Friday 14th November 2008

Entertainment Venues and Tourists prepare for 3 days of closures and limited service.

During this time, Pattaya along with the rest of Thailand are in a period of mourning. Although Pattaya is dominated by it’s entertainment industry, local venues are complying with regulations put into place to cover a 3 day period from 14th until 16th of November when Cremation Rituals and the Cremation Ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Wattana takes place. Entertainment venues recently received a letter from the Chief of Banglamung District, Khun Mongkol which stated that venues may open on 14th and 16th November, however entertainment within the venue must either be stopped or reduced to a minimum. Individual bar owners will interpret these regulations in their own way. The letter states that all venues offering entertainment must close on 15th November which is the day when the Cremation takes place. We toured South Pattaya on Friday Afternoon and found all bars were complying with the regulations. Many bars were open but no music was heard. Alcohol was being served and many tourists appeared oblivious to the temporary changes.