Hello Pattaya News Readers!
The following is our weekly feature in which we highlight the top local stories in our area, Pattaya and Chonburi, for the past week. We usually try to present the top five local stories but the number of stories may differ from week to week.
These are chosen and curated by our editorial team and are designed for our readers to get a quick “catch-up” of important stories they may have missed as we publish many stories daily and it is easy to lose track of important events or changes in our area. We do national recaps in a separate article.
They are in no particular order of importance. These are from Sunday, March 14th, to Saturday, March 20th, 2021.
1. Legal cannabis restaurant causes a “buzz” in Pattaya
The second legal cannabis restaurant in a month in Pattaya has caused a buzz locally with many residents trying out the novelty. It’s worth noting, however, that only certain parts of the plant are legally allowed to be used and it’s not the ones with THC or that possess mind-altering properties. Proponents of the plant, however, claim that it is not merely a novelty despite the lack of THC but that it contains positive overall health benefits.
Legal cannabis restaurant opens in Pattaya area, second this month
2. A Songkran with no parties, water fights, clay, and other “fun” activities
Pattaya is pushing on with their plan to do the “Big Day” of Songkran on April 19th this year but after the Thai Government decided to ban water play, throwing water from trucks, foam parties, using clay, most concerts, discourage heavy drinking, and other “fun” activities the reaction is mixed. Many older ex-pats are breathing a shy of relief who dislike the event in general but the reaction from business owners and younger Thais is negative, knowing that the lack of a party atmosphere will lead to lost business with many claiming it is difficult to get excited about praying to religious relics and cleaning the family home.
3. Police investigate Koh Larn sea walker companies after pictures of people holding and touching marine life, which is against the law go viral
It’s worth noting that police have now shifted their investigation directly to the tourists seen in the photos and not the sea walker companies, who they have now stated are cooperating fully and did not seem directly involved or encourage the activity, according to police. Police are hunting for the people seen in the photos who allegedly violated the wildlife conservation act, which strictly prohibits handling or touching sea animals.
4. Jet Ski world cup to take place in April
Delayed since last year, the event, which normally happens in December every year, will take place in a few weeks, although with less participants due to quarantine requirements.
Pattaya to hold Jet Ski World Cup 2021 at Jomtien beach next month
5. Pattaya City reviews, clarifies rules for beach chair/bed operators
Ever wondered what the legal price limits and rules were for beach chairs? Here you go.
Pattaya City reviews rules for beach bed services in advance of hopeful area quarantine plans
6. Pattaya domestic tourism picks up significantly weekend over weekend
Things are looking up in terms of domestic tourism, as each weekend sees more visitors to the Pattaya area (especially Koh Larn) and hotels are reporting bookings increasing weekly. Pattaya is back to holding events nearly every week, with a water sports festival being held next weekend, the 26th, and concerts at Central Festival, that help drive domestic tourism. To truly recover, however, officials are well aware foreign tourists need to be allowed to return without a two-week quarantine.
7. Pattaya Charity Music Festival returns on April 4th
Make a difference, support the local community, and enjoy some great tunes and food. Here is how:
8. In loving memory of well-known Pattaya ex-pat Michael “MC” Calm
A well-known local ex-pat, especially among those in the bar industry, Michael “MC” Calm tragically passed away last weekend from a personal health issue, which saw an outpouring of emotion on social media as Michael was one of the most photographed and well-known foreigners in the bar scene in Pattaya. His memorial service is Tuesday, details are in the article, it is a public service at Wat Chai.
In loving memory of well-known Pattaya ex-pat Michael “MC” Calm
That is all for this week, as always, thank you for reading The Pattaya News.
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