Yeah, that is one of the places that are know for attracting all kinds of people. That will say both Thais and foreigners of all kind and shapes. I live like more out in the sticks. The whole province has a population of about 500 000 people. Actually quite a lot of foreigners around. Most seem to be sensible, have something to talk about, having fun, sitting down taking a beer now and then in different places and sometimes we go out eat together. But, on the other hand, that goes for a lot of Thais I know too, and we also socialize foreigners and Thais sometimes. It´s like a regular and normal nice and calm life.
As you say, I would not make it in Pattaya either. Can be fun to now and then just visit for a couple of days up to a week. After that, I am overloaded with too much of everything. Just want to go back home to the sticks and have the regular nice and friendly people around.