Beach Vendors In Pattaya

[Ling Kae]

Yesterday I was walking down beach road and the town hall boys in brown were coming down hard on the beach vendors. An older lady made a run for the footpath on the other side of the road and then she dropped all her BBQ eggs. She lost hundreds of baht worth of her eggs. A kind hearted farang tourist took pitty on her and gave her at least 200 baht to help pay for her loss, you were a kind hearted soul whoever you are.

The point I am trying to make is that I like to sit on the beach and buy Somtum, BBQ squid, steamed prawns or a BBQ'd sweetcorn from the vendors. They are usually really nice Thai people just trying make a living, I really like them as does my partner. Why is it that they are banned in Pattaya? On Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui or on Hat Tawean on Koh Larn they have these vendors and are needed by us tourists. Why can't Pattaya Council license a few operators on the beach like they do almost everywhere else in Thailand?

If they could grant say 10 Somtum licenses, 10 massage lady licenses or 10 steamed prawned licenses it would make Pattaya equally as well serviced as most other beaches in Thailand. Why is Pattaya singled out for this? It just seems unjust that the poor vendors need to trash their spring rolls in the sand when the BIB turn up.

[Pattayatony]

Yesterday I was walking down beach road and the town hall boys in brown were coming down hard on the beach vendors. An older lady made a run for the footpath on the other side of the road and then she dropped all her BBQ eggs. She lost hundreds of baht worth of her eggs. A kind hearted farang tourist took pitty on her and gave her at least 200 baht to help pay for her loss, you were a kind hearted soul whoever you are.

The point I am trying to make is that I like to sit on the beach and buy Somtum, BBQ squid, steamed prawns or a BBQ'd sweetcorn from the vendors. They are usually really nice Thai people just trying make a living, I really like them as does my partner. Why is it that they are banned in Pattaya? On Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui or on Hat Tawean on Koh Larn they have these vendors and are needed by us tourists. Why can't Pattaya Council license a few operators on the beach like they do almost everywhere else in Thailand?

If they could grant say 10 Somtum licenses, 10 massage lady licenses or 10 steamed prawned licenses it would make Pattaya equally as well serviced as most other beaches in Thailand. Why is Pattaya singled out for this? It just seems unjust that the poor vendors need to trash their spring rolls in the sand when the BIB turn up.

There not paying enough tea money

[Kerryd]

Probably wouldn't have anything to do with the numerous complaints that the police receive about over-aggressive vendors, vendors that won't take "No" for an answer and vendors that deliberately stand in your way hoping to get a sale from you ?

Nah, that wouldn't affect anything. Even when the complaints turn into a flood.

Licences wouldn't work, Sheesh, think about it. You are supposed to have a licence to drive a vehicle. How many actually do ?

I had dinner on Jomtien Beach a couple weeks ago. My "friend" and I did buy some items from a couple vendors. How ever, this seemed to make the rest of them think we would buy from all of them. Even the ones selling the same stuff we had just bought, were trying to get us to buy more of the same.

We spent the rest of our time trying to shoo away vendors who would come up and literally start shoving items into our faces.

Tempted to get a cattle prod and see how many times you have to zap them before they get the hint.

[Ling Kae]

Probably wouldn't have anything to do with the numerous complaints that the police receive about over-aggressive vendors, vendors that won't take "No" for an answer and vendors that deliberately stand in your way hoping to get a sale from you ?

Nah, that wouldn't affect anything. Even when the complaints turn into a flood.

Licences wouldn't work, Sheesh, think about it. You are supposed to have a licence to drive a vehicle. How many actually do ?

I had dinner on Jomtien Beach a couple weeks ago. My "friend" and I did buy some items from a couple vendors. How ever, this seemed to make the rest of them think we would buy from all of them. Even the ones selling the same stuff we had just bought, were trying to get us to buy more of the same.

We spent the rest of our time trying to shoo away vendors who would come up and literally start shoving items into our faces.

Tempted to get a cattle prod and see how many times you have to zap them before they get the hint.

I can see your point about aggressive vendors but I think a total ban is just over the top. On some beaches there are licensed vendors that wear a vest similar to what motorcycle taxi guys wear that are numbered and identifiable. If it was regulated and Policed as it is on some beaches then the headaches you have presented might not happen. How is it that it works fine say on Hat Rin Beach and Chaweng beach but not on Pattaya beach? A balance would work I think.

[Mobi]

Probably wouldn't have anything to do with the numerous complaints that the police receive about over-aggressive vendors, vendors that won't take "No" for an answer and vendors that deliberately stand in your way hoping to get a sale from you ?

Nah, that wouldn't affect anything. Even when the complaints turn into a flood.

Licences wouldn't work, Sheesh, think about it. You are supposed to have a licence to drive a vehicle. How many actually do ?

I had dinner on Jomtien Beach a couple weeks ago. My "friend" and I did buy some items from a couple vendors. How ever, this seemed to make the rest of them think we would buy from all of them. Even the ones selling the same stuff we had just bought, were trying to get us to buy more of the same.

We spent the rest of our time trying to shoo away vendors who would come up and literally start shoving items into our faces.

Tempted to get a cattle prod and see how many times you have to zap them before they get the hint.

I can see your point about aggressive vendors but I think a total ban is just over the top. On some beaches there are licensed vendors that wear a vest similar to what motorcycle taxi guys wear that are numbered and identifiable. If it was regulated and Policed as it is on some beaches then the headaches you have presented might not happen. How is it that it works fine say on Hat Rin Beach and Chaweng beach but not on Pattaya beach? A balance would work I think.

Ling Kae, I completely agree with you.

I have spent many a day on Jomtien beach with my family, and I have to admit that the beach vendors can be a little annoying, but no more. We always buy our food and drink from the locals and beach vendors, and when we've had enough I always smile and say no thank you in Thai, and they usually smile and go their way. In my experience, they are rarely overly aggressive, if you speak to them nicely and treat them like human beings.

We are rich farangs, and these people are desperately trying to earn a crust to feed themselves and their families. They have enough to put up with when the bib come along, without us 'cattle prodding' them.

Yes, it would be a great idea if they could be somehow licensed and controlled, but let's not blame them for trying to stay alive.

Why don't we go down to the Pattaya slums, set all the rubbish alight and dump the starving babies on the flames for good measure. That'll clean up our lovely little piece of paradise nicely.

[Mighty Mouse]

Pressure on the authorities from beach front shop owners would be the most likely reason for any crack down on roaming vendors.

The shops pay rent and government taxes whilst these non-tax-and-rent-paying vendors take a large percentage of the shop's trade away.

[Kerryd]

We are rich farangs, and these people are desperately trying to earn a crust to feed themselves and their families. They have enough to put up with when the bib come along, without us 'cattle prodding' them.

You might be surprised at how many "crusts" some of these people earn. Sure it's low season now, but even so, I saw them doing pretty good business.

As I said, we did buy some stuff, but come on. There was just me and the g/f.

What were alls those other vendors thinking ?

"Oh hey, a rich farang ! He'll buy what I'm selling, even if he already has 4 trays of the same stuff on his table !"

"So what that there's only 1 farang and his tiny g/f, surely they'll buy heaping hordes of food from us that they'll obviously never eat !"

"I know, I pull out trays of the same stuff he already has, stick it under his nose, point at the trays on the table and then try to add my trays to the pile !"

"Hmmmm, rich farang says he no want my stuff. Maybe if I stand in front of him long enough, he'll buy something just to get rid of me."

If they would just take "no" for an answer I wouldn't mind so much. When I have to say "no" 4-5 times to the same person, I start getting irritated though.

(side note: Having dinner downtown one night. Saw a beggar that I had given money to before. He is missing his (right ?) hand and has the arm in a dirty cast and sling.

In about 1 hour, I saw 25 people put money into his cup. I was counting. Only 3 people put coins in (he was sitting about 6 feet from my table, easy to hear the coins). He had to take a break at one point to empty the money out. Doesn't look good to have too much cash in the cup.

So, in one hour he had 22 people drop bills into his cup (smallest being a 20 nowadays, that equals 440 baht an hour).

After about 2 hours in that location, he moves to another spot by the Marine plaza. I'd be curious to see just how much he does make in a day. I'll bet he's doing a lot better than some people that are working for a living !

[Mobi]

As I said, we did buy some stuff, but come on. There was just me and the g/f.

What were alls those other vendors thinking ?

"Oh hey, a rich farang ! He'll buy what I'm selling, even if he already has 4 trays of the same stuff on his table !"

"So what that there's only 1 farang and his tiny g/f, surely they'll buy heaping hordes of food from us that they'll obviously never eat !"

"I know, I pull out trays of the same stuff he already has, stick it under his nose, point at the trays on the table and then try to add my trays to the pile !"

"Hmmmm, rich farang says he no want my stuff. Maybe if I stand in front of him long enough, he'll buy something just to get rid of me."

Hey Kerry, you're funny even when you're angry.

Maybe all those starving vendors thought you and your TINY g/f needed feeding up a bit.

They were only concerned for your health and well being you know.

BTW I'm sure you're right about some of those beggars minting it - but I'll also bet that a very large portion gets paid over to the mafia.

TIT

[Kerryd]

Hey Kerry, you're funny even when you're angry.

The vendors is the one thing that keeps me from going to the beach more often. When I do go, it is often to a place at the far east end of Jomtien, where the sand runs into a rocky outcrop. No beach chairs or vendors around there.

Maybe all those starving vendors thought you and your TINY g/f needed feeding up a bit.

She is a petite 40 kgs (90 pounds) soaking wet, fresh out of the shower (literally) !

I've joked with her about it, as she thinks she's about 3 kilos overweight ! I told her if she gets to 41 kilos, I'm chucking her out and looking for a skinnier girl !

BTW I'm sure you're right about some of those beggars minting it - but I'll also bet that a very large portion gets paid over to the mafia.

TIT

No doubt there is some $$ being paid to someone somewhere. Seems to be the case in almost every other aspect of life here. It's too bad, as many of these people have squat to begin with, and while they may be getting by, they aren't really getting ahead.

Whenever I go to Big C (the one at the corner of Pattaya Tai and Sukhumvit Road), I see a set of shanties (crudely constructed shelters made of sheets of corrugated steel or tin). A single water tap in front, no sign of a toilet/outhouse. People doing laundry and washing beside the street.

Used to be another similar set-up beside Carrefoure (back side of the building I think). I joked with my landlady about moving there, as I heard they only paid 50 baht a month for rent.

What impresses me though, is that these people, with barely a pot to piss in, still go out and work everyday to make ends meet. Back home they'd be on welfare, whining that it doesn't give them enough to take a fancy holiday every year.

[Mossfinn]

Had some great 'feeds' on Jomtjiem beach using the vendors including one great Christmas day banquet, rarely found them aggressive but sometimes a little overly persistent but generally found they would leave after being told to go.

But I guess I may well have just been lucky.

The exception are the silk vendors who do latch limpet-like onto any prospective candidate and refuse to leave even after a clear refusal.

Moss

[mrbojangles]

Pressure on the authorities from beach front shop owners would be the most likely reason for any crack down on roaming vendors.

The shops pay rent and government taxes whilst these non-tax-and-rent-paying vendors take a large percentage of the shop's trade away.

Absolutely, i wouldn't be impressed if i was forking out taxes etc and these people where coming along illegally stealing my trade.

The vendors is the one thing that keeps me from going to the beach more often. When I do go, it is often to a place at the far east end of Jomtien, where the sand runs into a rocky outcrop. No beach chairs or vendors around there.

Same here Kerry but why should we be driven away by these people. Personally, i prefer the beach than lying by the pool but many a time i stay at the pool rather than get the hassle off these sellers.

[Phil Conners]

Disagree strongly! We stopped using the Jomtien Beach mainly because of the hassle with the vendors. Instead we now spend an hour to drive down to the other side of Sattahip - which also have a lot cleaner water. (if we don't just stay at the pool)

Edited July 23, 2006 by Phil Conners

[Ling Kae]

Disagree strongly! We stopped using the Jomtien Beach mainly because of the hassle with the vendors. Instead we now spend an hour to drive down to the other side of Sattahip - which also have a lot cleaner water. (if we don't just stay at the pool)

I don't think it is any where near as bad as that. The missus and I doze off for a sleep for 2 hours a time and the beach vendors don't bother us. I welcome their service and I love their steamed prawns and Somtum.You should try Kuta beach on Bali sometime then you would know what a real hassel is.

[suiging]

Interresting thread this. Just like the bashers/lovers debates, two clearly entrenched sides who after a post or two get stuck into each other rather than anyone coming up with an answer to the original question. Better than watching football, you have to love TV.

[stevo]

I have to agree that the vendors are really anoying me too..

I have gotten to the point where I am tired of having to speak every minute when sitting at the beach, so I usually shake my head, or pretend to be asleep. I wish I could just find solitude on the beach, but this is gone. I wish more picked up on the body language of people before walking up to them..

how do you write: "

I want to sit here in peace.. will not buy anything" in Thai?

[Mobi]

Disagree strongly! We stopped using the Jomtien Beach mainly because of the hassle with the vendors. Instead we now spend an hour to drive down to the other side of Sattahip - which also have a lot cleaner water. (if we don't just stay at the pool)

I don't think it is any where near as bad as that. The missus and I doze off for a sleep for 2 hours a time and the beach vendors don't bother us. I welcome their service and I love their steamed prawns and Somtum.You should try Kuta beach on Bali sometime then you would know what a real hassel is.

I have to agree. We've been cominmg to Jomtien beach for years, and find the vendors no more than a mild annoyance.

As I said in my previous post, it could have something to do with the way you speak to them. How about learning a few more words of Thai, and telling them politely, with a smile, that you have already bought your food and you are full up, but next time you will buy from them - all with a big smile.

Does the trick for us, and like Ling Kae, we always manage a couple of hours uninterrupted kip.

Suiging, I stopped watching much TV years ago.

[hopeless]

Probably wouldn't have anything to do with the numerous complaints that the police receive about over-aggressive vendors, vendors that won't take "No" for an answer and vendors that deliberately stand in your way hoping to get a sale from you ?

Ive got a suit already

[Artisan]

Interresting thread this. Just like the bashers/lovers debates, two clearly entrenched sides who after a post or two get stuck into each other rather than anyone coming up with an answer to the original question. Better than watching football, you have to love TV.

The original question was "Beach Vendors In Pattaya, Why are they banned?"

Suiging, if this question was answered in the first reply, are you suggesting that the topic should then be considered to be closed and that subsequent discussion or personal comment is inappropriate? I'm sure that the original poster was inviting discussion because he/she presented his/her point of view in three paragraphs. Maybe your powers of perception are stronger than mine because I don't see any sign of people "getting stuck into each other"....other than this comment made by me to your post.

A 'forum" is a facility for open discussion.......anyway, anything is better than watching football

Edited July 24, 2006 by Artisan

[suiging]

Interresting thread this. Just like the bashers/lovers debates, two clearly entrenched sides who after a post or two get stuck into each other rather than anyone coming up with an answer to the original question. Better than watching football, you have to love TV.

The original question was "Beach Vendors In Pattaya, Why are they banned?"

Suiging, if this question was answered in the first reply, are you suggesting that the topic should then be considered to be closed and that subsequent discussion or personal comment is inappropriate? I'm sure that the original poster was inviting discussion because he/she presented his/her point of view in three paragraphs. Maybe your powers of perception are stronger than mine because I don't see any sign of people "getting stuck into each other"....other than this comment made by me to your post.

A 'forum" is a facility for open discussion.......anyway, anything is better than watching football

Excellent reply. As I said better than watching........................................................

[BROWNY]

[You should try Kuta beach on Bali sometime then you would know what a real hassel is.

I concur - now that IS a nightmare beach !

I don't mind the vendors - I buy food from them and often go to the beach for that very purpose, I like my food paraded in front of me !

A simple Mai ow Krap usually does the job if you don't want that carved elephant or you have enough silk throws.

The ones in Samui do seem to be more regulated though.

Now wheres that guy selling doughnuts ?

[hiromj]

Hopefully they are banning all the vendors that are going through the resturants on beach road. I find it very annoying to be bothered by these people while I'm trying to enjoy a meal and sometimes during a dinner meeting. I don't need another watch, if I did, I wouldn't buy from them anyways.

[alexth]

What about some approved and trained vendors? Vendors who would know to offer you their products without being bothered and annoyed with all that crap. They wouldn't understand to go away no matter what you speak (thai, english, japanese, chinese) and they won't leave untill they see you pissed of and when you look pissed off, the comments are: "Farang bah". Tired of that crap while you're trying to relax on the beach.

[BROWNY]

What about some approved and trained vendors?

I agree - and i think that is the crux of this issue, the original poster is asking why they are now banned, well i think it is to do with the fact they are illegal and untrained (a bit obvious i know)

But other resorts seem to have offical vendors with vests and numbers, i imagine they are licenced and recognised as such by the local plod. They also seem more laid back and less likely to hassle you (in general, but not all)

I think the local authorities in Patty could do worse than look at licencing and training a selection of approved vendors as you mention alexth.

Good call. As long as they licence that bloke with the doughnuts.