Before: Pattaya never sleeps! After: Everyone in bed by 11 pm: Resort is dead say Thais

[webfact]

Before: Pattaya never sleeps! After: Everyone in bed by 11 pm: Resort is dead say Thais

 

Picture: Pattaya Watchdog

 

Thais have agreed with assessments made earlier in the week that Pattaya is dying a death.

 

And they appear to have rejected a rosy outlook presented by a deputy mayor. 

 

One of Thailand's premier seaside resorts is so quiet that most people are in bed by 11 pm. 

 

Few are buying anything, red light areas are quiet as the grave, hotels won't lower their prices and one poster even spoke of being afraid of ghosts, it was that quiet.

 

The Prime Minister has even been singled out for getting what he wanted. 

 

The comments were all the initial posts from Thais to pictures taken at 1 am this morning and posted on the site of the Pattaya Watchdog. 

 

Picture: Pattaya Watchdog

 

A "Top Fan" posted a picture of a deserted Soi Bua Khao, part of the city's once famed red light district. 

 

"Pim" said she had been trying to sell stuff at Central but it was "soooooo quiet".

 

"Ivy" asked: "Where has everyone gone?"

 

"Pond" partially blamed the hotels for refusing to lower expensive prices.

 

"Nut" said that the first things that came to her mind on a visit were ghosts. 

 

"Narupong" said how stupid it was for the authorities to be digging up the road when the International Fireworks festival was happening. (It's due to take place this weekend, notes Thaivisa).

 

Picture: Pattaya Watchdog

 

But "Kantinan" summed up the situation in Pattaya best saying:

 

"In the old days they said Pattaya never sleeps. You would see people all day and all night on the streets. But now everyone appears to be in bed by 10/11pm. All the streets are deserted and you just don't see anyone out and about any more". 

 

Earlier in the week Thai media reported that even though it was high season hotel bookings and tourists were 20% down. Then up spoke a deputy mayor bigging up the resort for Thais and international tourists. His rosy comments spoke of millions visiting and hundreds of billions being spent.

 

Finally, on today's Pattaya Watchdog" post "Pee Pa Love" pointed a facetious finger at premier Prayut saying:

 

"The PM said he'd bring peace and quiet to Thailand".   

 

Source: Pattaya Watchdog

 

 

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[darksidedog]

You have to say that the authorities have brought this upon themselves. In their desperation to save face and stop anything the slightest bit smutty from going on in town, they destroyed exactly what so many people visited for. People wanting a fun week or two away came here because that was what was on offer, and they didn't give a damn for temples and nature beauty spots, a point obviously missed by the folks that have killed the place.

I am sure the average bar or hotel owner would far prefer it to go back to how it was, rather than go broke in a "family friendly" but empty resort.

[keith101]

13 minutes ago, Happy Grumpy said:

The flight carrying the 6,000 baht per day Indians was delayed. 

And the Chinese are going to Vietnam .

[NCC1701A]

fireworks festival going on now.

 

all my regular places on Agoda are booked.

[sammieuk1]

Not just Patti in trouble is it take a look on webcamtaxi to find out what this sham government has done to tourism through greed and lunatic laws????  

[ThreeEyedRaven]

I recently got pulled over by the cops for one of their routine collect money stops, and while I had everything, I heard more than one tourist moaning loudly that they were paying out money for the stops that were "everywhere" every single day, and would never be coming back. Fair enough, they didn't have the right documents, but I have never been to a tourist resort that so actively looks to fleece their guests in such a way. Combine this with the murder of the town as it used to be and is it any surprise that the place is a ghost town?

[Vacuum]

32 minutes ago, webfact said:

"The PM said he'd bring peace and quiet to Thailand"

He's doing good.

 

Quote

Everyone in bed by 11 pm

 

[metempsychotic]

23 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

You have to say that the authorities have brought this upon themselves. In their desperation to save face and stop anything the slightest bit smutty from going on in town, they destroyed exactly what so many people visited for. People wanting a fun week or two away came here because that was what was on offer, and they didn't give a damn for temples and nature beauty spots, a point obviously missed by the folks that have killed the place.

I am sure the average bar or hotel owner would far prefer it to go back to how it was, rather than go broke in a "family friendly" but empty resort.

 

while the government have surely dropped the ball, people are travelling less for "smut" either way.

 

Millenials are <deleted> each other and the incels that would be all over it are afraid or unable to travel to foreign shores.

those that have traditionally flocked to pattaya are ageing fast. 

i have seen an increase this year of friends and friends of friends traveling this way. they are coming for islands like koh phangan, or doing wakepark tours of bkk and phuket. they are all 30-45 and are travelling for lifestyle and activities now and pattaya is not on the radar. 

they want proper massages, good food, beaches, sunsets, hikes etc. 

A good night out involves proper music, cocktails and dinner. Many are vegan, but all are willing to spend on food. the bars may be a curiosity but certainly not a priority. 

 

10 years ago, people i know might have had a few days in pattaya on the itinerary, but I cant think of a single visitor through my doors that has had plans to go to pattaya for something other than business in the last 5+ years 

many things have changed. Pattaya really hasnt.

 

[smedly]

20 minutes ago, darksidedog said:

You have to say that the authorities have brought this upon themselves. In their desperation to save face and stop anything the slightest bit smutty from going on in town, they destroyed exactly what so many people visited for. People wanting a fun week or two away came here because that was what was on offer, and they didn't give a damn for temples and nature beauty spots, a point obviously missed by the folks that have killed the place.

I am sure the average bar or hotel owner would far prefer it to go back to how it was, rather than go broke in a "family friendly" but empty resort.

although I highly respect most of your posts and find them to be a good read - you are way off with this one.

 

Having lived here a very long time I see no evidence of changes of the type you are suggesting.

 

 

What has happened however are three fold

 

- Thailand has become very expensive mostly down to the strength of the baht, people I know that came here on a regular basis are no longer coming.

 

- the authorities decided to treat western tourists with contempt, they are making it harder and harder for tourists from the west to travel and stay here, so why are they doing this - to my 3rd point

 

- they have foolishly overestimated the value that tourists from places like India and China bring here, there may be big numbers arriving but what are they doing when they get here - certainly not spending money because they generally don't have much, I see Indians wondering about in groups just looking, they may spend some time in hanging in massage joints looking for cheap relief but that is about the height of it

 

 

Thai authorities think that big numbers translate to big revenue - well it doesn't, they have alienated the big spenders who are now going elsewhere - to places were they fell welcomed and treated properly

[Swimfan]

Premier seaside resort ????

[kingofthemountain]

24 minutes ago, ThreeEyedRaven said:

I recently got pulled over by the cops for one of their routine collect money stops, and while I had everything, I heard more than one tourist moaning loudly that they were paying out money for the stops that were "everywhere" every single day, and would never be coming back. Fair enough, they didn't have the right documents, but I have never been to a tourist resort that so actively looks to fleece their guests in such a way.

I can't blame the police for this

i live here and i am also stopped at the check points for controls

drive licence, insurance, tax, alcool and whatever

i have never had to pay something, 

And i do not want to be killed or wounded on the road by a rented big motorbike

drived by a drunk stupid tourist with no licence and who have no clue about the drive in Thailand.

[Spellforce]

21 minutes ago, ThreeEyedRaven said:

I recently got pulled over by the cops for one of their routine collect money stops, and while I had everything, I heard more than one tourist moaning loudly that they were paying out money for the stops that were "everywhere" every single day, and would never be coming back. Fair enough, they didn't have the right documents, but I have never been to a tourist resort that so actively looks to fleece their guests in such a way. Combine this with the murder of the town as it used to be and is it any surprise that the place is a ghost town?

All those (DUI) checkpoints have ruined the place for expats and without the expats the beer bar scene has died.

So I can't speak no more about what happens at night because now I prefer to stay at home, but during the day I can see too much traffic and many tourists everywhere, that article is wrong: the high season has started !!!

[Chelseafan]

"Narupong" said how stupid it was for the authorities to be digging up the road when the International Fireworks festival was happening.

 

Common sense at last. I'd vote this guy for Mayor.

 

[kelboy]

555 they have been warned many times.

[KhunBENQ]

Few guests? Time to raise prices.

 

Popular (no Indian/no Chinese) cheap hotel on Soi Lengkee: all room categories available over the full X-mas/New Year period.

[Spellforce]

1 minute ago, kingofthemountain said:

And i do not want to be killed or wounded on the road by a rented big motorbike

drived by a drunk stupid tourist with no licence and who have no clue about the drive in Thailand.

Then stay at home after 10PM ?

Too much controls/checkpoints kill the fun, everything good in life is dangerous.

 

[KhunBENQ]

 

6 minutes ago, kingofthemountain said:

i have never had to pay something, 

On last visit was stopped at the corner of WS with rented bike.

Before I even could hand over my Thai DL the cop made a sour face and waived me to get away.

[Cadbury]

44 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

Not just Patti in trouble is it take a look on webcamtaxi to find out what this sham government has done to tourism through greed and lunatic laws????  

Lunatic laws like the licencing of dart boards and banning of bar games like Connect Four and Jenga. Powercrazy madmen running the Country. 

http://www.thailandroad.com/blog/connect-four-banned-in-thailand/

[petermik]

7 hours ago, Spellforce said:

Then stay at home after 10PM ?

Too much controls/checkpoints kill the fun, everything good in life is dangerous.

 

Dangerous to who...you or the innocents that are sometimes caught up in the acts of idiots

[SteveK]

I'd bet that it's the ridiculous over-valuation of the Thai baht which has been the number one contributor here. Visitors can overlook Thailand's foibles when things are so cheap. When things cost more than in your home country, or more importantly than in places like Bali, Mexico, Portugal or even Spain, is it any wonder people are choosing to go elsewhere? It's the Norwegians I feel most sorry for, 12 years ago I met some in Pattaya and they kept talking about how ridiculously cheap everything was for them. Now very few to be seen in Thailand.

[KhunBENQ]

37 minutes ago, ThreeEyedRaven said:

but I have never been to a tourist resort that so actively looks to fleece their guests in such a way.

Typical example: denying international driving permit (1968) of many countries (like Germany). Why the heck can't this ....... government sign an international agreement if they want to lure tourists?

Legally a short term tourist from these countries has no chance to rent and drive legal.

 

[petermik]

7 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

 

On last visit was stopped at the corner of WS with rented bike.

Before I even could hand over my Thai DL the cop made a sour face and waived me to get away.

I usually smile while handing mine over...

[Spellforce]

@KhunBENQ

The problem are the DUI check: 2 beers and you'r done:

- 1st time is just a night soi 9 + a fine in tribunal

- 2nd time and you might be deported and blacklisted ! If you are an expat, you can't no more drive & drink in bars, that's the new rule.

 

[Raphael54]

Yeah, wanted to go to Pattaya this coming weekend.  But Pattaya being another province and I being an alien condo-owner, this would involve all sorts of crazy reporting.  So staying at home.

[KhunBENQ]

4 minutes ago, Spellforce said:

If you are an expat, you can't no more drive & drink in bars, that's the new rule.

I know from hearsay and is not the reason that I stopped drinking since long.

[sixlegs]

This is what the current people in charge wanted Thailand to turn into. What is so surprising about this.

 

Andthis is "Just the beginning". ????

[yogi100]

13 minutes ago, metempsychotic said:

 

while the government have surely dropped the ball, people are travelling less for "smut" either way.

 

Millenials are <deleted> each other and the incels that would be all over it are afraid or unable to travel to foreign shores.

those that have traditionally flocked to pattaya are ageing fast. 

i have seen an increase this year of friends and friends of friends traveling this way. they are coming for islands like koh phangan, or doing wakepark tours of bkk and phuket. they are all 30-45 and are travelling for lifestyle and activities now and pattaya is not on the radar. 

they want proper massages, good food, beaches, sunsets, hikes etc. 

A good night out involves proper music, cocktails and dinner. Many are vegan, but all are willing to spend on food. the bars may be a curiosity but certainly not a priority. 

 

10 years ago, people i know might have had a few days in pattaya on the itinerary, but I cant think of a single visitor through my doors that has had plans to go to pattaya for something other than business in the last 5+ years 

many things have changed. Pattaya really hasnt.

 

Pattaya has always attracted lonely middle aged and older blokes and more and more blokes are becoming middle aged, elderly and lonelier all the time. They'd still come but it's got too expensive and unwelcoming. It never really was on younger peoples' or the backpackers types' radar.

 

When the public read or hear of people being grilled by immigration officers and placed in detention centres without even getting a chance to defend or explain themselves or even enter the country then it's bound to kill tourism.

 

Just one such incident on the Western media will deter thousands of would be falang visitors.

 

The fellow who'd had a nervous breakdown but had committed no crime a few years ago yet was pictured manacled to the prison bars 'for his own safety' in Pattaya put people off.

 

As have the murders of foreign tourists throughout the LOS especially young women and families. And the British family getting kicked unconscious over in Hua Hin.

 

The stricter visa regulations and health insurance racket don't help either where long termers and ex pats are concerned.

 

They've taken us for granted and now they're losing us. And our money. The bar girls in Pattaya know exactly what's happening. Just ask them what they think of Prayut and his lataban (government).

[spidermike007]

22 minutes ago, smedly said:

although I highly respect most of your posts and find them to be a good read - you are way off with this one.

 

Having lived here a very long time I see no evidence of changes of the type you are suggesting.

 

 

What has happened however are three fold

 

- Thailand has become very expensive mostly down to the strength of the baht, people I know that came here on a regular basis are no longer coming.

 

- the authorities decided to treat western tourists with contempt, they are making it harder and harder for tourists from the west to travel and stay here, so why are they doing this - to my 3rd point

 

- they have foolishly overestimated the value that tourists from places like India and China bring here, there may be big numbers arriving but what are they doing when they get here - certainly not spending money because they generally don't have much, I see Indians wondering about in groups just looking, they may spend some time in hanging in massage joints looking for cheap relief but that is about the height of it

 

 

Thai authorities think that big numbers translate to big revenue - well it doesn't, they have alienated the big spenders who are now going elsewhere - to places were they fell welcomed and treated properly

Spot on conclusions. All very true. When you have a hapless guy like Prayuth leading a nation into the abyss, you are in real trouble. He and the heinous and useless army are literally shooting the golden goose and skinning it alive. They are decimating the tourism industry, and treating Westerners like pariahs, with contempt, racist hatred, and extreme xenophobia. I even heard one official a couple of years ago admit that they liked the tourists who looked very similar in appearance, to themselves. What can one even say? Thailand is getting what it deserves. The people are hurling towards a world of hurt, and had they resisted the army with passion and vision, this might not be the outcome. 

 

Though it is true that per capita the Indians and the Chinese are some of the highest spending tourists worldwide, this is highly skewed by the wealthy amongst them, who do not visit Thailand for a dozen different reasons. So, just more horrible policy on the part of the tourism ministry. Incompetent and in way over their heads, at best. 

[robertson468]

Have the Thai Authorities not realised that both China and India are having fiscal problems.  GDP down, employment down, prices up........and Thai Authorities expect the Indians and Chinese to come in their droves changing their money for rediculously high baht.  Pattaya, Phuket and Samui are all having problems with the drop in the number of tourists, but it is the small man (woman) who is suffering from the down turn the most and the powers that be seem to be in complete denial.

[thailand49]

So true a very accurate report last night by 11:00 pm I had already gone once with my LT Barfine resting up for round two.????