PATTAYA, THAILAND – The two-day Pattaya Squid Fair 2026 opened at Jomtien Beach under the theme “Fisherman’s Fantasy Village,” aiming to attract cultural tourists and secure income for local fishing communities.
Festival launch on Jomtien Beach
Mayor Poramese Ngampichet personally welcomed participants and guests on 20 February at the busy stretch of Jomtien Beach for the festival’s opening. He stressed that the 20–21 February programme was designed to strengthen cultural tourism while generating additional revenue for nearby fishing communities.
Political and business backing
Numerous representatives from the city administration, the business sector and other regional bodies attended the ceremony and visibly backed the project. Chutima Jiramongkol, president of the Pattaya City Business and Tourism Association Chonburi, outlined the event’s objectives and its importance for the destination in a report.
Official opening with provincial leaders
The president of the Chonburi Provincial Administration, Wittaya Khunplome, led the official opening act, underscoring support from the provincial level. According to the city, the presence of senior officials was seen as a signal that maritime cultural formats at Jomtien Beach should be developed further in the long term.
Culinary focus and coastal art
Along the beachfront promenade, numerous stalls presented fresh seafood, regional specialties and products from surrounding communities. Businesses from Koh Larn held artistic workshops that picked up traditional fishing lore in creative forms.
Sport, games and live cooking
The Thailand Sailing Association and the Pattaya Sailing Association added attractions with sailing demonstrations off the coast. At the same time, youth groups performed folk songs, while the Chonburi provincial president and the mayor staged a live demonstration on how to prepare a special seafood dip sauce.
Family-friendly “Sea Fun Challenge”
With “Sea Fun Challenge” games and prizes on offer, a lively and family-friendly atmosphere emerged along the beach. Organisers said the blend of entertainment and culinary offerings played a key role in keeping the festival well attended into the evening hours.
Emphasis on sustainable development
In his speech, Mayor Poramese Ngampichet highlighted that Pattaya was deliberately relying on teamwork between state agencies, the private sector and local communities to permanently strengthen cultural tourism products.
“We hope this event will stimulate the grassroots economy, open up new opportunities for residents and leave visitors with lasting impressions of Pattaya’s maritime identity.”
said Poramese Ngampichet, mayor of Pattaya.
Maritime tradition as a draw
According to the city administration, the Pattaya Squid Fair 2026 attracted many visitors with a combination of beach stages, live music and visually striking installations on maritime history. Organisers viewed the format as an example of how the region’s seafaring tradition could be presented in a contemporary way without losing sight of its local roots.