EDITORIAL | by Michael Bridge
The annual migration of many expats leaving Thailand and returning home to enjoy their own summers has almost finished.
Many Brits, Swedes, Norwegians, Dutch, and Germans have departed, and even cash-strapped Russians are eventually leaving too.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is still hoping that tourists from India will fill the void left by the Russians, sprinkled with a few Middle East vacationers escaping their own hot temperatures.
But it is unlikely to be busy again until October when the Europeans normally like to escape the chilly winter months and come back to Thailand.
Hopefully, by then the entry rules will be simpler.
Good for residents
Since the exodus, living down in Pattaya it is noticeably quieter, which as a full-time resident can be quite a bonus.
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Firstly, getting around is a lot faster with no tourist buses and hardly any traffic jams.
Then finding a tee time at your favorite local golf course is also no problem, with many discounted packages on offer.
Even booking a hotel across the "land of smiles" is very inexpensive now. You pay 3-star rates but can live it up and stay in a 5-star luxury resort!
Weekends away from Bangkok
Of course, every resort or city has exceptions, with certain popular restaurants still doing good business, especially at weekends when the Bangkok selfie crowd drive down the expressway to spend the time by the beach.
Cozy Beach in Pattaya with six new themed restaurants, all seem to be busy at the weekends and their car parks are packed.
So, it may be great for residents, however can Thailand's beleaguered hospitality industry wait until next October to attract potential international tourists?
It will be a tough few months ahead.