Circle of Life

Seafari was the first scuba diving operation to open in Pattaya and one of the first in Thailand. Founded by Bill Burbridge back in 1970 Bill ran an excellent dive operation and trained most of the long-timers.

Bill loved Pattaya, home to his family, and was known as the pioneer of the diving industry in Thailand. Bill was one of the first members of the original Pattaya expats club, which meets at Henry J. Beans and would attend meeting regularly and offer thoughtful comments on topics he was interested in.

Three term Club Chairman and MC Drew Noyes while Bill was most active at the club of the most interesting men I ever met. Most of my friends that have lived here for a long time who dive learned from Bill. He started the first dive shop and really propelled Pattaya as a water sport destination.”

His best friend Paul Back said after his passing, “Bill was a tenacious guy. Not at all concerned with being liked. He was abrupt, direct and always honest. He was dependable and loved his family and his life as a SCUBA instructor. When he lived among the Eskimos in Greenland he built a steel sled which he enjoyed displaying as the natives walked by shaking their heads in confused amazement. That was Bill. What he would want to be remembered for most was as the best dive instructor in Thailand. That was his legacy.”