On July 14, officials and business owners in Cha-am, Thailand, refuted claims made on social media suggesting the popular beach was deserted. The assertions, made in a viral TikTok video, were contradicted by local reports and eyewitness accounts confirming the presence of numerous tourists.
The TikTok user, identified as tetee1217, posted a video showing a seemingly empty Cha-am Beach on a Sunday, sparking widespread concern and debate online. The user described the area as “calm, with no tourists, no canvas beds, and no one playing in the sea.” This post prompted confusion among viewers, with many speculating on the reasons behind the apparent lack of visitors.
However, upon visiting the beach at 10:30 AM on July 14, journalists observed a bustling scene. Tourists from various provinces and countries were enjoying the seaside, contrary to the video’s depiction. The beach, spanning approximately seven kilometers, was vibrant and full of activity, consistent with typical weekend crowds.
Wasan Kittikul, President of the Association of Western Thailand Hotels (Phetchaburi-Prachuap), addressed the misinformation. He affirmed that Cha-am Beach continues to attract a steady flow of visitors, particularly on weekends. He emphasized that the occupancy rate in local hotels and resorts remains above 50%, with tourists coming to enjoy the natural beauty and activities Cha-am offers. Kittikul urged social media users to verify facts before posting, highlighting the economic challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
Similarly, Saeng Noiphutta, President of the Cha-am Beach Trampoline Club, expressed shock at the misleading social media post. She confirmed that Cha-am Beach is lively with tourists throughout the week, with variations in crowd size largely dependent on weather conditions. On sunny days, the beach is especially crowded, contrary to the quiet image portrayed in the TikTok clip.
Adding to this, Sriphet Inphanthang, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Cha-am Municipality, reassured that the beach remains a popular destination for both local and international tourists. He noted that weekends and holidays see a surge in visitors due to the area’s proximity to Bangkok, its clean accommodations, delicious food, and reasonable prices. Inphanthang invited skeptics to visit Cha-am and witness its vibrancy firsthand, asserting that businesses in the area are operating normally with regular tourist bookings.
Officials and business operators in Cha-am stressed the importance of accurate information, urging social media users to avoid spreading unfounded claims that could negatively impact tourism and local livelihoods. The community remains welcoming and eager to prove that Cha-am Beach is far from lonely.
