Pattaya rebranding as family-friendly destination to boost tourism

[khunpeer]

22 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya’s tourism operators have put forth a proposal to the tourism minister, aiming to transform the city’s image into a family-friendly destination, distancing it from associations with sex tourism and illegal gambling.

 

The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently convened with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss the initiative.

 

The meeting also included insights from a workshop that engaged foreign tour agencies from five key markets: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China, and India. The ACTF and the minister discussed plans to collaborate on boosting Pattaya tourism and rebranding the city.

 

Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the ACTF, highlighted that Pattaya has evolved from being a nightlife hotspot to a more family-friendly city with a diverse range of activities.

 

“Pattaya has the potential to become a city of various attractions and a hub for investment as well as world-class events.”

The city offers diverse attractions such as beaches, high-standard golf courses, cultural sites, meeting facilities, and shopping malls. Its proximity to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-Tapao Airport in Chon Buri, along with nearby provinces like Rayong and Bang Saen, further enhances its appeal by helping to absorb the tourist inflow.

Last month, locals and operators in Pattaya protested against the Thai media’s portrayal of their city as a “Sin City.”

 

Sex tourism

 

Thanet noted that only those who have not visited Pattaya in over two decades still hold an outdated perception of nightlife and sex tourism. Frequent visitors and foreign travel agents recognize the city’s broader range of tourism offerings.

 

Morrakot Kuldilok, President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association and an executive of the federation, acknowledged that prostitution still exists. She suggested that local government officials should regulate the industry and provide welfare measures to protect sex workers.

 

Given recent reports of illegal gambling near Pattaya Soi 6, Morrakot proposed establishing a legal casino operation to address the issue in Pattaya and other areas with similar activities.

 

The ACTF also suggested that Pattaya could become Thailand’s first casino city as part of their proposal. Other areas requiring improvement include safety, cleanliness, public infrastructure, sustainability, and city zoning regulations, which need government support.

Thanet pointed out that Pattaya’s zoning regulations have not been properly updated, leading to nightlife venues being mixed with hotels and residences. This mix can make some family tourists feel unsafe, reported Bangkok Post.

 

For the upcoming high season, Thanet estimated that tourism revenue in Pattaya should recover to over 80% of the 2019 level. However, challenges remain due to Thai tourists flocking to overseas destinations and rising competition from places like Vietnam and Hainan Island in China.

 

Picture of Pattaya Walking Street courtesy of p-thailand.co.il
 

by Bob Scott
Picture courtesy of tripadvisor

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-08-05

 

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they tried this before, apparently it did not work!

now next try...

[JOE BAMA]

How hard could it be to convince the world that Pattaya is not something that it is and has been for a long time?  It is the quintessential example of unrestrained capitalism.  Rebranding Pattaya is like rebranding Las Vegas.  It is what it is, a "rhinestone t*rd." 

[StandardIssue]

Great for a family vacation, the cultural attractions and events are so numerous I'm surprised this has not happened years ago LOL!!  There is a water park AND Ripleys believe it or not... that ought to do it!

Edited August 6 by StandardIssue

[mrbojangles]

How you you class a city as "Family friendly " when there isn't a single safe pavement/ sidewalk to be found? Any pavements that are there quickly get taken over by shop owners, forcing you to step into the road. Dangerous enough for adults, never-ending having kids in tow

[Andrew65]

20 hours ago, Paul Henry said:

Pattaya has always been a family friendly place all the bar girls will tell you about their family even down to the fact that dads buffalo has just died or mums motor bike is broken beyond repair or little sister is in the family way. Please help my family I only need 20.000 baht.

Buffalo hab hema loid!😀

[Burma Bill]

21 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

Are they going to build a new area and call it Pattaya? The existing one is way beyond redemption.

 

There is already a Pattaya 2 on Ubolrot Lake near Khon Kaen in Isaan. In complete contrast to Pattaya, this IS a friendly family resort and very popular with Thais and northern ex-pats. None of the "trash" of southern Pattaya and far less expensive. Maybe this is the resort being referred to?

 

Edited August 6 by Burma Bill
additional information

[newnative]

     Saw the headline and thought, uhh-oh, I need to run off dozens and dozens of new applications for the 'Just Can't Quit Pattaya Fan Club'.  Judging from the 5 pages of responses so far, it looks like there are tragically high numbers of those who wish, wish, wish they were here.  I shall get those applications out to you toot sweet.  Just try to hang on till then; surely there is something for you to do where you washed up.  Think, there must be!  Is it too soon to sort your socks again?   

[steevjee]

When will the Thai Tourist Authority and their media buddies realise that Farang are not totally gullible? A fair percentage of Thais might swallow their BS but very very few farang tourists will.

 

Time for action and not more BS, move all the seedy bars and freelancers into an area that is away from the places that tourists will want to visit.

  

Will never happen because the Bar Mafia are lining too many pockets..

[connda]

I could brand a pig with the word, C-O-W, but it's still a pig.

[connda]

More Family-Friendly news from Pattaya:
 

 

[TOPDOG1]

I just recently returned from Pattaya.  Excessive micro-management by law enforcement is turning the area into a very boring tourist trap. if cannabis is again restricted. I don't think I will be returning. Likewise, anti-tourist, anti-senior sentiment is widespread and prevalent. Also the double charging of anyone perceived to be non-Thai.  I love the food and the pretty girls but it ends there. With post-pandemic inflation quickly making it into one of the most expensive destinations in S.E. Asia It is just not worth the trip. Next time I will go to Cambodia. The red-light area is much more fun.

[Luuk Chaai]

On 8/5/2024 at 12:48 PM, RandolphGB said:

They should do something about the Soi 6 problem. 

 

?  what is the problem ?  evrybody knows exactly ( or who) what goes down on Soi 6

A family man would not walk his wife and kids down there..   or Soi Buakhao  or Bindtabaht in Hua Hin

[scubascuba3]

Hua Hin is family friendly and boring 

[Stargeezr]

Yes South Pattaya or as I call it, Jomtien Beach, is family friendly. The beach is great as long as you only wade into the sea to your knee deep

water area. The night market has some good deals and okay food as well, and the beer prices are reasonable.

  My cousin live there and that helps me a lot as well.

[jacko45k]

On 8/7/2024 at 2:02 AM, TOPDOG1 said:

I just recently returned from Pattaya.  Excessive micro-management by law enforcement is turning the area into a very boring tourist trap. if cannabis is again restricted. I don't think I will be returning. Likewise, anti-tourist, anti-senior sentiment is widespread and prevalent. Also the double charging of anyone perceived to be non-Thai.  I love the food and the pretty girls but it ends there. With post-pandemic inflation quickly making it into one of the most expensive destinations in S.E. Asia It is just not worth the trip. Next time I will go to Cambodia. The red-light area is much more fun.

Well a step  in the right direction if deterring pot-heads and druggies coming!

[steven100]

On 8/5/2024 at 11:37 PM, DeeMakMak said:

oh dear '   that don't sound very family friendly to me   

[steven100]

On 8/6/2024 at 12:21 PM, Burma Bill said:

 

There is already a Pattaya 2 on Ubolrot Lake near Khon Kaen in Isaan. In complete contrast to Pattaya, this IS a friendly family resort and very popular with Thais and northern ex-pats. None of the "trash" of southern Pattaya and far less expensive. Maybe this is the resort being referred to?

 

 

that looks ok bill for a one night stay ... 

[steven100]

On 8/5/2024 at 11:06 AM, ikke1959 said:

The picture says it all..... family friendly and distancing from sex tourism.....If no sex tourism in Pattaya, no tourists either

yes ... and they know that .... if no bang bom bum bang , then no one will go there.   

[StandardIssue]

Pattaya, Jomtien, that entire area is played out. 20-25 years ago it was great. Jomtien was a quiet area to get away from, what I thought then, was busy downtown Pattaya. Now the entire area completely played out. Dongtan beach had a nice cobblestone road that was hidden away and quiet all through the day with no cars. I used to visit before the Russians, Chinese and Indians were coming. I lived there in 2012 to 2015 and it was acceptable.

 

Now both Pattaya and Jomtien are a mob scene with unacceptable traffic, noise and crowds. I'm in Bangkok now and really don't see much difference accept the beach. To get away from the City there are a lot of better choices. I don't need a Soi 6 or Soi Buakow to enjoy my retirement.

Edited August 11 by StandardIssue

[transam]

"Mum, why are all those ladies dressed the same, ready for bed".......

[0ffshore360]

10 minutes ago, transam said:

"Mum, why are all those ladies dressed the same, ready for bed".......

When you grow up wee Sam you might understand you have been wrongly indoctrinated. It is the "pretenders" who are the ones to learn to avoid !

[transam]

14 hours ago, 0ffshore360 said:

When you grow up wee Sam you might understand you have been wrongly indoctrinated. It is the "pretenders" who are the ones to learn to avoid !

Eh...?   

 

Now come on, Offy, most can't understand your posts at the best of times, I am beginning to wonder if you are Dyslaxative......🤣

Edited August 12 by transam

[brianthainess]

On 8/5/2024 at 12:49 PM, bbbbooboo said:

hmmm…. yes Soi  Bokhau and surrounds  is definitely family friendly, it’s so obvious i don’t know why it hasn’t been rebranded before?

I have found many friendly family members in Pattaya, there are a lot of Daughters from Issan there...................

[brianthainess]

On 8/5/2024 at 3:33 PM, Sticky Rice Balls said:

free ping pong show on kids nite....under 5 eats free!

Will they hand out bats "paddles" to hit the balls back 🏓 (in)

[BigStar]

On 8/5/2024 at 1:04 PM, shackleton said:

Single guys and old perverts don't come to lie on the beach and visit Temples

 

But they're in the minority now.

 

On 8/5/2024 at 1:04 PM, shackleton said:

The City authorities have to live with this nothing will change 

 

 

Already changed. Whoops.

 

[0ffshore360]

10 hours ago, transam said:

Eh...?   

 

Now come on, Offy, most can't understand your posts at the best of times, I am beginning to wonder if you are Dyslaxative......🤣

Oh Sam , Sam. I will stop. It 's very much like tormenting a monkey that is kept deliberately just out of reach of...anything significant.

Sufficiently fed and watered but ffs don't ever let him get access to the keys !

[transam]

Just now, 0ffshore360 said:

Oh Sam , Sam. I will stop. It 's very much like tormenting a monkey that is kept deliberately just out of reach of...anything significant.

Sufficiently fed and watered but ffs don't ever let him get access to the keys !

You fed monkeys, that is commendable, well done, OFFY......

[0ffshore360]

4 minutes ago, transam said:

You fed monkeys, that is commendable, well done, OFFY......

I know you don't mean it. I felt you bare your teeth ! 

Are those  impressive canines NHS funded?

Edited August 12 by 0ffshore360

[transam]

Just now, 0ffshore360 said:

I know you don't mean it. I felt you bare your teeth ! 

What teeth..........😁...🤣

[jacko45k]

18 hours ago, brianthainess said:

Will they hand out bats "paddles" to hit the balls back 🏓 (in)

Safer than the darts being aimed at balloons I dare say.