Robinson and Tuk Com, Si Racha in Chonburi, Thailand

Couldn't visit Pattaya without having a quick stop over at my old home of Si Racha :-) in Chonburi district, a 25 minute drive from Pattaya.

I used to shop here on the high street of Si Racha, from late 2003 - mid 2005. Robinson is still here!


This is Tuk Com ... Si Racha's equivalent of Low Yat (KL, Malaysia) or Funan (Singapore)!


Wikipedia ...
Amphoe Si Racha (also Sri Ratcha, Si Raja) is a district in the province Chonburi, Thailand. Its center is the town of Si Racha, located at the Gulf of Thailand, about halfway between Chonburi and Pattaya.
It is increasingly marketed as a luxury retirement and expat zone for wealthy foreigners such as Japanese and British, who want to live near the beach, world class golf courses and Bangkok, but without the negative aspects of Pattaya.
It is in a heavily industrial zone consisting of manufacturing and shipping industries, supported by the sprawling port of Laem Chabang (20th largest in the world, see List of world's busiest container ports). With Chon Buri city to the north and Pattaya, Bang Lamung township, Laem Chabang to the south, it forms the economic zone of the Eastern Seaboard of Thailand, a fast growing zone that is second to only Greater Bangkok in population and wealth. Due to the strong infrastructure, Laem Chabang and the Eastern Seaboard in general is the major hub for international exports
The town is rather famous for its seafood, mostly served with a very spicy chili sauce called nam prik si racha made from chili and vinegar. It has thus lend its name to Sriracha chili sauces. The town is also the main transit point to Ko Sichang.
North of the town is the temple Wat Ko Loi, located on an island connected with the mainland by a 1.5 km causeway. The temple mixes Thai buddhists and Chinese icons of worship, including a Buddha's footprint. The main touristical attraction of Si Racha are the zoos Khao Khew Open Zoo and Si Racha Tiger Zoo.

Si Racha Tiger Zoo had up to 400 bengal tigers as well as other animals on show. However in October 2004, tigers in the zoo contracted bird flu of the dangerous H5N1 virus, probably from being fed infected chicken. 30 tigers died of the virus, another 80 were culled as they were suspected to have contracted the virus as well. The zoo was temporarily closed, but reopened early in 2005. Entry costs 200 baht and includes scheduled tiger shows in the amphitheatre.