Leaders of Pattaya’s 42 communities brainstormed ways to make the long-troubled Naklua “Walking Street” market less problematic.
At a July 2 meeting on the high-season market, led by Orawa Gorapin, acting director of the Tourism Promotion Office, suggestions were made that the venue should be changed from the Old Naklua Market to Lan Po Public Park and more emphasis placed on cultural shows rather than sales by private vendors.
However, a seafood zone should be maintained where Naklua’s fishing heritage can be showcased through sales of fresh and dried seafood, community leaders agreed.
Orawa Gorapin, acting director of the Tourism Promotion Office.
The Naklua Walking Street has been held each winter for the past five years and, each time, has generated controversy and complaints, some that even closed the market prematurely.
Long a project of Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome, the market was aimed at highlighting historical culture and products in the Naklua area. In two initial attempts in 2009 and 2010, the project fell short of the goal, offering few products to differentiate the marketplace from the “new” Naklua Market just down the road. In 2012, it ran from Dec. 3-Jan. 29, but experienced few of the youth gang fights, nightmarish traffic snarls and vendors who closed early that marred the 2011 event.
Culture was given more of a showcase in 2013, but complaints continued about the traffic congestion it created.
