Songkran18

Maybe they should shut down Pattaya like they're doing at Maya Bay. 555 !  I hear it's recuperating nicely these last few years without the Chinese hordes.

Kidding aside, my first visit to Pattaya was last year .........  Please don't kill me I'm not as old as some of you blokes with decade old references. I visited again this past June. 

The one thing that's hard  for me  to get over is Pattaya Bay is very appealing to the eye. And I've come across some impressive sunsets on most evening there. It's a shame it doesn't have any "beach life" like it might have back in the day. That aspect of Pattaya, is a lost marketing asset that would have at least improved the appearance and development of Beach Rd, and maybe spread inland a bit.

Maybe it's a naive thought, but what was a nice beach, has been lost to mismanagement and greed. I doubt the beach would have taken over what  Pattaya is more renowned. It would've been nice.

As for the other qualms mentioned here - I can relate. I live in Miami Beach and we get the same flood issues and brown sewage spilling into the beach. It's also a very mismanaged and corrupt city. To each his own paradise ..... 

As an American, I travel 9600 miles to take a break from these type of conversations. It's something not worthy of engagement.  I try my best not to be the " Ugly American" when I travel. These opportunities are less so on a baht bus, compared to a traveler that shares van transportation and an hour or two of shared space. But it's  a circumstance too busy to talk about world affairs, as we unite and bitch about the driver's tactics, hold on and protest.  

Talking world affairs in Thailand is at another level. Most of Thailand is within a 3000 mi. radius of 50% of Earth's population. Thai people perhaps don't dwell on that, but when I traveled to Thailand for the first time, Main St. USA didn't mean a thing to me. Visiting the "dark side" of the globe was an illumination. It's why affairs in India should be of high importance.

Why argue about health systems, while your host country is perhaps a better option than back home ?  

I'm sure conversations in Pattaya's (s)ex-pat bar scene are more contentious and mundane than a quick baht bus ride. This forum is evidence of that. 

8 minutes ago, IvorLott said:

There are some reasonable, informative 'vlogs' out there, but the tedious likes of 'Cheap Charlie' and the like, bumbling their way around Thailand's red light areas 'on a budget' are pretty grim viewing.

I thought this 'digital nomad' thing was meant to be 'living the dream' stuff, but they all seem to have pretty grim lives with little or no regular income, dreadful living conditions, very shaky visa/immigration status, and little or no knowledge of the country they are in other than the best bars for cheap drinks.

If anyone relied on these types for genuine, useful 'information' about Thailand other than where to find the cheapest happy hour, best 99B breakfast, best place for a cheap big Leo etc. They'd soon find themselves in schtuck. 

Thanks for your input. 

A digital nomad is not the same as a blogger, nor is radiologist in Mumbai reading an off hour x-ray  with a patient in Miami. In most cases, they obey visa protocol and are as productive in Kathmandu,  

You can gloat about about a constant 99B breakfast., yet Algebra is another tale. 

I'm supposing it's survival mode in Pattaya for most. No energy to kick the <deleted> out  the other loser bracket - " Pattaya Vloggers." 

2 minutes ago, champers said:

Not watching them would be another; and non-confrontational; way of seeing the back of them. You seem to watch them a lot. Stop.

Champers: I'm studious and a observer. I prefer Greg, Barrow and Evo's podcasts from Bangkok, and I watch lakorn. Those are options I can turn off.  This motley bunch needs to be confronted for the sake of the embedded thaivisa rats. 

For starters, I don't frequent here much. I initially did when I started to research the opportunity I had to travel to Thailand for one whole month. I'm grateful I got good intel from some members on this site. If this opportunity came to me thirty years ago, my only reliance for information would be travel guides, magazines, Encyclopedia Britannica and word of mouth.   If we fast foward to today, we have this method we can ask here in this space: Who bakes best pizza pie in Pattaya. That's  going to generate current feedback from boots on the ground -  you guys !  And we all know how you love to offer opinions. We all do, and it's better than outdated printed material from back in the day.

Here at Thai Visa, it's now an ancient concept of message boarding - but useful. I'm still a fan of this communicative mean. 

When prepping for my first trip, utilizing YouTube was probably my biggest aid. It amped the game to a visual level. It helped me change a starter in a 07 Honda Element. It also helped me immensely in preparing for my first visit to Thailand. Just as you guys individually contribute to the cyber information stream, so do some 'Vloggers."  I used them again to prep for my second trip to Thailand, completed this past June. I benefited from great Vloggers out there, and noticed proletariat types marring the whole scheme. It happens in forums as well, as none here doubt.  

So what's the problem ? 

Vlogging is a level beyond the use of the keyboard. It's also in the possession of the most cretin of mankind, with a smart phone. Some graduate and obtain expensive gadgets. 

Pattaya with no doubt is extraordinary destination. I've now been there twice. Not for me, but easy bead and butter for the most decrepit manner of vlogging. These are mostly 30-40 yr types promoting a lifestyle and manhood not obtainable back home ... and post it on YouTube. The biggest issue is disrespecting the locals, at the glee of their immature viewers and monetary sponsors. 

Based on commentary on this site, you blokes hate vloggers. Now is the time to really do something about it. Comment to the management of you're favorite bar to not welcome these types. Help ban anyone who sets up a tripod at your bar. He's not a customer... he's setting up shop to live stream and beg for money. Anytime you see a guy with a gimbal and excessive use of gadgetry - get in there face and make them uncomfortable. In this manner you're defending the dignity of locals and being a good farang.  if any here reading this has good organizational skills and local contacts, please help rid these <deleted>. 

Many know about Chuck Wow and his viral <deleted> beating. He's only the tip of the iceberg.  Look into "Pattaya Street Cruiser", "BjornTV,"  "Steff's Thailand Travel" and "Barfines and Powerlines.' These people <deleted> where you live and only a representative few.

Instead of complaining  about a generic vlogger, help make these real <deleted> unwelcome. Get in their face when they set up their gear in the bar .... swipe a camera that has you in cross hairs... get in their face, and educate management at your fav bar develop policy against this intrusion. 

Be what it may, and for gals venture to Pattaya. They are not zoo animals to be targeted by a zoom lens, or silly exhibitions of frail men trying to prove otherwise. Gupta already has ....    It's time to expose the pricks/Vloggers behind the camera. 

I'm just opining with the hope people wake up and fight to protect their privacy, and that of others. Being that Pattaya is an easy target, I also hope those with skills, can organize with locals and rid this sickness. 

19 hours ago, whitemouse said:

So not just older foreigners,  you would 'rise and raze' the town.  Why? I'm curious,  because  just got here few days ago, and plan to stay winter, or as long as visa is doable,  and I'm puzzled why you want to get rid of me, and level the whole town. The Base condo is quite new, would you raze it? I'm really trying to understand!

I'm not suggesting ethnic cleansing. At the same time it's sad to witness a "weight station" of deplorable's.-economic refugees. i try to state that without offending - but it's obvious and almost everybody I assume came to algebraic realities. Not all, but many. 

As was suggested, I'm not in favor genocide. At the same time, many ex-pats from the Old World resent the new panoramas and  new racial compositions of their boyhood towns. Same applies to me. I grew up in Hollywood, CA. If you don't speak Armenian - you're <deleted> ! 

I'm not Thai. If i was and lived in Bangkok, I'd resent my nearest beach village/town is not an option to take my family. I believe that's the Thai perspective, and why they have some blokes are squirming about TM30 and health insurance proposals. The exchange rate will weed out some. Gentrification and what Government House is planning is another deal.  I believe I'm witnessing a squeeze play in the interest of the Thai people. It's their country. 

#makepattayagreatagain 

Observation:  Life's bottom tier ( bottom feeders)  seek free AC at malls. 

#comeatme ........  

1 hour ago, whitemouse said:

 

I take it you don't like foreigners very much.

You do realise that Pattaya has no other economic driver than tourism industry. Take away the foreigners, and there is very little left.

I appreciate the response, whitemouse. Very fair. I'm not Thai. I try as always, to put my mindset into local customs and governance wherever i travel. 

If I or you, or marginalized outsiders take a breath, we at first can realize this is ain't our country. I don't reside in Thailand, but when there i'm a guest. 

This forum ( pattaya )  has an awful reputation among the ex-pat community throughout  Thailand. Y'all know that.  

Pattaya is the nearest  beach resort to Bangkok and I think it fair that Pattaya be cleaned up and serve Thai people. 

I think the Kingdom can survive flushing out old poor nearly-dead  farangs with other  current characteristics of Pattaya. 

I do like foreigners, but I'm not the typical marginalized ex-pat bitch on this site. Nor i'm the 60+ old thinking I'm bad ass a bar girl placed a frigid towel on my neck. 

Without doubt, Thailand/Kingdom should do all within her means to clean-up Pattaya. and maybe raise and raze the joint.  

So who's spending money in Pattaya now. It's not the nearly dead anglo/kangaroo/ loser bracket  ex-pat. It's Gupta spiting a bottle of soda water with three friends at a go-go. 

Pattaya has a wrecked beach, infrastructure and clientele. It needs to be revamped to serve Thai's and not the planet's degenerates  

Come at me ......... 

After my second foray to Pattaya, the most noticeable "dead" matter still is the decrepit local Farangs.  

I'm not a Pattaya expert, yet I know and seen how territorial peeps are here, as the have nothing else to claim as their own. That explains why people are so immaturely snarky in this forum. Watching old blokes in Pattaya is more depressing than witnessing  a ping-pong show - so i heard. 

I have no doubt the Pattaya Farang is too self centered / concerned to analyze what's really happening.  

They (gov) want to clean the human waste holed in those cheap 700 TBT p/m  rat holes, and reclaim Pattaya for the Thai middle class. It's obvious <deleted> beyond being feeble minded and ruminating exchange rates and other paranoia.  The strength of the Baht will doom many. That's not a solitary argument. If you're more Algebraic, you'll see enforcing TM30 is a clear signal, and a truer variable  the kingdom want's to get rid of the scum.  I wish the Kingdom, success. 

Come at me ........    

555  

All responses from expats riding old polyester from back home, w/some bitching  a strong TBH is going to spread some wings. 

I've been told, and seen  ex-pats in Pattaya being  territorial and resentful of a forced situation. Most are marginalized from their orgin. . Very territorial <deleted> - yet don't own a speck of dirt ... not even in Pattaya. LOL ! 

And of course they're opinionated bitching about lifestyle conditions so far from home and outside their control. 

 Come at me ! 

I'm currently watching the Wimbledon final: Federer broke Djokos serve twice, so it'll be a set-a-piece shortly. 

My first UNI QLO experience was in Pattaya. I ventured to both T-21 and Central Plaza locals. I loved the quality of the mechanize, yet nothing fit me. I asked around for a Federer or Nishakori sweatband.  N/A. Despite the millions they play tennis players to promote the brand, tennis attire is not available at these stores. 

Last night, I haphazardly ventured into their store in Orlando ( Disney Springs ) . I wasn't aware this Japanese brand had a U.S. presence. I made out with a few items. I then rn into info they doubled their U.S. presence two fold last year. Orlando, my native LA, NYC and Colorado. 

As I was curious; I went to Customer Service  and requested info on all their locations. 

Pattaya wasn't on the list, even though you and I know better.  A Pattaya diss ? 

Anyways .... I'm fine finding items that finally fit. 

It's completely true I didn't go grocery shopping or visit a Big C in Pattaya.  If I could have had a more "resident" experience, I would have welcomed it. I embraced it a week in Issan, prior Pattaya visit, but I'd classify it more a "thai" experience than residential. 

"Mid-City" condo was actually Ok. Not sure what you're getting at with me dwelling there. It's located within the shadows of LK President.  I needed a pillow for six nights and have no qualms in that 1br condo. It was an outstanding vantage point to see the misery of of teeming  ex-pats along Buakhao and environs.   I have no desire or need to move to Pattaya.  

My sample size/visit is small. My experiences seemed too prevalent and not indicative what residing in Pattaya may be like for a few. I applaud those that truly enjoy their situation in Pattaya. What bolsters what I've said  are the misfits and shoestring living folk that get uptight of what I've said ... then bitch on other topics pertaining Pattaya and other actual circumstances.  

I'm fine with a strong TBH. Pattaya needs a cleanse.    

On 6/24/2019 at 12:05 PM, newnative said:

       Most of the expats in Pattaya are likely more amused by your post than anything else.  You come to Pattaya for a short second visit, stay at LK Metro, and grandly announce  that staying there has allowed you to do some 'deeper analysis of the expat in Pattaya'. Too funny.  I imagine you stay on the Strip in Vegas and this allows you 'deeper analysis' of the typical Vegas resident.  

      In your second post another grand announcement that you had 'engaged' with your 'focus group'.  More amusement, as you certainly didn't 'engage' with me.  To engage with this expat living his regular, normal life that's not much different than my everyday life in the US, you'd have to catch me at Big C buying groceries with my partner. Or, at the movie theater.  Or, at a nice dinner party with friends.  Maybe doing my morning laps at the pool or walking the beach.   Maybe at the gym. Or, taking a weekend trip to Bangkok or a driving trip to Chiang Mai to buy some handicrafts.  Taking advantage of being able to fly to lots of interesting places with just a short plane flight.  Relaxing on my oceanfront deck listening to the waves with a good book and a cold beer.     

   Really, just about anywhere than LK Metro.  But, do continue your careful, oh-so-serious study of The Expats of Pattaya.  We all look forward to Visit 3!

Thanks for the chime.

I plan no thesis on the entailment of the ex-pat situation in Pattaya. I'm sure that would be a hell of a read on your oceanfront deck. I don't recall hearing waves in Pattaya ... nor do I hear them now, 18 stories above a no-wake zone in Brickell Key. 

The term " focus group" was used as a metaphor. An old habit from my  Chiat/Day days. My experience was too recurring a scenario, and easy to conclude: many ex-pats are f'd up. 

As for my lodging choice this occasion, I have no qualms of you're criticism. No big deal. I stayed at this outfit called Mid-City Condo. The 1BR was ok, and amenities was something I coped with,  No big deal. I'm sure most ex-pats would love that place. 

Anyways ..... I love Thailand, and have been fortunate to experience most of her regions. A third visit to Pattaya to distinguish what I've seen,  with a suggestion of  a bloke grocery shopping at a Big C as Nirvana, is of no interest. 

I saw and understand what I saw. 

Cheers ! 

On 6/23/2019 at 3:52 AM, changside said:

I am not an expat and I have no desire to be one. Reading all the posts here about the various visas is enough to put me off the idea. But I do visit Thailand quite often and spend some time in Pattaya which I enjoy for short periods. 

I have to agree with Songkran18's observations about expats with sad faces wasting away in bars. I too have noticed these people. I can usually differentiate between these people and tourists. I often asked myself the same question as Songkran18 asked.

Judging by some of the responses here I think he might have touched on a delicate subject with some "limited pension" people here.    

 

I expected some resentment from the " focus group."  Indeed it's a delicate subject as well as a reality. I know because i engaged with these blokes. The predictable insinuations and insults towards me is what you'd expect and bolsters my point. None acted as tough asses when I questioned and probed why they chose Pattaya.   But it's amusing in itself, on this site when one of their own takes the leap of faith.  They gobble, chuckle and comment  like chickens in a coup - then wonder if they're next.  .......  I've been all over the globe and concluded Pattaya is a receptacle of those economically forced to part ways with their motherland.  .... Badger me more if it helps. I'm not your problem.   Blokes ! LOL ! 

About fourteen months ago, I believe I left some favorable notes about initial stay, and some not as so.

On the occasion last year, I stayed in Jomtien. Didn't care for it. This time I stayed in LK Metro with some noticeable improvement and some deeper analysis of the ex-pat in Pattaya. Interesting and sad.

My initial plan was for a five night stay. Ended up staying six to accommodate the schedule of a two nt excursion to Kanachuburi, from Pattaya. This excursion out of Bangkok, priced 60% higher.  Anyways .........    

Staying in Pattaya this time obviously provided a different vibe. During my communal Baht Bus transfer from bust station, the resort feel came across, while some passengers where being dumped at resorts at N end of Beach Road. 

Despite the destination, I had a swell time. Did some excursions, like Samet and the Sanctuary - Awesome ! 

Come at me ( ex-Pat )  if you want ! The saddest part of this stay was observing ex-pats, wasting away in bars by late morning. I've never seen sadder faces in my life. Maybe someone can explain the ex-pat daily routine with the limited  pension budget. 

In the end, Pattaya proved to be a good place to pass through, till the next discovery. Second stay was actually better. 

Looking at two options for 5-7 night stay. Last year I stayed in Jomtien, which I didn't fancy. Made it to Pattaya proper, only one night out of four. 

Looking at two Airbnb options mentioned in the title.  During the morning, I enjoy early morning walk, working out and a swim. At late morning, probably catch a ferry foe beach time at Koh Larn. I'm staying two nights prior Pattaya in Koh Samed. Will likely  partake in socializing at beer bars in late afternoon and evening. I'm open to mongering this go-round. Not familiar yet with LK Metro or Soi Buakhao. Walking street didn't do much for me on last visit. I think either location has easy access to the popular fish market and street food venue. 

Looking forward to the typical jaded opinions regarding both properties. If there are options you want to volunteer, I'd appreciate. 

For context, I'll be hitting up Krabi, Kanchanaburi, Issan reconnoiter, and obligatory Bangkok nights three weeks prior. 

As a Miami Beach resident, I'm reminded of the hashtag we dust off every year. #thereisnohurricane. 

Sidetracking a bit; What's the current status of a Harley Davidson production plant in Thailand ? Heard talk of this over a year ago when it was announced the Wisconsin plant was down sizing.  

On 12/19/2018 at 6:09 PM, justsignedin said:

Try Shooters, Fourteen Again, or as suggested LK Metro area. 

Thanks ! "14 Again"  looks nice but it looks like I'm going the LK route. 

Last time I was here, I offered an outlier opinion/topic about my brief four day stay in "Pattaya." It was from a positive perspective. Had a great time, but I also mentioned I <deleted> up because I lodged in Jomtien.  

Fortunes be what they may, I'm heading back to Thailand in Q1 of 2019.  This time for five weeks, and I've elected  to fill an available slate of dates in Pattaya. For the territorial ex-pat blokes here ... it's transitory.  I'm just passing by. And I'll try not to leave a footprint. 555  I know how it gets here. 

As I mentioned, staying in Jomtien cramped me up last time. I'd like to stay more Pattaya central. 

I'm currently looking at an Airbnb at City Center. It's a studio, and I'm all in for the amenities for $21 a night. Those intricacies I can forgo and substitute for five days. I'm more interested in comfortable lodging atop a go-go bar. I don't mind noise, as I live in Miami Beach. Any recommendations would be appreciated... preferably off Walking Street.  

This topic was a peeve of mine when I frequented Tijuana. 

Didn't have this issue while in Pattaya. In fact the opposite in Insomnia as I struggled to get a waiters attention at 958PM for another Chang at 40Baht. At 10P prices reverted to 180 Baht. 

This tendency did creep back while back in Bangkok, at Stumble Inn in Nana. I told the gal I take two more beers and  I'll  be good for a while. She layed off. 

Been a while since I got back from Thailand. 

If I'm successful being granted six weeks vacation/time off w/o pay  for my return to Thailand, I'll include Pattaya again for another 4-5 nights. I failed to capture her essence lodging in Jomtien. It's worthy of a Mulligan, which begs the question: any good Golfing in the area ? 

Simple math: At the moment, only 5% of Chinese nationals have been issued a passport. That is equivalent to the whole body mass of Europe and half of USA’s population. 

Then take into account logistical travel. It’s only a six hour flight from major points in China, and Thailand is their best logical “nearby” destination. 

I’m a Thailand newbie, but before I traveled, I had a conversation with a frail Vietnam Vet. He didn’t remember the fishing village he visited. I mentioned “Pattaya,” and it struck the chord. His recollection described a place I should visit. I’ve known him for years and have seen termites take over his mind and body. When he was robust he ruled  that shore, and I let him explain how it was, back during his R&R during Nam. 

Anyways .... back to the main point. The Chinese visitors are just initially ramping up. My concern is who is ever governing the Thailand Tourist Bureaucracy is <deleted> up allowing land operators based in China run the show at their peril. 

During my 26 day visit, I took six excursions. The drivers where horrendous and at each instance, it was a lost opportunity for a local tour guide to educate the richness of Thailand. In that aspect, I don’t blame the hordes of tour groups from China that interfered my enjoyment of the Grand Palace. They educated their clients. 

Despite that, I enjoyed my stay. I’m perplexed still why Thailand is the most visited country. Their tourist infrastructure is non-existent.