Central Festival Pattaya Beach lauded local athletes, politicians and celebrities for their work in the community as the beachfront mall opened its summer Grand Festival.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Central Festival General Manager hosted the Aug. 17 “Pattaya’s Greatest Contributors” awards to 10 individuals who either work or live in Pattaya.
“During the entire four years Central Festival Pattaya Beach has been open, the mall has been very well received and reputed as the best and largest department store in the eastern region,” Kasin said, kicking off the two-day festival featuring a concert, fashion show and promotions.
Gerry Rasmus (right) was awarded with Pattaya’s Greatest Expat Contributor 2013 for his work on Pattaya environmental issues over the past seven years.
Among the award recipients was Itthiphol himself, lauded by Kasin for his service during his more than four years in office.
Other politicians handed prizes were MP Poramet Ngampichet, who was dubbed the “most attractive male,” and Pheu Thai party members and Education Ministry secretary Chanyuth Hengtrakul, who was given the “warmest family” award.
The “Greatest Expat Contributor” award when to Gerry T. Rasmus, head of the Pollution Solution Group, for his work on Pattaya environmental issues over the past seven years.
Athletes who hail from or work in Pattaya were also heralded, with teen windsurfing star Siriporn Kaewduang-ngam, the winner of the Youth Olympics, Asian Beach Games and SEA Games, winning “most athletic female.” Prem Bussarakhamwong, MD of Fairtex Sport Club & Hotel won the “most athletic male” prize.
Representatives from Pattaya’s two big transvestite cabarets got the nods for “best fashionista,” with Alisa Phanthusak, assistant managing director for Tiffany Show named the female winner and Phawin Phettrakul, general manager for the Alcazar Show, taking the male honors.
The “most charming” award was given to Bundarik Kusolvitya, president of Thai Hotels Association Eastern Region, while the “best artist” award was presented to Mintra Morales, winner of the third season of FanTV’s talent show “Kwa Mike.”
“I have to congratulate the administrators of Central Festival and those who have received awards since this mall, apart from bringing happiness to Pattaya citizens, has sponsored and cooperated with the public through sponsoring tourism and creative activities, bringing life to the society conducted every year,” Itthiphol said.
