Narisa Nitikarn
Fourteen-year-old Krisana Kongkarkhet was appointed Pattaya’s first
Youth Tourism Ambassador at the completion of the lengthy pageant, which
concluded on July 23 at Pattaya School 8. The Mathayom 2 student from
Pattaya School 9 was overjoyed as she spoke to reporters after being
selected over 53 other contestants.
“I am proud and extremely happy that I have been given the opportunity
to represent Pattaya’s youth as tourism ambassador,” said a tearful
Krisana. “I will do my best for Pattaya.”
Secondary
school student Krisana Kongkarkhet receives her prize from Tavich
Chaiswangwong after being crowned Pattaya Youth Tourism Ambassador.
“I am happy to have finally been successful after the past three weeks
of the pageant. Joining in the training and development programs has
finally paid off, especially when all the other contestants are as
equally talented. This is one of the most important highlights for me in
my life,” said Krisana.
Krisana won over the judges with her answer in the final round when
asked, as the city’s youth ambassador, what three tourist destinations
would she suggest to visitors?
“I suggest Pattaya Beach because it is safe due to the close circuit
cameras along its 15 kilometer stretch; secondly the Tiffany Show
because it is a world class cabaret and is equal to that of anywhere
else in the world; and third Wat Yarnsangwararam as it shows not only
culture but also because of its beauty.”
(left)
Alvi Sinthulvanik and Sopin Thappajug, Diana Group managing director
present Patama Chardum, 14, from Pattaya School 3 with first runners-up
prize.
Krisana was awarded a trophy, sash and 12,000 baht as part of the
pageant. Runners up also received recognition and cash prizes for their
efforts in the pageant. Her school was also presented with a special
prize, which was accepted by Khru Rumpueng Suparasri on behalf of the
Principal, which was presented by Pratheep Malhotra, Pattaya Mail
Publishing Co., Ltd managing director and Lewis Underwood, Jester’s
Care for Kids president.
Patama Chardum, 14, from Pattaya School 3 was first runner-up and was
awarded 9,000 baht. Second runner-up Prasit Juengsuksomsawat, 14, from
the Mareewit School took home 7,000 baht and a trophy for his efforts.
Pisai
Panomwan Na Ayutthaya, city councilor presents the second runner-up
prize to Prasit Juengsuksomsawat, 14, from the Mareewit School.
Special awards were presented to Nampetch Pinbuakaew, 15, from the
Sathit Udomsueksa School for her friendliness nature and Patrawadee
Juanrung, 14, from the Arunothai School for the best essay writing
competition with the topic of ‘Pattaya - The city I love’, sponsored by
Pattaya Mail. All students received certificates and cash prizes.
The project was designed by city hall to find six young people who will
help to promote Pattaya, presenting the city to visitors with informed
comment and a true understanding of their hometown.
Pinnart
Charoenphol, assistant TAT director region 3 presented the third
runner-up award to Netchanok Khungmun, from Aksorn Suksa School.
The selection process began on July 8 and 9, when the 53 participants
attended a tutorial at Pattaya City Hall. They then went out to visit
tourist attractions, starting at Mini Siam and continuing to
Yanasangwararam Temple and Underwater World. From there they went on to
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, then to the Sanctuary of Truth, and
finally to the Dolphin Training Center, where they fed the dolphins
The 53 participants recorded their experiences in a variety of ways,
using mobile phones and digital cameras in addition to note taking.
Natcha
Dokputt, 11 who finished in fifth position, receives her certificate
from Tavich Chaiswangwong.
During the finale on July 23, the arduous 3-week training and practice
sessions paid off as all contestants in the pageant sang, danced and
performed for the large audience on the School No. 8 stage as judges
selected the final 30, and then 10 youths in the closing rounds.
The first Pattaya Youth Tourism Ambassador Pageant was supported by the
city administration and numerous organizations in Pattaya including
Pattaya’s 10 schools, Y.W.C.A. Bangkok-Pattaya branch, Jesters Care for
Kids, Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., Ltd, Tiffany Show, the Diana Group,
Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum and many more.
Patcharaporn
Iam-pinyo received a special award certificate on behalf of Patrawadee
Juanrung, who won the best essay writing competition, from Pattaya Mail
MD, Pratheep Malhotra.
The purpose of the pageant was to not only find a youth ambassador but
also present opportunities to the city’s students to improve and develop
themselves as valued members of society.
Rungratree Thongsai, Pattaya City PR officer who created the project,
said that following the success of this year’s event, next year would be
bigger and better as word spreads throughout the community.
“There are still many projects on the drawing board to boost Pattaya’s
tourism PR and help develop the city’s youth. I would ask that everyone
support these projects to improve Pattaya’s profile,” said Rungratree.
The final round on July 23 was broadcast live on Sophon Cable TV from
Pattaya School No. 8 with Tavich Chaiswangwong, Pattaya City Council
chairman presiding over the opening and closing ceremonies, which were
also attended by Thai and foreign residents.
Nampetch Pinbuakaew from
Sathit Udomsueksa receives her prize for the ‘best relationship amongst
her friends’ award from Tavich Chaiswangwong, Pattaya City Council
chairman.
Poo-Umaporn and Tony
Malhotra hosted the show from early evening till midnight.
One of the toughest
competitions to adjudicate in years, said the judges.
A special trophy from
Jesters Care for Kids Committee and Pattaya Mail was presented to
Pattaya School no. 9 by Woody, Pratheep Malhotra and Apichart Puechphan,
Pattaya deputy municipal clerk.
Krisana Kongkarkhet with
her proud family.
The evening’s award
winners take to the stage.
Despite being a fiercely
contested event, there was still time for a little ‘sanuk’ as the
students sampled the best of Pattaya’s tourist attractions.
Along with the
competition, the pageant also featured a colorful display of traditional
song and dance
The young contestants are
put on the spot as they field questions on Pattaya tourism from the
panel of judges
Phra Pani Anawilo, anoints the Pattaya Mail
signboard with holy symbols.
Vimolrat Singnikorn
To celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Pattaya Mail Publishing Co.
Ltd on July 23, the directors and staff gathered in harmony to make
merit, give thanks and pray for the continued success of our company.
Kamolthep
Malhotra, presents offerings to the Phra Pani Anawilo.
The religious ceremonies were held on July 27 whereby Phra Pani Anawilo,
assistant abbot of Huay Yai Temple, anointed the signboard in front of
the company premises followed by giving blessings to the staff who knelt
before him to receive the sprinkling of holy water for good fortune and
prosperity.
At the close of the ceremonies, General Manager Kamolthep Malhotra and
Executive Manager for Sales and Marketing, Primprao Somsri presented
offerings to the monks.
Pattaya Mail Publishing Co Ltd publishes Pattaya Mail, the First English
Language Newspaper in Pattaya and the Eastern region of Thailand.
Pratheep ‘Peter’ Malhotra established the company and the newspaper in
1993. The Pattaya Blatt, a German language edition was subsequently
added in 2002. The Pattaya Mail Media Group also broadcasts an English
programme on television broadcast on 4 cable television stations in
Pattaya and the Eastern seaboard namely, Sophon, Jomtien, Sattahip
Chonburi Cable TV.
Another addition to the media group is the Chiangmai Mail established in
2002 which serves the north of Thailand.
Phra Pani Anawilo blessed
the various departments in the building.
Company employees are
blessed with holy water for good fortune and prosperity.
