With all the “news” channels concentrating on a wet Bangkok, and the styling
of the PM’s wellington boots, the businesses in Pattaya are getting somewhat
annoyed at the inference that all of Thailand has been inundated. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
Pattaya has not been under water at any time, and is in fact serviced by two
dry airports (Suvarnabhumi and Utapao). Getting wet is not a problem on the
Eastern Seaboard, but sunburn could be (so remember to pack sunscreen).
With this being the start of the high season, the only problem that the
hospitality industry has in Pattaya right now is finding enough rooms for
the international guests as well as those from Bangkok who wish to remain
dry.
With some cancellations caused by “blanket” travel warnings by some
ill-informed overseas governments, some even better than usual deals are now
possible for the travelers who want to take advantage of the situation.
Pattaya is the closest tropical resort to the nation’s capital and is south
of the international airport at Suvarnabhumi, so holiday makers do not go
through Bangkok at all. In fact, the time to travel to Pattaya is only 90
minutes, which is less that the traveling time to many Bangkok hotels, even
in the dry season.
Pattaya hotel’s advice is to forget the wellingtons, but just pack your
swimsuit, or buy one here, there are many bargains to be had as well as the
accommodation.
