The pandemic chronicles, a tale of transformation in Pattaya.
Pattaya experienced a rollercoaster of changes amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. From the closure of iconic establishments to the emergence of new ventures, the city's landscape underwent a profound transformation, reflecting both resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity.
Best Friends Bar: A Shift in Scene.
Best Friends bars, once the epitome of Pattaya's entertainment scene, stood as a testament to the city's allure. However, as the pandemic swept through, the vibrancy dimmed, and Beach Road witnessed a shift. While these bars continued to attract visitors, the Best Friends site eventually became a construction zone, a stark reminder of the changing times.
PS Plaza: A Vanishing Act.
PS Plaza, once bustling with shops and activity, faced a dramatic disappearance as the pandemic took its toll. Parking lots that once housed a variety of shops stood empty, leaving behind an eerie silence that echoed the city's struggle.
P.S. Bowling: Demolition and Development.
The iconic P.S. Bowling building, a landmark at the junction of Central Road and Second Road, faced the inevitable fate of demolition to pave the way for progress. Once a hub of entertainment and leisure, it succumbed to redevelopment, making room for a new chapter in Pattaya's architectural evolution.
The Remnants of Glory: P.S. Bowling's Legacy.
Amidst the rubble of P.S. Bowling, lay the remnants of a once proud establishment. This building, which housed the first TOPS supermarket in Pattaya during its golden days, stood as a poignant reminder of the city's changing landscape.
Taste: A Culinary Memory.
Taste, a cozy restaurant in front of the former Tops supermarket, added to the tapestry of Pattaya's culinary scene. However, its closure in March 2020 symbolized the challenges faced by eateries during the pandemic.
Drinking Street: A Shadow of Its Former Self.
Drinking Street, a hub of nightlife on Pattaya's Second Road, fell silent as lockdown measures took effect. Once vibrant and bustling, it now stood locked and dark, reflecting the somber reality of the times.
7-Eleven: A Beacon of Resilience.
Despite the upheaval, the almost world famous 7-Eleven mini market on Pattaya South Road continued to stand tall. With two floors catering to the needs of locals and tourists alike, it remained a symbol of resilience amidst uncertainty.
Central Road Market: A Promising Return.
The once popular Central Road Market, dormant during the pandemic, promised a comeback. As July 2022 approached, anticipation grew for its revival, signaling a glimmer of hope for Pattaya's economic recovery.
Amphawa Market: A Japanese Village Lost.
The cozy Japanese style village at Amphawa Market vanished completely, leaving behind memories of a cultural fusion that once adorned South Pattaya Road.
Tony's Fitness to Sun Fitness: A Transition in Wellness.
The transformation of Tony's Fitness to Sun Fitness at Soi Buakhao Night Market marked a shift in the city's wellness landscape. As new ventures emerged, Pattaya embraced change amidst adversity.
Indian Garden Restaurant & Bar: A Farewell.
Workers demolished the Indian Garden Restaurant & Bar at Second Road's Drinking Street, bidding farewell to another chapter in Pattaya's culinary journey.
Soi Made in Thailand: A Closing Chapter.
Soi Made in Thailand, once bustling with activity, saw its final days in November 2021. As the curtains closed on this iconic street, Pattaya mourned the loss of another cultural landmark.
The Former Made in Thailand Complex: A Vacant Space.
The former Made in Thailand complex stood vacant, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of Pattaya's urban landscape.
Witherspoons Sports Bar: A New Beginning.
Witherspoons Sports Bar found a new home in the former R-Con coffee shop, breathing new life into the space opposite Soi Buakhao's Night Market. Amidst closures, new beginnings emerged, reflecting Pattaya's resilience.
R-Con: A Departure from Familiarity.
R-Con bid farewell to its Easy R-Con Bar and coffee shop on Soi Buakhao, marking the end of an era in Pattaya's hospitality scene.
The New Witherspoons: A Beach Road Delight.
The new Witherspoons on Pattaya Beach Road boasted the title of offering the best breakfast on the strip, injecting fresh energy into the city's culinary offerings.
Don Pepe: A Taste of the Mediterranean.
The addition of Don Pepe with a Tapas Bistro brought Mediterranean cuisine to Pattaya's shopping arcade, diversifying the culinary landscape.
Plaza Shopping Arcade: A Return to Normalcy.
Formerly known as the Central Shopping Arcade, this bustling hub opposite Mike Shopping Mall witnessed a resurgence in activity, offering a glimpse of pre pandemic life.
Pig and Whistle: A Closed Chapter.
The closure of Pig and Whistle left a void in Pattaya's nightlife, signaling the end of an era for this beloved establishment.
The Original Pig & Whistle: A Nostalgic Reminder.
Despite closures, the original Pig & Whistle Pub continued to serve customers on Jomtien Thappraya Road, a beacon of familiarity amidst change.
Big & Whistle: A New Era.
In the rooms of the former Pig & Whistle Pub in Soi 7, an all new Big & Whistle Pub emerged, symbolizing the city's ability to adapt and reinvent itself in the face of adversity.
As Pattaya navigated the challenges of the pandemic, it underwent a profound transformation, with closures giving way to new beginnings. While the city bore the scars of economic downturns and closures, it also emerged as a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the indomitable spirit of its people. As the sun sets on one chapter, Pattaya stands poised to script a new narrative, weaving together the threads of its past with the promise of a brighter future.