Pattaya Festival options aplenty

by Kittisak Khamthong

Organizers, however, were still experiencing a little trouble trying to find the right combinations to make the festival work. For instance, in the beginning, the Light and Sound show and certain cultural and musical shows cost 250 Baht for a ticket to get in, and 50 Baht for concerts. This may have attracted a large audience on the first night, but soon led to many complaints that the ticket was too expensive. Consequently, when the organizers became anxious about suffering a loss, they agreed to reduce ticket prices to 50 Baht and 20 Baht respectively. Beginning on the 17th, all shows were made free of charge.

h2.jpg (22752 bytes)Chairman of the Wan Lai (Pattaya Water Festival) Surat Mekawarakul opens the ceremony, paying respect to Chonburi Governor Sujarit Pachimnan.

h3.jpg (20996 bytes)Deputy City Manager Niran Watanasartsathorn cuts the ribbon to open the PSC Pattaya Festival Bowling Tournament for the H.E. Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai Cup.

 

Also, many vendors expressed concern that rental fees for booths at the festival were too high, causing the vendors to lose money. The problem was exasperated on the 3rd day when festival goers were charged to get into the grounds, even though wanting only to "window shop". The high rental fees discouraged many potential vendors and in the end many booths were left vacant.h4.jpg (21353 bytes)

However, many of the occupied booths that were sub-outlets of larger organizations, such as the Crocodile Farm, Khao Kheow Zoo and the Red Cross, were an attraction for festival visitors.

What went wrong in the organizing of this festival was that organizers were too optimistic and concerned about their personal benefit, forgetting about the benefits and satisfaction of the community. They started charging everyone, both visitors and vendors, astronomical fees which backfired in the end, rendering a loss for everyone.

Many important figures commented that every year more sponsors get involved. Each sponsor should carefully study their budget and expected revenue beforehand, instead of trying to take advantage of potential visitors. Visitors should be exempt from any fees. Pattaya City and Chonburi are major leading tourist attractions that generate millions of Baht in revenue every year for the country, which is why it is crucial to maintain a good image for the whole world to recognize.

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