The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled Pattaya with an inability to bring in tourists hampering the city’s economy. However, local authorities are using this time to make several improvements that they hope will make Pattaya more attractive to domestic visitors in the short-term.
Only a small number of international arrivals will be allowed into Thailand for the time being which means Pattaya needs to try and bring in visitors from Bangkok. It is estimated that 80 percent of the city’s tourists come from overseas with domestic guest often preferring Hua Hin for weekend getaways.
However, the City Council has announced that will spend THB160 million on several projects that will help improve the surroundings and clean up the city.
The cornerstone project of the plan is the landscape redevelopment of Pattaya Beach that will span from North Pattaya to Walking Street. In addition to upgrading the beach, the project also calls for the replacing of pavement, adding and building underground public toilets. Work should be finished by the end of the year.
Pattaya Mayor Sonthaya Kunplome told the Bangkok Post that the project was important for the city as it looks to bring in more local visitors. The addition of more trees and green spaces along with better walkways along the beach should make the area more appealing.
This is not the first time Pattaya Beach has undergone and extensive redevelopment. In 2018, the same stretch of beach underwent a massive widening and restoration.
Another beach improvement project is also on the card for the Pattaya. The city has announced a restoration project for a long stretch of Jomtien Beach. Coastal erosion has been a problem for this part of the city and the government has approved a plan to bring in more sand. It will cost THB600 million to carry out the project.
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