Police officials recently
visited Pattaya as part of a continuing-education course at the Royal
Thai Police Academy.
Vittaya Yoondorn
High-ranking police officials quizzed Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome
on everything from economic development to use of natural resources as
they study Pattaya as part of a continuing-education course at the Royal
Thai Police Academy.
The 130 officers, who returned to school to take the Principles of
Public Administration course, stopped in Pattaya July 2 as part of their
nationwide tour to study administration of civil and law-enforcement
issues.
Itthiphol outlined his four major areas of focus during his second term:
economic development, community involvement, natural resources and
cultural preservation.
In carrying out a “Balanced and Sustainable Pattaya” strategy, the mayor
said he wants to grow tourism and revenues for locals while eliminating
unemployment and establishing special areas for sustainable tourism.
Key to his success, Itthiphol said, is community
involvement in brainstorming and supporting government initiatives, such
as offering foreign language classes to the public.
The environment is also a critical concern, Itthiphol said, from
developing clean energy sources to regularly cleaning out blocked storm
drains and eliminating flooding.
Tourism growth, however, shouldn’t come at the expense of culture and
tradition, the mayor said. So he has backed programs such as traditional
art exhibits. At the same time, he’s pushed for increased technology to
ensure tourists’ safety.
Academy Director Maj. Gen. Jeradet Kriangsakpichit said the course is
aimed at improving the experiences of high-ranking officers and to teach
them lessons they can implement in their home postings. Pattaya, with
its large tourism industry, has been a beneficial example, he added.
