Pattaya boosts its appeal as a family destination

The programme aims to provide young visitors and their parents with an opportunity to learn together.
Suladda Sarutilavan, Pattaya office director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said that TAT is keen to promote the eastern seaboard region as a family destination. 
The TAT has been running campaigns to highlight Pattaya as a diverse and appealing world-class family destination for domestic and international visitors and the area now attracts around 10 million visitors per year. Several major transport and infrastructure projects have been initiated that will help develop the region as a family tourist destination. These include the expansion of U-Tapao airport, a new road tunnel, which will open in time for the Songkran public holiday, and a proposed high-speed rail service.
Such projects make the area increasingly accessible, which is one reason why the government has identified the region as a new Eastern Economic Corridor.
“Pattaya is also home to a vast choice of attractions and activities, including fascinating cultural sites and temples, championship golf courses, first-class marinas, water parks, as well as diverse shopping options and endless culinary delights,” said Suladda.
Peerawat Chookhiatti, managing director of Siam Music Yamaha, highlighted the musical side to the greater Pattaya region. “Pattaya is already home to several popular music events and the surroundings provide the perfect inspiration for children and adults to learn an instrument, make music or enjoy live musical performances,” Peerawat said.
“The annual Yamaha Thailand Music Festival – a competition we run for Yamaha music students around the country – attracts thousands of entries, including a large number of students from our Pattaya branch.
We are also hosting a violin camp at Mövenpick Siam Hotel Pattaya from April 21-23, which will attract some 20 families and includes workshops and a performance on the beach.”
Another activity that is attracting increasing attention for Pattaya is polo. Nara Ketusingha, secretary general and manager for the Thailand Equestrian Federation, said: “Polo and other equestrian sports are gaining a greater public profile in Thailand. International-class tournaments regularly take place at the Thai Polo & Equestrian Club in Pattaya and these events show the exciting, social side of polo, combining high quality match play with interesting activities for spectators and families. 
“Learning to take care of horses and building a relationship with such intelligent animals is a highly valuable experience for children. As part of this program we plan to introduce families to new experiences that will help them understand the range of skills required to ride horses and play polo.
Tyrone Renggli, head of Instruction & CEO of TPR Golf Academy at Siam Country Club Pattaya, echoed the value of learning and new experiences as a way for children to develop important life skills.
"When you teach children to play golf, they learn about concentration and discipline,” Renggli said.
“It's also a game you can play from the time you're able to hold a club until the day your arms no longer let you swing. In teaching kids to golf, we introduce them to new interests they can share not only with their friends but also with other generations. It offers social as well as physical benefits.”