Thanachot Anuwan
The owner of two Soi Diamond go-go bars will face off Sunday
against a “new generation” to run Walking Street neighborhood council.
Sunthorn “Tee” Kangsirikul, owner of the Diamond and Casino Club bars,
knocked on doors in the South Pattaya neighborhood Jan. 10, asking
business owners to elect him to another term.
He and his 15-person Old Walking Street Group slate will face off Jan.
20 against a Rao Rak Walking Street slate headed by Maetharit Suntharas.
Voting takes place at Bali Hai Pier from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Election
Commission said about 1,000 people are eligible to vote.
Maetharit Suntharas (right) and his Rao Rak
Walking Street team.
Sunthorn argued that, having worked two decades in the nightlife
district, he helped build Walking Street and was behind recent and
future improvements, such as the upcoming construction of a
local-products market.
He said the Old Walking Street Group focuses on cleanliness and
convenience for tourists and that all 15 members should be returned to
office.
Maetharit said his group, if elected, will push to solve traffic
problems, increase garbage collection to three times daily, organize
safety zones, remove flyers and other illegal advertising and establish
a Walking Street “emergency center.”
He said his coalition is made up of “new blood” that will bring
innovation to Walking Street. Rao Rak candidates lobbied for votes with
a parade of vehicles through the nightlife district before the vote.
