With the lifting of martial law in Thailand, being replaced by Section 44 of the interim constitution, Pattaya street vendors say it should boost tourism in the city.
Wandee Jaemsawang, a movie vendor at Wat Chaimongkol Market, said she saw no difference between martial law, imposed two days before last May’s coup, and the order promulgated under Section 44, which gives sweeping power to the NCPO. Wandee said that, since her business is not improving, she wants to see Thailand return to democracy and have the government develop the economy and tourism, and tackle crime, corruption, drugs and fix the traffic.
Local market vendor Somai Jaiyangyuen (right) says improvements after the lifting of martial law will take time.
Tourism, however, may benefit from the removal of martial law, even if little else changes. Its end means that tourists can again obtain travel insurance, which could entice more visitors to come to the kingdom, said Somai Jaiyangyuen, a local market vendor.
He said he’s seen no improvement in business yet, but expects it will take time. Currently, people are still spending less and prices are down, cutting into profits.
Manee Jaidee (right), a meatball/chicken and sticky rice vendor in South Pattaya, said she’s seen a big uptick in business since martial law was lifted.
Manee Jaidee, a food vendor in South Pattaya, said she’s seen a big uptick in business since martial law was lifted, with daily revenue increasing to between 2,000 and 3,000 baht, up from 1,000-1,500 baht.
“People are still watching their expenses at present, but it does not affect my business whatsoever because my food is cheap and is mainly what people are looking for,” she said. “It’s my way of supporting the society as I sell my food at affordable prices and provide the same quality.”
Wandee Jaemsawang (left), a DVD/VCD vendor of Wat Chaimongkol Market, said her business is not improving since the lifting of martial law.
