CityNews – Pai Jazz & Blues Fest 2017 ended peacefully with Pai Chief District Officer confirmed that the event did not cause trouble as concerned, and in fact helped boost the local economy in this low season.
The event was a collaboration of HIP magazine and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mae Hong Son office, held on July 21st to 23rd with the plan to spread good music and relaxed vibes for music lovers, inviting 25 bands from Chiang Mai and Bangkok to play in 11 of Pai’s cafes and pubs.
On July 21st, however, it was reported that 25 people appealed to the Chief District Officer asking to cancel the event due to concerns of noise pollution and the possibility of bars closing later than 11.30pm.
However, the requests failed to gain any traction and the event continued as planned. “The event was refreshing. I went to check the noise and it was as loud as any typical day. There were some moments that the music volume peaked which is normal.” said Mr Thanakrit Chuntajumratsilp, the Chief District Officer on the 22nd. He also confirmed that the participating venues were all closed by 11.30 as agreed.
Last year, there was around 800,000 tourists who visited Pai and local authorities are hoping to increase that number to one million by the end of this year.