Cha-am crab festival gets underway on beachfront
The Cha-am crab festival has officially begun, drawing large numbers of Thai and international visitors to the beachfront to sample fresh blue swimmer crab and enjoy a week of seafood-focused activities.
The 11th Crab Pulling Tasting Festival @ Cha-am was formally opened on the evening of 14 March at the Cha-am Beach Viewpoint in Phetchaburi province. The ceremony was presided over by Phetchaburi Governor Phopchanok Chalanukroh, alongside senior provincial officials, tourism representatives, hospitality leaders and local authorities.
Organised annually by Cha-am Municipality in cooperation with the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phetchaburi office and Singha Corporation, the event runs until 21 March. Officials say the Cha-am crab festival aims to promote tourism, support local fishermen and stimulate income for businesses across the district.
Seafood, culture and nightly entertainment
Nearly 100 food vendors have set up stalls along the beachfront, offering a wide selection of dishes centred on locally caught blue swimmer crab. Chefs from well-known hotels and restaurants in Cha-am have also created special menus for the occasion.
Visitors can watch demonstrations of traditional crab-pulling techniques used by fishermen, browse locally made products at the beach walking street and attend live concerts featuring popular Thai singers each evening.
A daily conservation activity is also taking place during the festival, with members of the public invited to join the release of juvenile blue swimmer crabs back into the sea between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Participation is free of charge.
With the Cha-am crab festival held only once a year, organisers are encouraging residents and tourists to visit the event before it concludes next week.
