Thai town gets boost from marriages, tourism

Photo: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

Narathiwat: Jurunikah (marriage solemniser) and agents are not the only ones seeing brisk business here in southern Thailand.

Local traders and hoteliers, too, have been seeing a surge in the number of Malaysian tourists in recent years.

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Some of them were newly-weds who just had their marriages solemnised in the province.

On a recent visit there, The Star found that business and tourism activities were thriving.

Satay seller Seman Latiff, 48, who has been in the business for eight years, said there has been a significant increase in the number of Malaysian tourists, especially during weekends and school holidays.

“Our town is booming, thanks to the huge number of Malaysians.

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“It’s not only those who just had their marriage solemnisation here, but Malaysians from all walks of life.”

Another trader, Naimah Puangen, 55, said the influx of Malaysian tourists has allowed small-time traders like her to improve their income.

“We all know this is the place where Malaysian couples like to register their marriage.

“There has also been a rise in the number of tourists, especially those seeking a short getaway during school holidays and long weekends,” she said.

Another trader, Norma Mat Diyoh, 26, said the economic vibrancy did not solely depend on Malaysian couples who tied the knot here.

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“From what I observe, many Malaysian families come because things and hotels are cheaper.”

Besides small-time traders, hoteliers also benefit from the influx of Malaysian couples who get hitched in the southern region of Thailand.

A hotel manager, who only wanted to be known as Arun, said about 50 couples checked in during the school holidays last year.

“I believe many Malaysians registered their marriage here and spent some time before going back,” he said.