Challenges posed to both Pattaya and Thailand as a whole by the ASEAN Economic Community were outlined and debated as city officials and business owners met for a seminar in Jomtien.
Organized by the city and King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, the April 23 AEC workshop looked at the preparations and challenges of the AEC, which is expected to kick off late this year.
Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh hosted a morning session devoted to the directions of the AEC, joint proposals, preparations, public hearings, and ideas from vendors related to tourism.
King Mongkut assistant professor Suchart Chiengchin lectures about important facts and challenges that Thailand will be facing when the AEC is officially launched.
“By the end of 2015, the 10 ASEAN countries will become one as an Asian Community. There will be both positive and negative effects in all managements concerned, especially the economy, stability, and traditions,” Ronakit said. “The three mentioned are the main pillars of the country, which is why the preparations, directions, and ideas must be discussed with all organizations involved in tourism.
“We must take this opportunity to plan in advance how we will develop our society to blend in with the participating countries concerned, and which is why all organizations concerned are invited today to analyze the directions of our city,” Ronakit said.
In the afternoon, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome welcomed 50 people to hear from King Mongkut assistant professor Suchart Chiengchin, who lectured about important facts and challenges that Thailand will be facing when the AEC is officially launched. The main topics were about religion and economy.
He said a goal should be to promote historic and traditional tourism with an eye toward getting Pattaya declared a United Nations-recognized arts city. He added that the economy could be at risk regarding foreign investments because Thailand will be competing with other countries that have more attractive prices and regulations.
“The government is currently trying to amend the law regulating foreigners doing business in the country, allowing every member to operate under the same rules,” he said.
He said property buyers in Pattaya focus on investments of 1 – 3 million baht and condominiums with one bedroom and about 40 sq. meters.
“The prices per square meter are set to increase further, so this matter should be looked into,” concluded Suchart.
Itthiphol said the comments collected during the seminar will be jointly analyzed by the city and university for future improvements.
He mentioned one of the topics that will put Thailand and Pattaya at an advantage is “local wisdom”.
“We are owners of our country as we dedicate our work and efforts to improve the society around us. We live and follow our tradition, and that’s what’s important to Thailand,” the mayor said. “Pattaya has its own uniqueness and attractions that are not like most other countries, and that is the key in tourism and a growing economy.
“Although becoming a participating country in the AEC will have an effect on tourism, tradition, investments and others, we are currently developing Pattaya to be the center of industry, seminars, goods exhibitions, and international exhibitions.”
