Jomtien Beach’s Songkran splash sees a dip in tourists

Jomtien Beach in Chon Buri experienced a noticeable dip in the usual influx of visitors during the recent Songkran celebration. The local businesses situated in the area attribute this decline to the newly introduced one-way traffic system, which they believe has puzzled and deterred potential tourists.

Poolsawat Singhsawasdi, a vendor operating on the beachfront, expressed her concerns to the local press. The 55 year old revealed that the numbers of tourists from April 12 to April 16 were average, markedly missing the usual surge of crowds that flock to the area during the typical Songkran holiday period.

Poolsawat proposed that this downturn in tourism might be a consequence of the recent alterations to Pattaya’s traffic regulations, including the adoption of a one-way system on Pattaya Beach Road. She suggested that several tourists have struggled to adapt to this new system, resulting in frustration and complaints about the need to backtrack during their journeys.

Despite the adverse impact of the traffic system on tourism, Poolsawat mentioned that her earnings from renting out beach umbrellas have remained stable. However, this income is only sufficient for her to scrape by.

She anticipates that tourism in Jomtien Beach will continue to be lacklustre during the forthcoming Wanlai festival today, April 19. She reasoned that most individuals prefer to meander through the streets participating in water play, rather than lounging on beach benches, reported Pattaya News.

“The new traffic system may have confused some tourists and could have led to fewer visitors. Many have complained about having to drive back and forth due to the one-way system.”

In related news, a major makeover is unfolding along the 2.7-kilometre coastline of Pattaya Beach. Spearheaded by Deputy Mayor Manoch Nongyai the project is set to redefine the city’s landscape and will be completed ahead of the original deadline.

Funded by a 166 million baht budget, this facelift aims to boost the city’s image and enhance amenities for residents and tourists alike.