PATTAYA, THAILAND – Pattaya announced the new “Pattaya Squid Fair 2026” at Jomtien Beach as a creative tourism festival designed to strengthen the local economy.
City launches squid festival concept
The city government introduced the event under the theme “Fisherman’s Fantasy Village”, scheduled for 20–21 February 2026 at Jomtien Beach near the Yaimak Market. The festival area, roughly midway along the beach and accessible by Baht bus, was planned as a staged fishing village with seafood, music and cultural performances from 4 p.m. onwards.
Announcement at Central Pattaya mall
Pattaya mayor Poramese Ngampichet assigned his deputy city clerk Siwatch Boonkerd to lead the press conference announcing the Pattaya Squid Fair 2026. The presentation took place in the activity zone on the ground floor of the Central Pattaya shopping mall in Chonburi province.
Joint push by city and province
City officials showcased the concept together with Vichit Youplerm, chairman of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO), and other partners from government and the private sector. The cooperation was aimed at increasing Pattaya’s appeal and attracting more visitors to Thailand’s eastern seaboard.
Cultural performance highlights royal music
A highlight of the press conference was a special performance by elementary pupils from Pattaya Municipality School 4 (Wat Nong Yai). They presented the royal composition “Koh Nai Fan” (“Island in a Dream”), underscoring the festival’s link to cultural traditions and royal music.
Focus on creative tourism and identity
In an interview with The Pattaya News, Boonkerd stressed Pattaya’s commitment to creative tourism while preserving local identity.
“Pattaya Squid Fair 2026 is a key event to revitalize the tourism economy, generate income for local entrepreneurs and present contemporary interpretations of fishing life against the backdrop of Jomtien Beach.”
said Siwatch Boonkerd, deputy city clerk.
Year-round tourism plans for 2026
Boonkerd added that the city was prepared to support tourism activities throughout 2026 to develop Pattaya into a destination of world-class quality. The Squid Fair was positioned as part of this broader annual program to showcase the city’s coastal roots.
Program, atmosphere and free entry
From 4 p.m. each day, Jomtien Beach was set to be transformed into an immersive “Fisherman’s Fantasy Village” blending traditional fishing heritage with imaginative, fairy-tale elements. Visitors were promised free entry, fresh seafood with squid specialties from local vendors, beachside dining, live music, cultural performances and family-friendly entertainment highlighting Pattaya’s coastal heritage.