Unthinkable a year ago! Video shows how COVID-19 has turned Walking Street in to a ghost town

[johng]

4 minutes ago, xminator said:

At least they could use the opportunity to fix the left turn from beach road to make it safer and make traffic flow better once the world opens up again.

They fixed it already in 2006 ????

 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

It looks world class deserted ???? 

Who'd have thought 7-11 doing more business than the girls.

[sambum]

1 hour ago, Cod Face said:

One or two people?  "Dan" needs to improve his counting ability.

And "milling about"? I think it takes more than one or two people to "mill about"! ????

[Darksidedude]

3 hours ago, scammed said:

yeah, its shocking.

on another note, allowing cars on WS is the dumbest thing this city could have ever come up with,

i truly hope the guilty will burn in hell.

why not rename it driving street while you are at it destroying this iconic street

This was a normal street back in the early 90's driving anytime day or night

[kiwikeith]

3 hours ago, scammed said:

yeah, its shocking.

on another note, allowing cars on WS is the dumbest thing this city could have ever come up with,

i truly hope the guilty will burn in hell.

why not rename it driving street while you are at it destroying this iconic street

+Do not fair, there is a STV flight on the way to Walking Street shortly to buy everything up and turn it into glitzy gold shops, money lending shops and high class Chinese spas and guest houses 

[Seeall]

2 hours ago, deesquared said:

That's as virus free as that street has been in decades. 

not just c19 lol

[Foghorn]

I feel sorry for all the people who have lost their jobs for something that is here for always , we just need to stop all the restrictions and spend the money on hospitals instead of giving cribs and dabs to some people

[riclag]

Next year this time it will be the WS of old!

   Hello Dak-ling!  Welcome handsome man!

 

Edited September 29, 2020 by riclag

[spidermike007]

I disagree with the assessment. Tourism had been declining for years already. The numbers were up. But the quality of tourist was way down. And according to everyone I spoke to last year, the year before and the year before that, income was way, way down. So, this blame it all on Covid scenario is somewhat disengenuous. Sure, Covid is huge. And the drop now is stunning. But, my point is there were plenty of issues prior to Covid. 

 

Remember when Thailand used to get alot of well heeled Western tourists? They brought real money into the country, and in exchange, were treated with utter and complete disregard, scammed, disrespected, and abused. The issues pertaining to the air, the environment, the road safety, the corrupt cops, the scammers, and others, were never addressed. Eventually, most said no more. Thailand thought the country was something very special, the center or the known universe, and that nobody would ever say no, or find alternative places to visit. The fact is that there are countless other spots, many in this region, that offer better service, more expertise in food and beverage (especially wine service and selection at fair prices, which rich tourists demand), reasonable import duties to sustain a luxury goods market, better training, and far better English skills.

 

Thailand simply lost sight of the big picture, and had very little vision, with regard to big spending tourists, who need to be catered to, instead of scorned.

So, what happened? The Western tourists started to decline in number, and the genius minds at the TAT decided it was time to "lure" the Chinese and Indians. They came. They came in droves. And only the lower and middle income tourists came. But, they did not spend much money. Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, jewelers, galleries, spas, massage shops, bars, and countless other businesses suffered, from this extreme myopia, on the part of the officials in charge of tourism.

 

Oh well. Can't say they were not warned. Zero baht tourists are the vast majority who were visiting Thailand, prior to Covid. Sure, they spend some money in restaurants, at Tesco, and in 7/11. But, that is about it, for most of the super low budget Chinese and Indian tourists.

 

Most rich tourists stopped visiting Thailand, for a dozen good reasons. They have too many other options.

 

They say they want rich tourists. What sacrifices are the ministers willing to make, to get them? Rich tourists like to spend money when they travel. And they cannot do that here, as they do not like getting taken for a ride. Most wealthy people are smart with their money. Thailand could be making a fortune on a 25% luxury tax. Instead of the 100% or more, which discourages most people from buying. How many people do you see in the luxury stores here? They are almost always completely empty. Inane. Beyond inane.

Edited September 29, 2020 by spidermike007

[0815]

Not only Pattaya ...

[Bangkok Barry]

2 hours ago, jimn said:

Agreed it is very quiet but I bet my life on it this was taken before 9pm. The main gogo's that are open like Palace and Pin Ups had no hello girls outside and busy places like Ibar and 808 no one milling outside. These video's can tell whatever storey you want depending on the time they are filmed.

True. I've seen several videos taken along WS over the past month or so and although only a shadow if its former self there were plenty of people around and plenty of hello girls. iBar was very busy.

[baansgr]

10 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

I disagree with the assessment. Tourism had been declining for years already. The numbers were up. But the quality of tourist was way down. And according to everyone I spoke to last year, the year before and the year before that, income was way, way down. So, this blame it all on Covid scenario is somewhat disengenuous. Sure, Covid is huge. And the drop now is stunning. But, my point is there were plenty of issues prior to Covid. 

 

Remember when Thailand used to get alot of well heeled Western tourists? They brought real money into the country, and in exchange, were treated with utter and complete disregard, scammed, disrespected, and abused. The issues pertaining to the air, the environment, the road safety, the corrupt cops, the scammers, and others, were never addressed. Eventually, most said no more. Thailand thought the country was something very special, the center or the known universe, and that nobody would ever say no, or find alternative places to visit. The fact is that there are countless other spots, many in this region, that offer better service, more expertise in food and beverage (especially wine service and selection at fair prices, which rich tourists demand), reasonable import duties to sustain a luxury goods market, better training, and far better English skills.

 

Thailand simply lost sight of the big picture, and had very little vision, with regard to big spending tourists, who need to be catered to, instead of scorned.

So, what happened? The Western tourists started to decline in number, and the genius minds at the TAT decided it was time to "lure" the Chinese and Indians. They came. They came in droves. And only the lower and middle income tourists came. But, they did not spend much money. Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, jewelers, galleries, spas, massage shops, bars, and countless other businesses suffered, from this extreme myopia, on the part of the officials in charge of tourism.

 

Oh well. Can't say they were not warned. Zero baht tourists are the vast majority who were visiting Thailand, prior to Covid. Sure, they spend some money in restaurants, at Tesco, and in 7/11. But, that is about it, for most of the super low budget Chinese and Indian tourists.

 

Most rich tourists stopped visiting Thailand, for a dozen good reasons. They have too many other options.

 

They say they want rich tourists. What sacrifices are the ministers willing to make, to get them? Rich tourists like to spend money when they travel. And they cannot do that here, as they do not like getting taken for a ride. Most wealthy people are smart with their money. Thailand could be making a fortune on a 25% luxury tax. Instead of the 100% or more, which discourages most people from buying. How many people do you see in the luxury stores here? They are almost always completely empty. Inane. Beyond inane.

Couldnt have said it better myself. Countless business owners I know were struggling for the past 3 or more years with many about to call it a day befor covid as the high season 2019/20 was worse than the low season. Shame so many that have provided enterntainment and jobs for many over the years have had to shut up shop not just through Covid but all the other points you mentioned.

[Madeline Thompson]

5 hours ago, Justgrazing said:

Now it's just the tourists ..

There are no tourists!

[Madeline Thompson]

51 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Couldnt have said it better myself. Countless business owners I know were struggling for the past 3 or more years with many about to call it a day befor covid as the high season 2019/20 was worse than the low season. Shame so many that have provided enterntainment and jobs for many over the years have had to shut up shop not just through Covid but all the other points you mentioned.

I agree with this too - since the junta took over, truly countless business people were giving up and leaving Thailand because it was impossible to do business anymore. It was simply overrun with draconian bureaucracy rules and regulations and there was no choice but to move elsewhere - Singapore being the first choice because it is geared to a multiplicity of needs and choices on many layers of business entrepreneurs and still retain a strong sense of living civility. Bangkok was once that kind of 'living' environment and it has been whittled down into a collection of rules and regulations.  There is no life to be had in that scenario.

 

[Pattaya46]

2 hours ago, cardinalblue said:

If titled walking street, why do they let cars driven on it?

stopped the madness!

Walking Street used to reopen to cars very late in the morning, maybe 3-4am (? unsure)

So nothing really strange to see the street nearly desert at that time.

I must admit it seems more desert as usual though. ;(

[Chiang Mai Bill]

4 hours ago, Henryford said:

Would make a good set for an apocolpyse zombie movie.

It resembled that before the virus with the teetering drunks!

[Neeranam]

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

I disagree with the assessment. Tourism had been declining for years already. The numbers were up. But the quality of tourist was way down. And according to everyone I spoke to last year, the year before and the year before that, income was way, way down. So, this blame it all on Covid scenario is somewhat disengenuous. Sure, Covid is huge. And the drop now is stunning. But, my point is there were plenty of issues prior to Covid. 

 

Remember when Thailand used to get alot of well heeled Western tourists? They brought real money into the country, and in exchange, were treated with utter and complete disregard, scammed, disrespected, and abused. The issues pertaining to the air, the environment, the road safety, the corrupt cops, the scammers, and others, were never addressed. Eventually, most said no more. Thailand thought the country was something very special, the center or the known universe, and that nobody would ever say no, or find alternative places to visit. The fact is that there are countless other spots, many in this region, that offer better service, more expertise in food and beverage (especially wine service and selection at fair prices, which rich tourists demand), reasonable import duties to sustain a luxury goods market, better training, and far better English skills.

 

Thailand simply lost sight of the big picture, and had very little vision, with regard to big spending tourists, who need to be catered to, instead of scorned.

So, what happened? The Western tourists started to decline in number, and the genius minds at the TAT decided it was time to "lure" the Chinese and Indians. They came. They came in droves. And only the lower and middle income tourists came. But, they did not spend much money. Hotels, restaurants, gift shops, jewelers, galleries, spas, massage shops, bars, and countless other businesses suffered, from this extreme myopia, on the part of the officials in charge of tourism.

 

Oh well. Can't say they were not warned. Zero baht tourists are the vast majority who were visiting Thailand, prior to Covid. Sure, they spend some money in restaurants, at Tesco, and in 7/11. But, that is about it, for most of the super low budget Chinese and Indian tourists.

 

Most rich tourists stopped visiting Thailand, for a dozen good reasons. They have too many other options.

 

They say they want rich tourists. What sacrifices are the ministers willing to make, to get them? Rich tourists like to spend money when they travel. And they cannot do that here, as they do not like getting taken for a ride. Most wealthy people are smart with their money. Thailand could be making a fortune on a 25% luxury tax. Instead of the 100% or more, which discourages most people from buying. How many people do you see in the luxury stores here? They are almost always completely empty. Inane. Beyond inane.

A lot of good stuff in there.

 

I agree Pattaya has been going down hill for decades. I do feel sorry for the people who have lost their jobs but there is some good -  just think of all the young girls that will be saved a life of prostitution, drugs and alcohol abuse. 

[Neeranam]

One positive thing, Buriram is now full of beautiful young ladies. Never seen so many pretty girls with tattoos  saying "same same" and "ba ba bo bo".

[Hoppyone]

3 hours ago, Pattaya Spotter said:

It's not just Walking Street...all of Beach and Second roads are like this. The central Pattaya tourist district is basically dead...you walk around and it looks like a neutron bomb went off...the buildings are still standing but there are no people around. East Pattaya is still a hive of activity, however.

The good part about current situation is if you Have a car and drive around Pattaya can guarantee no traffic jams to bother you these days,unless off course you run into a flood

[John CS]

5 hours ago, scammed said:

yeah, its shocking.

on another note, allowing cars on WS is the dumbest thing this city could have ever come up with,

i truly hope the guilty will burn in hell.

why not rename it driving street while you are at it destroying this iconic street

Govt implemented on Globalist orders , the truth will out, always people have to suffer , but people will change

[Rimmer]

Off topic copyright photo removed also a reply

[MrMo]

Not unthinkable at all !   You only needed a little intelligence, just 3 years back, to realize Walking Street was becoming like elsewhere in Thailand.   How ?   Just count the number of 7/11s and similar that had opened up.   My Thai family could work it out.

[greenbottle555]

6 hours ago, Crusader said:

Didn't we see plans a few months ago to totally revamp that area?  This would be a good time as it would create many jobs...

True. But projects need investments, and money is tight globally.

[dutchbull]

8 hours ago, Justgrazing said:

Now it's just the tourists ..

In the good old times every  day from 6-18.00 Hours cars where allowed

[elliss]

7 hours ago, Boomer6969 said:

Good, just on eye sore less in this country.

 

   Absolutely Correet .

    The World's largest brothel , has had its day ..

     Hopefully , the stigma of prostitution ,  in the Kingdom ,is finished ...

[Pattaya46]

Just now, elliss said:

 Absolutely Correct .

 The World's largest brothel , has had its day .. //

Uh?

A comment from someone who probably never visited Walking Street. 

How could a place be a brothel when there is no "sexual activity" ?

 

And yes, maybe still a very few short-time rooms on this street, but marginal cases and the huge majority of businesses on Walking Street are places without sex, when not without nudity.

[TheFreqFlyer]

I'm normally in favor of building new roads to ease traffic congestion since most Thai cities are notoriously poorly planned (there are exceptions) and don't have enough road surface, but converting a walking street into a road for cars is just silly.

 

How did they come up with that idea? Besides, unlike Bangkok, Pattaya actually has plenty of side streets you can use to go around. I remember encountering no difficulties driving around walking street and emerging on the other side without driving through it. 

[Yahooka]

36 minutes ago, Puzzler said:

I walked along that street once. It was a disgusting that denigrated the working men and women and displayed some of the most disgraceful aspects of Thai "acceptance".  I sincerely hope that red-light areas like this are permanently shut down and transformed into more family friendly areas. Not only that, I wish any foreigners who think such places are "good" just return to their own countries and face the music when they get arrested for the sex offences they are probably hiding from... That walking street was disgusting. I hope I never see it again.

Shutting down Walking Street,Pattaya`s biggest tourist attraction ? Dream on.

[scammed]

49 minutes ago, Puzzler said:

I walked along that street once. It was a disgusting that denigrated the working men and women and displayed some of the most disgraceful aspects of Thai "acceptance".  I sincerely hope that red-light areas like this are permanently shut down and transformed into more family friendly areas. Not only that, I wish any foreigners who think such places are "good" just return to their own countries and face the music when they get arrested for the sex offences they are probably hiding from... That walking street was disgusting. I hope I never see it again.

you just need to get drunk to get over that hurdle,

within a couple of months its not going to bother you in the slightest.

you can do it

[ronnie round head]

7 hours ago, PatOngo said:

Who's feeding the thieving, pick pocketing ladyboys?

the chinese and the indians