Tourists hit the beach as bars close for early voting

Tourists relax on the beach in Pattaya on Saturday night, when the bars were closed for advance voting on Sunday for the Feb 8 general election. (Photo: Amporn Sangkaew)

Thai and foreign tourists chose to relax on Pattaya beach on Saturday night, when entertainment venues were closed for advance voting on Sunday ahead of the general election the next Sunday.

By election law, sales of alcoholic beverages must stop from 6pm on the eve of an election until 6pm on that day. Entertainment places, bars and restaurants where alcoholic beverages were available were closed.

Crowds of Thai and foreign tourists gathered peacefully on Pattaya beach as the streets fell quiet in entertainment areas on Saturday night.

Local officials patrolled Pattaya and surrounding beaches to ensure order.