On the morning of Thursday the 19th of July a religious ceremony was held to mark the auspicious occasion of the opening of the Swedish Consul office within the grounds of the Dusit Thani Hotel.
The opening of the premises was in accordance to a Royal letter of appointment from HM King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and by Royal command of HM the King of Thailand through the office of the prime minister on 7th of May 2014, of Chatchawal Supachayanont, the long serving and highly respected GM of the Dusit Thani Pattaya as Honorary Consul for the Swedish Consular office in Pattaya.
Buddhist monks perform religious ceremonies to sanctify the new Swedish Consulate.
The Swedish Embassy was represented by Pär Kågeby, Senior Consular Officer of the Swedish embassy in Bangkok.
Chatchawal is a highly regarded businessman in the Pattaya community, always ready with a warm handshake and smile and a jovial manner. He is respected by his peers in the hospitality sector and was the founder of the GM Gang (where general managers from a variety of hotels get together to share ideas in an informal setting). He was also instrumental in setting up the newly announced North Pattaya Alliance.
H.E. Chatchawal pays his respect to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand and to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Sweden.
Thailand attracts about 400,000 Swedish nationals every year, some of whom are tourists whilst many are expatriates who are working or retired in the kingdom.
The new consular office in Pattaya will cover not just the city but also assist people living in Chonburi in the north, down to Rayong further south.
H.E. Chatchawal explained that his staff at the new consul office have received extensive training and are ready to assist Swedish nationals with their enquiries. He stated that English is the common language and that most of the consul’s work will be facilitating the various documents that are required regarding visas etc.
A handful of close friends and associates were on hand to witness the opening ceremonies and to wish Chatchawal all the success in fulfilling his responsibilities as a caretaker of Swedish interests in Pattaya and the Eastern Seaboard.
The consulate’s services include passport applications, certificates and applications for driving licenses. Visa applications will be obtainable, however, all Schengen visa applications must be submitted in person to the Embassy in Bangkok.
The Swedish Honorary Consulate in Pattaya is located at the Dusit Thani Hotel, 240/2 Moo 5, Pattaya Beach Road, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150. Phone: 038-42 4613, 02-263 72 99 (after working hours), Fax: 038-42 4601. E-mail: swedishconsulatepattaya @gmail.com, www.swedena broad.com/bangkok. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09.00-12.00.
H.E. Chatchawal performs the revered ceremony of receiving the Royal appointment from HM the King.
Pol. Col. Suppatee Boonkrong, Deputy Commander of the Chonburi Provincial Police brings hearty good wishes as he is greeted by Pär Kågeby, Senior Consular Officer, Embassy of Sweden, Bangkok and hotel staff.
His Excellency with Viktor Sukseree, GM of Dusit Thani Hua Hin (L) and Prayuth Thadthum, GM of Montien Pataya Hotel.
Pär Kågeby, Senior Consular Officer – Embassy of Sweden, Bangkok brings his best wishes and support on behalf of the Ambassador of Sweden.
H.E. Chatchawal Supachayanont receives good wishes from Yaowaluck Hotarapavanont, Wiwat Pongburanakit, and Jantra Chayanam from the Green Leaf Foundation.
Pratheep Malhotra and Tony Malhotra, Deputy MD of Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd and President – Skål International Pattaya and East Thailand present their heartfelt best wishes to H.E. Chatchawal.
H.E. Chatchawal Supachayanont receives a bouquet from Bundarik Kusolvitya, MD of The City Hotel, Sriracha together with Kritsana Jiramongkol, advisor to the mayor of Pattaya, Yuwathida Jeerapat, MD of Tri-O J & Hotel J and Banjong Bantoonprauk, Pattaya City Councillor.
Dusit Thani Pattaya staff were thrilled at their chief’s appointment as Honorary Consul. Hotel staff (l-r) Pin Krasang, Director of Catering; Atchara Boonmak, Executive Secretary to the GM, Tanaphol Rodpinyo, Director of Sales (Corporate); H.E. Chatchawal Supachayanont; Vanjie Lauzon, Asst. Director of Communications and Warranyu Matayat, Asst. Sales Manager.
