Father Ray Foundation officials laid the cornerstone for the first permanent school building for the Nong Khai Redemptorist Vocational School, which is expected to open at the end of next year.

Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome launched eight weekends of music, food and shopping during Naklua’s “Walk & Eat” night market running through Jan. 20.

Thailand’s oarsmen proved dominant at the 12th Pattaya Traditional Long Boat Tournament held at Mabprachan Lake over the weekend 17-18 November.  Some 28 boats participated in this year’s event with teams from as far afield as Indonesia, Malaysia, Myamar, Cambodia, Macau and Laos all flying in to take part.

Pattaya officials have stepped up pressure on contractors to finish the expansion of the city water-treatment plant on Soi Wat Boonkanjanaram.

Begun in October, the 500 million baht project has already been delayed once, with completion now set for July. But officials expressed worries Nov. 27 that even the 232 days left on the contract may not be enough.

One of central Pattaya’s last large pieces of vacant land is set for development with the launch of The Embassy Condo.

Real estate developers say they consider Pattaya to be among the top five areas in Thailand to invest, thanks to its continuing population growth.

German auto parts maker ZF Lemforder (Thailand) Co. opened a new manufacturing plant in Rayong, aiming to ship 240,000 parts per year by 2014.

The Transport Ministry plans to rush action on a proposal to add 3,000 public buses nationwide dedicated to moving the disabled.

Suporntum Mongkolsawadi, secretary for the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities, led a group of disabled group’s representatives to meet with Transport Ministry official Chatchart Sitthipan Nov. 16 in Bangkok.

Thai racecar driver Tor Graves donated the suit he wore behind the wheel during an October race to the Pattaya Orphanage for a charity auction.

Born Sriachavanon Graves, the driver was part of the British team that placed second in the Le Mans Prototype 2 class in this year’s FIA World Endurance Championships.

Sophon Cable TV is giving away 600,000 baht in prizes to thank customers for their business.

Managing Director Suwat Rachotwattanakul and General Manager Attasith Chuachuchart announced the “Big Thank You 2013” contest Oct. 29.