HRH Prince Abdullah Attends Pattaya Polo

HRH Prince Abdullah, among other things, is the President of the Royal Malaysian Polo Association and is an avid supporter of polo in South East Asia as is his close friend Harald Link whose family, along with Nunthinee Tanner, own and operate the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club, Pattaya.

The Sultan of Panang, is the father of the Prince and recently knighted Harald Link with the title Dato’ Harald Link. Prince Abdullah explained that there are nine royal families in the 14 states of Malaysia. Each family is led by a Sultan of the region state by birthright. The King of Malaysia is customarily changed every five years with each Sultan having time to rule.

“The King is a Constitutional King like in Thailand. The King acts on the advice of the Prime Minister, suggests solutions and mediates political differences. This system has been in place since our independence from Britain in 1956,” explained the handsome and kind Prince.

“Our Polo Association sets up polo matches between the best teams in South East Asia: three matches are in Malaysia and two in Thailand. Since Harald has been such a strong supporter of polo we thought it appropriate for Harald to host and hold the polo tournament here. Before the polo matches started four years ago I never came to Pattaya,” HRH Prince Abdullah added.

When asked for his impression of Pattaya, the Prince said “I am impressed with its development, the large presence of foreign tourists and the strong infrastructure. Pattaya is a great city for a holiday with its great beaches, restaurants and hotels. Pattaya is only getting better and better.” His Royal Highness is an excellent businessman and owns, among other interests- palm oil plantations, real estate developments and businesses including the six Chili’s Mexican restaurants in Malaysia. When asked if he would invest in Pattaya HRH Abdullah said, “If it’s cheap I’d strongly consider it after looking around. Pattaya is an ideal location, the sports and beaches are good, it is an hour or so to a major international airport and close to a large metropolitan city, Bangkok. Pattaya is in a great location and the roads are good. The Thai Polo & Equestrian Club is world-class.”

“The Malaysian My Second Home program offers foreigners multiple year stays so they can make a home in a politically stable, clean, safe country where many people speak English and the economy is good,” the charming Prince Abdullah added.