Bangladesh’s ambassador to Thailand visited Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome to talk tourist safety and illegal immigration.
HE Saida Muna Tasn’eem arrived in the city Sept. 8 and was welcomed by the mayor and his top lieutenants who described the model Pattaya has followed to become a major tourist city.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh discussed security procedures imposed in Pattaya following the Aug. 17 bombing of Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine. He noted an integrated force of city, police and military officials are working to protect tourists and residents.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh presents the ceremonial key to Pattaya City, to Bangladesh’s ambassador to Thailand Her Excellency Saida Muna Tasn’eem.
Officers are patrolling tourist-centric areas and have set up new road checkpoints to search for weapons, drugs and suspicious items.
Tasn’eem thanked the city officials for their efforts, turning the discussion to approximately 1,000 Bangladeshis working in Pattaya. Many she said are working in low-paid jobs in restaurants or as street vendors, she said.
Many have integrated well into society with some speaking the language, she said.
Ronakit noted Pattaya has been on guard for illegal Bangladeshi migrants, many of them Muslims who are smuggled by human traffickers through the country. He said the city is coordinating with immigration to ensure safety and prevent trafficking.
