Pattaya feels the flood pinch

PATTAYA, 2 December 2011: Pattaya tourism remain slow with occupancy rates and forward bookings well down on last year, said Thai Hotels Association Eastern Chapter president, Bundarik Kusolvitya, earlier this week.

Ms Bundarik told TTR Weekly that Pattaya lost substantial business once news spread that Don Mueang Airport was hit by floods.

The airport is of no significance for international travel as it was used by just three domestic airlines. Just 280,000 passengers passed through the airport in October, 20,000 less than Chiang Mai. But once Don Mueang Airport flooded, the news prompted a free fall in travel bookings at all Thai destinations.

Travel executives continue harp on the mistake of a local English language newspaper that banner headlined a story “Bangkok Airport closed.” Read more

Buffalo races at Chonburi

PATTAYA, 29 September 2011 –  Chonburi province will host its annual buffalo races during 7 to 11 October in front of the district office in the town centre.

Buffalo racing is a tradition in Chonburi province going back 140 years and attracts big crowds, a mix of Thais and foreign tourist.

The 140th festival promises a fun fair, contests, hundreds of food stalls and even farm produce displays on the sidelines of  the races. Read more

Pattaya rises above the floods

PATTAYA, 16 September 2011 – Pattaya is back in business after flash floods caused by the heavy rainfall, 10 to 12 September, inundated tourist districts under a metre or more of water.

City officials say the clean-up is almost finished with just small lanes remaining under water. They said the lanes, where there are many small hotels, should dry out over the weekend, but the main streets are clear.

Heavy rain washed through Pattaya submerging  its red light district in metre-high water. The flooding was caused by blocked drains and waterways that prevented storm water from running off into the sea Read more

Pattaya parks on the card

PATTAYA, 5 September 2011 – Five major attractions in Pattaya are being promoted through a single card in a campaign running 9 September to 31 December this year.

The five attractions are Thai Alangkarn Show, Alcazar Cabaret, Tuxedo Magic Theater, Sriracha Tiger Zoo and Pattaya Dolphin World. The card offers savings on entrance fees and is worthwhile for families visiting more than two attractions.

The one card for five attractions costs Bt999 compared to the full value of Bt2,500. It also offers a 15% discount at Underwater World Pattaya, The Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm Pattaya, Erawan Spa, Pattaya Pirom Submarine and Suttangrak Restaurant. Read more

Pattaya to charm with films

PATTAYA, 10 August 2011 – Pattaya has applied for Creative Culture City Network status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

Pattaya Municipal Administration’s mayor, Ittipon Kunpleum, together with Ministry of Culture Contemporary Culture director, Prisana Pongthadsirikul, attended the signing ceremony late last week which will lead the way for Pattaya’s application into the Creative Culture City Network.

It hopes to gain designation as a  City of Films, which is one of seven categories listed in the network. Read more

TCTA wades into water security

BANGKOK, 29 July 2011- Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association will ask the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to beef up security at seaside tourist attractions, it reported Thursday.

It was responding to the tragic drowning of a 19-year Chinese male tourist, 12 July who was swimming in a bay zone at Larn Island, Pattaya, that was supposed to have life guard support.

TCTA president, Vichit Prakobkoson, said the ministry should fund notice boards in Chinese warning swimmers that the area is not patrolled by life guards or ensure life guards are on duty. He also asked for better first aid stations at destinations. Read more

Talks on Pattaya’s water safety

PATTAYA, 25  July 2011- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association held talks, last week, with tourism representatives on how to improve water safety services and zoning at Pattaya.

Talks on safety measures followed the tragic drowning of a 19-year Chinese male tourist, 12 July, who was swimming in a safety zone in a bay at Larn island, 7.5 km off shore from Pattaya.

Thai-Chinese Tourism Alliance Association president, Vichit Prakobkoson, said  a visit to Larn is one of most popular excursions for Chinese travellers, visiting Pattaya, attracting around 2,000 to 3,000 visits a month.

Read more

Colourful East Festival

BANGKOK, 27 June 2011 – Eastern provinces will host the Colourful East Festival, 7 to 10 July, to promote tourism in four eastern provinces during  the off season in Thailand.

The event will be held in Pattaya to promote tourism to Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. It will focus on the variety of dining experiences in the four provinces under the theme “Food Fun Fest.”

Last year, the festival attracted 30,000 visitors, but this year the organiser hope to double attendance.

Most of the activities will be held  in central Pattaya at venues on the road  to the intersection with South Pattaya.

Read more

Pattaya readies for Grand Sale

PATTAYA, 25 May 2011 – Pattaya City will host a four-month “Pattaya Grand Sale 2011,” June to September,  to promote tourism during the so called “Green Season months.”

Over 150 tourism businesses including hotels, restaurants, attractions, health care and spas, night clubs, golf course and hospitals in Pattaya city will join the mega event to offer discounts of up to 70% for both international and domestic tourists.

Last year, the city earned around Bt400 to Bt500 million from the event in tourist related revenue. Read more

More tourists head to Pattaya

PATTAYA, 13 May 2011 – Pattaya’s tourism during the first quarter of the year showed an improvement  of 20 to 30% in arrivals indicating the resort could be heading for a strong 2011 if the political climate remains stable.

Commenting on the performance, Tourism Authority of Thailand Pattaya office director , Niti Konggrut, said Pattaya should be packed with tourists from China, Korea and Russia throughout the low-season.

Political stability was the main cause for a surge in visits during the first three months of the year, but revenue earned from tourism was still well below expectations. Read more

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