Mayor downplays claim 30% of Pattaya land held by foreigners

PATTAYA:--Large-scale foreign ownership of land in Pattaya is not affecting the city’s development plans, Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome.

Downplaying a much-disputed claim by Thailand’s Office of the Ombudsman that a third of Thailand’s land is owned by foreigners - including 30 percent of Pattaya - Itthiphol said local government oversight and land laws have to date been effective checks against the use of Thai spouses and nominees to buy land and that foreign investment actually has helped grow the city.

“There are many nominee companies, but the Chonburi, Pattaya and district administrative organizations and other agencies are cooperating to keep a diligent eye on things and place a lot of importance on this issue,” the mayor said. “There are both benefits and downsides to the situation, with the benefits being that foreign investment has been an important part of increasing the city’s economic value. But it does affect Thai people’s feelings about the country’s stability.”

Full story:http://www.pattayamail.com/localnews/mayor-downplays-claim-30-of-pattaya-land-held-by-foreigners-11409

-- Pattaya Mail 2012-03-30

There would be no Pattaya if it wasn't for foreigners

I remember it in the late 60's