Austrian Ambassador Johannes Peterlik led about 70 of his countrymen in celebrating Austrian National Day in Pattaya.
The Oct. 27 celebration at the East Tapas Lounge in Jomtien Beach was also attended by his two sons, Lukas and Florian, as well as German Embassy Consul Paul Strunk and his wife Vicky.
Hosts John Darker and Michael Stief treated the crowd to Austrian wine and Austrian Consul Rudolf Hofer opened the speeches, urging his countrymen to help Thais suffering from disastrous floods.
Ambassador Dr. Johannes Peterlik (left) and consul Rudolf Hofer at the bestowal of the award and listening to the Austrian anthem.
Peterlik saluted Austrians for their show of national solidarity as well as his chief consul.
“It gives me special pleasure to honor you today as an extraordinarily active and helpful representative of Austrian interests in Pattaya,” Peterlik told Hofer. “Since you became the honorary consul you showed immense engagement for Austrians interests and its citizens.
You are not only observing all occurrences concerning Austrians in Pattaya but you also defend successfully their interests with Thai authorities and are always reachable for all Austrians, be they residents or tourists. I would like to express my deepest thank for your work as an honorary consul of the Republic of Austria. I am aware that your work here is not easy. To be a honorary consul needs personal engagement and is an important function with lots of responsibility. You fulfill this responsibility remarkably by using your time, energy and dedication.”
With that, he presented Hofter with the gold service medal.
“To receive such an award means for me to show even more commitment, more commitment to fulfill my duties as honorary consul furthermore dutiful and give all I can,” Hofer said in thanks.
Speeches concluded, the party kicked into high gear with food and a puppet show. Lukas Peterlik helped collect 50,000 baht in flood-relief donations, including 10,000 baht from tourist Reinhard Gander. The funds will be donated to a school to be determined later.
The event draws a big crowd.
