Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome launched eight weekends of music, food and shopping during Naklua’s “Walk & Eat” night market running through Jan. 20.
Sonthaya and ministry officials joined Banglamung District Chief Chaowalit Saeng-Uthai, Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya office Director Athapol Vannakit at the opening of the fourth “walking street” Dec. 2.
The night market offer booths selling locally made goods, fresh seafood and performances from bands and Pattaya students. Among the scheduled performers are the Jo Louis Puppet Theatre, Lamtad, Ee-swe Son, Mae Khwanjit Sripajan, and Ponglan. Also planned are a large-screen outdoor theater, food contest and country-music singing contest.
Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome (center) leads local officials in starting Naklua’s “Walk & Eat” night market.
The market is one of many attempts by local and national government agencies to drive tourism in the bedroom community. For two of the past three years, the market has been shut down early due to poor attendance and trouble with traffic and vendors.
Itthiphol said, however, that response to this year’s program was good during its first three days, which bodes well for tourism in Naklua.
Sonthaya said the event is aimed at showcasing the traditional lifestyles of fishermen so more-modernized generations don’t forget.
The night market will run 4-10 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
