Pattaya officials have begun preparations to attend the World Plant Convention in 2014.

At her biweekly meeting with reporters, Pattaya spokeswoman Yuwathida Jeerapat said more than 40 countries will send representatives to the exposition in Tsingtao, China, with Pattaya sending a team from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.

Hoping to jumpstart sales at its Portofino Condominium in Na Jomtien, Ocean Property Co. is offering new unit designs and services to offer boaters a “marina lifestyle.”

Makro Cash & Carry showed off its large selection of frozen foods to hotel, retail and business customers at its annual “HoReCa Day” event.

Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh was on hand as the wholesaler hosted its largest customers for the Oct. 16 exhibition, which helped hotel kitchens, retail shops and others add more diversity to their menus.

The Transportation Ministry continued its series of public hearings into a 35.7 billion baht expansion of Highway 7, which would extend the motorway to Buraphawithi.

Pattaya will spend 1 million baht on a reading and writing program to improve child literacy.

Jintana Maensurin, director of education promotion and acting director of Pattaya Education Office, met with school principals, teachers and bureaucrats to discuss programs for 2012-13 at city hall Oct. 16.

Defend city flood control efforts

Faced with predictions of several more weeks of rain, top Pattaya officials checked the progress of clearing of storm drains intended to handle storm runoff and prevent flooding.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra marked the one-year anniversary of her Pheu Thai government by meeting in Pattaya with 31 top ministry officials to review the year’s work and plan future projects.

Latvia’s Arturs Dorohous beat a four-time Thai champion while taking two titles at the 9th Pattaya International Arm Wrestling Championship.

It’s “Pinktober” again at the Hard Rock Cafe in Pattaya and the annual breast cancer fundraising campaign started off with education and a parade.

Jomtien Beach jet ski operators are taking steps to self-regulate their businesses, creating operation zones, setting prices and penalties for breaking the rules.