A BEACH party in Patong attracted about 2000 people last night but organisers are hoping for a bigger turnout tonight, the second of two events in a row.
The rapidly increasing number of noisy beach parties in Patong has polarized the local expat community into those for and against music late at night on the beach.
One vendor in the beach road, Rattana Rungsawat, 41, told Phuketwan that the noise last night was so loud she could not hear customers who stopped at her souvenir shop.
At a second souvenir shop, Soowanee Angsuwattananon said: ''It is very loud. This is for young, single people.
''Those tourists who come as a family group are not interested in beach parties. We have more tourists now, but they don't come for the beach parties.
''I wish the organisers put the same effort into a concert for real Thai culture, not this kind of show. It creates the wrong impression for Phuket.''
Tourists Shanae, 19, and Corly, 20, both from Australia, said they had paid 600 baht each for tickets to the beach party on both nights.
They arrived on Phuket last Sunday for the first time. ''We went to a club but it was very quiet, so we thought we'd try the beach party,'' Shanae said.
Organiser Sami Karranto said there were 2000 people at the party by 11pm. ''Last night was not so good,'' he added, ''Maybe tonight will be bigger and better.''
Tickets have been discounted to 1000 baht for groups of three people.
Phuket 'Kick Gang' Robs Italian Expat, Thai WomanThe rapidly increasing number of noisy beach parties in Patong has polarized the local expat community into those for and against music late at night on the beach.
One vendor in the beach road, Rattana Rungsawat, 41, told Phuketwan that the noise last night was so loud she could not hear customers who stopped at her souvenir shop.
At a second souvenir shop, Soowanee Angsuwattananon said: ''It is very loud. This is for young, single people.
''Those tourists who come as a family group are not interested in beach parties. We have more tourists now, but they don't come for the beach parties.
''I wish the organisers put the same effort into a concert for real Thai culture, not this kind of show. It creates the wrong impression for Phuket.''
Tourists Shanae, 19, and Corly, 20, both from Australia, said they had paid 600 baht each for tickets to the beach party on both nights.
They arrived on Phuket last Sunday for the first time. ''We went to a club but it was very quiet, so we thought we'd try the beach party,'' Shanae said.
Organiser Sami Karranto said there were 2000 people at the party by 11pm. ''Last night was not so good,'' he added, ''Maybe tonight will be bigger and better.''
Tickets have been discounted to 1000 baht for groups of three people.
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"Tourists Shanae, 19, and Corly, 20, both from Australia, said they had paid 600 baht each for tickets to the beach party on both nights"
Nice earner for the touts seeing as the ticket price is 400 baht at the entrance.
Posted by Ivan on February 19, 2010 18:47