PBTA President Sinchai
Wattanasartsathorn addresses the gathered community leaders.
Jetsada Homklin
The Pattaya Business & Tourism Association opened its annual
meeting to the public to brainstorm ideas on improving tourism and other
local government operations and businesses.
President Sinchai Wattanasartsathorn welcomed Patchanee Taraseina, dean
of the Graduate School of Public Administration, Burapha University, to
the Oct. 22 session at the Grand Bella Hotel to speak on three topics:
politics, governance and decentralization; finance and investment; and
tourism.
Most people were only interested in tourism.
Surin Yimyai, president of the 5 Thunwa Community, called on the
government to install bicycle lanes or create biking areas, as it also
encourages exercise and good health.
He also said that he believes he ought to be paid for working for his
community, saying he’s never received a single baht for volunteering.
Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho said one of the best ways to
boost tourism would be to exempt Walking Street from legal closing times
for entertainment venues, a call that has been made many times and
ignored by central governments.
Wiwat Pattanasin, president of the Chonburi Industry Council, suggested
Pattaya ought to be made more like Singapore, with its clean and
hygienic environment, low crime, proper trash collection and convenient
transportation.
Sinchai said all the comments will be collected and presented to the
National Reform Council as it works over the next year to address the
country’s problems.
