Hoarding in Pattaya
I don't like hoarding, I think it's something anti-social, like ′′ me, me, me ′′ and that's not in my nature at all. But there are those moments when my social feeling and common sense cannot compete with Thai logic. That is what I am now facing in the public fight against the spread of the coronavirus, because what happened?
Last Wednesday my wife told me that a 24-hour curfew was coming in Pattaya. Nonsense, I said, that is not possible at all, people have to eat and be able to go to a supermarket. A fierce discussion ensued, I hadn't read anything about it and my wife couldn't prove that she was right.
Pattaya locked
But something like that happened on Thursday. Pattaya was locked, no one could enter anymore and various roadblocks were constructed to prevent traffic from entering the city from “outside”. As an example, let's take the checkpoint on Sukhumvit Road where traffic from the A7 enters the Pattaya area. That traffic was not allowed to enter the city, unless with a permit, but a large part of that traffic does not want to enter the city at all. The route is also used for traffic to surrounding places such as Laem Chabang, Na Jomtien, Sattahip, etc. The result was long traffic jams due to endless discussions, angry motorists and frustrated (police) officials.
Hoarding
This is just the beginning, my wife said, pay attention. We have to do some shopping (hoarding) and so it happened, despite all my objections. In the end I gave in and she raced through Makro and another (Thai) wholesaler with a good friend of ours. The freezer is now full, part of the living room has been used as a pantry and whatever happens, we can hold out for about three weeks.
Blockade failed, so new plan
In the course of Thursday, it was realized that the roadblocks were of no use and the city council decided in mutual consultation for a different plan. Whether traffic experts (that's a profession, you know!) were present at that meeting, I doubt.
The core of the problem is that in the center of Pattaya, roughly bounded by Pattaya North, 3rd Road, Pattaya South and Beach Road, there are still about 3.000 foreign tourists who want to be shielded. After all, most of Pattaya's infections to date originated in that area. How people arrive at that number of 3.000 is still a mystery to me, but well!
The new plan revolves around 5 new blockades, where and how you can read in this article from Bangkok Post: www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1897390
I studied last night and can assure you that plan will not help either. Although the 5 points of police control are situated at strategic points, it leaves many possibilities open to drive into the center via shortcuts. I counted at least 10, all of which would have to be closed, an almost impossible job.
Finally
We will see how it goes today and then we have to wait for further measures. First, the Chonburi province of which Pattaya is part will follow other provinces with a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages and the curfew may last longer. It probably won't be a 24 hour curfew, but my wife could still be (a little) right.
Get some more beer in your house today, you never know!
According to the PM, there are no immediate plans to expand it.
“He also said that the government does not have any immediate plans to extend the current 10pm-4am curfew hours.”
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30385762
@Ronny, when I read a news article in Thailand, which says “they are planning…..”,
“a plan is being developed to…”, “it is (not) in the planning” and other variations,
then I shiver.
A sociology student or something could do a PhD on a study of how often a
plan in Thailand is actually implemented, how often changes and how often never
being implemented. You would be shocked!
I prefer to stick to concrete decisions, I can do something with that.
Yes of course.
But is not actually a news article by a journalist, but the statement of what the PM on TV himself said.
He can't say that it will never or certainly happen. That would probably also do violence to the truth.
I think he communicated correctly by saying that there are no immediate plans in that direction. But the situation could of course be different tomorrow and plans may have to be adjusted.
By the way, when I read from Belgian/Dutch or other European authorities that they are planning…..”, or “a plan is being developed to….”, “it is (not) in the planning” and other variations , then I also shiver 😉
Gringo, because of this corona there are no tourists and therefore no cigars. Unfortunately, but nothing can be done about it. I hope to come again in December and bring you cigars.
Yes Dick, big problem!
I now make do with expensive imported cigars, bought a stock yesterday.
The new measure in Pattaya to close off the inner city means that
I can no longer reach the cigar shop.
I still have to find something on that, or the store manager will bring them or I will ask
a doctor wrote me a note saying that the supply of cigars was of vital importance
to me, ha ha ha!
Take care, Dick, stay healthy and bring me the cigars in December!
I don't think stopping will be an option 😉
Not really, Ronny, but if I can't get/buy the cigars, it ends, doesn't it?
I now make do with expensive imported cigars. Joker.
Moderator: Off topic
Hey Gringo,
And if they introduce that plan after 5 days, next Tuesday, what's the point. All nonsensical. To pat himself on the back later. It's like the numbers. That's not right at all. However, each 'farang' is mentioned separately as if that would help.
Then this; a few ago at 6 pm. the whole nation had to listen or watch for a quarter of an hour or so to the then ruler. Mandatory or all channels. Long tirades. But now? The 'people' are hardly informed by this 1st minister. I have never seen him so little in the picture as in the past 3 weeks.
And yes those cigars, there is no control at the moment so until Monday evening. Where is it anyway? maybe i can buy them from jomtien. Greeting
That's right, Bob, the second round doesn't start until Tuesday, so I'll go shopping again on Monday
you don't have to be thirsty for the time being..)))
Thought I saw the picture, the first necessity of life is sufficiently stocked :-)))
Hello Gringo I read your message, I also live in Pattaya myself, but where do you get your cigars and are they affordable?
If I buy them here, then at Cigarista on Second Road at Tipp Plaza for
about the same price as in the Netherlands for quality cigars
In the Netherlands I buy a cigar, which is not for sale here, but about
half cheaper.
Moderator: Off topic. Please stick to Thailand.
Moderator: Off topic