Many Bangkok denizens came to
the city to celebrate, but instead of street food and restaurants, many
brought their own cooking gear and ate on the beach.
Jetsada Homklin and Nutsara Duangsri
Fewer tourists and a political cloud hanging over Thailand dampened the
fortunes and attitudes in Pattaya’s retail sector as everyone from motorbike
taxis to guest houses reported quiet times and slower business.
Months of political turmoil in Bangkok has depressed tourist arrivals and
anxiety over the country’s future has Thais closely watching what they spent
this Thai New Year. Many Bangkok denizens came to the city to celebrate, but
instead of street food and restaurants, many brought their own cooking gear
and ate on the beach.
“I think this year things are getting worse and worse,” said Praprai
Khuanpu, a food vendor. “Last year I saw many Thai tourists visit Pattaya,
but this year it is not crowded.”
The Thai Chamber of Commerce projected less money would be spent this
Songkran compared with previous years and surveys found 85 percent of people
thought prices were higher this year.
“The economy this year compared to last year is so different … Songkran this
year is so quiet,” said Tawin Sadsue, a Dongtan Beach umbrella vendor.
Fellow beach chair vendor Nong Rakkwamdee, 62, said she expected more people
from Bangkok to flee to Pattaya for Songkran fun. “This year they have faded
away for some reason,” she said.
“In Pattaya 10 years ago, the economy was much better,” said taxi driver
Jamnong Muangnoi. “I really miss that time.”
