Thais powered Pattaya’s tourism industry over the four-day holiday weekend.
Oct. 13 was H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great Memorial Day, marking the day King Rama IX died six years ago. It was a holiday for government and bank workers, although most businesses and factories remained open as usual.
Many of those who did have Thursday and Friday’s “bridge” holiday off went to Pattaya, visiting either Koh Larn or Jomtien Beach. About 8,000 people a day visited Pattaya’s tourist island with most piling on to 30-baht ferries and the less-patient or more wealthy hiring speedboats.
Bali Hai’s multipurpose zone again was turned into an overflow parking lot for 200 vehicles. Speedboat driver Landa Chotmeesub said marine tourism has recovered from the pandemic and all of those who worked on boats in 2019 now have jobs again.
On Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, families relaxed and ate together on mats while others rented umbrellas to keep out of the sun. Beachchair vendor Suchart Pumthong said income was good, as many people left flooded areas in the north of Thailand to relax in Pattaya.
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