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News From SAMUI EXPRESS : February 20-March 5,2009
http://www.samuiexpress.net
YOUNG LIFE LOST. Onlookers looking at the wreckage of a motorcycle that crashed after a head- on collision with a truck in Nathon Feb. 13. The motorcycle was driven by 14- year-old Saranpat Kaewjear who, witnesses said, was driving at a high speed and trying to overtake a car. He was not wearing a helmet. PHOTO BY TIM KNIGHT.
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Mayor names Aussie as expats’ point man
By R. GREER AN
Australian man has been appointed by the municipal government to act as a liaison officer, a new position, for the foreign community. Koh Samui Mayor Ramnet Jaikwang said he created the position because he wanted the expatriates’ community to be more involved in the affairs of the island including solving its problems. Noel Kelly welcomed his appointment, saying it was “un- precedented and historic.” “Before, most foreigners on the island did not know who or where to turn to for government help or support. As well, the Samui government had no ‘offi- cial’ contact with the foreigners to coordinate with,” Kelly said of the importance of the new posi- tion. He said he would serve as the avenue for foreigners’ griev- ances, complaints, problems, suggestions and questions aimed at the government. At the same time, he will let the foreign com- munity know ofthe actions taken by the Samui government. Kelly is not new to this kind of work as prior to his appoint- ment, he was the team leader of Samui’s Volunteer Tourist Police unit. A resident of Samui for the past three years, Kelly was the managing director of a corpora- tion in Australia.
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“Anyone may contact me at any time regarding anything,” Kelly said. He can be reached at 081-7877347 or 084-6100848, or his e-mail address, noelkelly@rnco. com.au. The mayor’s adviser, Muensilp (Sinn) Poolsawat, said it was vital that the Samui gov- eminent work closely with the foreigners living here in order for the island to prosper and for them to enjoy their lives. “It is impor- tant that we have Mr. Kelly on board our team to advise us and to act as a spokesperson for the local expat community.”
He also said that one of the mayor’s main goals is to eliminate corruption on the island. “We know that it is a very difficult task, but we are determined to clean up this problem.” he said, adding that anyone who knows of any corrupt practice should report it to the Mayor’s Office. “If some- one is aware of a corrupt act, please speak to the mayor’s secretry, Khun Supinya Srithongkul, at 081-7877347.”Fixing Samui’s infrastructure, flooding problem, and electricity and water supply are also at the top of the mayor’s and his management team’s to-do list, he said.
Two fall in string of Full Moon Party drug arrests
By CHATANUPAN
A SOUTH AFRICAN tourist and a Thai bar owner on Koh Phangan were the latest to be arrested for drug-related crimes during the famed Full Moon Party on the nearby island last Feb. 10.
So far 30 drug arrests have been made since the start of the year at the Phangan Full Moon Party, a police report said.
Arrested in separate incidents were Peewee Tony Em, 28, of South Africa; and Mrs. Phanee Inpao, 40, owner of India Bar at Thong Nai Pan beach in Ban Tai subdistrict.
Police Col. Jaroon Uchupha, chief of Koh Phangan police station, disclosed that Phanee was found in possession of 450 grams of marijuana.
Tony Em was allegedly possessing 16 grams of cocaine stacked in two packets when appre- hended in front of Sun Breeze Bungalow at Had Rin beach, Ban Tai, where the Full Moon Party is held monthly. He told the police that a certain tourist from Israel sold the drug to him.
Pisut Charoenphol, chief of the Nacotic Drug Suppression and Prevention, Region 8, claimed that the drug situation on Samui and Phangan was serious as the use and sale of illegal drugs had become more widespread. The Full Moon Party, sought out by revelers from different parts of the world, has lately gained notoriety because of the growing drug use during the event. Merchants of drugs, usually marijuana and cocaine, include both Thais and foreigners.
Pisut of the Nacotic Drug Suppression and Prevention, however, disclosed that “One 2 Call” (also called “4x100”), a mixture ofpowderextracted from the leaves of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), a medicinal tree native to Southeast Asia, and cough syrup, has become a popular drug as well.
Some local illegal-drug makers also use Kratom leaves as ingredient to produce amphetamine, one of the most popular drugs on Samui and Phangan.
Anti-drug authorities implemented a 90-day special operation to crack down on drugs, which started on Nov. 3,2008, and ended last Jan. 31. Operatives noted that drug use and peddling had been spreading and increasing despite the many arrests.
http://www.samuiexpress.net
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