The following is our weekly feature in which we take a look at the top developing stories and things to follow over the next week. We are focusing on what is happening for the second week of November, ending November 13th, 2021.
As we publish dozens of stories a week, this allows our readers to get a quick glimpse of the most important stories taking place in Thailand and Pattaya and to monitor and follow for the week ahead, as chosen by our editorial team.
Let’s get right into it with the biggest news of the week and what important stories to follow and look for this week that are likely to see further development:
1. Pattaya Business and Tourism Association president to propose to CCSA relaxing alcohol sales ban rules at restaurants in Pattaya
If you have been following our news over the past week or so, one of the top stories has been growing anger, frustration, and confusion from business owners in Pattaya as to why the city, despite being one of the three biggest tourist destinations in Thailand (along with Bangkok and Phuket) remains a “dry” zone for alcohol sales. This is despite the other top destinations allowing alcohol sales, although with rules, and an almost seven-month closure of Pattaya’s massive nightlife and entertainment industry.
The president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association has “thrown his hat” into the situation and states that Pattaya has officially asked for permission from the CCSA (Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration) around lifting or easing the ban, especially at restaurants as a start. According to him, and local business owners, enforcement has also been much tougher in Pattaya as opposed to other parts of Thailand. The ban has remained despite Pattaya being, according to Mayor Sonthaya Khunplume, well over 80% vaccinated against Covid-19.
We could see this proposal be debated at this week’s scheduled CCSA meetings. It will be a story we, business owners, tourists, and readers will likely keep a close eye on.
2. The second weekend of the Pattaya Music Festival takes place this upcoming weekend
After what Pattaya City Officials said was a fairly successful first weekend of the music festival with no major incidents (unless you were this guy) the second weekend of the Pattaya Music Festival is set for this upcoming weekend, November 12th and 13th.
The second weekend will take place on Jomtien Beach for two days near the Jomtien Night Market with a single large stage and on November 13th ONLY a special show, for the first time ever, on Koh Larn.
Traffic around the Jomtien Night Market will be redirected during the concert so residents should be aware of traffic delays between 5:00 P.M. and Midnight this weekend. Rules such as proof of vaccination to enter stage areas and no alcohol remain at the event. However, like the Pattaya Music Festival on Pattaya Beach, the area outside the stage area will likely be “less enforced”.
As described in point one, local restaurant owners hope that they may be allowed to at the very least sell alcohol legally this weekend to patrons, but that is unknown at this point.
Pattaya Music Festival passes final inspection, first day of four weekend event starts today
3. Colder weather on the way, will the rain ever end?
It seems like every day for the past few weeks, even technically outside of the rainy season, Pattaya has been hit with daily thunderstorms, especially around the popular sunset period. In fact, Pattaya even got hit by storms during the music festival last weekend, delaying the concerts by over an hour and causing hundreds of people to rush for cover.
The Thai Meteorological Department, or TMD, says cooler weather is on the way as it is now winter in Thailand. Many local residents hope this will keep the rain away from weekend events.
That wraps up the major stories to follow for this week, although we would also advise potential tourists to keep a close eye on our coverage around Thailand Pass and the recent problems with the system. Officials state they will continue to improve and fix the system after a week of well-documented issues such as below. Until then, stay safe and thank you for your support.
