In early November, Pa Jit, a riverside restaurant in Nakhon Pathom province, central Thailand, was packed with customers. Diners flocked to experience its unique service: eating amidst floodwaters, surrounded by schools of swimming river fish.

Images of customers dining in the murky brown water quickly went viral, drawing more visitors. Young diners particularly enjoyed throwing food into the water to attract fish, laughing as staff waded through the water to serve bowls of fish soup and chicken noodles.

Diners enjoy a meal at Pa Jit restaurant. *Photo: SCMP*

Chomphunuth Khantaniti, 29, a local resident, visited with her husband and son. She stated that she "couldn't miss it" after hearing the news. "When the children saw the fish, they were less restless," she explained. Another diner, Bella Windy, 63, came specifically to experience the fish gently nibbling at her feet.

Owner Pornkamol Prangprempree opened Pa Jit 30 years ago, situated by a river 30 km from Bangkok. The restaurant first experienced flooding four years ago. Prangprempree initially worried about losing business. However, after a customer posted photos online featuring the swimming fish, the restaurant saw a significant increase in patronage.

Customers feed river fish at the restaurant. *Photo: AP*

The floodwaters have significantly boosted the restaurant's daily revenue, increasing it from 10,000 baht (310 USD) to 20,000 baht (620 USD). Pa Jit anticipates the restaurant will remain flooded for several more weeks due to high tides and Thailand being in the late rainy season.

While the floodwaters have brought unexpected fortune to Pa Jit, they have caused severe damage across many other parts of Thailand. Since late July, data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation indicates that 12 people have died and two remain missing due to the widespread flooding.

By Anh Minh (Source: SCMP)