No to nightlife, yes to vaccinations: can Thailand’s Pattaya rebrand and reopen? A solitary man sits on the Pattaya beach. Photo: Xinhua
The city of Pattaya has for decades been one of Thailand s top tourist draws, but the Covid-19 pandemic has proved catastrophic to local businesses. Wellness entrepreneur Chairat Rattanopas puts it best: We ve hit rock bottom.
Mass vaccinations appear to be the only way forward for Thailand s battered tourist industry, which before the pandemic accounted for a fifth of Southeast Asia s second largest economy - likely more, if businesses in the informal sector such as tuk-tuks and food stalls are included.