Can 'sleazy' Pattaya Change Its Image?

[Basil B]

BBC report on Pattaya, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/fast_track/9748412.stm

Pattaya is saddled with a sleazy reputation and that includes all the trappings that come with so-called sex tourism.

Rajan Datar reports on the efforts to keep the city safe and ambitious plans for changing its image.

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Watch Fast Track on the BBC World News channel on Saturdays at 04:30, 13:30 and 19:30 GMT or Sundays at 06:30 GMT.

Do not know if this is available to anyone outside the UK but hope somebody can advise how to get round the blocking.

Maybe it will find it's way onto U'Tube

[IamNotaNumber]

What blocking are you talking about? It plays just fine for me (boring though).

I remember exactly the same question being asked 20 years ago. As far as I'm concerned Pattaya hasn't been really sleazy for ages.

[submaniac]

Sometimes "sleazy" isn't such a bad thing. I give you a case in point. Many years ago, the "sin city" of Las Vegas (the place where gambling is legal in the U.S.) attempted to "change" its image to a 'family friendly' resort. Like the casinos started building children's play areas where the parents could dump their kids while they went gambling. Was a huge flop. Las Vegas intentionally went back to embrace the "sleazy" image and the ad campaign is now "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

Pattaya has always had a "sleazy" image from when I was young. From visiting Pattaya from the 1980's and onwards...it has definitely lost some of its 'hard edge'. Like when I had gangs of small children try and pickpocket me like out of some Vietnam movie. That's what I remember from the good old days. That stuff (to the level that was there before) has gone away. It's still sleazy and can be dangerous to the unwary. But it has been an improvement.

I don't see any point in changing the "sleaze" image. I mean if you want "family friendly" and an ocean, there are plenty of other places to go in Thailand.

[DrTuner]

It's not nearly sleazy enough. Just take a look at the other thread where oldtimers recount Pattaya in its haydays. These days you probably have to travel to Cambodia.

[daxbr]

You first, BBC.

[Ohio]

Most Cities have a 'sleaze' part of town ,it's just that Pattaya was built on that reputation & still retains it in some places.

What's the problem ?

[craigt3365]

As for Vegas, it's nothing like it was back in the 70's. Hookers walking down the strip, downtown was really bad. Now, it's been cleaned up, and does try to cater to younger party goers and families. Downtown has the big display overhead, the strip has lots of family oriented resorts.

The video says Naklua is Jomtien. Off a bit.

As for Pattaya. I prefer it over Anaheim (Disneyland) or Orlando (Disney World) anytime! I'm not much of a bar person, but do enjoy the occasional night out with friends.

Could it be improved? Sure. But not everybody would be happy.

[Mobi]

The clip is from BBC World service and is not blocked.

[meatballs]

Punters aren't going anywhere. They can try to cover up things but it's not going away. Besides, there are other places in Cambodia & Angeles City which are far sleazier.

[ThailandBert]

I'm with Submaniac on this one. i think they should promote the other resorts around the country as family friendly and promote Pattaya as the disney world for adults that it is. Don't try to make it anything other than what it is famous for.

[Basil B]

Apologies, I had intended to post this in Pattaya general section not news clippings.

Yes, it is tame and poorly researched, obviously spoon feed information from city hall and TAT.

Yes, if they reported on the real Pattaya most of the viewers would have more than a touch of the vapors, remember they are only just coming to terms with SavilGate.

It was more for information so you can see what your friends and family are being told about Pattaya.

I understand some BBC footage is blocked, but seems this is not.

[jbrain]

As for Vegas, it's nothing like it was back in the 70's. Hookers walking down the strip, downtown was really bad. Now, it's been cleaned up,

So that's the reason you moved from Vegas to Pattaya

[IamNotaNumber]

It was more for information so you can see what your friends and family are being told about Pattaya.

I gave up caring about that some 35 years ago, around the same time I gave up caring what famous people do in bed (or anywhere else for that matter).

In fact these days I would happily bring my grandmother to Pattaya for a holiday, but she would probably find it dull. I would not have brought her 25 years ago, and she certainly would not have found it dull if I had.

[Spalpeen]

You first, BBC.

Ha Ha Ha ! Pot....Kettle....Black.

[craigt3365]

As for Vegas, it's nothing like it was back in the 70's. Hookers walking down the strip, downtown was really bad. Now, it's been cleaned up,

So that's the reason you moved from Vegas to Pattaya

I went to the chicken ranch last year for a tour with my visit relatives. I'd never been either, so it was interesting. Quite the setup. And incredibly expensive! So sadly, I've never had the money to be able to enjoy the "sleaze" here in Vegas.

But as we all know, sleaze exists in almost every major city around the world. To one degree or another.

[jaapfries]

If Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers, and Runners World were open here, and advertize internationally, the stretch pants fatties would stay at home. The absence of their pachydermal shadow would allow the sunshine of the monger spirit to reinvigorate our trampled sleazy neighborhoods.

@Hyku: Man; you worded that brilliantly ! ! It's almost Rudyard Kipling quality ! ! You've got the 'gift': - You should wrote more (please !)

[Semper]

Getting rid of the "sleazy" part, would mean a dramatic drop in "tourists"

[somtumlion]

Most Cities have a 'sleaze' part of town ,it's just that Pattaya was built on that reputation & still retains it in some places.

What's the problem ?

Some places lmao