PATTAYA, Thailand – As concerns about health, safety, and idle time for youth grow across tourist cities, Pattaya is making a concerted effort to provide its younger generation with more productive outlets—starting on the basketball court.
On May 31, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet officially opened the new Pattaya Youth Basketball Court at Pattaya City School 11 (Mathayom Satit Pattaya). The initiative is part of a broader campaign to promote physical activity, discipline, and personal development among local youth.
The court project, supported by the Pattaya City Health Security Fund with a 58,455 baht budget allocation for equipment and facility upgrades, is designed to give young people aged 8–18 a safe and engaging place to train. Free coaching sessions will be available Monday through Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and weekends from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The goal is to instill healthy lifestyle habits, build teamwork, and potentially open the door to scholarships or future athletic opportunities.
“The basketball court is more than just a place to play—it’s a space to grow, build friendships, and develop life skills,” said Wichawut Phinyo, advisor to the Pattaya Basketball Club, who presented the project report during the ceremony.
Following the formalities, youth from various local schools participated in friendly exhibition matches, which culminated in a surprise moment when Mayor Poramet took a few shots at the hoop himself—delighting the crowd and sending a clear message that the city stands behind its young athletes.
This initiative comes at a time when local governments are looking for ways to give children meaningful alternatives to screen time or street life, especially in bustling tourist cities like Pattaya. By offering structured, supportive sports environments, officials hope to strengthen not only the bodies of Pattaya’s youth—but also their futures.
