Authorities laid wreathes and tourists laid back as Pattaya observed Chulalongkorn Day.
The Oct. 23 holiday commemorating the death of King Rama V fell on a Monday this year, giving government workers and employees of big Thai companies a long weekend. Jomtien and Pattaya beaches were packed with families enjoying a swim and a meal.
Beach vendors were doing great business as fresh seafood and cold drinks were in demand. Jomtien, with better parking, proved more popular than Pattaya, especially shadier areas in Dongtan.
People didn’t seem too put out by the new ban on alcohol sales on the beach, simply hitting up a nearby convenience store.
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Officialdom also marked the occasion. Banglamung District Chief Naris Niramaiwong laid flower garlands on the King Rama V monument “Somdej Piya Maharaj,” the “king that is loved and respected by his citizens.”
Area police, council members, community leaders and local residents attended.
