It took a while, but high season finally arrived at Jomtien-area beaches, with Jomtien, Yim Yom and Dongtan beaches swarming.
Tourists, mostly European, filled beach chairs and the empty sand between them beginning Dec. 23. The water is a bit chilly for Thais, but perfect for those from colder climates.
Vendors said, so far, high season has not been good as last year, but the number of tourists has increased in recent days. How long this “high season” will last, they couldn’t guess.
The beaches are finally filling up, and look especially full at high tide.
While most the sun lovers were European, the number of Russians among them were way down from last year due to the crashing value of the ruble.
Pattaya officials hope to draw eight million tourists this year, both foreigners in town for the Christmas and New Year holidays, and Bangkok Thais who have been given official legal holidays from Dec. 28-Jan. 2.
