A flooded restaurant in Thailand brings delight with swimming fish among diners

In Nakhon Pathom province, central Thailand, a riverside restaurant has turned an unfortunate flood into a unique and profitable dining phenomenon. Pa Jit restaurant, located about 30 kilometers from Bangkok, has become an internet sensation after floodwaters from an adjacent river inundated the establishment 11 days ago. Customers flock to the restaurant to enjoy meals while sitting in knee-deep water, surrounded by live fish that swim around their feet. The experience has captivated diners, especially families with young children, who are mesmerized by the fish swimming around them. Wait staff, dressed in waders, navigate the flooded space to serve dishes like fish soup and chicken noodles. Owner Pornkamol Prangprempree initially feared the flood would drive customers away, but the opposite occurred. A viral social media post showcasing the fish-filled floodwaters drew crowds, doubling the restaurant’s daily profits from 10,000 baht ($309) to 20,000 baht ($618). Visitors like Chomphunuth Khantaniti, a 29-year-old local, praised the experience for its novelty and ability to entertain children. Bella Windy, 63, visited specifically to feel the fish nibbling at her feet, calling it a unique nature experience. While Pa Jit thrives, the broader region faces devastation from the floods. Since late July, 12 people have died, two are missing, and over 480,000 residents across 13 provinces have been affected, according to Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Despite the challenges, Pa Jit’s innovative adaptation to the flood has turned adversity into opportunity, offering a rare and memorable dining experience.