Pattaya Bad Place?

[kal147]

Wow! I've read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, and I've read stories of the dangers of getting killed by bus drivers, stabbed at the beach, people (falling) off balconies, people getting ripped-off en masse, falling to their deaths into holes ete., etc.

Is Pattaya really this bad a place to live?

Is it really this dangerous?

This can't be representative of all Thailand, is there any redeeming qualities to Pattaya?

[britmaveric]

You haven't read enough obviously!!!!!

[davethailand]

Wow! I've read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, and I've read stories of the dangers of getting killed by bus drivers, stabbed at the beach, people (falling) off balconies, people getting ripped-off en masse, falling to their deaths into holes ete., etc.

Is Pattaya really this bad a place to live?

Is it really this dangerous?

This can't be representative of all Thailand, is there any redeeming qualities to Pattaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Come here and decide for yourself

If your man or woman enough.

[kal147]

Come here and decide for yourself 

If your man or woman enough.

Why, is it like Russian roulette or something?

Okay, seriously. I'm planning on coming to Thailand later this year to teach English -- so my stay may be quite lengthy. I'm a single male, 44, from Chicago, USA.

Now, I've been researching Thailand for a while and I'm trying to decide which place would be best for me ... at least initially. I know a little about BKK, a little about Phuket ... but, Pattaya -- not so much. I'd like to move to a congenial location.

So, what's the deal with Pattaya. Congenial? Dangerous? I know everything is relative ... but what are the advantages/disadvantages in Pattaya?

[wilko]

Pattaya is a great place - althought there are a lot of strange goings on the general occurence of crime is very low - certainly lower than Chicago or any western city for that matter.

It's also the perfect place for a single male!

[Jai Dee]

Wow! I've read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, and I've read stories of the dangers of getting killed by bus drivers, stabbed at the beach, people (falling) off balconies, people getting ripped-off en masse, falling to their deaths into holes ete., etc.

Is Pattaya really this bad a place to live?

Is it really this dangerous?

This can't be representative of all Thailand, is there any redeeming qualities to Pattaya?

I don't see any of this stuff...

But then again I don't frequent those parts of town.

(not that I haven't )

Like any city Pattaya has it's dark side, but there are other areas where this kind of crap is unheard of.

Don't forget... posts on this forum are likely to be sensationalist... much like what you get in the media.

Any different from Chicago?

[Humphrey Bear]

Come here and decide for yourself 

If your man or woman enough.

Why, is it like Russian roulette or something?

Okay, seriously. I'm planning on coming to Thailand later this year to teach English -- so my stay may be quite lengthy. I'm a single male, 44, from Chicago, USA.

Now, I've been researching Thailand for a while and I'm trying to decide which place would be best for me ... at least initially. I know a little about BKK, a little about Phuket ... but, Pattaya -- not so much. I'd like to move to a congenial location.

So, what's the deal with Pattaya. Congenial? Dangerous? I know everything is relative ... but what are the advantages/disadvantages in Pattaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you already fixed up with a teaching post, or coming out on spec?

Do not expect to get a well-paid job if you walk in off the street. The good jobs (if there are any in teaching) are recruited from overseas. You need to know you have accommodation, so on, within your package, otherwise you'll be sleeping in Soi Day-Night.

Pattaya is cheaper than Phuket, but with poorer beaches and so on - although the tsunami may have changed that.

If you are coming out here thinking you will be the greatest gift to teaching this century - forget it. You will be swallowed up by the darker side of Party City. But if you genuinely want to work out here, have a job fixed up and a place to stay, then you can live a great life for very little outlay.

It is really up to you.

Edited February 16, 2005 by Humphrey Bear

[chaladmak]

I heard there are realy nice spots for beaching there (mind you - not for bitching !) - but one need to know where. one my friend told me he always goes there - hotel is close to the sea and water is clean... is it true?

[Humphrey Bear]

I don't see any of this stuff...

But then again I don't frequent those parts of town.

(not that I haven't  )

Like any city Pattaya has it's dark side, but there are other areas where this kind of crap is unheard of.

Don't forget... posts on this forum are likely to be sensationalist... much like what you get in the media. 

Any different from Chicago? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Doesn't matter what part of Pattaya you frequent, or who you are.

Last week my wife ws driving home on here motorbike when a couple of youths snatched her necklace, complete with favourite Buddha. And we live in a very quiet neighbourhood. only a one baht necklace, nothing showy. But the shock was real and bad.

[chaladmak]

seems like bad place then !

[davethailand]

seems like bad place then !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Seriously just come, I've lived here very happily for over 3 years

Name me a town that is crime free? Don't worry about all of the stories.

[Crazy Dave]

I heard there are realy nice spots for beaching there (mind you - not for bitching !)  - but one need to know where. one my friend told me he always goes there - hotel is close to the sea and water is clean... is it true?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I really hope that you are not coming here to teach English, I think you will fail miserably.

[pedro01]

It's also the perfect place for a single male!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hmmm....

What he means by this is that Pattaya has more prostitutes per square mile than any other part of Thailand.

So it's the perfect place for the single male that likes to have sex with a variety of prostitutes.

Pattaya is OK but I'd recommend doing Bangkok first & then checking out other places at weekends. Without knowing what you like, it's tough to make a recommendation.

[Digger]

I don't see any of this stuff...

But then again I don't frequent those parts of town.

(not that I haven't  )

Like any city Pattaya has it's dark side, but there are other areas where this kind of crap is unheard of.

Don't forget... posts on this forum are likely to be sensationalist... much like what you get in the media.  

Any different from Chicago? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Doesn't matter what part of Pattaya you frequent, or who you are.

Last week my wife ws driving home on here motorbike when a couple of youths snatched her necklace, complete with favourite Buddha. And we live in a very quiet neighbourhood. only a one baht necklace, nothing showy. But the shock was real and bad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What do you consider as a quiet neibhourhood? Some of the neighbourhoods with the most crime are considered the quietest such as anywhere backing off Jomtien Beach, Between Naklua and Sukhumvit and anywhere around 3rd Road as the police never seem to go there. As an example Suksaibai has terrible problems with safety and robbery as there are too many cheap Thai houses & rooms in the immediatte vicinity and the guys get pissed up and go rob somebody. Can happen anywhere really I would imagine.

[Digger]

Wow! I've read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, and I've read stories of the dangers of getting killed by bus drivers, stabbed at the beach, people (falling) off balconies, people getting ripped-off en masse, falling to their deaths into holes ete., etc.

Is Pattaya really this bad a place to live?

Is it really this dangerous?

This can't be representative of all Thailand, is there any redeeming qualities to Pattaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Its cheap which attracts its fair share of low lifes that cannot cut it back from where they came - These are generally the losers that fall out of windows. People with stupid attitudes generally get attacked by baht bus drivers - acting all macho and making them lose face is NOT a good idea if you value your well being. Smile a lot and generally you will be OK. Oh but do look out for holes on beach road as they can affect anybody, not least of all the drunk and the short sighted.

[britmaveric]

Pattaya has everything you need without out being as daunting as BKK. Use your common sense and you will be fine.

[lovethailandlongtime]

Last week my wife ws driving home on here motorbike when a couple of youths snatched her necklace, complete with favourite Buddha. And we live in a very quiet neighbourhood. only a one baht necklace, nothing showy. But the shock was real and bad.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By all means not an isolated incident..This has happened to my gf twice in the last 8 months and she is now to scared to go outside alone at night!!!

The first occassion was on the road that runs past the tourist police station.

Two young boys (around 16yo)pulled alongside her whilst she was in heavy traffic and made a grab at her 3 baht necklace and at the same time attempted to kick her from her moto ..Instead of letting the toe-raggs dissapear into the night with her gold,she gave chase and the by chance the boys hit a stationary car and fell to the ground.bar patrons were quick to attend and the boys sustained a good kicking before the plod arrived..

In a situation like this back home in the uk the thief would be only to glad to see the law turn up,unnfortunetly for them the men in brown arnt so accomadating..lol.

second occasion...She had learnt her lesson this time (gold-moto-lady on her own-pattaya-night time)and was coming home from a friends in jomtien.The only item of any value (15000 bht mobile phone)was in here bag which she had half between her legs and half underneath her bum.

Yet again she was targeted,only this time the thieves made off up jomtien hill towards the montain.

No different to london.Only you would be unlucky to have it happen twice to you in one year here....

It wont stop me coming though!!!

[kal147]

Humphrey Bear Wrote:

Are you already fixed up with a teaching post, or coming out on spec?

Do not expect to get a well-paid job if you walk in off the street. The good jobs (if there are any in teaching) are recruited from overseas. You need to know you have accommodation, so on, within your package, otherwise you'll be sleeping in Soi Day-Night.

If you are coming out here thinking you will be the greatest gift to teaching this century - forget it. You will be swallowed up by the darker side of Party City. But if you genuinely want to work out here, have a job fixed up and a place to stay, then you can live a great life for very little outlay.

I don't have anything set up nor do I know how to go about doing so. I'm planning on acquiring my certificate through the 'Talk and Teach' program, and I'm under the impression that they can arrange suitable accomodations so that when I arrive I'll have a place to stay close to their school. Also, I'm under the impression that once I acquire my certificate through them I will have no problem securing a good teaching position. While I have no experience teaching per se, I do possess good credentials otherwise and generally. Is the job market in Pattaya materially different from BKK or other major Thai cities?

Is it realistic to believe that I'd be able to secure a 'good' teaching position before I acquire my certification and without having been in Thailand before?

As an educated man (legal field), are other job opportunities open to me as well?

Many questions ... diverse answers. That's Ok ... I appreciate all the assistance given me.

[Pablo H]

Wow! I've read thru a lot of the posts in this forum, and I've read stories of the dangers of getting killed by bus drivers, stabbed at the beach, people (falling) off balconies, people getting ripped-off en masse, falling to their deaths into holes ete., etc.

Is Pattaya really this bad a place to live?

Is it really this dangerous?

This can't be representative of all Thailand, is there any redeeming qualities to Pattaya?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pattaya is what YOU make of it. If you are a criminal you will most likely meet someone of your own ilk. If you like to bar hop, its all there for you. If you want a quiet life then you can have it in Pattaya if you stay in the right areas.

[chonabot]

Pattaya is what YOU make of it. If you are a criminal you will most likely meet someone of your own ilk. If you like to bar hop, its all there for you. If you want a quiet life then you can have it in Pattaya if you stay in the right areas.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Excellent advice there!

[biggles45]

You might want to look at www.stickmanbangkok.com for information about teaching in thailand, and living as an expat in Bangkok. While you seem interested in teaching/living in pattaya I imagine that much of his info would apply to both places.

[astral]

It is not just Pattaya. Thailand in general is getting worse.

My daughter-in-law was robbed last week on her way home from work.

Even so it is still relative.

You are probably safer here than in most western countries.

[toastwars]

Or you could go somewhere in thailand that is not teeming with overweight, drunk sleezes and actually see the real thailand.but then again ................."baa"...."baaa"................"baa"!!!

[wilko]

Humphrey Bear Wrote:

Are you already fixed up with a teaching post, or coming out on spec?

Do not expect to get a well-paid job if you walk in off the street. The good jobs (if there are any in teaching) are recruited from overseas. You need to know you have accommodation, so on, within your package, otherwise you'll be sleeping in Soi Day-Night.

If you are coming out here thinking you will be the greatest gift to teaching this century - forget it. You will be swallowed up by the darker side of Party City. But if you genuinely want to work out here, have a job fixed up and a place to stay, then you can live a great life for very little outlay.

I don't have anything set up nor do I know how to go about doing so. I'm planning on acquiring my certificate through the 'Talk and Teach' program, and I'm under the impression that they can arrange suitable accomodations so that when I arrive I'll have a place to stay close to their school. Also, I'm under the impression that once I acquire my certificate through them I will have no problem securing a good teaching position. While I have no experience teaching per se, I do possess good credentials otherwise and generally. Is the job market in Pattaya materially different from BKK or other major Thai cities?

Is it realistic to believe that I'd be able to secure a 'good' teaching position before I acquire my certification and without having been in Thailand before?

As an educated man (legal field), are other job opportunities open to me as well?

Many questions ... diverse answers. That's Ok ... I appreciate all the assistance given me.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

To teach in Thailand is very simple; you arrive and you go to a school and they give you some classes to take and pay 100 baht an hour. There are plenty of such places in Pattaya, and are a good way to get some experience

To teach legally in Thailand and get better paid, you need a non immigrant "B" visa and a work permit which should be arranged by the school. You will not get a permit unless you have a degree (Bachelor's) and a teaching certificate.

It is nonsense to suggest the you won't get a decently paid job if you apply whilst in the country, it saves the school airfare and shows that you won't run off homesick after a couple of months. In fact some jobs are only advertised to people living in Thailand.

A usual starting wage is about 400 to 600 per hour - this site is being re-vamped but is very good for any prospective teachers - http://teflasia.com/, also you could try www.ajarn.com. or just put ajarn into google.

And oh yes! Pattaya is fine and cheap too. Avoid Bkk it's too hot and sticky and reatively expensive. Unless you teach at a school, you might need transport (car) if you want to work in Pattaya as a lot of the work is out of town on industrial parks.

Sea is a bit polluted here (Pattaya) but there are some useable beaches about, and good islands a short hop down the coast.

Edited February 17, 2005 by wilko

[davethailand]

Here we go again

SAD TROLL ALERT

/edit - he's gone.

Edited February 17, 2005 by RDN

[Humphrey Bear]

[

Joined today - 10 posts - all in similar vein. Think you're right DT - Family Values is back

Here we go again

SAD TROLL ALERT

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Edited February 17, 2005 by RDN

[kal147]

This is about it, would you take your family to a Brothel???

Actually, this is a valid point. I can respond simply by stating that I have no family and that I note the naughty nite life aspect of Pattaya ... it does not bother me. In fact, I welcome the experience. That said, I do seek balance in where I live. However, I look at Pattaya in a similar vein as I would Las Vegas. In Vegas, one can immerse themselves totally in a culture of gambling or one can live there quite happily and never touch a casino ... many do just that. Again, it's about balance.

I do seek a location that is, in fact, balanced. During my stay I would like to live in Thailand somewhere where I can come home to quiet and peace ... but go out for excitement if and when I want to as well. But, I would rather meet a real girlfriend than endlessly troll bars.

My concerns with Pattaya lie with the congeniality of the city in general. You guys have to admit the "stories" here in this forum are much more sordid, and intimidating, that in the Phuket forum -- another place I am considering as well. Pattaya being more cosmopolitan and less expensive that Phuket, and less overwhelming and cheaper than BKK, makes it a serious inquiry for me.

In Pattaya, I understand that pay for teachers is lower than in BKK but yet higher than in Phuket and with more types of opportunity available. So it seems to me that Pattaya would be a possible compromise between the three ... all other things being equal. Phuket, from what I've learned, seems to be the concensus choice as a place to be. However, the lower pay coupled with higher costs may make Phuket unsuitable for me for anything longer that a short time. (no pun intended )

I understand that I can only gather so much info from inquiries and that real understanding comes from going there. However, I would like my decision to be an educated one. Your help is surely appreciated.

I understand the necessity of a "B" visa and work permits. I've already researched those issues. What I would like to know is what types of teaching positions and realistic pay I could expect being inexperienced but otherwise mature (44) and highly educated. Also, what is living in Pattaya really like? Las Vegas is much more than gambling, I trust Pattaya is more than brothels.

[Wanraya]

This is about it, would you take your family to a Brothel???

Actually, this is a valid point. I can respond simply by stating that I have no family and that I note the naughty nite life aspect of Pattaya ... it does not bother me. In fact, I welcome the experience. That said, I do seek balance in where I live. However, I look at Pattaya in a similar vein as I would Las Vegas. In Vegas, one can immerse themselves totally in a culture of gambling or one can live there quite happily and never touch a casino ... many do just that. Again, it's about balance.

I do seek a location that is, in fact, balanced. During my stay I would like to live in Thailand somewhere where I can come home to quiet and peace ... but go out for excitement if and when I want to as well. But, I would rather meet a real girlfriend than endlessly troll bars.

My concerns with Pattaya lie with the congeniality of the city in general. You guys have to admit the "stories" here in this forum are much more sordid, and intimidating, that in the Phuket forum -- another place I am considering as well. Pattaya being more cosmopolitan and less expensive that Phuket, and less overwhelming and cheaper than BKK, makes it a serious inquiry for me.

In Pattaya, I understand that pay for teachers is lower than in BKK but yet higher than in Phuket and with more types of opportunity available. So it seems to me that Pattaya would be a possible compromise between the three ... all other things being equal. Phuket, from what I've learned, seems to be the concensus choice as a place to be. However, the lower pay coupled with higher costs may make Phuket unsuitable for me for anything longer that a short time. (no pun intended )

I understand that I can only gather so much info from inquiries and that real understanding comes from going there. However, I would like my decision to be an educated one. Your help is surely appreciated.

I understand the necessity of a "B" visa and work permits. I've already researched those issues. What I would like to know is what types of teaching positions and realistic pay I could expect being inexperienced but otherwise mature (44) and highly educated. Also, what is living in Pattaya really like? Las Vegas is much more than gambling, I trust Pattaya is more than brothels.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've lived in Pattaya and taught English for the last 4 years.

Pattaya is not everybody's cup of tea but I like it. I live on the hill between Pattaya and Jomtien which is a quiet area but only a 5 minute motorbike ride away from the livelier side of town.

As for salaries I pull in around 50,000 baht a month from 1 full time job and two part time jobs. Out of this I usually spend 40,000 and save 10,000.

As far as salaries go. If you want to work IN Pattaya the main options you have will have are the government schools and fee paying schools which pay around 25-28,000 for a five day week (8am-4pm Mon-Fri) which will include around 18-20 hours teaching. This will leave your evenings and weekends free if you want to supplement your income.

A 20 minute motorbike ride away from Pattaya is the massive Laem Chabang Industrial Estate where there is usually part time corporate work going. These contracts are usually 4 hours a week (2 * 2 hour classes eithe Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur). These classes usually pay around 500 baht an hour.

A little further afield but still within commuting distance is the Eastern Seaboard Insdustrial estate (where I work). The corporate contracts there around the same as those for Laem Chabang.

Forty five minutes away is the town of Sirracha which has three language centres (Success, ECC ILC) which offer a range on onsite and in house language courses. These centres pay around 300-400baht an hour. I've worked for all three places whilst I've been over here and if anything there is a shortage of teachers in this area so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding work with at least one of these employers immediately in finishng your course.

Just come over do your course and give living in Pattaya a try. If it isn't for you then you can quite easily move somewhere else.

[wilko]

This is about it, would you take your family to a Brothel???

Actually, this is a valid point. I can respond simply by stating that I have no family and that I note the naughty nite life aspect of Pattaya ... it does not bother me. In fact, I welcome the experience. That said, I do seek balance in where I live. However, I look at Pattaya in a similar vein as I would Las Vegas. In Vegas, one can immerse themselves totally in a culture of gambling or one can live there quite happily and never touch a casino ... many do just that. Again, it's about balance.

I do seek a location that is, in fact, balanced. During my stay I would like to live in Thailand somewhere where I can come home to quiet and peace ... but go out for excitement if and when I want to as well. But, I would rather meet a real girlfriend than endlessly troll bars.

My concerns with Pattaya lie with the congeniality of the city in general. You guys have to admit the "stories" here in this forum are much more sordid, and intimidating, that in the Phuket forum -- another place I am considering as well. Pattaya being more cosmopolitan and less expensive that Phuket, and less overwhelming and cheaper than BKK, makes it a serious inquiry for me.

In Pattaya, I understand that pay for teachers is lower than in BKK but yet higher than in Phuket and with more types of opportunity available. So it seems to me that Pattaya would be a possible compromise between the three ... all other things being equal. Phuket, from what I've learned, seems to be the concensus choice as a place to be. However, the lower pay coupled with higher costs may make Phuket unsuitable for me for anything longer that a short time. (no pun intended )

I understand that I can only gather so much info from inquiries and that real understanding comes from going there. However, I would like my decision to be an educated one. Your help is surely appreciated.

I understand the necessity of a "B" visa and work permits. I've already researched those issues. What I would like to know is what types of teaching positions and realistic pay I could expect being inexperienced but otherwise mature (44) and highly educated. Also, what is living in Pattaya really like? Las Vegas is much more than gambling, I trust Pattaya is more than brothels.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've lived in Pattaya and taught English for the last 4 years.

Pattaya is not everybody's cup of tea but I like it. I live on the hill between Pattaya and Jomtien which is a quiet area but only a 5 minute motorbike ride away from the livelier side of town.

As for salaries I pull in around 50,000 baht a month from 1 full time job and two part time jobs. Out of this I usually spend 40,000 and save 10,000.

As far as salaries go. If you want to work IN Pattaya the main options you have will have are the government schools and fee paying schools which pay around 25-28,000 for a five day week (8am-4pm Mon-Fri) which will include around 18-20 hours teaching. This will leave your evenings and weekends free if you want to supplement your income.

A 20 minute motorbike ride away from Pattaya is the massive Laem Chabang Industrial Estate where there is usually part time corporate work going. These contracts are usually 4 hours a week (2 * 2 hour classes eithe Mon/Wed or Tue/Thur). These classes usually pay around 500 baht an hour.

A little further afield but still within commuting distance is the Eastern Seaboard Insdustrial estate (where I work). The corporate contracts there around the same as those for Laem Chabang.

Forty five minutes away is the town of Sirracha which has three language centres (Success, ECC ILC) which offer a range on onsite and in house language courses. These centres pay around 300-400baht an hour. I've worked for all three places whilst I've been over here and if anything there is a shortage of teachers in this area so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding work with at least one of these employers immediately in finishng your course.

Just come over do your course and give living in Pattaya a try. If it isn't for you then you can quite easily move somewhere else.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That just about sums it up for teaching. The available corporate work means higher pay than Phuket, and Pattaya is a pleasant combination of the 4 Ss, not available in Bkk.

Perhaps you should be aware of the companies that are situated ar Eastern Seaboard and Laem Chabang include Mitsubishi, Ford and Mazda, Chevrolet and Isuzu (GM), Exxon and Thai oil plus all their component suppliers, Leam Chabang is also a large container port. Toyota are also nearby. So, all-in-all, there is a wide range of corporate work available here. It can take a while to get established but the more experienced you get the more work comes your way.

I live in a 2 storey town house in a quiet side street near Carrefour Surpermarket, one of the top French supermarkets, there is a bar down the road and a 3 min drive gets me into the lively beachfront nightlife. You're unlikely to find this kind of convenience in Bkk!

The sex industry here is enormous but not run on the same sleazy lines as The States and Europe. how many men do you know who go to Amsterdam and marry a girl from one of the brothels there. Brothels are not the norm in Pattaya, it is bar and Go-go based.