South Korea’s ambassador to Thailand made his first official visit to Pattaya, seeking to strengthen ties with leaders of a popular tourist destination for Koreans.
Jeon Jae Man called on Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome Sept. 13 and was also welcomed by Pattaya Permanent Secretary Wuttipol Charoenpol and City Councilman Choosak Sriwatjanapong.
Itthiphol said the visit was good for strengthening relationships, noting South Korea’s president has visited Thailand twice and Thailand’s prime minister reciprocated once.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center) presents the key to Pattaya City to Jeon Jae Man, South Korea’s ambassador to Thailand.
The mayor said he and Jeon talked about development in Pattaya, security of Korean tourists, and traffic issues. Among the latter was Itthiphol’s request to have the Korean embassy work with Korean tour companies to reduce the size of their buses, using smaller groups and vans instead.
Itthiphol said the ambassador agreed to help, but noted tour companies already are tackling the issue with new technology and innovations.
The ambassador reportedly also thanked Pattaya City Hall for its assistance when 18 South Korean tourists were injured in a recent speedboat accident.
