Pattaya Launches Strategic Development Plan for World-Class Tourism
Pattaya officials launched a strategic development plan to position the city as a world-class tourism destination with improved airport access and international living standards by 2026. The initiative emphasizes low-carbon tourism through
Santhaya Kumleum chaired the first 2026 strategic city development working committee meeting at Pattaya City Hall on August 19, attended by Mayor Prameswar Gampichest, Deputy Mayor Krishana Bunsawad, strategic committee member Weerawat Yamchinda, and municipal advisors and staff. Santhaya stated that efficiently developing Pattaya into a world-class tourism destination with international-standard living conditions requires urgent preparation across all sectors, particularly in facilitating tourist access from airports through Pattaya, including transport from hotels to shopping and attractions, and preparing contingency plans for the proposed high-speed rail project connecting Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports, which currently lacks a confirmed construction schedule.
Mayor Prameswar unveiled a development vision under a three-strategy, 33-policy framework targeting world-class tourism status with international living standards. Strategic committee member Weerawat proposed emphasizing low-carbon tourism, including sustainable transport, eco-friendly accommodation, local food, and community products, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact while creating economic opportunities—lowering business costs, enabling waste recycling, generating local income, and improving quality of life.
Weerawat added that the goal extends beyond reducing Pattaya's carbon emissions to ensuring the city thrives for its 100,000 registered residents and approximately 400,000 migrant workers, creating a destination tourists wish to revisit while enhancing residents' quality of life.
