Holiday weekend has Pattaya humming

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A toy airplane peddler sells his wares along the beach as happy holiday makers play in the sea.
A toy airplane peddler sells his wares along the beach as happy holiday makers play in the sea.

Pattaya hotels saw their best business in months as the government’s subsidized travel program spurred Thai tourists to spend the long weekend at the beach.


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Business owners estimated about 70 percent of the visitors were from Bangkok, a mix of mostly Thais with scattered foreign expats and stranded tourists among them.

 This lady sells delicious dried squid on the beach.
This lady sells delicious dried squid on the beach.

Beaches hummed with activity, with kids splashing in the water and teens and adults engaging in water sports or simply shooting selfies. Window shoppers perused beachfront malls and restaurants got steady trade.

With virtually no tour buses moving Chinese and other foreign groups, traffic flowed better than most holiday weekends, although Bangkokians’ cars still created congestion in some areas.

Chonburi Attractions Association President Thitipat Siranatsrikul said not all area tourist spots have reopened yet because of slow business and a lack of staff.

But July’s two holiday weekends helped revive business, Thitipat said.

Hotels are hoping the Sept. 4 Pattaya Travel Mart at The Zign Hotel will lead to more bookings in the tail end of the year.

This little mutt wants to join the beach party.
This little mutt wants to join the beach party.

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Beach umbrellas and reclining chairs were in high demand during the long weekend.
Beach umbrellas and reclining chairs were in high demand during the long weekend.
Aah, this is the good life. A plate of ‘somtum’, a six-pack of our favourite suds and my trusty smart phone.
Aah, this is the good life. A plate of ‘somtum’, a six-pack of our favourite suds and my trusty smart phone.



A beach vendor walks passed a tree behind which a family sits in its shade. They are apparently enjoying the fantastic view, the gentle sea breeze, but not the sun.
A beach vendor walks passed a tree behind which a family sits in its shade. They are apparently enjoying the fantastic view, the gentle sea breeze, but not the sun.
It was a joy to see families come out with their children enjoying the ‘new normal’ way of life again.
It was a joy to see families come out with their children enjoying the ‘new normal’ way of life again.



It was also good to see Europeans on the beach. Apparently they loved the sunshine.
It was also good to see Europeans on the beach. Apparently they loved the sunshine.
As the sun sets over Pattaya Bay, lovers stroll along the beach cherishing that romantic moment.
As the sun sets over Pattaya Bay, lovers stroll along the beach cherishing that romantic moment.