Despite unseasonably heavy rain, Thai and international tourists were reported to be pouring into Pattaya for the green season.
Suladda Sarutilavan, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office, said May 31 it was a good sign that tourists are still coming for holidays during the onset of the rainy season.
She said the government was maintaining tight control to prevent scammers from tricking unsuspecting visitors, especially Russians who finally are returning to Pattaya.
Pattaya is considered a sports tourism destination with events that attract many tourists, such as July’s Pattaya Marathon.
Last year’s marathon got wide publicity with more than 10,000 runners participating. This year it’s estimated that those numbers will increase, especially with 300-400 Chinese participants already registering.
Officials are hoping this year’s low-season tourism won’t falter. They said the rain came earlier than normal yet Russians and Chinese were still coming back.
