Culture Minister Sonthaya
Kunplome (center) leads local officials in starting Naklua’s “Walk & Eat” night
market.
Phasakorn Channgam
Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome launched eight weekends of music, food
and shopping during Naklua’s “Walk & Eat” night market running through Jan. 20.
Sonthaya and ministry officials joined Banglamung District Chief Chaowalit
Saeng-Uthai, Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Tourism Authority of Thailand
Pattaya office Director Athapol Vannakit at the opening of the fourth “walking
street” Dec. 2.
The night market offer booths selling locally made goods, fresh seafood and
performances from bands and Pattaya students. Among the scheduled performers are
the Jo Louis Puppet Theatre, Lamtad, Ee-swe Son, Mae Khwanjit Sripajan, and
Ponglan. Also planned are a large-screen outdoor theater, food contest and
country-music singing contest.
The market is one of many attempts by local and national government agencies to
drive tourism in the bedroom community. For two of the past three years, the
market has been shut down early due to poor attendance and trouble with traffic
and vendors.
Itthiphol said, however, that response to this year’s program was good during
its first three days, which bodes well for tourism in Naklua.
Sonthaya said the event is aimed at showcasing the traditional lifestyles of
fishermen so more-modernized generations don’t forget.
The night market will run 4-10 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
