Pattaya Tourist Police commander Maj. Col.
Arun Prompan (center) during the Valentine’s Day red balloon giveaway on
Walking Street.
Theerarak
Suthathiwong
They’re from Thailand and abroad. Some moved here
with their families. Others retired in the city. But the one thing that
all Pattaya’s Tourist Police Volunteers share is a love of their
community and a desire to serve.
“I may be a different race, but I was born and grew
up here. I love it and am bound to it,” said Sukhras Kalra, the newly
re-elected head of the Pattaya Tourist Police Volunteers. “I’m no
different from other Thai people: I want to sacrifice myself to support
society and give back.”
Sukhras, 46, said his parents emigrated from India
before he was born and opened a dress-making shop. They now own a tailor
shop on Walking Street.
In 1992, he saw a sign seeking volunteers to assist
the Tourist Police. He said he never hesitated. He’s now been on the job
20 years and was re-elected to his fourth term as head of the volunteer
group. He said he spends each day coordinating with sworn police
officers and works to help tourists enjoy his homeland.
Pattaya is also home - an adopted one - for
51-year-old David Stuart. A former British Army surgeon who served in
Iraq, David had vacationed in Pattaya and decided to marry and retire
here a year ago.
When a friend asked him to join the Foreign Tourist
Police Volunteers association, he figured his medical experience could
come in handy. Besides, he is still healthy and said volunteering gives
him something constructive to do.
“I’m very happy to support tourists,” David said. “My
wife understands and I can manage my time correctly. I love to help my
fellow man. Therefore, I intend to work as a volunteer until I become
extremely tired or until my last breath.”
Tourist Police commander Maj. Col. Arun Prompan said
200 Thais and 27 foreigners now volunteer their time. All will be
reviewed again in April so as to maintain his standards of ethics and
service to visitors to the city.
David Stuart (left) and Sukhras Kalra (right)
give their time to ensure a safer Pattaya.
