Volunteer hero: Esther Kaufmann strengthens the Swiss community in Pattaya

Volunteer hero: Esther Kaufmann strengthens the Swiss community in Pattaya

Esther Kaufmann is a remarkable personality in Pattaya, where as Swiss honorary consul she not only looks after her compatriots in the region, but also supports them in difficult times. Since her appointment in 2025, she has established herself as an indispensable point of contact for the Swiss community. In an interview, she talks about her work, which ranges from administrative support to personal conversations. “I often accompany my compatriots to the grave,” says Kaufmann, sketching a touching picture of their mission.

Kaufmann has lived in Thailand since 1990 and has made her home in Pattaya since 2009. Around 10,700 Swiss live in Thailand, around two thirds of whom are men, many of them on the picturesque east coast. Kaufmann offers help in contact with the embassy and also takes care of issues of great importance, such as wills and living wills, in order to fully represent the concerns of the Swiss diaspora.

A historic moment

Kaufmann was recently celebrated as the first Swiss consul at a celebratory reception at the Rotary Club of Pattaya Center International. The event took place at the luxury Centara Mirage Hotel and was chaired by Jana Suwannasri, the club's founder and president. Suwannasri described Kaufmann as a “helping angel” for many Swiss people in the region and wishes her much success in her important work. This event marked a significant step for Switzerland as it has now opened an official consulate in the Pattaya region, which also offers assistance in administrative matters.

The consulate is directly connected to the Swiss Embassy in Thailand and provides information about a variety of consular services. It is located at 384/22 Moo 12 – Chom Thian Soi 5 – Nongprue – Bang Lamung – Chon Buri 20260, Thailand and is open by appointment only. Such contact points are particularly important these days, as many compatriots rely on support and information.

A look behind the scenes

Kaufmann, herself a widow and heavily involved in her volunteer role, has invested a lot of time in building her position. The path to the appointment took three years, marked by numerous bureaucratic hurdles and challenges. As part of her work, she not only gained insight into the concerns of Swiss people living in Thailand, but also noticed their pride in their local culture.

Her commitment to German-speaking prisoners, which she carried out before her consular career, is particularly impressive. She uses her experiences to address a wide variety of needs. “An honorary consulate is not the official representation,” explains Kaufmann, which shows how important it is to realistically manage the expectations of your compatriots.

While there is a social divide in the Swiss diaspora, Kaufmann remains a ray of hope for many. Her daughter lives with her children in Switzerland, but Kaufmann has decided to stay in Thailand, where her heart lies. She is a central figure in the community and plans to continue to actively participate in federal elections as soon as the necessary documents arrive in time.

Esther Kaufmann's commitment in Pattaya is an example of how exiled compatriots, supported by their consul, can find a home away from home while at the same time not forgetting their roots. Their tireless efforts are appreciated by the community and give hope for a strong and connected diaspora in Thailand.