Thailand’s junta boss appoints new boss to run ‘Sin City’ Pattaya
Prayuth Chan-ocha, who leads the ruling junta, booted out the current mayor of the freewheeling resort and installed Sonthaya Khunpluem to the influential post
Thailand’s junta leader has appointed the scion of a notorious political clan to run the country’s money-spinning “Sin City” of Pattaya, as he woos allies ahead of an anticipated run in next year’s elections.
With its beaches, myriad hotels and raucous nightlife, Pattaya is a lucrative tourist hub and the heart of Thailand’s massive sex industry.
Prayuth Chan-ocha, who leads the ruling junta, booted out the current mayor of the freewheeling resort and installed Sonthaya Khunpluem to the influential post, an announcement in the Royal Gazette said.
Pattaya also serves as the administrative centre of the multibillion-dollar Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), the country’s biggest ever investment project.
“It is necessary to have a high potential, experienced, and competent Pattaya city administrator in order to benefit and support the activities in the EEC,” the Royal Gazette announcement said late Tuesday explaining the sudden personnel change.
Sonthaya is the frontman for an independent political party in Chonburi – one of the three provinces covered by the EEC.
The Khunpluems are led by patriarch Somchai, dubbed the “godfather of the East” of Thailand, a shadowy, powerful businessman with vast land and construction interests.