Good evening, y'all!

 

I am a Cambodian-American who have been lucky enough to have a sponsored trip to Pattaya to accomplish official business. I don't come to my native part of the world (Southeast Asia) very often, so I'm planning to take advantage of my unplanned trip here to Pattaya as it is the closest thing I can get to Cambodia for now.

 

I heard there is a large community of Cambodian immigrants here in Pattaya. Where would I be able to find? Are there specific locations around here where they tend to hang out?

 

I appreciate any assistance in allowing me to meet my own people and help me return to my roots.

ask your hotel maids and bellboys, they're probably your compatriots 

 

There is a 'Poi Pet' market on the east side of Pattaya but I think it's just a habit of the Thais to name their market after international place names

Also construction sites, restaurants, massage shops, etc, etc. Cambodians do keep a low profile because many are working here illegally and the police appear to target Cambodians in particular. I don't think Thais and Cambodians are the friendliest of neighbours. From time to time border disputes generate sabre rattling on both sides. Many Thais and "falangs" like to cross the border to visit Cambodian casinos. Gambling is illegal in Thailand.

I have lived in and around Pattaya for 12 years. I don't think you will find a Cambodian "community" here - not in the sense of a Chinatown, or Little Italy (Pattaya also does not have those) - but there's a very large number of Cambodian people here.

 

As has been said, most Cambodians here are working in construction or in hotels/restaurants. Some are working illegally. They tend to live where they work.