Some Cha-Am residents have long bemoaned the absence of a shopping mall in town. The nearest options are currently located either in Hua Hin or Tha Yang; both being around 25 kilometres away. Construction of a new Cha-Am Tesco-Lotus (or is that Lotus’s?) is now well underway to resolve that issue for these local ‘shopaholics’.
The name of this store remains uncertain as the CP Group have been reported a new store brand to become “Lotus’s” rather than the old brand name of Tesco-Lotus.
However there has been a less than enthusiastic response from those concerned about the plight of small shopkeepers around town and the prospect of traffic issues. The location is already subject to some traffic problems, especially during busy weekend holiday periods.
To quote two local commentators:
“Wonder what will happen traffic wise on busy weekends/ holidays as the cops always close this road at the Hospital road end, making it one way only from Family Mart. Anyway its called progress and its welcomed, at least by my family.”
“Traffic chaos from the beach to the Phetchakasim already! What should that give then?”
However its worth quoting one of the developers of the Hua Hin Blúport Resort Mall who said when that facility was under construction; “I think they should be worried about less traffic, not more.” Cha-Am’s new facility will be nowhere near the scale of Blúport, but that sentiment may still be relevant.
Construction has progressed with the scope of the multi-storey building and car park becoming clearer. Perhaps ready to be open to coincide with the return of tourists to the region in October?
The location is on Srisakulthai Road, known to the locals as the ‘hospital road’. Locals will also recognise the location as being adjacent to ‘Sports Village’, a favourite housing precinct for expats.
After the recent arrival of Makro Food Services in town, this new shopping facility may be a sign that Cha-Am is slowly coming of age, to become more than just a sleepy tourist village.
Our thanks to Cha-Am contributor Paul for his pictures.
