Major fire at Pattaya tourist attraction - Floating Market

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Here's the latest for my "I Don't Get It" list. They're going to reopen Tuesday, September 12. That's 2 days from the time of this post. I have one question: WHY? Who are they expecting to go? Maybe some curiosity seekers, but who else? What about venue employees and shop owners? Are they prepared to return at this point? Are they going to charge admission? If it's typical Thai logic, it wouldn't surprise me if they not only charge admission, but also raise the price.

They haven't even established cause of the fire yet. None of the damage could be substantially repaired yet. I can't imagine any tour buses stopping there and then the guide having to explain to the tourists why they're being taken to a venue that just went through a major fire.

I don't understand what they're thinking, but I wish them good luck. In any case, I doubt I will be among those first in line . . .
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UPDATE: Pattaya Floating Market to Reopen September 12th

By Goongnang Suksawat

9 September, 2023

The Pattaya Floating Market is planning to reopen after a major and devastating fire on September 12th, 2023.

The managing director and lawyer of the market Ms. Sumaphon Srimueang announced the swift reopening in a press conference on Saturday (September 9th). Joining her at the press conference were the Banglamung District Chief Mr. Pisit Sirisawatdinukun and local media such as The Pattaya News.

Ms. Sumaphon told The Pattaya News about the fire incident. “Security guards saw some smoke and fire from the middle of the facility on the evening of the blaze around 7:30 PM. They have all been trained for basic fire prevention. However, during that time there was strong wind and the market structures were mostly made of wood which were easily flammable. The fire spread very quickly. Our guards and staff quickly evacuated the affected areas which is a major reason there were no significant injuries and no deaths.”

“Firefighters were called and they quickly arrived and finally controlled the fire after 10:00 P.M.. From the fire incident we have seen that everyone in Pattaya helps each other. Thank you to every relevant authority, the Forensic Police, and officials from the civil engineers of the Banglamung Office. These agencies are still investigating the fire scene to find the exact cause of the fire which is still unclear,” Ms. Sumaphon explained.

“The damage is about 30 percent of the market’s total area which mostly is in ‘the Northern’ zone, only one of our four zone attractions. The damage cost is being estimated at about 70 million baht. This cost does not include the damage cost to business operators at the market. We do have insurance for the market but not a significant amount but are working on clarifying the payment structure as of press time and how to repair damages” Ms. Sumaphon added.

“Many scheduled tour programs to the park have been canceled but we have received significant support instead of complaints from customers. Affected business operators at the market will also receive compensation from the market insurance. We don’t want to be a forgotten Pattaya landmark. We had already planned to open a new zone this month before the fire. The market is expected to be reopened on September 12th this month, although some areas may remain under repair and inaccessible. The majority of the park and many attractions remain undamaged and fire inspectors and engineers have assured these sections are safe to reopen.” Ms. Sumaphon noted.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/09/u ... mber-12th/

[Jun]

Here's the latest for my "I Don't Get It" list. They're going to reopen Tuesday, September 12. That's 2 days from the time of this post. I have one question: WHY? Who are they expecting to go? Maybe some curiosity seekers, but who else? What about venue employees and shop owners?

To answer your "Why?" question, well shops need to be open to earn money.

According to the article, 70% of it is undamaged. Most tourists probably won't know of the fire until they see the damage. Once they get off the bus, they are trapped anyway.

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I hope a followup will be posted, telling us just how many people actually went there when they reopen.

"We don’t want to be a forgotten Pattaya landmark."

Other than tour buses, that seems to be quite what they were anyway. I know many who went - once - and haven't been back since. But no matter how much is left of it, if I were on a tour bus taking me to a venue that just had a major fire, and a significant portion of it is destroyed, along with no establishment of what caused the fire, I'd sure be complaining - loudly. And the tour guide could forget all about his tip.

[Jun]

I know many who went - once - and haven't been back since.

I can't imagine going even once.

But no matter how much is left of it, if I were on a tour bus taking me to a venue that just had a major fire, and a significant portion of it is destroyed, along with no establishment of what caused the fire, I'd sure be complaining - loudly. And the tour guide could forget all about his tip.

They're probably going to try and hide away the burnt part with hoardings or something.

Since the customers are all Asians & very few Americans, perhaps the tour guides survive on their salary & not tips. Plus the kickbacks for bringing the punters to the trap.

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Nothing in the article about admission prices, establishment of the cause of the fire, or what precautions are in effect for the rest of the venue. Oh well, if any of you want to go, it's open.
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Pattaya Floating Market Reopens for Business After Devastating Fire

By Tanakorn Panyadee

12 September, 2023

The Pattaya Floating Market has reopened for business today, September 12th, following a devastating fire that wrecked one section of the market.

Both Thai and foreign tourists visited the market continuously on its first reopening day today to explore various attractions, such as enjoying boat rides, savoring local cuisine, and immersing themselves in cultural showcases within the market.

In response to the fire incident, the affected areas have been cordoned off with beautiful vinyl photos of tourists enjoying the market to prevent access to the under-repair zones.

Ms. Sumaporn Srimuang, the General Manager of the Pattaya Floating Market, expressed gratitude to the tourists who visited the market today and to the vendors who cooperated in reopening their shops to serve tourists after the crisis on the night of September 7th.

Ms. Sumaporn explained that the market incurred damage of approximately 25-30% of the overall market area from the blaze. The area affected by the crisis (the northern section) will remain closed until the repairs are complete. There was not a hard date given for when this will be, as it could vary on many factors.

The floating market has allocated spaces for the affected vendors to temporarily sell their products. The market will provide compensation for the vendors in the future, Ms. Sumaporn said.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2023/09/12/p ... ting-fire/

[Jun]

In response to the fire incident, the affected areas have been cordoned off with beautiful vinyl photos of tourists enjoying the market to prevent access to the under-repair zones.

Covered up, as predicted.