Pattaya Deputy Mayor says the show must go on

Meanwhile, Pattaya Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai said, “If we close down everywhere an infected person went, it will damage Pattaya’s economy.” He stated that in Pattaya, they will continue to host tourism-driving events where possible under stepped-up coronavirus restrictions.

The Mayor defended the decision to continue the Naklua Walk & Eat weekend market through April 25, saying that although canceling the last 2 weeks of the event was considered, this idea was ultimately rejected.

Manote acknowledged that one person who had visited the market earlier in the month had later tested positive for the coronavirus. But that same COVID-19 patient also visited a large number of other places. So, unless directed otherwise by Chonburi Province, the Walk & Eat and final days of the April 9-19 Pattaya Kite Festival will continue.

In every case, Manote added, strict disease-prevention protocols will be employed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Pattaya, Thailand, is a tourist draw, lined with resort hotels, high-rise condos, shopping malls, cabaret bars, and 24-hour clubs. It also features several designer golf courses and nearby is the hillside Wat Phra Yai Temple featuring an 18-meter-tall golden Buddha.

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