For the Royal Cliff Beach Resort in Pattaya, venue of the recent ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+6 summit, the anti-government protests that led to the cancellation of this gathering of regional leaders on April 11 did a great disservice to this important forum organized to help overcome the economic difficulties facing Asia and prevented the resort from showing just how good it is at putting on successful events of the highest level.
The summit from 10-12 April 2009 involving leaders of ASEAN, plus China, Japan and South Korea, was expected to discuss plans for the region to cope with the global economic crisis as well as sign important financial and investment initiatives that would benefit ASEAN’s 570 million people.
A pre-summit meeting of finance ministers on April 9 was successfully concluded, while the first day of the summit on April 10 and a working dinner that evening for the leaders of ASEAN and its dialogue partners, all creatively arranged by the Royal Cliff, set a very promising tone for a successful conclusion of the ASEAN summit. Unfortunately the summit’s anticipated high points and gala dinner did not happen despite the best efforts of the Thai government, Pattaya administration and the Royal Cliff staff.
Thailand as Chair of ASEAN for 2009 wanted to impress the leaders of its friendly neighbours with an outstanding meeting that would set the scene for important decisions to benefit the region and its people during these difficult economic times. The Royal Cliff responded with impeccable arrangements within its event venue, Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH), and throughout the resort for the three-day gathering.
Mrs. Panga Vathanakul, the resort’s Managing Director, said: “We made some outstanding arrangements for the ASEAN summits, preparing very special, attractive meeting and press areas within PEACH as well as numerous dining set-ups. Preparations and set up for the gala dinner were completely laid out with everyone looking forward to a memorable grand finale.”
Mr. Tharit Charungvat, Director-General of the Foreign Ministry’s Information Department, who was in charge of all media arrangements, was very impressed with the Royal Cliff’s commitment to excellence in both service and facilities. In a letter to Mrs. Panga, he praised the resort, PEACH and most particularly the staff for their professionalism and attentiveness in going beyond expectations to create a successful gathering.
Former Senator Somkiat Onvimol wrote a press article congratulating the Royal Cliff and its staff for outstanding arrangements, set-ups and facilities. In the article he noted that the Thai people should be proud that the Royal Cliff had done such a fine job in its preparations and in creating an outstanding atmosphere for this important gathering.
The Cambodian delegation was quite emotional about the venue, which 20 years ago was the setting for historic peace talks involving the leaders of various political factions in Cambodia, including Hun Sen – now the country’s Prime Minister, and HRH Prince Norodom Sihanouk.
Senior Minister and Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh noted that the Royal Cliff represented an important milestone and venue for bringing together the various factions to form a Supreme National Council that eventually brought peace and democracy to Cambodia.
Sadly the protests ensured there would be no historic resolutions for the ASEAN+3 and ASEAN+6 Summit. When it became obvious that the meeting could not continue, Prime Minister Abhisit cancelled the summit, at which point the protesters left the Royal Cliff.
Delegation leaders took time to bid farewell to Thai team and Royal Cliff executives in appreciation of their work before departing, by helicopter, to catch flights at nearby U-tapao airport.
Many hotel guests were intrigued by the protests, watching from a distance and taking photographs. “At no time were our visitors, guests and staff in any danger. The protesters merely wanted to halt the summit. When that was achieved, they left the Royal Cliff,” Mrs. Panga explained.
The next day, the resort was once again a picture of peace, its gardens bathed in sunlight, with an air of expectancy about the impending Songkran celebrations.
“I want to inform everyone that Pattaya and the Royal Cliff are back to normal. Tourists are coming in and we are giving them a very friendly welcome. Our resort is also ready to host meetings and conferences, delivering high quality facilities and arrangements that we can assure will exceed expectations,” she added.
For more information, visit Royal Cliff Beach Resort
Related Article:
