The following is a new feature that will join our other recurring weekly features like Reader Talkback, Editorials, A look at the week ahead in news, and recaps of top national and local stories.
This new section, which will generally be published on Thursday’s, takes a look back at news from the same period last year (and sometimes different time windows, such as six months or three months) to see how things have changed, following up on progression of stories, as well as look at potentially broken promises or things that didn’t take place.
As we publish dozens of stories a week this is a quick way for people to take a look at what the biggest stories were a year ago, as chosen by our editorial team, and how they impact us today and relate to current news. They are in no particular order of importance.
1. Thailand’s tourism minister pushes the idea of allowing nightlife in entertainment areas to open until 4:00 A.M.
Now, one year later, due to Covid-19, we close at 11:00 P.M. with various groups fighting to allow a later closing. Not something people could have imagined then, especially in Pattaya.
Thailand Tourism Minister brings back idea of keeping bars legally open to 4:00 AM to help tourism
2. Flower sellers report brisk business for Valentine’s Day
This year, flower sellers are reporting about a 50% loss year over year, primarily due to a lack of tourists and less local Thai residents.
3. LPGA Golf tour canceled due to Covid-19, postponed to 2021
Well, it didn’t happen this year either. This event is a major annual event for Pattaya and drives a lot of money for tourism and sports tourism in particular but remains in limbo due to Covid-19. Hopefully, it can return in 2022.
LPGA Golf tour in Pattaya cancelled by organizers over novel Coronavirus fears
4. Speedboat collision in Phuket injures 22, kills two Russian children
A major news item before Covid-19 dominated the news, sparking various calls for reform and changes. However, before that could happen, Covid-19 hit, basically shutting down the entire industry.
Speedboat collision in Phuket kills two Russian children, injures at least 22
5. Korat shopping mall mass shooting
We covered this in a separate article earlier this week, but by far this was the biggest event that took place this week last year. Here is an editorial we wrote on the event.
That is it for this week, we thank you as always for reading The Pattaya News!