Newly appointed Austrian Ambassador H.E. Dr. Eva Hager made her first trip to Pattaya March 9, to visit with compatriots and meet Pattaya officials and charity organizations working in the eastern seaboard.
Upon her arrival she met with Pattaya authorities at the city hall and the Chonburi Immigration Office.
That same evening she then served as an honorary judge at Miss International Queen transgender beauty pageant at the Tiffany’s Cabaret Theater.
The following day H.E. Dr. Eva Hager, who is also responsible for Cambodia and Myanmar – made a visit to the Child Protection & Development Center in Huay Yai.
She was welcomed by Radchada Chomjinda, director of the Human Help Network Thailand and met many of the 130 children at the CPDC and ASEAN Learning Center.
Her Excellency enjoyed a performance of a traditional Austrian dance performed by the children who were dressed in traditional German/Austrian dirndls and lederhosen. Other children performed the national dances of Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar as well as a Hawaiian hula dance.
In her speech, Radchada said the CPDC has enjoyed a long and close relationship with the Austrian embassy and gave an account of the work that the Human Help Network Foundation does.
The ambassador was taken on a tour of the grounds where she was shown the fish pond, mushroom farm and vegetable garden.
H.E. Hager said she was very impressed with what she saw and promised to maintain support in any way she possibly could.
The ambassador generously gave out gifts to the children and joined them for a barbecue lunch.
A reception was held at the Thai Garden Resort hosted by Gerrit and Anselma Niehaus. The event was accented with Austrian wines. Guests included Austrian nationals living and working in the area and invited guests.
The ambassador said she was pleased to meet her countrymen and women and was pleased to see them actively participate in the economy and social work to help the underprivileged. She promised to return to Pattaya again soon.
During and after the reception, the ambassador fielded many questions and shared stories and anecdotes with humour and charm.
