U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Industry Minister Pongsvas Syasti were on hand as Ford Thailand Manufacturing opened a new 14 billion baht assembly plant to power the American automaker’s Asian expansion.

Foreign tourists have lost confidence in Thailand and Pattaya isn’t doing enough to bring them back, a panel of academic and business leaders told Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome during his recent “brainstorming” session on tourism development.

Civic leaders, Rotarians, friends and family members are mourning the death of Stefan Emil Ryser, a former Rotary Club of the Eastern Seaboard president, Swiss chef and Pattaya bar owner.

Regional tourism-industry executives were given lessons on how to market Pattaya and Chonburi effectively in Europe and the Middle East at a Tourism Authority of Thailand seminar last month.

Naklua and Nong Yai residents brought the annual Songkran festivities to a close April 20 with the traditional Kong Khao rice ceremony and festival.  Events included slingshot contests, the always funny sea boxing (shown above), pole-climbing and other fun activities.  In the evening, residents dressed as angels and fairies for a parade and to pay their respect to their gods and goddesses for luck.

Thai companies need to quickly upgrade the English-language skills of their workforce or face widespread job losses when it takes effect in 2015, Chonburi’s deputy governor warned Pattaya business leaders.

Just two hours of rainfall had Pattaya residents singing a common refrain as flooded streets and bogged down traffic inspired another rendition of the rainy day blues.

Public and private sector agencies joined forces to ensure boat operators taking heavy Songkran crowds on the water were adhering to safety regulations.

Area politicians touted their accomplishments and pledged that uncompleted initiatives would be finished if they were re-elected in May.

A press conference, chaired by Pattaya Mayor Itthipol Kunplome, was held on April 4 at Krua Serf Beach in Jomtien to announce the success of the Thai windsurfing team at the RS:X World Windsurfing Championships 2012, held in Cadiz, Spain at the end of last month.