Thailand’s top long-boat racers will compete for cash and prizes at the 12th Pattaya Traditional Long Boat Tournament Nov. 17-18 at Mabprachan Reservoir.

Regional Thai airline Solar Air this month will begin flights to Bangkok, Chumphon and Siam Reap, Cambodia from U-Tapao-Pattaya International Airport.

Senior Department of Marine and Coastal Resources officials state that erosion of local beaches has accelerated, as shown here at the Dusit curve in North Pattaya.  More studies are being done, when many feel it is time for action instead of words.

Pattaya plans to request 885 million baht from the government to improve the city’s water-treatment system.

At a Nov. 6 public hearing, Sanitation Department Director Wirat Jirasriphaithun laid out the city’s budget request and the need for it. He also listed to opinions and suggestions from residents about current problems and those that would be caused by construction of another water-treatment plant and new underground pipes.

Construction initially estimated to begin last month on a traffic-relief tunnel under the intersection of Central and Sukhumvit roads has been postponed until at least late next year as city officials continue to take public comment and the government withholds funds.

Takientia will hold its Loy Krathong ceremony Nov. 27-28 in the Thungnongtakrai neighborhood.

At a Nov. 5 press conference at the Hotel J in Pattaya, Takientia Mayor Manop Prakorbthum said the annual event to preserve Thai tradition will be bigger than past years.

The Windsurfing Association of Thailand (WAT) led by its president, Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Kunplome, held a press conference on Oct. 31 at Krua Serf restaurant in Jomtien to announce training plans for the Kingdom’s up and coming windsurfing stars.

Construction crews are expected to break ground on the new passenger terminal for U-Tapao-Pattaya International Airport in December, aiming to open a new, modern facility for Pattaya by next summer.

Forty-five Pattaya teachers touched up their skill sets with two days of tablet computer training offered by the city.

Deputy Mayor Verawat Khakhay presented completion certificates to the trainees Oct. 26.

Pattaya first-graders will receive 1,500 tablet computers as part of the national government’s “one tablet per child” initiative.

Pattaya Education Office Director Jintana Maensurin said the Prathom 1 pupils will be allowed to keep the Chinese-made, Android-powered tablets for two years, using them in class and at home to study reading and writing.