ความเป็นมา ของสำนักงานพื้นที่พิเศษ 3
Pattaya is a globally renowned tourist destination, contributing around 48,000 million Baht annually, which accounts for 10% of the country's total tourism income. Besides its economic importance, the city has a fascinating historical tale tied to King Taksin's military expedition, resulting in its original name 'Tappaya,' later changed to 'Pattaya.'
At present, Pattaya is grappling with challenges in tourism standards, encompassing issues such as inadequate public infrastructure and environmental resources, the deterioration of tourist attractions, crime problems, and the expansion of communities beyond the eastern part of the city. These problems are interconnected between Pattaya city and local government organizations. Addressing these issues is constrained by legal limitations, administrative regulations, and the capacities of local government organizations, surpassing the responsibilities of Pattaya city and the capabilities of local government organizations.
Pattaya has formally submitted a request to DASTA for consideration to be declared a Designated Area. On May 23, 2008, DASTA evaluated the criteria for designated areas. It was noted that Pattaya and related areas stand out due to their valuable natural features and environment. Furthermore, there is potential for development as a historically and culturally interesting tourist destination.
In line with the vision of DASTA regarding the coordinated development of sustainable tourism, initial collaborative efforts have been initiated. The first step involved convening a meeting at Pattaya City Hall on July 21, 2008, to gather opinions from local residents, government agencies, and the private sector. The objective was to gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of DASTA. Survey results indicated that over 70% of the meeting participants agreed with declaring Pattaya as a Designated Area.
Between August 27 and September 21, 2008, 29 additional sub-meetings were conducted to gather public opinions. These meetings occurred within local administrative organizations in the eastern region, encompassing municipalities such as Tambon Pong, Tambon Najomtien, Tambon Bang Lamung, Tambon Takhian Tia, Tambon Huay Yai, Tambon Nongprue, Sub-district Administrative Organization Khao Mai Kaeo, and Sub-district Administrative Organization Nong Pla Lai. The objective was to establish a participatory process involving representatives at the provincial level, district level, local administrative organizations, associations, private sector entities, mass media, community leaders, and the public. The results indicated that 95% of the participants agreed with the declaration of Pattaya as a connected area within the Designated Area.
In this scenario, representatives from the local administrative organization have jointly signed a letter of intent with DASTA. This collaboration aims to provide their community with increased opportunities in both eco-cultural tourism and cultural preservation, fostering sustainable tourism. DASTA has presented the results of this collaboration to the Designated Area Development Management Committee for Sustainable Tourism. The committee has approved hiring consultants from Chulalongkorn University's Academic Service Center to conduct a feasibility study for declaring the area as a special zone. The study will encompass an assessment of the area's topography, economic conditions, societal aspects, and the environment.
The Designated Area Development Management Committee for Sustainable Tourism proposed the declaration of a Designated Area encompassing Pattaya City and related areas to the Cabinet. The Cabinet approved this proposal on March 24, 2009. The designated area covers 928.47 square kilometers or 580,293.75 acres.
- Pattaya City
- Nongprue Sub-district
- Bang Lamung Sub-district
- Takhian Tia Sub-district
- Pong Sub-district
- Huay Yai Sub-district
- Najomtien Sub-district
- Nong Pla Lai Sub-district
- Khao Mai Kaeo Sub-district
In the process of developing the master plan for managing the special area of Pattaya City and related areas through a participatory approach involving the public, it was deemed necessary to expand the special area to include the 'Najomtien Sub-district Administrative Organization.' This decision was influenced by its proximity to Najomtien Municipality and its significant tourism attractions. The expanded area now encompasses 59.25 square kilometers or 37,031.25 acres. Therefore, the total size of Designated Areas, covering Pattaya City and related areas, is 987.72 square kilometers or 617,325.0 acres, encompassing 10 areas. Consequently, the local administrative organization has established Designated Areas of Pattaya City and Related Areas to oversee the sustainable development and management of tourism in this designated area.
