PATTAYA, Thailand – The grilled seafood stalls at Lan Pho Market, Naklua, are bustling with activity during the New Year festivities, December 31. With tourists seeking fresh and affordable seafood, these stalls have become the top choice for convenience and delicious meals. Despite nearly ten stalls in the area, the demand has far exceeded capacity, with long queues for grilling, steaming, and boiling services.
Kasama Imnaijai, a vendor at one of the grilling stalls, shared that the New Year season always brings a flood of customers. To accommodate the rush, her stall has prepared additional staff, an ample supply of charcoal, and designated zones for customer service. Beyond grilling and steaming, the stall also offers cooking services for seafood purchased from nearby markets. For example, customers bringing fresh crab can have it made into crab fried rice, or prawns can be turned into tom yum soup. These services come with a nominal preparation fee.
Kasama explained that offering only grilling and steaming may not be enough to attract customers, who might turn to other stalls. By providing expertly prepared dishes, customers are more likely to return. Additionally, as a New Year’s gesture, the stall offers complimentary items such as dipping sauces and small bonuses for larger families spending significant amounts.
This strategy of “free gifts and extras” has proven successful in ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. Despite the busy scene, customers continue to flock to the stalls, drawn by the quality and service.
Meanwhile, traffic congestion near Lan Pho Market extended to the Naklua three-way intersection around 1:00 a.m., with vehicles moving slowly. The situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses and crowds grow larger.
