The Thai authorities are planning to make the eastern beach resort of Pattaya a sporting centre of the East.

The country`s tourism agencies plan to promote the area as a centre of sports and recreational activities, said the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Deputy Governor Santichai Euachongprasit.

A series of promotional events have been planned, including the first `Pattaya International Beach Challenge`.
This will include a variety of sporting events, scheduled to be held in the Unseen Season of The East campaign between 16-18 July.

Foreign athletes from 10 countries are expected to participate in a series of competions, including beach volleyball, beach football, X-games, Fun `n` Run, fishing and a mini-car rally.

The campaign is part of the TAT`s long-term plan to promote Pattaya, which is already a mainstream tourist spot.

Recently, efforts were made to make it an agri-tourist attraction as well, Mr Santichai said.

The recent introduction of several new tourist attractions, including the Under Waterworld Theme Park, a new aquarium, and a new amusement park, have been the centre of the TAT`s new promotional campaign.

Last year Pattaya generated more than Bt53 billion income from six million visitors, 3.1 million foreign tourists and 5.9 million Thai visitors.