Huge discounts and monkey parties: Thailand’s secondary provinces rev up for post-Covid era
Thailand’s secondary provinces are finding new ways to revive their economies now that the Covid-19 crisis is easing. Lopburi, for instance, is getting ready to host its annual Monkey Buffet Festival, while Trang and Rayong are preparing for island hoppers.
Markets in border areas are also offering special deals to attract shoppers. The Rim Moei market in Tak’s Mae Sot district at the Thai-Myanmar border was bustling again on Friday, with shops offering gems and jewellery at cost price to clear stocks.
Chiang Rai’s Sailom Joy Market, which is popular among local tourists, was also buzzing as vendors put products damaged by floods up for sale at huge discounts.
Meanwhile, in Lopburi, preparations are being made for the “Wheelchair Monkey Party”, which will be held on November 28 in areas around Muang district’s Phra Prang Sam Yot and the Phra Kan Shrine. Last month, organisers held a rehearsal Monkey Buffet, with treats served up in wheelchairs that were later donated to the needy. The organisers said many foreign tourists have shown interest in the event and there have been many media inquiries.
Rayong’s Koh Samet island, which is very popular among domestic travellers, was also buzzing with more than 4,000 tourists over the past weekend with no record of new Covid-19 cases.
Related news:
- Lopburi gets ready to throw a huge party for its monkey population
- With the Covid situation improving, Chiang Rai braces for tourist season
- Beautiful stingray bring a bounty to Trang local
Thailand opened its doors on November 1 to fully vaccinated travellers from 63 countries. The travellers are allowed to spend their first seven days quarantine-free in 17 provinces before heading off to other destinations in the country.
