CHONBURI — 1 May 2026, Large crowds packed Bang Saen beach on National Labour Day, clogging roads and filling the shoreline, though vendors said spending was subdued as families tightened budgets ahead of the new school term.
At 15:30, reporters found heavy traffic on routes to Bang Saen and along the beachfront, with visitors from multiple provinces gathering in large numbers. Picnic areas were crowded with families eating together, while deckchairs were nearly fully occupied. Many adults and children were seen swimming despite the heat, seeking relief in the sea.
Thanaphon Wannapong, 42, a drinks vendor, said visitor numbers appeared high but remained below last year’s Labour Day levels. “Normally it would be completely full and business very brisk,” he said, adding that sales were weaker this year as parents conserved money for school fees and uniforms.
Anan Piamprasert, 50, who rents out inflatable rings, said income had dropped sharply. On typical holidays he would earn 4,000–5,000 baht a day, but now takes in about 1,000 baht on busy days and as little as 400 baht on weekdays. He attributed the decline to higher travel costs and families cutting back ahead of term.
A visitor, 31-year-old Yutthaphum Surisan from Min Buri, said he brought his family to Bang Saen for its convenient location and atmosphere. Despite traffic and difficulty finding parking, he said the trip was worthwhile, praising the affordable food and the cool sea as ideal for a summer outing.