My Visit to Pattaya

[sanemax]

15 hours ago, Mac98 said:

The nice thing about the nightlife to someone living there is that it is always an option. You may never exercise that option, but it was your choice, not because some blue nose had his foot on your neck. I'm sure the people living in Las Vegas feel the same way - hit the Strip for a roll of the dice or a roll in the hay once every year or so.

What is the point of living in Pattaya if you just hire prostitutes one time per year?

[punchjudy]

"Negatives: 

-Demographics were grim. Older, obese people with so many smokers. I was expecting people to drop with heart attacks and strokes. 

I have never seen such a concentration of  large numbers of trashy low class people. The word douche would be appropriate. Rude, pushy and  obnoxious were major characteristics."

 

 

What the OP describes here is not just central Pattaya either......you see it in Jomtien, Naklua, and over on the Darkside.

 

It seems to attract the worst grizzled old white guys with bad attitudes in the world.

[dpdp]

28 minutes ago, sanemax said:

What is the point of living in Pattaya if you just hire prostitutes one time per year?

 

Ridiculous.

Where else will you be able to be on your boat every afternoon  but still be able to be in Bangkok in 1 hour ?

Where else can you find everything that is found in Bangkok and more, and have some of the best international schools of all Thailand ?

Where else can you find a so big choice or international food at walking distance from everything including the beach ?

I date only educated and mostly rich Thai and believe me, they would never live in Bangkok even if you paid them.

Only someone who really knows nothing cannot understand why life in Pattaya is better than anywhere else,

 

 

 

[transam]

24 minutes ago, punchjudy said:

"Negatives: 

-Demographics were grim. Older, obese people with so many smokers. I was expecting people to drop with heart attacks and strokes. 

I have never seen such a concentration of  large numbers of trashy low class people. The word douche would be appropriate. Rude, pushy and  obnoxious were major characteristics."

 

 

What the OP describes here is not just central Pattaya either......you see it in Jomtien, Naklua, and over on the Darkside.

 

It seems to attract the worst grizzled old white guys with bad attitudes in the world.

Sounds like you hang around with them to know so much.....

[JSixpack]

1 hour ago, geriatrickid said:

However, I left Pattaya  firmly onside with the central government's view that it must change the tourism model of Pattaya as it will not deliver the type of tourist and resulting economy that drives profitable tourism markets. How they do it, will most likely take some time, but at least they are trying.

1

 

The tourist market in Pattaya is already profitable and the economy has been growing rapidly in the last decade. That growth looks to continue. It doesn't need to continue forever and that wouldn't be desirable anyway; all resort areas max out at some point. If Pattaya maxes out after T21 (but probably won't) then so be it. What's it to you?

 

Quote

Pattaya wasn't always like this and I know it. Places change, and when there is an absence of planning  and vision, things  will go amiss. 

2

 

In fact, it's always been pretty much like this except for the newer upscale developments and the new tourist demographic of whose members you were able to discover none tolerable. Sorry I'm not permitted to quote from any old posts for some unknown reason but your same criticisms are there. Maybe I can quote one (I have more) from the Pattaya Mail from 20 years ago for you:

 

There are two types of articles appearing in the Pattaya Mail with regularity: those where business and political leaders decry the decline in tourism and propose ways to improve the situation; and a steadily increasing number of reports of tourists being insulted, assaulted, drugged, robbed and extorted. All the good intentions and empty proposals by community leaders are not going to change the behavior of the people at street level, and it is they who are driving away the life blood of the city.

 

. . . It doesn’t matter if the streets are cleared of garbage, no one is going to walk down them if doing so leaves them open to being insulted and assaulted. Having a beach promenade doesn’t matter if strolling along it means taking the risk of being knocked down and robbed. No one is going to participate in the vibrant night-life if there is a good chance that they will wake up three days later in the hospital with all their possessions gone, or in some cases, not wake up at all. No one is going to seek an exotic experience if it means they might be set up by girls with both a legal age and under age ID, and then extorted for immense sums by the police.

Pattaya is being inundated with rude obnoxious thugs who do not care about the city or its visitors. They do not listen to the community leaders, and the police do not have the budget or manpower to control them. They are driving away the tourists and the income and jobs that they bring. Inevitably, this rabble will win as they reduce everyone to their level of poverty.

Meanwhile, tourism to Cambodia is increasing by 50% every six months...

     --Lawrence Neal, "Down On Pattaya, Pattaya Mail, Vol. V No.5, Friday 31 January 1997 - 6 February 1997

 

[JSixpack]

1 hour ago, sanemax said:

What is the point of living in Pattaya if you just hire prostitutes one time per year?

 

Relevant threads: When boredom starts to rule the day, I Love Pattaya, and Why live in Pattaya?

 

 

[Mac98]

1 hour ago, sanemax said:

What is the point of living in Pattaya if you just hire prostitutes one time per year?

The feeling of freedom that you could do it every night should you wish; at the spur of the moment should you feel the need. Do people who live on waterways launch a boat every day? Do people who live on mountains ski every day? Some, especially the rich, not at all.

[midas]

On 1/3/2018 at 10:45 AM, geriatrickid said:

These minivan drivers are  dangerous idiots. I know I should have taken a car, but my scheduling didn't allow as I came from the airport because I was meeting someone and used the Pattaya Bus.  Bad mistake. The minibus transfer driver was a cocky smug fellow who laughed at one person who asked him to slow down. 

I'm very surprised it has taken you this long to realise this

[newnative]

1 hour ago, geriatrickid said:

I know enough to  have a well paying job that allows me to have a decent standard of living,

 

Much obliged. To those who have focused on the negatives, I direct your attention to the first section, the positives. It is unfortunate that some missed that. Pattaya does do some things right. However, I left Pattaya  firmly onside with the central government's view that it must change the tourism model of Pattaya as it will not deliver the type of tourist and resulting economy that drives profitable tourism markets. How they do it, will most likely take some time, but at least they are trying.

 

In respect to the comments about my missing the sustainability and general quality of the tourist demographic, I disagree. I was there to get a feel for the place to determine if it would be good for a conference that I could recommend. The answer was a firm no. We circulated in the key tourist and conference district, a radius of 10 km from the Hilton, and I remain firm as to the demographics I observed. That observation, is one of many that is in agreement with the government's own basis for  undertaking a change in its tourism model. This isn't an insult to those who settled in Pattaya long ago. Pattaya wasn't always like this and I know it. Places change, and when there is an absence of planning  and vision, things  will go amiss. 

     I stand by my original response.  In your second post you mention that you were here to see if Pattaya might be suitable for a conference.  If that were the case, why were you eating at Sizzler?  Wouldn't conference attendees want to eat at some place different than what they likely have where they live?  Pity you didn't eat at Cabbages and Condoms.  Or, perhaps Sky Gallery or Chocolate Factory.  Or one of the numerous excellent seafood restaurants right on the ocean, to name just a few choices.  Oh, wow!  We're here  in Thailand!  Let's all go eat at Sizzler! 

    Is this a gay conference you are planning?  Is that why you spent time accessing whether Sunee Plaza would be suitable?  If not, maybe you should have gone to some other places instead.  Sanctuary of Truth, for one--really astounding and hope you saw it while you were here.  Or, Nong Nooch Gardens--great Thai culture show there as well as a very entertaining elephant show--your attendees can take home a painting done by the elephants.  And, of course, the spectacular gardens.  Did you get to the Kaan theatrical show at the new D'Luck Theater while you were 'circulating' (whatever that means)?  Your attendees would have a very enjoyable evening of live entertainment--and maybe something a little more interesting than Mike Shopping Mall--although if your attendees are shoppers there are lots of choices.  Pattaya Floating Market is touristy, yes, but fun nevertheless.  My four sisters spent several delightful hours shopping there on their visit in September--finally had to tell them we need to move on to our next stop. 

     Did you get out to Silver Lake for lunch?  Do any golfing at one of the local courses?  Take any of the boat rides around the islands while you were 'circulating'? Tiger Park or any of the other animal shows?  The aquarium?  The new Ramayana Waterpark?  Or, Cartoon Network Waterpark?  Art in Paradise?  Do any go karting?  Teddy Bear Museum?  Ice skating at Harbor?  Try parasailing?  Did you take a leap off of Pattaya Park Tower?  Visit any of the local wats?  Big Buddha?  And, let's not forget the shows at Colosseum, Tiffany, and  Alcazar.  It's hard to believe you 'circulated' in a 10km radius of Hilton and your highlights were Sizzler, Mike Shopping Mall, Walking Street, and Sunee Plaza.    Sure that wasn't  a 10 meter radius? 

 

 

[simon43]

I agree with a lot of geriatrickid's comments, including the good and the bad.

I lived in north Phuket for about 12 years, but also worked in Pattaya for 1 year. I now live in Myanmar but spend my annual long holiday each April in Pattaya, because there are positives to the city:

- Compared to Myanmar cities, Pattaya has a great choice of restaurants, food outlets, shopping centres, clothes outlets etc, all accessible by either walking or taking the cheap baht bus.

- The city has a good choice of private doctors and hospitals - I have my annual health check in Pattaya

- The beachfront promenade is excellent for early morning jogging (around 6am before it gets hot).

- I've never had any security concerns. (But then I don't get drunk, don't walk on the beach at 2am and don't act like a <deleted>).

Some things I've noticed to comment on:

- the typical western man living in Pattaya looks to be in his 80's or 90's, smoking, fat, unhealthy. (That is simply my observation, not a criticism).

- the town is full of 'low-life' tourists (wife-beater Westerners, Arabs, Indian, Chinese). Sorry, I say it how I see it.


Negatives for me:

- the local gyms are the worst I've encountered. Badly-maintained equipment, expensive, bad choice of equipment.

I don't come to Pattaya for the bars or bar-girls. I do usually stay on Soi Metro or Soi 6, and find the bar-girls and ladyboys to be very friendly, not pushy - never had a problem with them.

Compared to other destinations in Thailand, Pattaya is fine for a few weeks. I do move out before Songkran though!

[geriatrickid]

19 minutes ago, newnative said:

 

I will respond to your comments in  point form. 

 

     I stand by my original response.  In your second post you mention that you were here to see if Pattaya might be suitable for a conference.  If that were the case, why were you eating at Sizzler?  Wouldn't conference attendees want to eat at some place different than what they likely have where they live? 

 

I ate at Sizzler because it was lunchtime, and had not eaten at a Sizzler in some time. Rest assured, that I do not expect  others to share my appreciation or amusement of low end  convenience dining spots.

 

Pity you didn't eat at Cabbages and Condoms.  Or, perhaps Sky Gallery or Chocolate Factory.  Or one of the numerous excellent seafood restaurants right on the ocean, to name just a few choices.  Oh, wow!  We're here  in Thailand!  Let's all go eat at Sizzler! 

Seriously?  That's fine dining? I have eaten at C&C before, and am not a fan of the mediocre menu. Chocolate Factory? There is one in Hua Hin, thank you. Don't criticize me for picking a one off lunch at Sizzler and then  ask why I didn't go to some tourist joints.

 

    Is this a gay conference you are planning?  Is that why you spent time accessing whether Sunee Plaza would be suitable?  If not, maybe you should have gone to some other places instead.

As I wrote, we walked past the  area on our way back from the maritime building. It wasn't exactly hopping at  the early evening we walked by. Besides, I don't do primary care of sex trade workers, so no need to visit. My observations were in respect to the arab quarter that is juxtaposed with this area.

 

  Sanctuary of Truth, for one--really astounding and hope you saw it while you were here.  Or, Nong Nooch Gardens--great Thai culture show there as well as a very entertaining elephant show--your attendees can take home a painting done by the elephants.  And, of course, the spectacular gardens.  Did you get to the Kaan theatrical show at the new D'Luck Theater while you were 'circulating' (whatever that means)? 

 

Get real. The elephant show you reference is like the Tiger temple and Tiger Gardens. I don't know anyone who supports  this sort of treatment of animals. Your gardens, do not compare to the floral exhibit of  Chiang Mai, so, why would I want to  go look at a mediocre garden display? Sorry, but Chiang Mai spoils anyone who visits and  nothing else in Thailand comes close.  By circulating,  we were  moving around, measuring  times to reach a critical care facility, assessing traffic flow, surveying ingress and egress capabilities etc. These are the kind of things that are verified and are expected of a responsible sponsor of an event. This visit was not a requirement, but an opportunity to visit Pattaya instead of passing through as I have done previously.

 

Your attendees would have a very enjoyable evening of live entertainment--and maybe something a little more interesting than Mike Shopping Mall--although if your attendees are shoppers there are lots of choices.

Mike was  my personal activity, and I was pleased by the selection.  I don't think there was anything wrong in giving it a mention for being a stand out location worthy of a visit. I also went to Central which was close by. There are Centrals everywhere, but I liked the Pattaya  location. It's worth a visit if one is in for a shopping excursion. Overall, I saw enough of Pattaya to appreciate that the shopping opportunities for visitors are excellent. I recommend Pattaya as a shopping destination for a 1-2 day spree  if seeking casual wear and souvenirs .

 

  Pattaya Floating Market is touristy, yes, but fun nevertheless.  My four sisters spent several delightful hours shopping there on their visit in September--finally had to tell them we need to move on to our next stop. 

That's your visit. I am a male. My escort and site verificator were males as well. We were not interested in a floating garden/market. Bangkok has them as does Hua Hin.  I was there for a limited time and don't do floating markets.

 

     Did you get out to Silver Lake for lunch?  Do any golfing at one of the local courses?  Take any of the boat rides around the islands while you were 'circulating'? Tiger Park or any of the other animal shows?  The aquarium?  The new Ramayana Waterpark?  Or, Cartoon Network Waterpark?  Art in Paradise?  Do any go karting?  Teddy Bear Museum?  Ice skating at Harbor?  Try parasailing?  Did you take a leap off of Pattaya Park Tower?  Visit any of the local wats?  Big Buddha?  And, let's not forget the shows at Colosseum, Tiffany, and  Alcazar. 

 

You are recommending activities which are unsafe and unethical. Seriously, what kind of responsible person would recommend parasailing or karting in pattaya? There are no safety standards and no safety surveillance. Yet you want people to do this? Brilliant.  Tiger Park? Again, I marvel at your lack of moral responsibility. Would you recommend that we torment and poke the tigers too to get a good photo op as was the documented case  a couple weeks ago?  It is quite obvious that you and I have  different moral and ethical standards.  It is no wonder that you love a place like Pattaya. That is your preference. However, my comments were intended for someone doing a quick search of the forums and looking for an indication of whether to visit Hua Hin if  physically active or seeking a shopping trip. You recommend a trip to the islands.  Have you looked at those ferries? Wooden boats that would fail an Australian, EU, USA US  maritime safety inspection. Cladding the  passengers in those orange  styrofoam vests that are not tested is not my idea of a responsible recommendation. If you wish to have someone flirt with death, go for it, but I watched those boats head out one afternoon, and I was not impressed, nor would I allow anyone I know to use one. As for golf, I don't play and this wasn't a priority for us. Besides, everyone knows that Hua Hin is Thailand's golf destination. 

 

It's hard to believe you 'circulated' in a 10km radius of Hilton and your highlights were Sizzler, Mike Shopping Mall, Walking Street, and Sunee Plaza.    Sure that wasn't  a 10 meter radius? 

10 m brings one down to the curb from the hotel lobby, so yes indeed .

 

No doubt  Pattaya is a nice place for some. That's their choice. For those people digging around the internet  looking for comments because they have limited time in Thailand, or who are physically active and into a healthy lifestyle, my post will pop up. None of the current  chain smoking buffet chasing folks will modify their holiday because of my comments. However, it might help a 25 year old woman or a  young family decide  on whether to go to Krabi  or Surat Thani or Pattaya.  I will say it again though, the government policy of good guys in, bad guys out  is merited and  should be supported by one and all.

[giddyup]

3 hours ago, simon43 said:

 
- the typical western man living in Pattaya looks to be in his 80's or 90's, smoking, fat, unhealthy. (That is simply my observation, not a criticism).
 

80's or 90's, fat and smoking? Can't be too unhealthy to survive that long. How old are you, 20? Everyone over 40 is old when you're that age.

[kennypick]

The op must be a Genius and should be working for NASA to be able to figure all that out in just 2 days.

[newnative]

4 hours ago, geriatrickid said:

     I stand by my original response.  In your second post you mention that you were here to see if Pattaya might be suitable for a conference.  If that were the case, why were you eating at Sizzler?  Wouldn't conference attendees want to eat at some place different than what they likely have where they live? 

 

I ate at Sizzler because it was lunchtime, and had not eaten at a Sizzler in some time. Rest assured, that I do not expect  others to share my appreciation or amusement of low end  convenience dining spots.

 

Pity you didn't eat at Cabbages and Condoms.  Or, perhaps Sky Gallery or Chocolate Factory.  Or one of the numerous excellent seafood restaurants right on the ocean, to name just a few choices.  Oh, wow!  We're here  in Thailand!  Let's all go eat at Sizzler! 

Seriously?  That's fine dining? I have eaten at C&C before, and am not a fan of the mediocre menu. Chocolate Factory? There is one in Hua Hin, thank you. Don't criticize me for picking a one off lunch at Sizzler and then  ask why I didn't go to some tourist joints.

 

    Is this a gay conference you are planning?  Is that why you spent time accessing whether Sunee Plaza would be suitable?  If not, maybe you should have gone to some other places instead.

As I wrote, we walked past the  area on our way back from the maritime building. It wasn't exactly hopping at  the early evening we walked by. Besides, I don't do primary care of sex trade workers, so no need to visit. My observations were in respect to the arab quarter that is juxtaposed with this area.

 

  Sanctuary of Truth, for one--really astounding and hope you saw it while you were here.  Or, Nong Nooch Gardens--great Thai culture show there as well as a very entertaining elephant show--your attendees can take home a painting done by the elephants.  And, of course, the spectacular gardens.  Did you get to the Kaan theatrical show at the new D'Luck Theater while you were 'circulating' (whatever that means)? 

 

Get real. The elephant show you reference is like the Tiger temple and Tiger Gardens. I don't know anyone who supports  this sort of treatment of animals. Your gardens, do not compare to the floral exhibit of  Chiang Mai, so, why would I want to  go look at a mediocre garden display? Sorry, but Chiang Mai spoils anyone who visits and  nothing else in Thailand comes close.  By circulating,  we were  moving around, measuring  times to reach a critical care facility, assessing traffic flow, surveying ingress and egress capabilities etc. These are the kind of things that are verified and are expected of a responsible sponsor of an event. This visit was not a requirement, but an opportunity to visit Pattaya instead of passing through as I have done previously.

 

Your attendees would have a very enjoyable evening of live entertainment--and maybe something a little more interesting than Mike Shopping Mall--although if your attendees are shoppers there are lots of choices.

Mike was  my personal activity, and I was pleased by the selection.  I don't think there was anything wrong in giving it a mention for being a stand out location worthy of a visit. I also went to Central which was close by. There are Centrals everywhere, but I liked the Pattaya  location. It's worth a visit if one is in for a shopping excursion. Overall, I saw enough of Pattaya to appreciate that the shopping opportunities for visitors are excellent. I recommend Pattaya as a shopping destination for a 1-2 day spree  if seeking casual wear and souvenirs .

 

  Pattaya Floating Market is touristy, yes, but fun nevertheless.  My four sisters spent several delightful hours shopping there on their visit in September--finally had to tell them we need to move on to our next stop. 

That's your visit. I am a male. My escort and site verificator were males as well. We were not interested in a floating garden/market. Bangkok has them as does Hua Hin.  I was there for a limited time and don't do floating markets.

 

     Did you get out to Silver Lake for lunch?  Do any golfing at one of the local courses?  Take any of the boat rides around the islands while you were 'circulating'? Tiger Park or any of the other animal shows?  The aquarium?  The new Ramayana Waterpark?  Or, Cartoon Network Waterpark?  Art in Paradise?  Do any go karting?  Teddy Bear Museum?  Ice skating at Harbor?  Try parasailing?  Did you take a leap off of Pattaya Park Tower?  Visit any of the local wats?  Big Buddha?  And, let's not forget the shows at Colosseum, Tiffany, and  Alcazar. 

 

You are recommending activities which are unsafe and unethical. Seriously, what kind of responsible person would recommend parasailing or karting in pattaya? There are no safety standards and no safety surveillance. Yet you want people to do this? Brilliant.  Tiger Park? Again, I marvel at your lack of moral responsibility. Would you recommend that we torment and poke the tigers too to get a good photo op as was the documented case  a couple weeks ago?  It is quite obvious that you and I have  different moral and ethical standards.  It is no wonder that you love a place like Pattaya. That is your preference. However, my comments were intended for someone doing a quick search of the forums and looking for an indication of whether to visit Hua Hin if  physically active or seeking a shopping trip. You recommend a trip to the islands.  Have you looked at those ferries? Wooden boats that would fail an Australian, EU, USA US  maritime safety inspection. Cladding the  passengers in those orange  styrofoam vests that are not tested is not my idea of a responsible recommendation. If you wish to have someone flirt with death, go for it, but I watched those boats head out one afternoon, and I was not impressed, nor would I allow anyone I know to use one. As for golf, I don't play and this wasn't a priority for us. Besides, everyone knows that Hua Hin is Thailand's golf destination. 

 

It's hard to believe you 'circulated' in a 10km radius of Hilton and your highlights were Sizzler, Mike Shopping Mall, Walking Street, and Sunee Plaza.    Sure that wasn't  a 10 meter radius? 

10 m brings one down to the curb from the hotel lobby, so yes indeed .

 

No doubt  Pattaya is a nice place for some. That's their choice. For those people digging around the internet  looking for comments because they have limited time in Thailand, or who are physically active and into a healthy lifestyle, my post will pop up. None of the current  chain smoking buffet chasing folks will modify their holiday because of my comments. However, it might help a 25 year old woman or a  young family decide  on whether to go to Krabi  or Surat Thani or Pattaya.  I will say it again though, the government policy of good guys in, bad guys out  is merited and  should be supported by one and all.

         I wasn't necessarily recommending that anybody do anything--which I am sure you know.  (Well, maybe Kaan.  And, Sanctuary of Truth--so amazing and interesting and a work still in progress.  But, probably off limits to you as wood is being tortured in the process of being carved.)   Obviously, if you're a member of PETA, give some attractions a pass. 

        I threw out some things one could do while in Pattaya away from the areas you mentioned in your first post that you found lacking.  Basically, here are some other things on offer in Pattaya besides Sizzler.  Of course, not all the things I mentioned would appeal to everyone.  I, myself, have no desire to visit the Teddy Bear Museum--probably also a no-no for you as the teddy bears are likely being viewed on display.  Oh, the humanity!

       But, it seems that most of the things I mentioned are unacceptable--to you.  And, if they are unacceptable to you then that goes for everyone else.  Can't go to Nong Nooch Gardens because, apparently, in your opinion, there is a nicer garden in Chiang Mai.  Wow, what kind of argument is that?  If you used that logic few places in the World would be visited.   Don't waste your time going to (fill in the blank) art museum because The Louvre is way better, dude!  (And, never mind that comparisons like this are so subjective.)

      Can't go to Cabbages and Condoms because, in your opinion, it's not fine dining--and, besides, you've already been there.  But, have your fellow attendees been there?  They might like it.  Who knows?  But, you've ruled out the experience.  Maybe it's not fine dining but some find the grounds, the décor, the fun pathway(s) to the restaurant, and the ocean view at sunset make up for it--sometimes you have to take in the whole experience.  Chocolate Factory?  Nope--can't go there because there is one in Hua Hin.   Floating Market?  No, again.  Why? There's one in Bangkok and Hua Hin.  Huh? 

     Can't do anything that you personally feel could be a little unsafe or unethical--never mind that others might be ok with it.  Nope, you will decide for everyone.  (Loved your comment "Nor would I allow..."   Gonna chain them to the bedpost if they want to take a boat ride?)   Golf?  No.  Apparently you don't play so that rules out golf as a criteria for picking a holiday place--never mind that your other attendees might enjoy it.  And, again, apparently Hua Hin has better golf courses so no sense in even thinking of coming to Pattaya to play.  Same for shopping--not an interest for you so scratch that off for everyone else, as well.  And, more of the same as you went through the list--although a few attractions might have slipped through.  Hard to say.

      So, to sum up, pretty much no, no, no to about everything because:  somewhere in the World there is a better (fill in the blank); you, personally, have already done (fill in the blank) so nobody else need do it; you, personally, have no interest in doing (fill in the blank), so likely nobody else will want to do it; or you, personally, feel (fill in the blank) is unethical or possibly, in your opinion,  might involve some danger so nobody else should do it.  (Beware that slippery shower and I'm afraid I can't allow you to eat anything at all that was once alive.) 

[dpdp]

9 hours ago, simon43 said:

I agree with a lot of geriatrickid's comments, including the good and the bad.

I lived in north Phuket for about 12 years, but also worked in Pattaya for 1 year. I now live in Myanmar but spend my annual long holiday each April in Pattaya, because there are positives to the city:

- Compared to Myanmar cities, Pattaya has a great choice of restaurants, food outlets, shopping centres, clothes outlets etc, all accessible by either walking or taking the cheap baht bus.

- The city has a good choice of private doctors and hospitals - I have my annual health check in Pattaya

- The beachfront promenade is excellent for early morning jogging (around 6am before it gets hot).

- I've never had any security concerns. (But then I don't get drunk, don't walk on the beach at 2am and don't act like a <deleted>).

Some things I've noticed to comment on:

- the typical western man living in Pattaya looks to be in his 80's or 90's, smoking, fat, unhealthy. (That is simply my observation, not a criticism).

- the town is full of 'low-life' tourists (wife-beater Westerners, Arabs, Indian, Chinese). Sorry, I say it how I see it.


Negatives for me:

- the local gyms are the worst I've encountered. Badly-maintained equipment, expensive, bad choice of equipment.

I don't come to Pattaya for the bars or bar-girls. I do usually stay on Soi Metro or Soi 6, and find the bar-girls and ladyboys to be very friendly, not pushy - never had a problem with them.

Compared to other destinations in Thailand, Pattaya is fine for a few weeks. I do move out before Songkran though!

 

How can you compare any Thai city to sh*thole Myanmar is beyond understanding.

More than 5 new gym at Pattaya since last year, it seems that you also do not know what you are talking about. Anyway, someone who thinks that he is smart to jog on the pavement at 50+ doesn't need a gym right ?

 

 

[simon43]

How can you compare any Thai city to sh*thole Myanmar is beyond understanding.

Hmm, I live in the modern 'sh*thole' city of Naypyidaw. Lakes, cycle paths, parks, very safe, no pollution, almost no cars.... hardly a sh*thole :)

[JSixpack]

Quote

 

19 hours ago, simon43 said:

- the typical western man living in Pattaya looks to be in his 80's or 90's, smoking, fat, unhealthy. (That is simply my observation, not a criticism).

 

 

No. Exaggeration ruins your credibility. Or maybe your perception really is that selective. Either way, that puts you into the category of basher.

 

Quote

- the town is full of 'low-life' tourists (wife-beater Westerners, Arabs, Indian, Chinese). Sorry, I say it how I see it.ough!

 

 

We do have some low life types. Yet I've seen them in Vegas as well. Not sure why Arabs, Indian, Chinese are automatically low life tourists? Who's keeping the Hilton and Holiday Inn occupied?

 

Quote

Negatives for me:
- the local gyms are the worst I've encountered. Badly-maintained equipment, expensive, bad choice of equipment.

 

 

But did you stay at the Dusit, Marriot, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Centara etc. as would our theoretical conventioneer? What was your objection to Centara's equipment?

 

Quote

Negatives for me:
 I do usually stay on Soi Metro or Soi 6, and find the bar-girls and ladyboys to be very friendly, not pushy - never had a problem with them.

 

 

Please explain why that's a negative. Seems we're just grasping for anything here.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 10:22 AM, geriatrickid said:

I know enough to  have a well paying job that allows me to have a decent standard of living,

 

Much obliged. To those who have focused on the negatives, I direct your attention to the first section, the positives. It is unfortunate that some missed that. Pattaya does do some things right. However, I left Pattaya  firmly onside with the central government's view that it must change the tourism model of Pattaya as it will not deliver the type of tourist and resulting economy that drives profitable tourism markets. How they do it, will most likely take some time, but at least they are trying.

 

In respect to the comments about my missing the sustainability and general quality of the tourist demographic, I disagree. I was there to get a feel for the place to determine if it would be good for a conference that I could recommend. The answer was a firm no. We circulated in the key tourist and conference district, a radius of 10 km from the Hilton, and I remain firm as to the demographics I observed. That observation, is one of many that is in agreement with the government's own basis for  undertaking a change in its tourism model. This isn't an insult to those who settled in Pattaya long ago. Pattaya wasn't always like this and I know it. Places change, and when there is an absence of planning  and vision, things  will go amiss. 

Pattaya wasn't always like this and I know it.

Only if you go back to when it was only a fishing village. Since then it's ALWAYS been like now, but prettier bargirls.

 

What posters like you miss is that Pattaya is not the only resort town in Thailand. So what if people do not go to Pattaya because they don't like the scene. By all means go to some other place where your sensibilities will not be offended.

There are enough places in Thailand to accommodate all the wowsers without ever having to see a barbeer, or a gogo.

Pattaya is unique in all the world, but if the killjoys have their way, it will be turned into just another grotty boring hole with a dirty beach and without any reason to go there for many of us.

Just because YOU don't like it, you don't want anyone else to have it either. Shame!

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 10:36 AM, punchjudy said:

"Negatives: 

-Demographics were grim. Older, obese people with so many smokers. I was expecting people to drop with heart attacks and strokes. 

I have never seen such a concentration of  large numbers of trashy low class people. The word douche would be appropriate. Rude, pushy and  obnoxious were major characteristics."

 

 

What the OP describes here is not just central Pattaya either......you see it in Jomtien, Naklua, and over on the Darkside.

 

It seems to attract the worst grizzled old white guys with bad attitudes in the world.

Bye and don't let the door hit you on the way out. 

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎4‎/‎2018 at 1:42 PM, newnative said:

     I stand by my original response.  In your second post you mention that you were here to see if Pattaya might be suitable for a conference.  If that were the case, why were you eating at Sizzler?  Wouldn't conference attendees want to eat at some place different than what they likely have where they live?  Pity you didn't eat at Cabbages and Condoms.  Or, perhaps Sky Gallery or Chocolate Factory.  Or one of the numerous excellent seafood restaurants right on the ocean, to name just a few choices.  Oh, wow!  We're here  in Thailand!  Let's all go eat at Sizzler! 

    Is this a gay conference you are planning?  Is that why you spent time accessing whether Sunee Plaza would be suitable?  If not, maybe you should have gone to some other places instead.  Sanctuary of Truth, for one--really astounding and hope you saw it while you were here.  Or, Nong Nooch Gardens--great Thai culture show there as well as a very entertaining elephant show--your attendees can take home a painting done by the elephants.  And, of course, the spectacular gardens.  Did you get to the Kaan theatrical show at the new D'Luck Theater while you were 'circulating' (whatever that means)?  Your attendees would have a very enjoyable evening of live entertainment--and maybe something a little more interesting than Mike Shopping Mall--although if your attendees are shoppers there are lots of choices.  Pattaya Floating Market is touristy, yes, but fun nevertheless.  My four sisters spent several delightful hours shopping there on their visit in September--finally had to tell them we need to move on to our next stop. 

     Did you get out to Silver Lake for lunch?  Do any golfing at one of the local courses?  Take any of the boat rides around the islands while you were 'circulating'? Tiger Park or any of the other animal shows?  The aquarium?  The new Ramayana Waterpark?  Or, Cartoon Network Waterpark?  Art in Paradise?  Do any go karting?  Teddy Bear Museum?  Ice skating at Harbor?  Try parasailing?  Did you take a leap off of Pattaya Park Tower?  Visit any of the local wats?  Big Buddha?  And, let's not forget the shows at Colosseum, Tiffany, and  Alcazar.  It's hard to believe you 'circulated' in a 10km radius of Hilton and your highlights were Sizzler, Mike Shopping Mall, Walking Street, and Sunee Plaza.    Sure that wasn't  a 10 meter radius? 

 

 

I wouldn't bother trying to convince him. He wrote like one of those people that roll in for a couple of days expecting it too be one way and spend their time in places that will confirm their prejudices, then roll away again and write how awful it is. If Pattaya shortchanges itself, it's by not publicising the attractions you mention better.

It is a fact though, that if you don't like the night scene, hanging around between Beach and Second, with a diversion through W S and Sunee is not going to change your mind.

[Rimmer]

A post discussing moderation also flaming another member has been removed

[simon43]

No. Exaggeration ruins your credibility. Or maybe your perception really is that selective. Either way, that puts you into the category of basher.

It was an observation, (actually a comparison between my impressions of central Bangkok and Patong), not a 'bash'. It wasn't a negative for me.

I'm not the conventioneer or high-roller. I spend my annual holiday from my job in Myanmar in Thailand, and prefer to spend most of the time in Pattaya because of the positives.

Maybe you think I'm 'dissing' the town? I'm not. But also, I'm not going to deny some of the negatives of the town, nor try to paint a false picture of my impressions.

About Soi 6, you're right, not sure why I listed it as a negative. Some visitors might complain about pushy bar-girls/boys. My experiences with them were very positive, despite not looking for p4p.

[thaibeachlovers]

On ‎1‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 1:07 PM, simon43 said:

 

 

It was an observation, (actually a comparison between my impressions of central Bangkok and Patong), not a 'bash'. It wasn't a negative for me.

I'm not the conventioneer or high-roller. I spend my annual holiday from my job in Myanmar in Thailand, and prefer to spend most of the time in Pattaya because of the positives.

Maybe you think I'm 'dissing' the town? I'm not. But also, I'm not going to deny some of the negatives of the town, nor try to paint a false picture of my impressions.

About Soi 6, you're right, not sure why I listed it as a negative. Some visitors might complain about pushy bar-girls/boys. My experiences with them were very positive, despite not looking for p4p.

 

Other than the ladyboys I've never been harassed on Soi 6 as I pass through. As for the ladyboys, they are pushy everywhere. Perhaps they think the more obnoxious they are the more one is likely to go with them, or maybe just desperate.

[Airbagwill]

On 1/4/2018 at 10:56 AM, dpdp said:

I date only educated and mostly rich Thai

What a bizarre thing to say.....one has to observe that a comment like that is intuitively oxymoronic.

[JaiLai]

How can you compare any Thai city to sh*thole Myanmar is beyond understanding.

 

 

Hmm, I live in the modern 'sh*thole' city of Naypyidaw. Lakes, cycle paths, parks, very safe, no pollution, almost no cars.... hardly a sh*thole :)

 

 

My impressions of Myanmar was also shithole.

 

Although I thought the people were nice

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Rimmer]

A slur and a reply have been removed

[MerryJerry]

Big surprise! That's Pattaya 101. Nothing to see here people, move along.

[jerry921]

On 1/3/2018 at 10:00 AM, Destiny1990 said:

What i noticed about these Indian and arab boys is that they are not stingy with their  eau de toilette spray u can smell  them from 6 meters away.

seems they make a serious effort  for their night out in the city.?

Quantity is no substitute for quality.

[JSixpack]

4 hours ago, jerry921 said:

Quantity is no substitute for quality.

 

Absolutely! Let's hear it for the quality, those golden egg layers.

 

Edited February 24, 2018 by JSixpack

[thaibeachlovers]

3 hours ago, JSixpack said:

 

Absolutely! Let's hear it for the quality, those golden egg layers.

 

How could that obese guy even get on a plane? Did he pay for 3 seats or something?