Lonely days for sunbathers on Pattaya-Jomtien beaches

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In normal times, Jomtien Beach in January would be filled with leathery Europeans browning themselves under the winter sun, but these are not normal times.

In normal times, Jomtien Beach in January would be filled with leathery Europeans browning themselves under the winter sun, but these are not normal times.



Jomtien on Jan. 20 was nearly deserted, the result of coronavirus travel restrictions and the current Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown in Chonburi. Foreign tourists with enough time and money can enter Thailand, but few are, due to the pandemic and economic conditions overseas. Domestic tourists, meanwhile, cannot enter Chonburi without government permission.

Jomtien on Jan. 20 was nearly deserted, the result of coronavirus travel restrictions and the current Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown in Chonburi.


Many beach umbrella operators don’t bother unpacking with no tourists. Only a few operators keep trying.



The few beach umbrella operators who still open can eke out a few hundred baht per day. Normally, they could earn over 1000 baht on Saturdays and Sundays.



This long-term tourist comes to the beach well prepared with his own beach chair and other supplies.