PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s run of heavy rain, strong winds and rough seas is disrupting businesses across the city, with some offshore and beachfront operators forced to suspend services while authorities warn visitors to stay away from dangerous sea conditions.
The weather has created a difficult few days for tourism operators, with rough seas preventing boats from going offshore and heavy rainfall causing flooding on roads and in low-lying areas. One example is NPE Pattaya Squid Fishing Café, which announced on September 25 that it would close for the day because of very strong winds and waves. The operator said the decision was made to protect customers, while customers with existing bookings were offered the option to reschedule without additional charges.
Offshore businesses have been particularly affected by the rough conditions. Tourist boats have been ordered to remain ashore while red flags are flying, with six vessels reported sunk and two large parasailing boats pushed onto the beach by the waves. On land, heavy rain has also disrupted normal business activity. Flooding has affected major roads and commercial areas, making travel difficult for customers, staff and delivery services and forcing some businesses to temporarily suspend operations.
For businesses that depend on daily tourist traffic, every cancelled trip, closed attraction or disruption represents lost revenue during a period when operators are already working to attract visitors. Yet the closures also underline the importance of putting visitor safety ahead of short-term business. With more heavy rain and rough seas forecast, operators are continuing to monitor conditions before reopening or resuming marine activities.
The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rain through September 27, while waves in the upper Gulf are expected to reach 2–3 metres and more than 3 metres during thunderstorms. For visitors, the message is clear: Pattaya remains open, but some activities may have to wait for safer weather.
