The four-day Coronation Day weekend which began on Thursday May 4 and lasted until Sunday may 7, was heartily welcomed by all sectors of Pattaya businesses, large and small.
Hotels saw almost 100% occupancy and retails stores, bars and restaurants did a roaring business. Not to be left out, little shops and stalls along the streets and beaches did very well too.
The government had earlier decided to bridge the holiday gap between Coronation Day on Thursday, May 4, and the weekend by announcing May 5 as a special public holiday, creating a 4-day weekend break. The government hoped the long holiday would help boost the economy through various tourism activities.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Traisuree Traisaranakul said the combined 4-day break was expected to help push forward economic activities, particularly in the business and tourism sectors.
She also said the advanced announcement of the special holiday should allow government agencies and private firms to plan their operations accordingly.
The addition of the holiday brings the total number of public holidays this year to 19, or a total of 24 days when combined with compensatory holidays.