Chonburi Governor Sets Fund to Assist Crime Victims, Including "Farang" Victims

Chonburi is Pattaya's province. The following appears in the PATTAYA DAILY NEWS:

_____

CHONBURI GOVERNOR SETS BUDGET TO ASSIST THAIS AND FOREIGNERS INVOLVED IN CRIMINAL ASSAULTS

On February 13th at 7.30 pm at the Garden Sea view Resort, Mr Prachar Taerat, the Governor of Chonburi Province, chaired the meeting to decide on the budget to provide assistance in cases of assault on ordinary Thai nationals, people involved in commerce, foreign residents and tourists. The Chonburi Council wishes to collaborate with the government, business and private sectors in this enterprise, especially the tourist and hospitality interests, especially hotels.

Pattaya and Banglamung are resorts increasingly more popular among tourists. Last year, 6 million tourists visited the region, netting more than 50 billion Baht; accordingly, it is a high revenue earner. However, last year and in 2007 so far, there have been many assaults on tourists. Accordingly, The Governor, Mr Prachar Taerat, is concerned to rectify the bad reputation that Pattaya is currently getting. This year, for instance, due to increased police surveillance and efforts, the number of murders has fallen by 60%. Those injured in criminal acts will be taken care of in terms of medical expenses and their property safeguarded, the governor promised.

So far 80 individuals, businessmen, commercial enterprises, local government and hotel groups have donated 1,032,000 Baht to date. (The largest proportion from the hotels). Mr Prachar Taerat is concerned to target the tourist industry in particular, namely hotels, beer bars, entertainment venues, restaurants and travel agents in order to assist in this enterprise and redeem Pattaya