Pattaya Residents Unite to Defend Dignity Against "Sin City" Media Reports

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

In the wake of sensational media reports labeling Pattaya as a "Sinful City, Paradise for Prostitutes," local business leaders and community representatives have come together to defend the city's image and appeal for a balanced portrayal.

 

The negative depiction has sparked significant backlash from the local community, concerned about the impact on Pattaya's tourism and reputation.

 

On July 11, at the bustling entrance of Pattaya's renowned Walking Street, a gathering organized by key figures in the local tourism sector voiced their concerns.

 

Among them were Lisa Hamilton, President of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, and Boon-anan Pattanasin, President of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, both advocating for a more positive media narrative.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Lisa Hamilton emphasized that Pattaya is more than its nightlife, offering a diverse array of attractions to cater to global tourists. The label of a 'sinful city' has overshadowed the contributions of other sectors within Pattaya's economy, affecting local morale and dignity.

 

She called for responsibility in journalism and a shift towards stories that highlight Pattaya's varied tourism offerings.

 

Meanwhile, Boon-anan Pattanasin underscored the importance of recognizing Pattaya as a city of opportunities. By focusing on legal, orderly, and socially responsible tourism practices,

 

Pattaya can demonstrate its capacity as a thriving economic hub, beneficial to Thailand's broader economic landscape.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Amporn Kaewsaeng, President of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association, also weighed in, expressing her displeasure over the negative image portrayed.

 

She defended the nightlife sector as a significant economic contributor, providing livelihoods for many who support their families through tourism-related activities.

 

These leaders, along with others from the local business community, are calling for media support to reshape the narrative around Pattaya, promoting it as a city rich in opportunities and experiences beyond the nightlife for which it is internationally known.

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

Picture courtesy: Daily News

 

-- 2024-07-12

 

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[stoner]

10 minutes ago, webfact said:

In the wake of sensational media reports labeling Pattaya as a "Sinful City, Paradise for Prostitutes," local business leaders and community representatives have come together to defend the city's image and appeal for a balanced portrayal.

 

walking st

soi bukhaow

soi diana 

soi paradise

soi chaiyaphum

lk metro

 

mic drop. 

[Korat Kiwi]

Amporn Kaewsaeng, President of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry Association

 

Very applicable name for her position! 

[fondue zoo]

40 minutes ago, stoner said:

walking st

soi bukhaow

soi diana 

soi paradise

soi chaiyaphum

lk metro

 

mic drop. 

 

 

I'll just note these down..  you know, for posterity

 

[brianthainess]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

These leaders, along with others from the local business community, are calling for media support to reshape the narrative around Pattaya, promoting it as a city rich in opportunities and experiences beyond the nightlife for which it is internationally known.

 

Well when there is some good narrative let us know please...........

[fondue zoo]

 

They need to save it from the Ye Olde Weed Man too!

 

_{nice one camera person}

[Denim]

This has been done to death. Why protest when it has been proven many times that there is no prostitution or sex tourists in Pattaya. 

Even the soi dogs know this ( I am refering to the 4 legged type )

There is no room for prostitutes in Pattaya as they place is overrun with hubs.

 

As for this gem :

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The negative depiction has sparked significant backlash from the local community, concerned about the impact on Pattaya's tourism and reputation.

 

 

The cities foundations use pubic hair for rebar for heavens sake. It's what put Pattaya on the map. She goes on to contradict herself :

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

She defended the nightlife sector as a significant economic contributor, providing livelihoods for many who support their families through tourism-related activities.

 

Get a grip women. Gently though.

[fondue zoo]

 

Damn, someone already tagged them with a penis.

 

 

 

[lordgrinz]

Pattaya is known around the world as a place of sin, what the heck are they smoking.

[fondue zoo]

2 minutes ago, Denim said:

The cities foundations use pubic hair for rebar for heavens sake.

 

Outfall grey water from the city tests as 37% semen so that fits.

[stoner]

5 minutes ago, fondue zoo said:

 

Outfall grey water from the city tests as 37% semen so that fits.

 

ewwwwww i thought it was only 36. 

[2baht]

9 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

Pattaya is known around the world as a place of sin, what the heck are they smoking.

Noooo! Pattaya is a pristine family location! It has a fine image, has had for years! Keep Pattaya Clean! 

[Tropicalevo]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

She called for responsibility in journalism

Well, that is never going to happen.

Too many 'journalists' love the click bait approach and it generates $$$

[Gottfrid]

25 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

Pattaya is known around the world as a place of sin, what the heck are they smoking.

Oh yeah, I would to get my hands on that weed. What a buzz!

 

On the side of that, it seems like this is far more important than fighting re-criminalization of cannabis looking at the crowd.

[MalcolmB]

As a male, it is impossible to walk around Pattaya without being sexually assaulted.

 

Which is why I like it there. 

[mikebell]

Start with the police owners & collectors of monthly 'protection' money.

[smedly]

what these people are actully saying is - we know what pattaya is, we know what goes on here, just try to ignore it and don't attract attention to it, focus on the other things - in other words use the same blinkers that we are using or go to the beach and bury your head in the sand which is about all it's good for if you can find any lol

[Korat Kiwi]

1 hour ago, fondue zoo said:

 

Outfall grey water from the city tests as 37% semen so that fits.

So the concrete in Pattaya is theoretically made with sement? 

[webfact]

Pattaya residents sin-sitively slam ‘Sin City’ slur
by Petch Petpailin

 

Photo by Tiwakorn Kritmanee and Montira Pengrat via Facebook/ ของดีประเทศไทย

Pattaya residents hit out to defend their city’s image after a major Thai news outlet referred to Pattaya as “Sin City” and a “Paradise of Prostitutes” in a recent headline.

 

One of the biggest Thai news agencies, ThaiRath, recently published an article with the alleged offensive headline this week. It sparked criticism from Thai netizens, particularly those living in Pattaya. In response, a group of local business owners and residents rallied on Pattaya Walking Street last night, July 11.

 

Representatives led the protest from various local organisations, including the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association, and the Pattaya Walking Street Community. They held signs that read “Save Pattaya,” “Stop damaging Pattaya,” and “Unethical media.”

 

Lisa Hamilton, President of the Pattaya Nightlife Business Association, expressed concern about the negative impact of such labels on the workforce.

“Labelling Pattaya as the ‘Sin City’ makes workers in this industry feel neglected. We want the media to take responsibility for reports that damage Pattaya.”

 

Amporn Kaewsaeng, President of the Pattaya Entertainment and Tourism Industry, highlighted the importance of Pattaya’s entertainment sector in employing Thai people from across the country.

 

“Many people come to Pattaya for work so they can give money to their families and take care of them. No one should insult workers in Pattaya, including sex workers who make a significant income to the country.”

 

The protestors urged all news agencies to show compassion and avoid targeting Pattaya, emphasising that it is not the only city in Thailand with a vibrant nightlife scene.

 

Official apology

 

Following the backlash, ThaiRath removed the article and issued an apology to Pattaya residents on their website and official Facebook page last night. The news outlet stated that they intended to report the truth and shed light on another perspective about the city.

 

The reporter team also wanted to highlight that Thai sex workers are seeking changes to the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. The changes or cancellation of the act would allow them to access the proper welfare and rights as same as workers in other industries.

 

ThaiRath promised to report stories that promote Pattaya’s positive image in the future, to boost business and build confidence among tourists and investors.

 

While Pattaya is referred to as the “Sin City” by several Thai and international media platforms, this term has often been used to describe the city’s lively and unique nightlife scene, which attracts visitors from all around the world.

 

In a related story, a German documentary sparked criticism among locals in Pattaya last year.

 

The documentary revealed the story of two German men who were arrested for buying sex services from teenage girls under the age of 15. The two foreigners reportedly bribed Thai police with over a million baht and went on to live normal lives in their home countries.

 

The president of the Thai Hotels Association, Marisa Sukosol, has come forward to express her concern that the documentary could reduce the number of visitors to the city, as a similar documentary did some 20 years ago.

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-07-12

 

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[BigStar]

2 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

Well, that is never going to happen.

Too many 'journalists' love the click bait approach and it generates $$$

 

Yup. And ANF Posters, creates likes and that serious forum cred.

 

Continual fodder for Brit tabloids for the prurient interest of the low Brit.

[Georgealbert]

Here is the public apology issued by ThaiRath.

 

[wombat]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

She defended the nightlife sector as a significant economic contributor, providing livelihoods for many who support their families through tourism-related activities.

Can she put an all inclusive label on this please?

[Guderian]

I don't know where the media get this stuff from. After all, we all know that Pattaya is an honest, well-run, family-friendly resort full of high-quality tourists, right? Isn't that why most of us settled here in the first place? lol

[Tarteso]

Why not mention that people and turists goes to Pattaya for visit Temples.?🤔

[Deez]

Why not stop the gas lighting and embrace what you are?

[Cat Boy]

Las Vegas has thrived and prospered for many decades having been long labeled as "Sin City", why would Pattaya be any different. Civic pride is a good thing, unfounded puritanical backlash isn't, yet it keeps popping up under both military dictatorship and elected governments to foster votes. Move Forward has the right idea, actually legalize and regulate health and work standards for sex workers as is done in Germany for better living standards for those in the industry and the safety of both public and those engaged in sex work and stop this blind hypocrisy between the law and real life.

[ryandb]

maybe I'll visit one day then, it was just the media telling me it was nothing but a red-light district full of old men in chang vests

[Hakuna Matata]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

labeling Pattaya as a "Sinful City, Paradise for Prostitutes,"

 

Yes, it is absolutely correct! I do agree 100%.

 

Pattaya is not only the Prostitution Capital of the World.

 

It is also a safe heaven for criminals and fugitives from all over the world!

 

What a shame.

 

This place is disgusting.

[sikishrory]

Good luck with that

[thesetat2013]

18 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

Here is the public apology issued by ThaiRath.

 

Thainess at its best. Apologize for telling stories that are factual simply because it imaginarily hurts the city image and someone complained. The photo they used in itself is 90% males. Does anyone see a bar girl standing in front of businesses? 

Everyone knows what goes on in Pattaya. Pattaya knows it as well and allows it. Profit from it even. They could not stop it if they wanted to. It is so ingrained in Pattayas culture. Perhaps they could raze the city nightlife hotspots but it would not change what happens everywhere else. What they should do instead is promote it for nightlife and have other promotions for family daytime activities. Balance the 2 and the city would double its prosperity. Sex workers have been doing this job since before Jesus (some in Pattaya now look like they have been doing it that long also). Why do they claim it does not happen there and the reports are not real?