Pa Jit, a long-standing riverside restaurant in Nakhon Pathom, became an online sensation after a river breached its banks 11 days ago and diners began eating ankle-deep while local fish swam among the tables. The flood has roughly doubled the restaurant’s daily profits from about 10,000 baht to 20,000 baht. Visitors cite the novelty and family-friendly appeal, but authorities warn that widespread flooding has killed 12 people, left two missing and affected more than 480,000 people across 13 provinces.
Flooded Thai Riverside Restaurant Becomes Viral Attraction as Fish Swim Between Diners
Pa Jit, a long-standing riverside restaurant in Nakhon Pathom, became an online sensation after a river breached its banks 11 days ago and diners began eating ankle-deep while local fish swam among the tables. The flood has roughly doubled the restaurant’s daily profits from about 10,000 baht to 20,000 baht. Visitors cite the novelty and family-friendly appeal, but authorities warn that widespread flooding has killed 12 people, left two missing and affected more than 480,000 people across 13 provinces.
02:48 AM, 11/15/2025Society
Flooded Riverside Eatery in Nakhon Pathom Draws Crowds as Fish Swim Between Tables
A riverside restaurant in central Thailand has turned an ordinary flood into an unexpected attraction as diners eat ankle-deep in brown water while local river fish swim among the tables.
The unusual scene at Pa Jit began when a nearby river breached its banks 11 days ago. Videos and photos shared online quickly made the riverside eatery an internet sensation, drawing visitors who pose for pictures, toss fish food and watch the feeding activity unfold.
Family dining and a quirky draw: Families lunched at Pa Jit in Nakhon Pathom province, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Bangkok, as toddlers gaped at fish flashing around their legs. Staff wearing waders carefully navigated the flooded floor to serve bowls of fish soup and plates of chicken noodles.
“I thought there would be no customer for sure,” said owner Pornkamol Prangprempree, who has run Pa Jit on the riverside for more than 30 years. “But then a customer posted online showing that there were fish. Then a lot of people flocked here to eat.”
Pornkamol said the unexpected attention has boosted business: daily profits have risen from about 10,000 baht (roughly $309) to around 20,000 baht (about $618) since visitors began arriving.
Visitors praised the experience as family-friendly and memorable. "When the children see the fish, they become less fussy," said 29-year-old Chomphunuth Khantaniti, who visited with her husband and son. Sixty-three-year-old Bella Windy said she came specifically to feel the fish nibble at her feet and called the encounter a highlight of the restaurant.
Wider context: devastating floods across Thailand
While Pa Jit's story is a lighthearted exception, the floods have caused serious harm elsewhere. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that since late July, 12 people have died and two remain missing because of flooding. More than 480,000 people across 13 provinces—particularly in the north and central regions—have been affected. Pa Jit's owner expects the restaurant to remain inundated for several more weeks as high tides and the tail end of the monsoon season keep river levels elevated.
Note on safety: Although scenes at Pa Jit are photogenic, authorities continue to warn residents and visitors about flood-related hazards, including fast-moving water, contamination and infrastructure damage in affected areas.