Austrian Consul General Rudolf Hofer has been named German honorary consul for Pattaya, taking over from Paul Strunk, who retired with honors.
German Ambassador H.E. Rolf Schulze recognized Strunk’s five years of service at a November 25 gathering at the Hilton Pattaya.
The ambassador said that when Strunk retired five years ago from his full-time position, he agreed to stay on to take care of Germans in the Pattaya area. Every week he came in one day to address problems.
German Ambassador H.E. Rolf Schulze (right) with his new designated honorary consul Rudolf Hofer (left) at the farewell party of Dr. Paul Strunk (centre).
“I want to thank him in the name of all the German citizens who found their home in Pattaya for his great help during this time,” Schulze said, presenting him with the Federal Cross of Merit, the country’s only federal decoration and awarded to those who contribute to the country in political, socio-economic and intellectual activities.
Strunk thanked the ambassador and his successor Hofer “who helped me a lot and whose office I shared.” He said he now plans to travel and relax.
Schulze said the order making Hofer Pattaya’s new consul has been approved by the German president and was waiting for endorsement by HM the King of Thailand.
