.04

Patchapol Parnrak

By the end of 2004 over 10,000 corals will have been planted off the shores of Sattahip and surrounding islands as part of a marine preservation project designed to restock and protect the region’s natural resources. Recently, a small ceremony took place in Sattahip to mark the next phase of the ongoing coral preservation campaign.

The price of tourism and exploitation finally took its toll on coral reefs in Sattahip and surrounding islands as the local coral population declined to catastrophic levels. Damage by careless divers, unscrupulous people digging up the coral and selling it in the market and dynamite fishing methods severely damaged this precious natural resource. Now the race is on to return the coral reefs to their former glory.

The idea for restoration and preservation was the brainchild of Prasarn Saengpaiboon from the Oceanic Science and Preservation Foundation in Chantburi, and Damrong Supasit from the Plutaluang Science Institute. The project began in 1994, starting off with a test nursery of 6 PVC sections containing 138 corals. The initial test phase was successful and the number was increased to 500.

Last year local government departments, private businesses and the Royal Thai Navy added their input to the project by gathering divers from around the country, sponsored by Vinne Thai Plc, to plant more coral in the water around Sattahip and local islands in the Sattahip Bay area. The exercise not only produced additional coral colonies but also encouraged residents and the fishing community to preserve this natural resource.

Preservation of coral is linked to many economic sectors from the fishing industry to the tourism industry. During the worst period of reef destruction, the tourist sector suffered the most losses as the beauty of the once magnificent coral reefs disappeared.

The project is continuing to prove successful with PVC piping being the most cost and environmentally effective methods for coral planting, and is another world-first in our own backyard, thanks to the idea of a few conscientious people.

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FISHERIES

Interest in fishing Burmese seas low www.bangkokpost.com  19/03.04
Concession areas on offer short of stock

Niphon Songkhroh

Rangoon's offer of five-year concessions to fish in Burmese waters has failed to spark much interest among local trawler operators, who say the fees are too high in relation to the size of potential catches.

Representatives of the Fisheries Department and a joint co-ordinating centre with Burma held a public hearing yesterday at Ranong provincial hall.

Local fisheries association chairman Thawee Boonying said most trawler operators found the concession terms unacceptable.

He said the deep-sea areas on offer were short on fish.

Running each trawler would cost at least 1.2 million baht a month, and fishing in those spots may not bring in much money. Fleets would have to cover their expenses.

The only local firm to take Rangoon up on its offer, Siam Jonathan Co, was awarded a concession allowing 500 trawlers to fish Burmese waters outside the 120-nautical-mile economic zone.

Managing director Jirawat Supasettha-anan said at least 20 trawler operators from Samut Sakhon and Samut Prakan had expressed interest in joining the firm's fleet.

Each trawler would attract a joining subscription of 100,000 baht and monthly operating charges of 50,000 baht, as well as concession and other fees, he said.

Concession fees ranged from $8,500 (331,500 baht) per month for an 80-tonne trawler, to $12,000 per month for a 151-tonne vessel.

Region 1 naval officers thank media for their support www.pattayamail.com (12.03.2004)

Media thanked for their vital role in society

Boonlua Chatree

Regional naval commanders and officers held a thank you party for members of the media from Sattahip and surrounding areas, thanking them for their support in relaying to the public vital information on operations. The evening dinner was held at the Sattahip Naval Marine Base on March 3.

Rear Admiral Sakdi Wasikasin, deputy commander of Region 1, Rear Adm. Sirichai Kanittakul, secretary Region 1 and Rear. Adm. Jumnong Kittipeerachon deputy commander extended their personal appreciation to the press for their continued support, saying that it is their policy to recognize the efforts of the media in military and community issues.

They added that the navy is an important part of ensuring stability in Thai waters, whether locally, or as far down as the border province of Trat, which is under their control. They have always strived to come to the aid of public in need and prevent potential conflict from arising during their daily duties.

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Aye maties, we’ll rid the waters of those scurvy buccaneers

Ariyawat Nuamsawat

Representative from 16 countries were in Pattaya recently as part of a joint conference and exercises against pirates in the region. Hosting the conference and exercises was Thailand’s Water Police Department, Royal Thai Navy, Marine Transport Department and National Security and Stability.

Officials met with their international counterparts at the Cosy Beach Resort Pattaya. The Japan Coastguard (JCG) Nippon Foundation is supporting these exercises.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Suwat Thamronsrisakul, deputy commander of the central investigation unit revealed that the annual meeting was last held in Manila, Philippines, and that the venue for 2004 was decided on as Thailand. He added that the annual exercises are a joint effort in controlling, detaining and eradicating smugglers and pirates that frequent the region and prey on vessels and steal their cargo.

Following the meeting, practical training was held off the shores of Laem Chabang in Thailand’s gulf. The next phase in the training will be held in the Philippines and will include international law regarding law enforcement operations.

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Grenville Fordham IMAGE Asia

Just a couple of weeks after industry sources predicted it would come into play, the Thai government has enacted new legislation affecting import taxes on boats.

From 18 February 2004, boats in the following categories imported into Thailand will not have to pay import or excise taxes: (1) inflatables; (2) sailboats (with or without auxiliary motor); (3) motorboats (other than outboard motorboats); (4) other. VAT, currently at 7%, will still apply.

While - pending official translation of the law into English - there are still one or two points that need clarification (for example what exactly is included in the category ‘other’), the new legislation confirms Thailand’s change of stance on the question of leisure boating and its determination to go for growth in this high value tourism sector.

International yacht charter company, Sunsail, is importing several new yachts from Europe by the end of February, to increase the size of its local fleet. “We’ll find out quickly if there are any unexpected problems with the procedure,” said Kevin Quilty, managing director of Sunsail (Thailand) and chairman of the Marine Alliance of Thailand (MAT).

Throughout 2003, MAT worked closely with Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the ministry charged with the development of new sources of high-value tourism revenue, providing input on the needs and opportunities of the marine tourism sector.

“That the zero tax has become reality will give a tremendous boost to the domestic market for yachts, particularly luxury motor yachts,” said Grenville Fordham, managing director of Phuket Boat Show organizers Image Asia Events, adding, “At last year’s show there was evidence of strong interest in boat purchase from Thai nationals, who have largely been out of the market for several years. Now that the tax has gone, we expect to see that interest turn into firm sales.”

The reduction of boat taxes to zero comes only a few years after a previous government hiked total taxation on boats to more than 200%, effectively crippling the nascent yachting industry. A cut in 2001 to 47%, radical in comparative terms, did not give the industry the boost in needed.

While the tax reduction is widely welcomed within Thailand’s marine leisure industry, even by domestic boat builders who have seen themselves lose a competitive edge, there is a belief amongst MAT members that this is only the first step. Cumbersome regulations, restrictive immigration procedures, short length of permitted stay for visiting boats and bizarre ‘taxes’ levied by local authorities still remain.

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KOH KAEW: The Royal Phuket Marina Resort and Spa took its first step toward construction this morning with a ceremonial ground-breaking and the placing of the first stone.

Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura was the guest of honor at the ceremony, presided over by the marina’s president, Gulu Lalvani.

Mr Lalvani told the Gazette that he hopes the marina will attract anyone who enjoys boating and tropical living. He believes that, with the recent cancelation of hefty yacht taxes, Phuket will become an even more attractive destination for boat owners.

“The Royal Phuket Marina will include an entertainment area with a shopping center, cinema, restaurant, condominium and spa. The total investment will be about 6 billion baht on a piece of land of 180 rai,” Mr Lalvani added.

The construction contract has been awarded to K-Tech Construction & Engineering, which has separated construction into two phases.

The first phase is scheduled to finish by the middle of next year. This will include the completion of 11 Thai-style villas, 120 other housing units, several condominiums, and a marina big enough to hold 50 yachts. The budget for this part of the project is 1.6 billion baht.

Sitt Polcharoen, the marina’s General Manager, said that he believes the whole project will be finished within five years.

“We have many potential buyers because the marina promises a living situation in which you can moor your yacht in front of your home. When you are ready to leave, your yacht will be only a few steps away,” K. Sitt added.

Mr Lalvani originally revealed his plans to build the marina in May 2002, saying that he expected to complete it within a year. The project was later put on hold as the result of the need to rethink the concept in light of changing market forces, particularly in the property market.

ANDAMAN SEA: The Rebak Champagne Run 2004 was a race of extremes, from lulls that left the boats lurching in sloppy waters making no headway, to fresh breezes of 10 to 15 knots.

Fifteen boats registered for the Phuket-Langkawi race, the 120-nautical-mile precursor to the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club Regatta, while others joined in unofficially.

As with most yacht races, the Champagne Run was not without a certain amount of controversy and misunderstanding; it had been announced in Phuket that the cut-off time for finishing would be 4 pm in Malaysia, when it was in fact 6 pm.

First boat over the line, taking honors in the Racing class, was Som Tam Express, skippered by Scott Donaldson, in a time of 24 hours, 55 minutes and 37 seconds.

Dai Mouse IV, skippered by Mark Hardress, won the Cruising class, while Vertical Time, with Bob Proulx at the helm, won the Multihull class and First Vision, under the command of Niels Degenkolw, was first home in the Liveaboard & Classic class.

The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club Regatta starts on Wednesday.

NATIONAL CARGO FLEET (www.bangkokpost.com 

First ship delivered at Laem Chabang

Vessel expected to earn B178m a year

Amornrat Mahitthirook and Jerdsak Saengthongcharoen

State-owned Thai Maritime Navigation (TMN) marked the first step in the formation of a national cargo fleet when its first ship was delivered at Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri yesterday.

The Thai Thaksina is capable of carrying 528 standard containers.

TMN plans a weekly service between Laem Chabang and Tanjung Pelepas in Malaysia.

The company bought the vessel on hire-purchase from a Dutch shipping company, an official said.

The vessel had been in operation for about five years. The price was not revealed.

Deputy Transport Minister Vichet Kasemthongsri said the vessel should generate an annual income of 178 million baht, and a profit of nearly 10 million baht.

It would be a good start toward cheaper marine transport as it would give Thai traders more bargaining power in price negotiations with foreign shipping companies.

TMN is scheduled to receive its second, a bigger ship, in either June or July this year. It will have a capacity of 1,000 standard containers and should generate an annual income of 200 million baht. The two ships will feed the Maersk and Evergreen lines.

The state enterprise plans to order two more vessels, each with a capacity of 3,000 standard containers, to complete the fleet.

Yesterday TMN also signed a contract with the port for the right to operate the C-0 terminal.

Winning Malaysian boats including Yo! and Gotcha Lagi will be back this year while the all-women crew of Dewi Bayu Chimera is also set to return. There will also be a significant challenge from Phuket-based boats, including La Samudra, Emerald Blue, Somtam Express, Cyrene, Charro, Summersalt and Fine Pitch.

Three teams of youngsters will also take part, vying for a youth trophy. Two of these will be local Malaysian crews while the third will consist of students from Phuket’s Dulwich International College, with primary sponsorship from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

Most of the Phuket yachts will get into trim for the regatta by taking part in the Rebak Champagne Run from Phuket down to Langkawi. Registration and briefing for this will be at the Ao Chalong Yacht Club at 7.30 pm on February 27, with the race starting the following day.

Regatta prizes will be presented at the final party on March 6 by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Seventh Fleet Public Affairs

Sattahip, Thailand - USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived here for a routine port visit Feb. 10.

The port visit gives the more than 950 sailors, marines and Seventh Fleet staff members embarked aboard Blue Ridge a chance to experience the unique culture and hospitality of Thailand, sightsee and participate in community service projects with their hosts.

Additionally, staff talks were held between the Royal Thai Navy and the Seventh Fleet staff. Discussions included topics of mutual and continuing interest common to both countries.

An amphibious command-and-control ship, Blue Ridge is the flagship of the Seventh Fleet and supports a variety of missions with a robust communications suite, allowing the Seventh Fleet commander, Vice Adm. Robert F. Willard, and his embarked staff to direct U.S. naval forces in the region.

Blue Ridge, commanded by Capt. J. Stephen Maynard, is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

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‘Waters fee’ back with a vengeance (Phuket Gazette) 17/02/2004

CHALONG: After insisting five days ago that the reintroduction of the “waters fee” applied only to boats mooring in Ao Chalong, officials of the Chalong Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) admitted today that the infamous fee actually applies to all boats mooring anywhere around Phuket.

The fee was reintroduced on January 1 after a hiatus of about a year, and has raised hackles throughout the island’s yachting community. Sailors complain that there is no equivalent fee elsewhere in Thailand and say they cannot understand why a single tambon (there are 13 in Phuket) should be able to levy fees on people staying in any part of the island.

Documents obtained by the Gazette show that the resumption of the fee – ranging from 1,000 baht to 1,600 baht a month, depending on the size of the boat – was authorized by Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura on December 15.

When asked on Friday about the fee, Gov Udomsak appeared not to recall anything about it, but told the Gazette that he would look into the matter.

Chompon Penrat, legal specialist of OrBorTor Chalong, told the Gazette today that “one of the reasons” the fee had been suspended was because the “one-stop service” for yacht crews was being moved to new premises. He said he did not know the other reasons.

Professing surprise on hearing that there had been complaints from the yachting community, he said that the Provincial Government, rather than the OrBorTor, had been the driving force behind the resurrection of the fee, and that OrBorTor officials were “just doing their job”.

Asked how the money was used, he said it went toward maintenance of “the whole area” and for checking yachts for illegal drugs and smuggled goods.

He added that a signboard in English would be hung in the one-stop shop soon, with details of fees payable.

The documents obtained by the Gazette specify that 85% of the money collected goes into the OrBorTor’s coffers, with the remainder going to the Phuket Port Control Center, which manages the one-stop service.

Wichai Kalldum, the OrBorTor official whose job it is to collect the money from sailors, said it was a fee for “entering Thai territory”. He said that, on average, 50 yachts a day come into Phuket.

He said that he had received complaints about the fee and, in a few cases, sailors had refused to pay it and had promptly left Phuket. He admitted that, to his knowledge, no similar fee is charged elsewhere in Thailand.

A marine industry source said that the matter has been taken up at provincial level and that the Provincial Government had held an informal meeting to canvass opinions from the industry.

The fee has been contentious since OrBorTor Chalong was granted the right to collect it some five years ago by the Governor at that time, Chadej Insawang.

TRANSPORT www.bangkokpost.com 10/2/2004

Feeder boats on shopping list for TMN

State-owned Thai Maritime Navigation (TMN) will begin operations in earnest from this month by initially acquiring feeder boats, Deputy Transport Minister Vichet Kasemthongsri said yesterday.

TMN has proposed a development plan, in which it would buy its first feeder with a capacity of 528 standard containers this month, to ply between Laem Chabang port and Malaysia.

The second ship would be ordered by July, with a capacity of 1,000 containers, to serve the Malaysia and Brunei route.

Mr Vichet said the purchase was the first step in TMN's change from a transport service provider to a liner. Other plans include finding a strategic partner from global liners for business expansion.

It will also acquire a mother ship, a roll-on, roll-off container vehicle carrier, to operate in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as a tanker, and rent a terminal at Laem Chabang port.

ENVIRONMENT (www.bangkokpost.com) 09/02/2004

Tonne of rubbish recovered

Trang

More than a tonne of garbage has been brought up from under the sea off this southern province ahead of this year's Underwater Wedding on Feb 13-15 to mark St Valentine's Day.

Salin Tothapthiang, chairman of the Trang Chamber of Commerce, said foreign and local divers cleaned the venue for the underwater wedding off Koh Kradan in Kantang district.

They had brought up rubbish there, and at Morakot cave and Koh Muk, Koh Chuak, Koh Ma and Koh Waen islands.

The divers brought up more than 1,000kg of garbage including anchors, tyres, ropes, boat engines, cloth and utensils.

Most of the garbage was picked up from Morakot cave, he said.

Mr Salin said 40 couples had expressed interest in taking part in the group wedding. If all showed up, it would set a new record. Last year 36 couples took part, and that record made it to the Guinness Book of Records.

About 30,000 Thai and foreign tourists were expected to visit Trang during the annual event, he said.

Maitri Duangsawat, director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Department, said garbage destroys seaweed and coral reefs. Tour boats should have enough rubbish bins on board to take waste thrown away by tourists.

ENVIRONMENT www.bangkokpost.com 24th Jan 2004

Marine life at risk from seabed refuse

Situation bad at three popular tourist sites

Ranjana Wangvipula

Marine organisms at three popular tourist spots are facing a threat from increasing undersea garbage ranging from fishing-net debris to drink cans, the Marine and Coastal Resources Department has reported.

Sixty volunteer divers last month retrieved at least one tonne of rubbish, including glass bottles, drink cans, pieces of hard plastics, and even an old sofa, from under the sea off Krabi's Phi Phi islands and Maya bay.

The three-hour operation was aimed at cleaning up fish habitats at the two popular tourist spots.

''The retrived items formed only a small part'' of the undersea garbage found there, said the department's chief Maitree Duangsawasdi.

It was as bad at Lan island off Pattaya, Chon Buri, where divers brought up from under the sea a large number of assorted items of rubbish, including an old television set.

Mr Maitree said marine life forms at the Phi Phi islands were at risk from rubbish accumulating on the sea bed, especially fishing-net debris which landed on coral reefs covering parts of them and hindering their growth.

Pieces of fishing nets left under the sea caused what fishermen called ''ghost fishing'' _ trapping of some swimming fish in such debris, which could eventually cause a sharp drop in the area's fish stock.

''I am at my wit's end about how to arrest those who throw rubbish into the sea,'' Mr Maitree said.

The department would appeal to fishing and tour boats to refrain from dumping garbage into the sea. Also, more garbage bins would be provided along popular beaches. Tour boasts would be checked to ensure they bring their rubbish back to shore.

The lack of garbage disposal facilities also forced some island communities to dump unused items into the sea, he said.

Cleaning up the seabed was much more difficult than treating waste on land, he added. The next resort island to be cleaned up is Koh Kradan off Trang, the designated site for the province's annual underwater wedding event.

GAMBLING www.bangkokpost.com 10/01/2004

More charges in ship raid

The operator of a Ukraine-registered cruise ship housing a casino, raided by police off Chon Buri in October, was charged yesterday with violating foreign exchange and customs laws.

The case against Somboon Sukcharoenkraisri, or Tue Cosmo, was sent to public prosecutors after he denied the charges at the Crime Supersession Division. Mr Somboon also faced gambling charges levelled after the Olvia cruise ship was raided on Oct 23.

Also nabbed were 49 suspected gamblers, eight chip dealers and the casino manager.

CSD deputy chief Pol Maj-Gen Suwat Thamrongsrisakul said the foreign exchange and customs charges would also apply to Mr Somboon's assistant, Thawatchai Nualnok, as well as Star Vegas Travel and Resort Co managing director Viroj Aruneeniraman, and casino executive Singthong Thamrongwit.

Investigations had revealed Olvia raked in about 154 million baht in gambling profits from May to October 2003.

Year-end city council meeting addresses pier problems

www.pattayamail.com 09/01/2004

Suchada Tupchai

During the city council’s final session for 2003 on December 29 at city hall, council members criticized the current state of the Bali Hai pier and admonished the bureaucracy for their lack of care for the venue.

Since its completion, the pier has constantly been a bone of contention with boat operators, many of whom claim that it was unsafe for use from the outset, and that they were nonetheless ordered to use it.

City council member Saengsorn Suntornsilp said that the pier is now being used for numerous activities, naming the Pattaya New Year countdown as one example, and pointed out that there is an enormous traffic flow from vehicles carrying goods and tourists.

Saengsorn said, “There are currently a number of defects appearing in the pier’s walkways from having to deal with vehicles, an activity it was not designed or purposely built for and the city administration should correct the problem immediately.”

Mayor Pairat Sutithamrongsawat answered that the pier is suffering damage from excess use but the damage is limited to small areas and will not affect the overall safety and function.

“The pier was not designed to carry heavy loads over 1 ton, but because of necessity the use of ordinary vehicles was temporarily allowed. That will change after the Naklua pier renovations are completed,” added the mayor.

The newly renovated Naklua pier is specifically designed for heavy loads and all such traffic is to be diverted there to carry supplies to the nearby islands.

Mayor Pairat said that all waste is being taken away from the Bali Hai site by the current garbage contractor in order to keep the area clean. He added that under the contract agreement with the construction company hired to maintain the pier, any defects will be repaired. The mayor said he had already spoken to the civil engineers concerning the defects and they guaranteed that there were no structural faults with the pier and that the superficial damage would be repaired.

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