Facing a delay in reopening for foreign tourist, Thailand’s top mainland beach city Pattaya is shifting its focus.
The next wave of ‘sandbox’ openings will be pushed back due to slow vaccination progress in many provinces but Pattaya is going it alone and opening for Thai domestic tourists.
Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Khunplome said the planned reopening of five tourist provinces, including Chon Buri where Pattaya is located, is set to be postponed until at least 1 November.
He said Pattaya City has already set out plans to host various events from October and will focus its promotions on the domestic market during the high season.
Events planned include fireworks shows, a food festival and the Loy Krathong festival.
Pattaya Business & Tourism Association President Boonanan Pattanasin said tourism businesses are desperate for paying customers – wherever they come from.
The Mayor added that Pattaya would need approval from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration to officially open for the domestic market.
