Pattaya ready to host the 67th Skål World Congress

The 67th Skål International World Congress will take place in Pattaya, Thailand on 15-20 October 2006, at PEACH at the Royal Cliff Beach Resort.

Skål, founded as an international association in 1934, is the largest organisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world, embracing all sectors of the travel and tourism industry; hoteliers, travel agents, airline executives, those working for the tourism media and training for the many other branches of the industry. In the 90 countries and 480 locations where Skål exists, members are encouraged to network with each other, in line with the recent motto of “Doing Business among Friends”

Business to Business Workshop & Tourism Forum

For the first time this year the Tourism Forum during the 67th Skål World Congress will include, a Business to Business workshop which will be held on Wednesday 18 October 2006. A table will be available, to every country represented by a Skålleagues attending the Congress and additional tables and chairs are available at a cost for individual set ups.

A number of keynote speakers will also address those attending the workshop on topics of interest to the travel and tourism industry. The Forum is open to all participants to the Congress.

Among the speakers, Luc Ferran will address a speech on: ‘Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children in Tourism: Present Successes and Future Needs.’

Luc Ferran is the Programme Officer for Combating Trafficking and Child Sex Tourism at the ECPAT International Secretariat in Bangkok and represents ECPAT International on the World Tourism Organization Task Force and Executive Committee to Protect Children from Sexual Exploitation in Tourism and the Steering Committee and Executive Committee for the Code of Conduct.

As an affiliate member of UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) Skål International is supporting “Ethics in Tourism” and is also actively involved for three years now in the campaign for the Protection of Children from sexual exploitation in Tourism in cooperation with ECPAT. Skålis a member of the “Task Force” and a sponsor to the “Code of Conduct”, an ECPAT project funded by UNICEF.

5th Ecotourism Awards Ceremony

One of the important highlights of the Congress will be the Ecotourism Awards Ceremony that will take place during the Opening Ceremony on Monday, October 17th in the presence of all the participants, local dignitaries and representatives of the media.

Skål International, following the United Nations declaration of 2002 as the Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains, launched the Skål International Ecotourism Awards to highlight and recognise global best practices. Skål values sustainable development in tourism as the key to the industry’s future success and considers Ecotourism as one of the main areas of sustainable development.

For this year’s competition 51 entries have been received from 28 Countries in six different categories; accommodation rural & urban, tour operators, General Countryside, Cities-Villages and Educational Programs. The evaluation is done by three independent judges from important Institutions/Organisations dealing with Eco and Sustainable tourism.

More information on SkålInternational and the Congress can be found at www.skal.org (eTN)

The ball is rolling If you, believe, as I do, that time moves ever quicker with each passing year, you will not be surprised if I inform you that after 1,453 days since the moment Pattaya won the bid to host the 67th Skål World Congress, the day has arrived!  In Bangkok at 12.29pm today, the 06 October 2006, Mr and Mrs Alberto Esper, the  Skal International Councillor for Argentina were our first guests to arrive who will be delegates attending the 67th Skål World Congress.  The ball has been nudged, the momentum is quickening... See you in Pattaya!  Andrew J Wood

Pattaya wins vote to hold 2006 Skål World Congress

Pattaya Mail Headline 8 November 2002

Pattaya’s Skål team in Cairns lets out a cheer when the results are announced. (Photo by Liam Maceoin)

At the Skål world congress held in Cairns, Australia in 2002, the bid put forward to host the 2006 World Congress by the local Pattaya team was successful. As the results of the vote were read out, spontaneous applause rang through the crowded Cairns Convention Centre and the Pattaya team were congratulated on their fine performance in promoting Pattaya as the venue.

Since the Skål delegates from around the world represent the ‘movers and shakers’ in the tourism industry, this is indeed a great result for the “new” Pattaya, to be able to showcase its attractions for this group in 2006. While many then said, “It’s four years away, and we will need all of that time to prepare,” those same people are now saying “We did it! We are ready to present the Skål delegates of the world with the finest promotional programme that we can offer.” The opportunities for increased tourist numbers to our resort city will benefit everyone who lives here.

We salute “our” Skål team led by Malai Sakolviphak National President; Andrew Wood International Councillor-Thailand, Brian Sinclair-Thompson, President of the Skål Club of Bangkok; Andrew Khoo President of Skål International Pattaya and East Thailand and Chairman of the Organising Committee; Panga Vathanakul, Vice Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Ingo Raeuber, OC Secretary, Michael Swart, OC Director of Events, Paisan Budityanond, OC Treasurer, Peter Malhotra, Vice-President and Director of the Congress PR Committee and Bob Lee Executive Secretary Skål Bangkok, National Committee and Asian Area. Last but not least our PCO dynamic duo, Joan and Kate Sarasin.

Congratulations on a job well done!

Pattaya warmly welcomes delegates to the 67th Skål world Congress

Dear Skålleagues, It is always difficult to know where to begin when trying to enthuse people about the part of the world where we live and work. All I can say is that we are living in a tropical paradise, and people save up for 11 months a year, just to come and join us for four weeks. However, the most telling statistic is the repeat business that Pattaya enjoys. People just keep on coming back, as there is so much to do, visitors cannot possibly cover it all in one short stay. We have the golfers who come over here each year, as it is cheaper to fly to Pattaya and pay green fees for our championship golf courses, than it is just to play a round of golf in many countries. We have the climate, we have the venues, and we want to impress you. I join with everyone in Pattaya to welcome you to Amazing Pattaya, the Tropical Paradise - with something for everyone! Pinyo Tanviset Chairman Chonburi Provincial Administration Organization

“A very warm welcome awaits your visit to Eastern Star Country Club & Resort on Thursday 19th October and your opportunity to enjoy the splendid clubhouse facilities and Robert Trent Jones Jnr. golf course” Best regards Mike Franklin Skål Golf Tournament Organiser

Dear Skålleagues, I would like to welcome all Skål delegates and spouses to our great City of Pattaya. Pattaya has re-emerged as the city with better quality of activities and excitement. It is the closest destination to the new Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport. Pattaya is well positioned as the gateway to the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand. The region that is enriched with histories, cultures, ecologies and numerous man-made attractions, such as golf courses, tiger zoo including many historic and cultural locations. I would like to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to all of you for being at this congress. Have a nice visit in Pattaya and Thailand. Best wishes Paisan Bundityanond Treasurer Organizing Committee 67th Skål International World Congress Managing Director Rabbit Resort

Dear Skålleagues, We are privileged to be able to host the 67th Skål World Congress here in Pattaya. Having attended the Skål world Congress in Zagreb-Dubrovnik last year I can assure you that this one will be twice as much fun here in our ‘fun city by the sea’. The public and private sector have joined hands in planning and implementing every affordable measure to ensure that this congress will be the best ever. Accommodations are first class, restaurants are comparable to the best anywhere in the world and our sight seeing tours have been chosen not only for their beauty but also for their cultural and environmental values. I wish you a pleasant stay with us in Pattaya and also throughout your travels around Thailand after the congress. Skål! Verawat Khakhay Deputy Mayor of Pattaya

Dear Skålleagues, Chonburi province has great pleasure and honour to welcome leaders of the tourism industry from around the world who are attending the 67th Skål World Congress, to exchange ideas on the development of the tourism industry. This congress is an auspicious occasion as this year we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Skål Thailand. Chonburi province is one of the main investors in the tourism and service industry. Blessed with beautiful natural resources, a wide variety of arts and cultures, excellent accommodation, renowned seafood and easy access to and from Bangkok, Chonburi has all the ingredients for an extraordinary vacation. The province is one of the biggest income generating regions in the country with Pattaya, the ‘Pearl of the East’, a convenient, modern, and safe destination with world-class facilities. In many ways, it is the ‘jewel in our crown’. Pattaya’s positive characteristics create a sense of reassurance to tourists and are partly responsible for the rapid increase in the number of visitors to the city. We have complete confidence that Pattaya is ready for this event, one that will encourage cooperation and engender a sense of partnership between tourism-related agencies in the short, medium and long term. We hope the charm of Pattaya touches your heart and we warmly welcome you to our province – Chonburi. Thongtawee Phimsen Vice Governor Chonburi Province

Dear Skålleagues, Welcome to Pattaya! Pattaya is one of the top three tourist destinations in Thailand outside of Bangkok, the other two being Chiang Mai and Phuket. Pattaya has the biggest advantage though because we nearest to Bangkok and the new international airport of Suvarnabhumi. As hosts to the 67th Skål World Congress we are given the golden opportunity to show our guests our readiness to welcome the influx of tourists from all over the world. This congress will bring the world’s top business people in the travel and tourism trade to our doorstep, which makes it easier to promote Pattaya and eastern Thailand without having to travel to all corners of the world. I am convinced that this congress will be beneficial to tourism in Pattaya for a long time to come. Chaiwat Charoensuk Director Tourism Authority of Thailand Region 3

Dear Skålleagues, It is a know fact by all those in the travel and tourism trade around the world that a Skål congress in their country will help to promote the tourism trade to that nation. This is the reason that the all members countries are given the opportunity to bid for the privilege of hosting this important event. We are proud and privileged to have won the bid to host the 67th Skål world congress. Pattaya will benefit tremendously from this congress, which will also reflect on the whole country. Participants in this congress will experience first hand Pattaya’s charms. You will also see that Pattaya has an abundance of facilities for business and pleasure. We have the most modern communications technology for the business minded. For pleasure we offer a myriad of world-class restaurants and entertainment complexes. We are also known as the shoppers paradise’. We are considered to be one of Asia’s most popular water sports destinations. It has been a lot of hard work for the organizers and I commend them for having done a brilliant job. We are ready for you and with the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi airport we are closer to you than you can imagine. Welcome to Pattaya. Chatchawal Supachayanont President, Thai Hotels Association (Eastern Chapter) General Manager Dusit Resort Pattaya

Dear Skålleagues, My city, Pattaya, is an amazing mixture. It is an Asian city in Thailand, one of the most colourful countries in the world, yet we have facilities that are in many ways second to none. Pattaya City is warm all year round. Even the very name “Pattaya” comes from the name of the pleasant sea breezes coming in from the Gulf of Siam. Pattaya is geared up for the tourists. We are, after all, a very famous tourist destination. Our shopkeepers are generally multi-lingual, and even the small food carts with local hawker food will understand your requests. Yet, despite the cosmopolitan nature, my city Pattaya remains an exciting exotic tropical location. A tourist destination where you can ride on an elephant, go para-flying, sailing, fishing for big game, a thousand activities are possible - or just lie on the beach and be pampered. The choice is yours. These days, Pattaya really is a very pleasant place for a holiday and has indeed earned its title as Amazing Pattaya the Tropical Paradise - With something for everybody! I welcome you to my Pattaya. Our hearts are just as warm as our beautiful tropical climate. Niran Wattanasartsathorn Mayor Pattaya City

Dear Skålleagues, I am very pleased that Pattaya is hosting the 67th Skål World Congress. This world event will bring together the top movers and shakers of the travel and tourism industry. People in the know will tell you that the Skål congresses will bring tremendous benefits to the host country in the long term, which we saw after the 1996 world congress held in Bangkok. This can only happen if our guests are shown the kindness and hospitality for which we Thais are well known for. We can assure you that we are a safe and fun city, our services are impeccable, and we can offer a variety of beautiful and interesting sight seeing destinations in and around our fair city. Most importantly of all, our guests can have all of that at a very reasonable price compared to many other countries. We are proud of our new airport at Suvarnabhumi, which will ensure that we will welcome you back to Pattaya for many years to come. Enjoy your stay with us. Skål! Thanet Supornsahasrungsri President Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA)

Dear Skalleagues, Convention Organisers Co. Ltd., was greatly honoured to be appointed over a year ago as the Local Organiser for the 67th SKAL World Congress to be held in Pattaya. After having organized the Skål World Congress held in Bangkok in 1996 as well as being the Local Secretariat for Skål International Bangkok and the Skål National Committee for over 8 years, and a past Skålleague, this second World Congress feels as though we are organising our very own event! In 26 years as a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) I have never known my client as well as the Skål World Congresses! Working from Bangkok for a congress to be held in Pattaya is never an easy task but the total commitment of the Local Organising Committee throughout the past year made my job so much easier as well as being a very enjoyable event for us to service. COCL is proud to once again be part of the Skål family and to welcome Skålleagues from throughout the world to Thailand and Pattaya. We hope you will enjoy this congress as much as we all have in preparing for it over the past year. Regards, Joan Sarasin 67th SKAL Local Organiser Managing Director Convention Organisers Co., Ltd.

Dear Skålleagues, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you, on behalf of the board and organizing committee, to “Thailand Happiness on Earth” and to the beach resort of Pattaya, 147 km south east of Bangkok. Our Club of Pattaya and East of Thailand look forward to sharing with you the traditional hospitality of our Thai people and the kingdom’s unique cultural, historical and natural heritage. “Amazing Pattaya – the tropical paradise” is a true story of a resort that enjoyed the boom in mass tourism with its fair share of past environmental problems. The pioneers of this amazing city together with local government have worked hard to ensure its revival as a tropical paradise for all. From 18 golf courses, Spas, Thai Cuisine and cultural shows, sea sports to the best and the most affordable medical facilities awaits you. The resort of Pattaya welcomes you to Thailand for the 67th Skål International World Congress and the confidence that it will also stir in your heart the desire to return again and again to this tropical paradise. Yours in Skål Andrew Khoo, Mhcima President Skål International – Pattaya and East of Thailand Chairman of The Organizing Committee 67th Skål World Congress

Dear Skålleagues, Greetings! It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Pattaya for the 67th Skål World Congress, and to join us in the celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne and the 50th Anniversary of the Skål movement in Thailand. With the combined efforts of the Local Organizing Committee and Skål members in Bangkok, Chiangmai, Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket and Hua Hin, which is in the process of being established, please be assured that your stay will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We wish you success with the meetings to achieve Skål objectives and a pleasant stay in our beautiful country. Yours sincerely and Skål! Malai Sakolviphak President Skål International Thailand

Dear Skålleagues It gives me great pleasure as President of Skål International to welcome you to Pattaya, Thailand, for the 67th Skål World Congress. It is great to be back in Thailand, having previously been in Bangkok in 1996 with the largest congress attendance in recent years. The Skål World Congress is a must for all Skål members and it is a good time to remember the ideals of our founding fathers and to reflect on the foresight they had in establishing a unique international association based on friendship and amicable. We must not lose sight of the fact that these founding fathers were themselves all professionals in tourism. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Organising Committee for preparing what promises to be a different kind of congress in this most interesting country and beautiful resort of Pattaya. I sincerely look forward to welcoming you and I hope you have many opportunities during the Congress to meet old friends but equally importantly, to make new ones, agree to do business among friends and leave Pattaya, refreshed and invigorated by what you have experienced in Thailand. Best regards and Skål, Jan H. Sunde President Skål International

Dear Skålleagues  Yindee Torn Rub Su Prated Thai!    Welcome to Thailand!  It seems many months ago since we received approval, during the 2002 Cairns Congress to host the 67th Skål World Congress here in Thailand and since then our efforts have been non-stop to ensure a most memorable Congress. Over the coming days there will be so many people to thank and we will ensure that they all receive our sincere appreciation. But may I through the Pattaya Mail, offer my heartiest congratulations here to the local Organising Committee, headed up by SI Pattaya & East Thailand President, Andrew Khoo, for all of the sterling work he and members of Andrew’s committee have put into ensuring that our World Congress in Pattaya will be truly unforgettable. Many hours and days of unselfish work have been dedicated, on a purely voluntary basis by the Organising Committee, to ensure that our visitors from around the world experience the very best that Pattaya and Thailand has to offer. In a year of many unique and historic events; from the 60th Anniversary of H.M. King Bhumibhol Adulyadej the great; to the opening of the new Suvarnabhumi Airport and the 50th Anniversary of the Skål movement in Thailand, we are delighted that you  are here to experience for yourself the hospitality and warmth of this wonderful country. I wish you a most enjoyable and successful 67th Skal World Congress!    Andrew J Wood General Manager Chaophya Park Hotel & Resorts & Skål International Councillor-Thailand

Dear Skålleagues, If gives me great pleasure in welcoming friends and Skalleagues attending the 67th Skal International World Congress to Pattaya, I know you are going to love our Incredible City. This is a really special year for us here in the Kingdom - as the King celebrates his 60th year on the throne and the Bangkok Club celebrates its 50th Anniversary with the Organisation. I take personal pride in being part of this Skål Association and of being the Immediate Past President of the Skål Club of Pattaya and East Thailand. This event has been 5 years in the making. Have a great stay - our doors and hearts are open to all of you. Best wishes for a Great congress. Bob Lee Executive Secretary SC of Bangkok, National Committee of Thailand, Asian Area

Dear Skålleagues, It is only natural that Australians attend 2006 Skål World Congress Pattaya. Thailand is a much favoured destination for Aussies, your culture, cuisine, beaches, rainforest, shopping, and most of all the friendliness of the Thai people. It is truly the “Land of Smiles” and Australians love to spend time here. Cairns, Australia was fortunate to host 2002 Skål World Congress, and it was during the General Assembly of that Congress that Pattaya won the vote to host 2006. We feel a kinship with the Skålleagues of Thailand, a strong bond of friendship which translates into considerable business exchange and tourism industry support. I have every confidence that history will record 2006 Skål World Congress Pattaya as being one of the best ever “tropical” congresses to have been presented. On behalf of all Australian Skålleagues, I wish Skål Thailand well and thank you for the opportunity to share business with fellowship is such a beautiful country. Congratulations, Skål. Bob McGill National President Skål International Australia

Dear Skålleagues, I’m looking forward to a truly great Skål Congress in Pattaya this year. The Organizing committee has done a tremendous job over the last three years building up the momentum and I hope that the Congress will break all records for attendance and give our Skål movement the push and pull that we need and deserve. Ivo R Nekvapil Vice President SEA and President SKAL International Kuala Lumpur

Dear Skålleagues, It is a great pleasure to take part in the Skål World Congress Pattaya, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Skål International Thailand. The organizers have certainly done everything to present the Land of Smiles from its best sides and deserve all our respect and admiration for doing so.  Skål International Samui is one of the youngest Skal Clubs (# 679). Founded in 2004, it has immediately become one of the fastest growing Skål clubs in Thailand. From May 23-26, 2008, we will host the Skål Asian Area Congress and we hope to welcome many Skålleagues from all over the globe to our paradise island in order to present them the irresistible experience of “Skål tropical”. Best wishes for a Skål World Congress full of harmony! Horst Hornung President Skål International Koh Samui

Skålleagues, From the Bangkok SKAL Club we wish the organising committee and all attendees at the 67th World Congress lots of fun, fellowship and fraternity in the true spirit of Skål worldwide. We also invite everyone to join us in celebrating 50 years of Skål in Thailand and to reflect on how important in these challenging times we all continue to uphold the virtues and opportunities that this great and vital organisation represent in the past, present and future. Skål. Brian Sinclair-Thompson President, Skål International Bangkok General Manager for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam Swiss International Air Lines

Dear Skålleagues, I bring you, your committee, and all our friends in Pattaya and Skål Thailand, warm regards from your fellow Skålleagues in the United States. It is with great pleasure that I note the success of the Organizing Committee of Skål International Pattaya, and indeed, of the ongoing efforts of Skål International Thailand, to make this forthcoming Congress an outstanding event. Your efforts to bring together Skålleagues from all over the world, to spend some time together at the beautiful Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya Thailand are surely the best way forward to attain Peace and enhance Tourism in our troubled times. It is no coincidence that Skål International has adopted the “Tourism Through Friendship And Peace” theme for this Congress since it is only through Friendship and Peace that tourism can flourish. These gatherings are what Skål needs to continue to generate friendship, camaraderie, and goodwill among Skålleagues and non-Skålleagues worldwide. I note also, that this is the 50th Anniversary of Skål International Thailand and am delighted to join you in your celebration of this wonderful occasion. I would like to convey, on behalf of the members of, Skål International USA, our very Best Wishes to Skål International Thailand on attaining this significant landmark. I am delighted to be a part of this Congress and look forward to my time with our colleagues from Thailand and around the world. My best wishes for a successful Congress, which I am confident, will be an outstanding event in the finest traditions of Skål! Thank you and Skål. Mok Singh President, Skal International USA

Dear Skålleagues, We are honoured and delighted that the award-winning Royal Cliff Beach Resort is the Head Quarters Hotel and PEACH - Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall - is the Venue for the 67th Skål World Congress being held during 15-20 October. The Royal Cliff Beach Resort is a destination in its own right, comprising four 5-star hotels offering close to 1,100 rooms and suites, a host of dining and recreational facilities and a state of the art meetings and convention centre -PEACH- Pattaya Exhibition And Convention Hall. The four 5 star hotels of the Resort and PEACH are fully integrated into one seamless product, offering a MICE venue unique in Asia and presenting the delegates of the Skål World Congress with a unique combination of a world-class meeting venue combined with the services and facilities of a 5-star Resort. Our Resort is the first convention hotel in Thailand to achieve both ISO 14001 and ISO 9001:2000 Certifications in recognition of our environmental policies and quality management systems and our list of awards from reputed organisations around the world – 57 so far – includes the prestigious Award of Excellence for the Convention Hotel (Eastern Region) 2006 from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Best Meetings and Conventions Hotel for Asia 2005 from Travel Trade Gazette. Our Five star hotel rooms are only a few minutes walk from PEACH and 5-star Food and Beverage and a team of 1500 trained professionals is on hand to ensure the success of any event. The team is supplemented by a group of multi lingual Event Managers who provide all the support any organiser needs for an enjoyable and problem-free event. With a host of Leisure facilities on site, including 5 swimming pools, 7 tennis courts, 2 squash courts, 2 Spas 10 restaurants and 5 lively bars, delegates also benefit from numerous opportunities for relaxing and socialising without having to leave the resort. We look forward to welcoming delegates of the 67th Skål World Congress to Pattaya and the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. Warmest Regards Panga Vathanakul Managing Director Royal Cliff Beach Resort and PEACH Vice Chairperson, Organising Committee

Thumbs up for the 67th Skål World Congress

The OC Team: Joan Sarasin, Ingo Raeuber, Michael Swart and Paisan Bundityanond. (clockwise from top left)

Last Sunday members of the local Skål Congress Organising Committee met with Jim Power the Secretary General of Skål International and Congress Coordinator Daniel Cervera to cross the T’s and dot the I’s on the final stages of preparations for what is billed as the most important travel and tourism congress in the history of Pattaya.

The local congress organising committee includes Andrew Khoo, Panga Vathanakul, Paisan Bundityanond, Ingo Raeuber, Michael Swart and Peter Malhotra. Together with the professional congress organisers, Joan and Kate Sarasin this task force has been meeting on a regular basis for the past year and a half vigorously planning and putting into place all that it takes and more to ensure that this gigantic undertaking is to become the best Skål Congress ever.

The 67th Skål World congress will commence on Sunday the 15th of October when hundreds of Skål delegates and their spouses will be treated to a grand welcoming party held around the main pool of the Royal Cliff Beach Resort, followed by the magnificent opening ceremony which will take place at PEACH on Monday morning.

Peter Malhotra interviews Jim Power for Pattaya Mail on TV (PMTV) during this crucial meeting held at the Royal Cliff Grand.

Skål Pattaya finally reaches the ‘Pinnacle’ of great expectations

Skålleagues in Pattaya and East Thailand gathered at the Pinnacle Jomtien Resort & Spa to celebrate the imminent conclusion of four whole years of hard work of congress preparations, which will climax at the 67th Skål World Congress this week.

The evening was hosted by Ingo Raeuber the general manager of this exotic beach side property, whose motives were not only to lay on a fancy barbeque and drinks for his guests, but to also show off the brand new renovations to his property.

Taking his guests on a guided tour of the vast grounds of the Pinnacle he said, “It took a bit of time to finally have the first of our four projects completed at Pinnacle Jomtien Resort & Spa, but we finally did it.”

He proudly showed off his new lobby that was adorned with beautiful Thai handcrafted works of art. Not to be stopped Ingo showed his guests the Lotus Bar and the Internet stations and even the brand new rest rooms.

On query he said, “I believe that Pattaya can expect an influx of tourists after the Skål World Congress, and I want to give only the best to our visitors. Hence we have spent a fortune upgrading and beautifying our facilities.

“Looks okay, doesn’t it? said he with a twinkle in his eye.