The deputy chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand said he never was interested in going into politics, but figures there was a good reason why he was named to the newly appointed Pattaya governing board.
Thanet Supornsahatrangsi, a member of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association board, was one of 12 military and civilians appointed by the NCPO to replace the 24-member elected Pattaya City Council, which was disbanded following the June 16 expiration of the councilors’ terms.
Under military rule, Thailand has had no local or national elections since the May 22, 2014 coup. New elections are expected next year.
Thanet said he hopes to improve local administration as well as promote tourism and solve traffic problems. There are tough decisions to be made, he said, but vowed he will do his utmost to support Pattaya, as 70-80 percent of the tourism-development issues will be on his shoulders.
Thanet said Pattaya must keep the tourism market alive and promote special offers, deals and packages to attract people as well as look into traffic issues and convenience for visitors.
Other issues include crime, which is dragging down the image of Pattaya, making people fear it is not a safe place to visit.
