People

As the first decade of the new millennium comes to a close the people who influenced Pattaya the most over the last ten years must be named and acknowledged. Some of them have been here all their lives. Some of them were before or are now from prominent Bangkok families. Some came here with nothing and made an amazing impact. Some came as billionaires and left their mark. A few have been or were here for only a few years, but still changed Pattaya and influenced positive results for our city. There are 99 of Pattaya’s Most Influential People of the Last 10 Years whom have been selected. In the next issue of the Pattaya Times we will feature even more incredible people who have helped change this onetime sleepy fishing village, cum redlight entertainment destination into a World-Class resort city with a great infrastructure, superb international restaurants - more than any city in Asia the largest seaside shopping mall in Asia, one of the best hospitals, excellent schools, a low crime rate, a wide variety of festivals and events free to the public, several polo fields, many golf courses and so many Thai cultural shows, nightclubs and musical performances each night. In a third installment to complete the list of 99 we will list the nominees with your feedback and input and approval of our nominating committee. What makes Pattaya so special? Its people! Pattaya is a case study in blending New Generation Thais with their more hard-line older, founders. It’s a place where citizens from more than 100 countries live and work together in harmony to enjoy a great lifestyle. This is only possible with good people and the most influential should be noted. The Pattaya Times talked with many people in Pattaya, Chonburi and Bangkok to decide who the Most Influential People really are: Some were obvious; while others many may not know, but they know their accomplishments and results. Several families stand out: the Kunplome family, the Chirathivat family, the Ngamphichet family and the Phantusak families are featured in this installment of the Most Influential People. Two politicians who were on everyone’s list are former Mayor and current Deputy Mayor Niran Wattanasassatorn who has been a great, calming influence in local politics for more than 10 years and Vice Chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Council Raywat Phonlookin who has strongly supported efforts bolster Pattaya’s image. Both men live also live in Pattaya Bill Heinecke and Harald Link were the best known businessmen and share the distinction as Thais whom are of Western ancestry. Much more in-depth bios on these leaders will be posted on our website www.pattaya-times.com.

The Research and Development Division of the National Police Department in association with the government and private sector representatives held a discussion meeting concerning crime prevention for tourists.

From April 9-13 more than 7,000 US Navy personnel will visit Pattaya to do what they are know for the most in building and sustaining the economy of Pattaya: spend money ($1 million US per day) on rest and relaxation.

The year of 2008 has been a remarkable one for the world and more so for Thailand in my opinion. Many international observers claim that the world has reached a point from which it cannot return, and I believe Thailand has had an even more severe shock to the heart of its social fabric as well as its finances!