Backpacker Paradise or Overcrowded Chaos? Pai Struggles with Tourism Boom

[Harrisfan]

1 hour ago, koele2 said:

The Pai locals barely get any real benefit.  All the good land and big businesses were bought up by bangkok people years ago when Pai was recognized as the next big thing.  It’s the same all over the country’s tourist hotspots.  Locals own barely any of it, all the money made goes straight to bangkok, and the place is ruined because it costs too much to fix.

Say again?

[Denim]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Looking at that picture I wonder what they do in Thailand. Farangs meeting farangs?

I don't see even one Thai girl on that picture. What's the point of sitting in the water with all those other boys?

 

Some of those bipods are the female of the species.. Easy mistake without genital examination

[NickyLouie]

1 hour ago, riverhigh said:

 As a side note, you won't be seeing me floating around in a old tire tube buzzed out of my mind on some locally procured drug.

 

 username check out tho 

[dcalaska]

Twenty-Five years ago, Pai was a great place to hang out. Decent rooms could be had for 250 B, meals cost 30-100 B, the local grocery store sold good coffee and necessities at reasonable prices. The town had charm in a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, there were falang tourist, but not over-crowded. Thai locals and tourist got along well.

I seem to remember the Pai Hot Springs was free for everyone.

Fast forward to 2024, I made the mistake of staying there one night. Not many rooms available upon arrival and they were way expensive. They wanted 600 B for small room with nothing except a bare mattress on the floor and a shared bath down the hall. Walking about the town was nothing like the old days. No charm, not relaxing. I made up my mind then, NEVER go back there. Pai is OVER. Done. Finished. 

The good thing is, I was there 25 years ago when it was still a great place to visit.

[jwl53]

We have a saying in the north of England........"where there's muck there's brass (money)"

you can't have one without the other

But at the moment it's the same all over thailand, drink, weed fuelled parties with the stench of weed filtering everywhere, I'm not saying all the kids drink and take the drugs but a lot do that's the problem

[WDSmart]

5 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

Reap what you sow thailand. 

You sow all the horrible things you've done to your home country, tourists, 😞

[frank83628]

2 hours ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Looking at that picture I wonder what they do in Thailand. Farangs meeting farangs?

I don't see even one Thai girl on that picture. What's the point of sitting in the water with all those other boys?

Those young guys dont need to go for Thai chicks, unlike you OAPs

[blaze master]

6 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

You sow all the horrible things you've done to your home country, tourists, 😞

 

I take it you have never been a tourist.

 

Great work. 

[hotsun]

2 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

Those young guys dont need to go for Thai chicks, unlike you OAPs

They dont need to but the smart ones do

[WDSmart]

Just now, blaze master said:

7 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

You sow all the horrible things you've done to your home country, tourists, 😞

 

I take it you have never been a tourist.

 

Great work. 

I have traveled to many places around the world. Most of that was for work, but I have also been a tourist. In some of those travels, including when I was a tourist, I engaged in activities detrimental to the native culture. I regret those doing those things now.

I don't know what "Great work" refers to. Please be more specific. 

[SunsetT]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy: Sanook

 

Pai, a once-tranquil town nestled in the mountains of Northern Thailand, is experiencing growing pains as it grapples with an overwhelming influx of tourists. This surge, while beneficial for local businesses, has intensified existing tensions among the community residents.

 

For years, Pai has been celebrated as a haven for backpackers due to its picturesque scenery and relaxed lifestyle. However, recent visitor numbers have soared, turning the charming destination into a bustling tourist hotspot. The transformation has resulted in a clash of cultures between locals and tourists, as crowded streets and nightlife disrupt the peaceful atmosphere that once defined the area.

 

Local shopkeepers report an increase in revenue, yet alongside this economic benefit comes cultural friction. As tourists explore Pai's natural beauty and participate in popular activities such as tubing down the Pai River, some locals feel their traditions and way of life are increasingly marginalised.

 

Alex Chambers, a frequent visitor to Pai, comments on the shift: "There's definitely a clash. With so many people coming in, sometimes tourists forget they're guests and act in ways that aren't respectful to the local customs."

 

The booming tourism industry bolsters Pai’s economy but strains resources and infrastructure, putting pressure on town services. Overflowing rubbish bins and congested roads are common, with some residents finding it increasingly difficult to navigate daily life amid the tourist deluge.

 

Efforts to bridge cultural differences have been made, with local businesses and community groups working to foster a more harmonious relationship. They aim to educate visitors about local customs and emphasize mutual respect. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain as the tourist numbers show no signs of abating.

 

Local authorities are debating the implementation of measures to manage the crowds, such as improving public transport, enhancing waste management systems, and possibly introducing visitor limits during peak seasons. These strategies aim to preserve Pai's charm while ensuring that both locals and visitors can enjoy the area harmoniously.

 

As the high tourist season approaches, some locals remain hopeful that tensions will ease as many visitors depart. The lingering question is whether Pai can find a way to balance its popularity as a tourist destination with the preservation of its distinctive cultural identity., reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-17

 

 

This is exactly what happened to beautiful Vang Vieng in Laos.

[NorthernRyland]

17 minutes ago, dcalaska said:

Twenty-Five years ago, Pai was a great place to hang out. Decent rooms could be had for 250 B, meals cost 30-100 B, the local grocery store sold good coffee and necessities at reasonable prices. The town had charm in a relaxed atmosphere. Yes, there were falang tourist, but not over-crowded. Thai locals and tourist got along well.

I seem to remember the Pai Hot Springs was free for everyone.

 

I lived in Pai in 2005-2006. Hot springs were free, you could just show up and go in. The walking streets weren't there, just a normal town with some tourist shops and some drunk farangs that would sit and drink all day in a couple spots. 20 baht for fried rice was the going rate. 

[blaze master]

1 minute ago, WDSmart said:

I have traveled to many places around the world. Most of that was for work, but I have also been a tourist. In some of those travels, including when I was a tourist, I engaged in activities detrimental to the native culture. I regret those doing those things now.

I don't know what "Great work" refers to. Please be more specific. 

 

It means as usual you're a hypocrite. Always a ya but I only did this or I only own that but everyone needs to be ruled by socialism....but I get to keep my cushy life because I champion it for everyone else.

 

And before you moan on about it I'm sure you did great work to get to the point you are at in life. 

 

 

 

 

[Jonathan Swift]

5 hours ago, cr600john said:

Is this NOT what the Thai Government wanted? free visa, talk of lifting the BAN on ALCOHOL SALES, To get more tourists in and get them happy drunk. then complain that only BAD FARANGS.coming to THAILAND.

Well, that's a viewpoint. A simpleton's viewpoint. So what's next, the "racism against farangs" worn out routine? There's a lot more to it than that, but that's why this is the grownups' page.

[black tabby12345]

5 hours ago, cr600john said:

Is this NOT what the Thai Government wanted? free visa, talk of lifting the BAN on ALCOHOL SALES, To get more tourists in and get them happy drunk. then complain that only BAD FARANGS.coming to THAILAND.

 

In  game of sports, quantity often turns into quality(more participants lead to greater numbers of better players).

 

But in tourism market, often The Opposite applies...

 

One iconic example.

 

[Harrisfan]

22 minutes ago, NorthernRyland said:

I lived in Pai in 2005-2006. Hot springs were free, you could just show up and go in. The walking streets weren't there, just a normal town with some tourist shops and some drunk farangs that would sit and drink all day in a couple spots. 20 baht for fried rice was the going rate. 

I visited in 2006 and it was full with backpackers. Nothing appealing about the town. 

[WDSmart]

16 minutes ago, blaze master said:

 

It means as usual you're a hypocrite. Always a ya but I only did this or I only own that but everyone needs to be ruled by socialism....but I get to keep my cushy life because I champion it for everyone else.

 

And before you moan on about it I'm sure you did great work to get to the point you are at in life. 

 

 

 

 

I don't know why you call me (or anyone else) a "hypocrite" because I admit I've made some poor choices and committed errors during my life, but now I say I've learned from those and encourage others not to make the same mistakes. And I will say that even now, I realize I will continue to make some poor choices and continue to learn from them.

So, if you think those tourists in Pai are doing Pai, Thailand, their home country, or even themselves any good by acting the way they do, then I'd suggest you think about that for a while and, hopefully, learn from it.

. 

[black tabby12345]

6 hours ago, cr600john said:

Is this NOT what the Thai Government wanted? free visa, talk of lifting the BAN on ALCOHOL SALES, To get more tourists in and get them happy drunk. then complain that only BAD FARANGS.coming to THAILAND.

 

actly.

Perfect example of the Antinomy, itself...

[Jim Blue]

Seems those 150 baht shack on the beach  days are long gone .  Better get used to it .

[NoshowJones]

4 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Looks like a pretty horrendous scene, when a place becomes that popular and gets that crowded it's just not fun anymore. Who on earth would want to be there hanging out with such massive sweaty crowds? I don't think so. I just don't understsnd sheeples anymore. 

 

The government should not complain, they're constantly talking about wanting to increase tourist numbers, and they've made the visa process so simple. What on earth are they expecting? 

Is there still not some soldiers still involved in the running of this Banana Republic of Thailand?

[blaze master]

2 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

I don't know why you call me (or anyone else) a "hypocrite" because I admit I've made some poor choices and committed errors during my life, but now I say I've learned from those and encourage others not to make the same mistakes. And I will say that even now, I realize I will continue to make some poor choices and continue to learn from them.

So, if you think those tourists in Pai are doing Pai, Thailand, their home country, or even themselves any good by acting the way they do, then I'd suggest you think about that for a while and, hopefully, learn from it.

. 

 

Clearly you missed my first comment on this thread. Maybe take a peek. Or at one of the others where I talked about the burning. 

 

The thing is you haven't really learned though. You'll make the normal excuse but you still thrive off the rewards capitalism provided you.

 

Give if all up become a monk or a humanitarian. Until then you're just making excuses for your hypocritical behavior. If you didn't preach so much about socialism I would never comment.

 

However.

.

As I have previously stated I probably own much less things and stuff than you do. All by choice. People who know me know I live quite selfless. 

 

[Xonax]

Pai will soon be like Phuket!

[Woke to Sounds]

1 hour ago, Drumbuie said:

It definitely got worse after COVID. It seems as though during lockdown a lot of people forgot how to behave; now most just focus on what they want and pay no attention to the effect that that has on others.

Corvid was also a psychological experience - some might say a psychological operation -  don't forget that.

 

Dog eat dog. Every bxtch for itself now.

 

Act accordingly.

[Woke to Sounds]

59 minutes ago, jwl53 said:

But at the moment it's the same all over thailand, drink, weed fuelled parties with the stench of weed filtering everywhere, I'm not saying all the kids drink and take the drugs but a lot do that's the problem

I've said it before but it's worth repeating: Thailand made a big mistake legalising marijuana.

 

They wanted the dregs they got 'em.

[OneMoreFarang]

55 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

Those young guys dont need to go for Thai chicks, unlike you OAPs

What do you mean with "need to go for Thai chicks"?

Since I know they exist I prefer Thai girls. Most farang "girls" are fat. And if you are lucky to find one pretty girl you can be almost sure she has an attitude problem. Most western guys in Thailand are not interested in farang females for a good reason.

[Scouse123]

4 hours ago, Polaky said:

As the high tourist season approaches, some locals remain hopeful that tensions will ease as many visitors depart. 

 

Approaches? Are we not there now?, why would tourists depart in high season?,

 

Doesn't low season start in march.

 

Actually, when I was a hotelier, June and September were the quietest.

[frank83628]

8 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

What do you mean with "need to go for Thai chicks"?

Since I know they exist I prefer Thai girls. Most farang "girls" are fat. And if you are lucky to find one pretty girl you can be almost sure she has an attitude problem. Most western guys in Thailand are not interested in farang females for a good reason.

I mean they can get with chicks that don't need you to pay for everything. The fatties are normally UK, US.

The Scandis, Eastern Europeans, south Americans are on a whole nice and trim and pay their own way. The only people I see with Thai are older and maybe 1/50 under for under 30's.

Most western guys with Thais are 40+ and vast majority are ex bars girls.

 

[Bday Prang]

32 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Seems those 150 baht shack on the beach  days are long gone .  Better get used to it .

what beach?

[Woke to Sounds]

19 minutes ago, OneMoreFarang said:

Most western guys in Thailand are not interested in farang females for a good reason.

Agree.

 

Farang chicks are looking for any and all reason to chop your bxlls off.

 

Avoid those bxtches at all costs.

 

If absolutely necessary get a good lawyer to draft a pre-nuptial.

 

Cover your axse.

[Woke to Sounds]

7 minutes ago, frank83628 said:

The Scandis, Eastern Europeans, south Americans are on a whole nice and trim and pay their own way.

I would definitely throw it into some of those younger Swedish pastries.