There is a military
presence in Pattaya, although a small one, to ensure peace and order.
Warunya Thongrod
At least for now, nighttime is no longer party time in Pattaya.
The imposition of a 10 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew has shut down the city’s
legendary nightlife, leaving the few tourists left in Pattaya with
nothing to do after 10 p.m. and Thais who earn their income in the wee
hours feeling the pinch.
“My shop used to be open until midnight or 1 a.m., but now I have to
start clearing out around 9:30 p.m.,” said pork curry vendor Asawin
Saesaew. “My profits have vanished. Customers need to return home and
don’t party anymore.”
The curfew, imposed nationwide after the May 22 military coup, is being
enforced with vigor in Pattaya, but with only a token military presence
in Pattaya. Soldiers have been stationed at Pattaya City Hall, but
patrols are comprised of Pattaya and Najomtien police station officers
and police volunteers.
Officials have warned that those violating the curfew face up to two
years in prison and a 40,000 baht fine.
“Because of the curfew, all my customers have disappeared since they
have to go home,” said Kaewjai Nathong, 45. “It’s even difficult to
purchase supplies since I usually go to market at 2 a.m. There is
nothing that I can do because it is a public pronouncement, we have to
bow and adhere to it, but I just hope that the situation will get better
so people do not suffer.”
