AMBASSADORIAL VISIT

The newly installed Ambassador at the Embassy of Ireland in Bangkok, His Excellency Mr. Tony Cotter, together with his wife, Mrs. Marie Cotter, recently paid a visit to the Father Ray Foundation on their first official visit to Pattaya.

H.E Mr. Cotter is only the second resident Ambassador at the Embassy, and he follows in the footsteps of Ambassador Brendan Rogers who visited Pattaya several times and on two occasions led the annual Pattaya St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which, as you all know, takes place on the 17th March.

On arriving at the Father Ray Foundation the honoured guests were first welcomed by toddlers from the Father Ray Day Care Center, all dressed up and enthusiastically waving the flag of Ireland.

His Excellency and Mrs. Cotter were then welcomed by Father Peter Pattarapong, President of the Foundation, and before meeting more children the guests were informed about the work taking place here in Pattaya.

The Embassy of Ireland has supported several projects at the Foundation over recent years. In 2015 they supported the much needed renovation and enlargement of bathrooms at the Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities. A year later they allowed the College to purchase fitness equipment, specially adapted for the severely disabled students.

In 2017 the young blind and autistic students at the School for the Blind were given a brand new play room, with padded walls and floors to prevent accident and injuries.

2018 and the Art Therapy class at the Father Ray School for Children with Special Needs received a brand new kiln for the pottery classes and the toddlers at the Day Care Center received a new playground.

During the visit the Ambassador watched a special drum performance by the students with special needs, before being almost mobbed by the toddlers when he arrived at the Day Care Center.

It is always an honour to welcome such distinguished guests, and the Foundation is honoured that His Excellency and Mrs. Cotter took time out from their very busy schedule to visit the children here in Pattaya.