High-ranking police officials quizzed Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome on everything from economic development to use of natural resources as they study Pattaya as part of a continuing-education course at the Royal Thai Police Academy.
The 130 officers, who returned to school to take the Principles of Public Administration course, stopped in Pattaya July 2 as part of their nationwide tour to study administration of civil and law-enforcement issues.
Police officials recently visited Pattaya as part of a continuing-education course at the Royal Thai Police Academy.
Itthiphol outlined his four major areas of focus during his second term: economic development, community involvement, natural resources and cultural preservation.
In carrying out a “Balanced and Sustainable Pattaya” strategy, the mayor said he wants to grow tourism and revenues for locals while eliminating unemployment and establishing special areas for sustainable tourism.
Key to his success, Itthiphol said, is community involvement in brainstorming and supporting government initiatives, such as offering foreign language classes to the public.
The environment is also a critical concern, Itthiphol said, from developing clean energy sources to regularly cleaning out blocked storm drains and eliminating flooding.
Tourism growth, however, shouldn’t come at the expense of culture and tradition, the mayor said. So he has backed programs such as traditional art exhibits. At the same time, he’s pushed for increased technology to ensure tourists’ safety.
Academy Director Maj. Gen. Jeradet Kriangsakpichit said the course is aimed at improving the experiences of high-ranking officers and to teach them lessons they can implement in their home postings. Pattaya, with its large tourism industry, has been a beneficial example, he added.
