Advice Re Moving To Pattaya Area

[sianj]

Hi

We have the possibility of moving to the Sattahip / Pattaya area with my husband's job but I am a bit concerned after reading the Pattaya forum that it is not a very safe or nice area. We currently live in Trinidad in the West Indies and want to leave here because it is very unsafe (a lot of gun crime, kidnappings, drugs, terrible driving, muggings etc) and we now have 2 children, 2.5yrs and 7wks old. i just want to live somewhere quite safe where the cost of living in not insane (an ok house in a safe area here is over $4000 US!), with lots of things to do with the children and a reasonable social life for us (resturants bars). If you move away from the central Pattaya area does that solve all the crime / dirt related concerns mentioned in the Pattaya section? Are there some reasonable nursery schools outside the main town or is it all very rural with few ammenities. I know this is all very wide ranging but i have to start somewhere and am trying to get a feel for the place from people that have children and know what it is like to move to a new country / area with all the needs of a young family.

thanks for your help

[paulsmithson]

you want to bring children to anywhere near pattaya.Pattaya is the biggest brothel in the world and no fit place for kids!

[sianj]

thanks for the info, this is all very obvious to people who know the area but as prospective first time visitors to Thailand, this info is not always so obvious. If we moved to the other side of Satttahip are their few problems, or is the whole area unsuitable?

[britmaveric]

you want to bring children to anywhere near pattaya.Pattaya is the biggest brothel in the world and no fit place for kids!

Ignore the muppet.... Pattaya is quite safe and heaps of families live there. Depends on what you are looking for to be completely honest - if you want to be central or out in the sticks.

Crime? I dare say if you lived in Trinidad, anything that happens in Patters will seem like a picnic.

[MsFigure]

you want to bring children to anywhere near pattaya.Pattaya is the biggest brothel in the world and no fit place for kids!

Speaking from experience ?

Hi

We have the possibility of moving to the Sattahip / Pattaya area with my husband's job but I am a bit concerned after reading the Pattaya forum that it is not a very safe or nice area. We currently live in Trinidad in the West Indies and want to leave here because it is very unsafe (a lot of gun crime, kidnappings, drugs, terrible driving, muggings etc) and we now have 2 children, 2.5yrs and 7wks old. i just want to live somewhere quite safe where the cost of living in not insane (an ok house in a safe area here is over $4000 US!), with lots of things to do with the children and a reasonable social life for us (resturants bars). If you move away from the central Pattaya area does that solve all the crime / dirt related concerns mentioned in the Pattaya section? Are there some reasonable nursery schools outside the main town or is it all very rural with few ammenities. I know this is all very wide ranging but i have to start somewhere and am trying to get a feel for the place from people that have children and know what it is like to move to a new country / area with all the needs of a young family.

thanks for your help

I've lived here 7 years ,and can't dream of living anywhere else. If you spend a lot of time in and around people who frequent the seedier side of Pattaya (just like any of the seedier parts of any city in the world), you are bound to get involved in trouble.

Pattaya is a much better & safer place to bring up kids than many suburbs in Australia. I live out in Maprachan and this is exactly where I want to be and where I'm happy for my 3 year old daughter to be. It feels like we are living in the country but its only a 10/15minute drive into town. We're actually closer to many of the places that we take our daughter too and very rarely need to go right into the middle of Pattaya.

If you're so concerned about Pattaya, come and visit to see for yourself before you make any decisions or the big move.

[chanchao]

What a load of Rubbish with a capital R from PaulSmithson !!

It would seem to me that ANYWHERE in Thailand is completely in a different league compared to where you are now. Pattaya has a tiny nightlife-circle, (tiny compared to the general Eastern Seaboard area where you will be living) and you're not going to be living smack in the middle of it! There's a LOT of international businesses/factories in the area, excellent international schools and it's overall a huge and safe area with excellent housing available. And there's many beaches, and lovely islands in the area like Ko Samet.

And you know what: Guess what the one beach destination in the whole of Thailand is that my wife is most comfortable with to take our baby girl: Pattaya. Or rather the area around it, there's many beaches in the area, with Pattaya proper being a very urban touristy place with lots of nightlife. (Nightlife is friendly enough, but you simply dont take kids into environments where men drink & smoke, period).

But by all means the sensible answer is : Go for a holiday / exploration trip first before deciding. And DONT spend all (or any) time in the tourist-center of Pattaya itself, but specifically focus on renting a car and explore the area where you would actually be living. Through your place of work you probably have excellent contacts, people actually living in the area who can show you around and really tell you what it's like.

A lot of people just repeat what they think they know about Pattaya without having spent actual time in the general area.

Edited February 14, 2007 by chanchao

[helicoptor]

I live here and have done so now for 3 months

I am here with my English Fiancee and 10 month old son (and another on the way)

We live outside Pattaya (Nongplalai) which is 10 minute drive to Pattaya Nua

Yes there is crime in Pattaya but show me a City in the world that doesnt have crime and I will happily relocate there!

In the meantime we are very happy and settled here, no crime where we live, we have only had good experiences (to date) regarding friendliness both Thai and fellow expats, the food, the cost of living and climate are all wonderful

I, like you was concerned about Pattaya before moving here but as long as you move to a 'Suburb' you wont have any problems

[Digger]

Without a doubt the preferred area for professional expats and their families is around the Maprachan Resevoir area, about 15km outside of Pattaya. Reason being is that this area is considered upmarket and far enough away from the bustle of the city but near enough to take advantage of its infrastructure notably supermarkets, private hospitals, restaurants, cinema's etc. Sattahip really has nothing going for it and you will be forever having to drive to Pattaya for shopping etc and perhaps more importantly people you might want to socialise with. Most of the expats I know all live round Maprachan despite working in Rayong and Matbraput which are some of the main industrial area's as basically that is where everyone else lives. A kids birthday party becomes a major chore when the party is being held a good hours drive away.

[GuestHouse]

My first bit of advice is, get in touch with the Pattaya International Ladies Club, see contact details below.

Pattaya International Ladies Club Meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Venue as notified. Mary Harris, Vice President Tel. 306067 or Yvonne Whittaker 306090.

We lived with our children near Pattaya for a little over seven years, I think you can put aside your safety worries and the seedier side of Pattaya, which so many seem to be keen to warn you of can easily be avoided.

Getting the following sorted will make a huge difference to your life in Thailand:

Accommodation.

Make sure that your husband's company are providing an accommodation allowance. If you've been paying out $4K a month in Trinidad then I it seems you are getting a reasonable expat deal. An accommodation allowance of Bht80K~100K per month is standard for the major internationals with staff in the area.

As a tip, choose housing that places you and the children in the community that you want to be in, I presume the community of professional expats with children. The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) can give advice here, as I am sure can your husband's employers.

Schooling

There are some excellent schools in the area, but they are not cheap, again check that your husband's employers are footing the bill. PILC can help with the latest advice and give you costs etc.

Medical Insurance.

There is no free medical care in Thailand, so fully comprehensive health insurance is essential. Check what your husband's employer is providing. Medical Insurance should cover you and your family all the while you are in Thailand - Including during vacation periods.

Visas and Work Permits

These are essential, make sure that your husband's employers are providing these BEFORE you enter Thailand.

Transport

At least one car is essential, preferably two. Again check what your husband's employers are providing AND CONFIRM this also includes insurance for both of you to drive ON BUSINESS AND FOR FAMILY/HOLIDAY USE.

Settling In Allowances

It is standard practice to provide new assignees to Thailand with a settling in allowance, usually about a month in a hotel when you have chance to look around to see where you want to live. Make sure this is included in your husband's conditions of assignment and that it can be extended if you are having difficulty finding permanent accommodation.

Cost of living allowances

Find out if your husband's employers are also paying a cost of living allowance. Standard multinational deals are Bht50K~75K per month, excluding the accommodation allowanc.

Flights

Most internationals provide at least one return airfare per family member (Thailand/Home/Thailand) for R&R plus flights to and from Thailand paid. Check what is being provided.

Shipping

Confirm that your husband's employers are providing shipping for household goods and covering import taxes. This can be a real stinger. Standard deals with multinationals are usually half a standard shipping container.

Travel to Thailand together

The seedier side of Pattaya is a problem, either real or imagined. Make it less of a problem by travelling out together so you all experience the move together and learn the ropes together.

[jasreeve17]

My first bit of advice is, get in touch with the Pattaya International Ladies Club, see contact details below.

Pattaya International Ladies Club Meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Venue as notified. Mary Harris, Vice President Tel. 306067 or Yvonne Whittaker 306090.

We lived with our children near Pattaya for a little over seven years, I think you can put aside your safety worries and the seedier side of Pattaya, which so many seem to be keen to warn you of can easily be avoided.

Getting the following sorted will make a huge difference to your life in Thailand:

Accommodation.

Make sure that your husband's company are providing an accommodation allowance. If you've been paying out $4K a month in Trinidad then I it seems you are getting a reasonable expat deal. An accommodation allowance of Bht80K~100K per month is standard for the major internationals with staff in the area.

As a tip, choose housing that places you and the children in the community that you want to be in, I presume the community of professional expats with children. The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) can give advice here, as I am sure can your husband's employers.

Schooling

There are some excellent schools in the area, but they are not cheap, again check that your husband's employers are footing the bill. PILC can help with the latest advice and give you costs etc.

Medical Insurance.

There is no free medical care in Thailand, so fully comprehensive health insurance is essential. Check what your husband's employer is providing. Medical Insurance should cover you and your family all the while you are in Thailand - Including during vacation periods.

Visas and Work Permits

These are essential, make sure that your husband's employers are providing these BEFORE you enter Thailand.

Transport

At least one car is essential, preferably two. Again check what your husband's employers are providing AND CONFIRM this also includes insurance for both of you to drive ON BUSINESS AND FOR FAMILY/HOLIDAY USE.

Settling In Allowances

It is standard practice to provide new assignees to Thailand with a settling in allowance, usually about a month in a hotel when you have chance to look around to see where you want to live. Make sure this is included in your husband's conditions of assignment and that it can be extended if you are having difficulty finding permanent accommodation.

Cost of living allowances

Find out if your husband's employers are also paying a cost of living allowance. Standard multinational deals are Bht50K~75K per month, excluding the accommodation allowanc.

Flights

Most internationals provide at least one return airfare per family member (Thailand/Home/Thailand) for R&R plus flights to and from Thailand paid. Check what is being provided.

Shipping

Confirm that your husband's employers are providing shipping for household goods and covering import taxes. This can be a real stinger. Standard deals with multinationals are usually half a standard shipping container.

Travel to Thailand together

The seedier side of Pattaya is a problem, either real or imagined. Make it less of a problem by travelling out together so you all experience the move together and learn the ropes together.

Guesthouse, you are joking right?

Perhaps, if you are a senior level employee in a multinational, and important enough, then you might get this package. But for Pattaya? How many multinationals have offices in Pattaya that require (or could justify) such a high level manager? I'd suggest very few, if any.

Your analysis is suggesting upwards of 3k (UK pounds) per month in various perks / expenses, add on a salary (say a minimum of 5k per month) and we're talking about more than 500,000 baht per month. Ok good people with good jobs can get this, in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, maybe, a select few in Bangkok, but Pattaya, no way.

Let me have a go:-

Accom: If the company paid 50,000 baht per month you'd be doing well (and could get a nice house).

School: If the company made any contribution at all you'd be fortunate.

Medical Insurance: That's a standard perk, of course.

Transport: Probably a car and driver for work duties / time, only.

Settling in allowance: Maybe an extra months salary.

Cost of living allowance: That's called a salary. Zero extra.

Flights for family: Included in the settling allowance.

Shipping: As above.

Total per month would be less than a quarter of what you suggested and may (even then it's a push for a Pattaya position - hardly a business powerhouse location) just be plausable.

Just my thoughts. I could be wrong of course. Maybe the OP could enlighten us. I'd be interested in other opinions and am open to the thought that I'm an ignorant know nothing...

[solo siam]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

[britmaveric]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

Hmmm seen far more bashings in BKK, guess that place is dangerous too. 3days? Oh I'm sure we will all take your advice mate.

[jasreeve17]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

I might be wrong, but I feel that the assumption (both yourself and Guesthouse made) that a company is paying their 4,000 USD per month housing bill, has no foundation. I saw the OP state that a "safe house" cost this amount, but it wasn't stated that they lived in such a place or that the company contributed to their housing costs. Indeed the fact that they seemed shocked by this high price suggests to me that such a price is out of their range. We'd need clarification from the OP.

If I'm right, then the logic that such high paying ex-pat jobs don't exist in Pattaya is reasonable, I think.

[sianj]

hi

you are right, we are not on a great ex-pat package at the moment and no we do not have a house for $4,000US (would like one though!). We have not had info about the type of package that we could expect, this is all at its very early stages and we are still in the process of wondering if it is an option that we want to consider and look more into. All the info is great though, of course everyone has different opinions and experiences but everyone has given us a much more rounded view of the place.

thanks alot.

[solo siam]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

Hmmm seen far more bashings in BKK, guess that place is dangerous too. 3days? Oh I'm sure we will all take your advice mate.

Just couldn't handle it for more than that, after seeing 5 thais beat another thai up with a crowbar in front of a bunch of tourists (which included children) at 11.00am and then seeing old drunk farangs fighting at night I decided to go back to Phuket. I don't really care if you disagree with me, just have to look at the Pattaya news forum to get a glimpse of what life is like there.

[Phil Conners]

Where on earth was that? I've lived here 5 years, probably seen 5 fights in that time, all of them west of 2nd road, i.e. the red light district where you never need to come if you live with your family east of Sukhumvit. But there are many schools, hospitals and supermarkets here.

[britmaveric]

Hmmm Phuket huh? Same Same mate - you get crime there as well. Witnessed some bashing there, quite a few legless farangs - actually one farang lady needed be carried out, she was so pissed. However that being said I won't put Phuket down, nor should I.

Point being - there is crime everywhere, and its inevitable in a tourist/resort area. If OP is coming from Trinidad - she has nought to worry about in Pattaya or anywhere else in Thailand.

Edited February 14, 2007 by britmaveric

[MsFigure]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

I've been here 7 years and haven't seen 1 fight.

[helicoptor]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

You cannot judge Pattaya on your short experience of it - presumably this was around the tourist area?

[grtaylor]

My first bit of advice is, get in touch with the Pattaya International Ladies Club, see contact details below.

Pattaya International Ladies Club Meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Venue as notified. Mary Harris, Vice President Tel. 306067 or Yvonne Whittaker 306090.

This is your best piece of advice so far in this thread. Talk to people (i.e. mothers) who've already done it.

G

[thaihome]

My first bit of advice is, get in touch with the Pattaya International Ladies Club, see contact details below.

Pattaya International Ladies Club Meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Venue as notified. Mary Harris, Vice President Tel. 306067 or Yvonne Whittaker 306090.

We lived with our children near Pattaya for a little over seven years, I think you can put aside your safety worries and the seedier side of Pattaya, which so many seem to be keen to warn you of can easily be avoided.

Getting the following sorted will make a huge difference to your life in Thailand:

Accommodation.

Make sure that your husband's company are providing an accommodation allowance. If you've been paying out $4K a month in Trinidad then I it seems you are getting a reasonable expat deal. An accommodation allowance of Bht80K~100K per month is standard for the major internationals with staff in the area.

As a tip, choose housing that places you and the children in the community that you want to be in, I presume the community of professional expats with children. The Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) can give advice here, as I am sure can your husband's employers.

Schooling

There are some excellent schools in the area, but they are not cheap, again check that your husband's employers are footing the bill. PILC can help with the latest advice and give you costs etc.

Medical Insurance.

There is no free medical care in Thailand, so fully comprehensive health insurance is essential. Check what your husband's employer is providing. Medical Insurance should cover you and your family all the while you are in Thailand - Including during vacation periods.

Visas and Work Permits

These are essential, make sure that your husband's employers are providing these BEFORE you enter Thailand.

Transport

At least one car is essential, preferably two. Again check what your husband's employers are providing AND CONFIRM this also includes insurance for both of you to drive ON BUSINESS AND FOR FAMILY/HOLIDAY USE.

Settling In Allowances

It is standard practice to provide new assignees to Thailand with a settling in allowance, usually about a month in a hotel when you have chance to look around to see where you want to live. Make sure this is included in your husband's conditions of assignment and that it can be extended if you are having difficulty finding permanent accommodation.

Cost of living allowances

Find out if your husband's employers are also paying a cost of living allowance. Standard multinational deals are Bht50K~75K per month, excluding the accommodation allowanc.

Flights

Most internationals provide at least one return airfare per family member (Thailand/Home/Thailand) for R&R plus flights to and from Thailand paid. Check what is being provided.

Shipping

Confirm that your husband's employers are providing shipping for household goods and covering import taxes. This can be a real stinger. Standard deals with multinationals are usually half a standard shipping container.

Travel to Thailand together

The seedier side of Pattaya is a problem, either real or imagined. Make it less of a problem by travelling out together so you all experience the move together and learn the ropes together.

Guesthouse, you are joking right?

Perhaps, if you are a senior level employee in a multinational, and important enough, then you might get this package. But for Pattaya? How many multinationals have offices in Pattaya that require (or could justify) such a high level manager? I'd suggest very few, if any.

Your analysis is suggesting upwards of 3k (UK pounds) per month in various perks / expenses, add on a salary (say a minimum of 5k per month) and we're talking about more than 500,000 baht per month. Ok good people with good jobs can get this, in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, maybe, a select few in Bangkok, but Pattaya, no way.

Let me have a go:-

Accom: If the company paid 50,000 baht per month you'd be doing well (and could get a nice house).

School: If the company made any contribution at all you'd be fortunate.

Medical Insurance: That's a standard perk, of course.

Transport: Probably a car and driver for work duties / time, only.

Settling in allowance: Maybe an extra months salary.

Cost of living allowance: That's called a salary. Zero extra.

Flights for family: Included in the settling allowance.

Shipping: As above.

Total per month would be less than a quarter of what you suggested and may (even then it's a push for a Pattaya position - hardly a business powerhouse location) just be plausable.

Just my thoughts. I could be wrong of course. Maybe the OP could enlighten us. I'd be interested in other opinions and am open to the thought that I'm an ignorant know nothing...

The perception that only “senior” managers get these kind of packages is a myth perpetuated by people that don’t know what they are talking about. My company has over a hundred expats in Thailand today (about 70 in Pattaya area), all with exactly what GH describes, this is the standard deal for working overseas, no matter what country. We don’t actually get a cost of living allowance in Thailand, only a 25% uplift in our home country salary (though we do in many other countries). I would never think of working overseas without this sort of deal. What would be the point?

As the OP mentioned they were in Trinidad right now, considering an offer to Pattaya area, I at first thought her husband could be working for my company, but then she mentioned they are not on a package in Trinidad, so that killed that thought.

TH

Edited February 15, 2007 by thaihome

[jasreeve17]

Thaihome, if you want to make a point then please do so, but try not to be rude in the process. This forum should be a pleasant place to visit, for all.

FYI I've worked as an expat in 5 countries, on 4 continents, thus I have some knowledge. You say that "your company" (do you mean the company that you work for?) has over seventy people on this package in the Pattaya area. I don't doubt your words, but it seems odd to pay seventy people's 500,000 baht plus per month expenditure to work in the Pattaya area. What business are they in?

You say that Guesthouse's overview was exactly right as a standard ex-pat package, and you don't have to be a senior manager to receive it. Where do we all sign up, as I've never heard of such generosity. Well qualified engineers that would be earning 50k (pounds / annum) or so back home would not get this above package, so who is?

Again, I'm willing to bow to your knowledge here, please give a few more specific details though, please.

[helicoptor]

Thaihome, if you want to make a point then please do so, but try not to be rude in the process. This forum should be a pleasant place to visit, for all.

FYI I've worked as an expat in 5 countries, on 4 continents, thus I have some knowledge. You say that "your company" (do you mean the company that you work for?) has over seventy people on this package in the Pattaya area. I don't doubt your words, but it seems odd to pay seventy people's 500,000 baht plus per month expenditure to work in the Pattaya area. What business are they in?

You say that Guesthouse's overview was exactly right as a standard ex-pat package, and you don't have to be a senior manager to receive it. Where do we all sign up, as I've never heard of such generosity. Well qualified engineers that would be earning 50k (pounds / annum) or so back home would not get this above package, so who is?

Again, I'm willing to bow to your knowledge here, please give a few more specific details though, please.

I too would be interested to hear of such jobs, I am a middle manager for a contractor related to the O&G industry and am no-where near this type of deal

[GuestHouse]

Guesthouse, you are joking right?

Erm no, I am not joking.

I've given my advice based on my experience gained while living and working in Thailand for twelve years. The figures I have quoted are based on my employer's standard package. Thaihome confirms what I have said.

I'm pleased to see that while these may not be entirely applicable to the OP she expressed thanks for the general useful information.

If you object to the Thailand expat deal figures I'd better not mention my Rome deal.

[jasreeve17]

Guesthouse, you are joking right?

Erm no, I am not joking.

I've given my advice based on my experience gained while living and working in Thailand for twelve years. The figures I have quoted are based on my employer's standard package. Thaihome confirms what I have said.

I'm pleased to see that while these may not be entirely applicable to the OP she expressed thanks for the general useful information.

If you object to the Thailand expat deal figures I'd better not mention my Rome deal.

Guesthouse, I don't object to anything you have said. If indeed you get that kind of salary, and even more in your Rome days, fantastic, I'm sure you derseve it (no I'm not joking). Your suggestion for the OP to contact the Pattaya International Club was a very good one too.

I simply asked if it was normal to get a package of 500,000 baht per month on an expat deal in Pattaya. I cannot think that it is - Pattaya is not Singapore or Hong Kong, or even Bangkok (where are the trading floors in Pattaya?).

You are obviously a very high level manager (SMT) and good luck to you, but the average deal is miles below what you have suggested. If you get 200,000 baht per month all in, then you are doing very well.

I believe that the OP is looking much more in the range that I've suggested than the one that you have suggested. You have already misinterpreted some of the OP's original information, please don't misunderstand what I'm saying - some excellent people like youself will command those large salaries, a very few will do so in Pattaya. The vast majority are looking at a much lower package.

(And yes I have many friends who have senior positions in Bangkok - mostly Japanese - and they are getting between 150,000 and 300,000 per month all in.)

As an aside, your superialistic manner is a bit boring, not at all like the successful high earners that I have met.

[davethailand]

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

Prehaps the Samui and Phuket news teams aren't as hot on things like they are here?

You've been here once for 3 days?

I'm sorry but you cannot judge from that.

Well they are paying for a 4k US$ house at the moment on an expat assignment.

If it was me I wouldn't recommend Pattaya, I'm sorry if its going to upset people but I think its a pretty dirty, rundown place - and it seems very violent. I've only been once and for 3 days but I saw 2 fights of 3 that I've ever seen in Thailand, during the daytime. I may have just been unlucky but 1 fight in 5 years elsewhere in Thailand and 2 in 3 days in Pattaya is a pretty poor record.

Just take a look at the press clippings from Pattaya, compared to Samui or Phuket which are about the same size, give or take.

Hmmm seen far more bashings in BKK, guess that place is dangerous too. 3days? Oh I'm sure we will all take your advice mate.

Just couldn't handle it for more than that, after seeing 5 thais beat another thai up with a crowbar in front of a bunch of tourists (which included children) at 11.00am and then seeing old drunk farangs fighting at night I decided to go back to Phuket. I don't really care if you disagree with me, just have to look at the Pattaya news forum to get a glimpse of what life is like there.

Of course Patong is a delightful place that never sees trouble.

Edited February 15, 2007 by davethailand

[GuestHouse]

Guesthouse, I don't object to anything you have said. ..........................

..........................................

As an aside, your superialistic manner is a bit boring, not at all like the successful high earners that I have met.

I see you eventually got around to saying what you wanted to say.

Hey Ho!

[jasreeve17]

Guesthouse, I don't object to anything you have said. ..........................

..........................................

As an aside, your superialistic manner is a bit boring, not at all like the successful high earners that I have met.

I see you eventually got around to saying what you wanted to say.

Hey Ho!

Guesthouse, you have avoided offering supporting evidence to your bold claim that "500,000+" is the standard ex-pat packagei n Pattaya. I apprecaite that it's hard to do for such a wild statement.

Instead you offer a quip in an attempt to "win a thread".

You're obviously seem like an intelligent guy, but remember that it's not about the winning or losing but the taking part, and helping the OP - which between us I believe that we have done. Good luck to you, and the OP.

[Digger]

Guesthouse, I don't object to anything you have said. ..........................

..........................................

As an aside, your superialistic manner is a bit boring, not at all like the successful high earners that I have met.

I see you eventually got around to saying what you wanted to say.

Hey Ho!

Guesthouse, you have avoided offering supporting evidence to your bold claim that "500,000+" is the standard ex-pat packagei n Pattaya. I apprecaite that it's hard to do for such a wild statement.

Instead you offer a quip in an attempt to "win a thread".

You're obviously seem like an intelligent guy, but remember that it's not about the winning or losing but the taking part, and helping the OP - which between us I believe that we have done. Good luck to you, and the OP.

Jasreeve17 - to make it simple for you replace the word "Pattaya" with "Eastern Seaboard" - I know of at least a dozen expats on packages of around 500,000baht per month and they live on the outskirts of Pattaya. They do not work IN Pattaya, but invariably the kids are attending (at a cost of some 500,000 baht per child per year), Regents School. The school fees are also paid by their employer. There are loads of expats on this kind of salary working on the Eastern Seaboard but you are very unlikely to find them in Walking Street or Soi 8 on a drunken night out. Guesthouse is completely correct in what he says, infact those numbers were very similar to what I was earning 5 years ago for a major multinational in Thailand.

[jasreeve17]

Guesthouse, I don't object to anything you have said. ..........................

..........................................

As an aside, your superialistic manner is a bit boring, not at all like the successful high earners that I have met.

I see you eventually got around to saying what you wanted to say.

Hey Ho!

Guesthouse, you have avoided offering supporting evidence to your bold claim that "500,000+" is the standard ex-pat packagei n Pattaya. I apprecaite that it's hard to do for such a wild statement.

Instead you offer a quip in an attempt to "win a thread".

You're obviously seem like an intelligent guy, but remember that it's not about the winning or losing but the taking part, and helping the OP - which between us I believe that we have done. Good luck to you, and the OP.

Jasreeve17 - to make it simple for you replace the word "Pattaya" with "Eastern Seaboard" - I know of at least a dozen expats on packages of around 500,000baht per month and they live on the outskirts of Pattaya. They do not work IN Pattaya, but invariably the kids are attending (at a cost of some 500,000 baht per child per year), Regents School. The school fees are also paid by their employer. There are loads of expats on this kind of salary working on the Eastern Seaboard but you are very unlikely to find them in Walking Street or Soi 8 on a drunken night out. Guesthouse is completely correct in what he says, infact those numbers were very similar to what I was earning 5 years ago for a major multinational in Thailand.

Mmmm, I do seem to be outnumbered here. Fair enough, and thanks for your reply digger. Many people doing much better than I, good luck to them.

GH / Thaihome - Sorry chaps, I think you were right. Any chance of helping to get me a few interviews?