Pushbacks force Pattaya to court domestic tourists

Chon Buri: Businesses in Pattaya are shifting focus from foreign travellers to local visitors after the government postponed the city’s reopening until Nov 1.

The reopening plan for five areas — Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Phetchaburi — faced another setback after the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) decided to push it back from Oct 1 to Nov 1.

For Pattaya, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai, this was the third postponement since the initial reopening was announced for mid-September, all attributed to a vaccine shortage.

Critics said confusion over reopening timelines has spoiled the chances of the tourism industry rebounding during the coming high season as inconsistent policies damage the country’s credibility and international tour operators refrain from planning packages until policies are confirmed.

Boon-anant Pattanasin, president of…