For Thais, when it comes to beaches, clean water and white sand are nice, but parking spots are better.
That reasoning has been obvious on recent holidays which saw Jomtien Beach crowded with Thais from Bangkok and neighboring cities while Pattaya Beach was filled mostly by foreigners.
Mana Mungmuang, 29, said he took his Coronation Day holiday from factory work in Bangkok on Jomtien because of its large parking lots.
Sanee Umteewai (seated, left), who works in a factory in Ladkrabang, said she chose Jomtien for the parking.
Sanee Umteewai, who works in a factory in Ladkrabang, agreed. She chose Jomtien because it is close to work and her children are on school vacation. This holiday, she came with a group of 13 people and while they all love Pattaya, they want the city to increase the amount of beach parking.
Jomtien Beach also has an edge when it comes to traffic. Despite the widening of Pattaya Beach Road, traffic still flows better to the south.
Three teenage factory workers from Samut Prakan were among the exceptions. They like Pattaya Beach better because it is closer to tourist spots, shopping and other attractions.
