Luxury and mid-range hotels in Pattaya upgrade services to meet growing demand from wellness tourists and workation travelers. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai hotel industry is buzzing with renewed energy in 2025, with occupancy rates rising and average room prices climbing—key indicators that reflect the tourism sector’s pivotal role in driving the country’s economic growth. As one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations, Pattaya’s hotel business is showing promising signs of recovery, supported by increasing visitor numbers and evolving traveler demands. According to SCB Economic Intelligence Center (EIC), Thailand’s overall hotel occupancy rate is projected to reach around 75% this year, fueled largely by domestic travelers taking advantage of government tourism stimulus programs such as the ongoing “Thai Tourism Co-Payment” scheme running from July to October 2025. Meanwhile, international tourism is gradually rebounding toward pre-pandemic levels, especially with a surge in high-potential tourists like Russians, whose extended 90-day visa stays are boosting local demand. Average room rates across Thailand are expected to rise about 5% compared to last year. This price growth is largely attributed to upgraded services and renovations, particularly in four-star and above hotels that are adapting to current trends such as wellness tourism and workation lifestyles. Enhanced marketing promotions and higher booking volumes further support these increases. Pattaya, benefiting from its status as a key leisure hub, has seen significant hotel investment and expansion. The total hotel supply nationwide is estimated at 80,000 rooms this year, up 7%, with new luxury properties entering the market and pushing average rates above 4,000 baht per night. This diversification caters to a broad spectrum of tourists—from budget travelers to those seeking premium experiences. Real estate consultancy JLL forecasts Thailand’s hotel transaction volume to exceed 13 billion baht in 2025, with Bangkok remaining the hotspot for investors. However, Pattaya’s dynamic tourism scene and ongoing infrastructure improvements make it a strong contender for further growth. JLL also notes stable performance in the luxury hotel segment and steady improvements among mid-range and budget hotels, reflecting evolving traveler preferences. Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the hotel and property sectors in tourist cities like Pattaya are expected to gain additional momentum from government policies and visa relaxations that encourage longer stays and greater spending. To remain competitive, hoteliers are focusing on innovation, service quality, and sustainability—aligning with new European Union regulations set to take effect by 2026 that will impact hotel operations and market access. Overall, Pattaya’s hotel industry is riding a wave of positive developments, positioning itself to capitalize on Thailand’s growing and diversifying tourism market while adapting to new challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Currency volatility adds to Pattaya’s ongoing challenges, testing the city’s hopes for growth under Thailand’s new sustainable tourism strategy. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai baht has been remarkably strong in 2025, driven by factors such as surging gold exports and a weakening U.S. dollar. However, economists warn that this currency surge could hamper Thailand’s crucial tourism sector — a concern that hits especially close to home in Pattaya, one of the country’s most popular destinations. Compared to regional competitors like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, whose currencies have remained more favorable to foreign tourists, Thailand risks pricing itself out of the affordable getaway market that has long been its strength. Dr. Amorntep Chawla, Assistant Managing Director at CIMB Thai Bank, explains that the baht’s rapid appreciation is partly due to Thailand’s gold export revenues being converted back into baht, pushing the currency’s value higher than many regional peers. This, combined with market reactions to U.S. trade policies and tariff uncertainties, has created volatility in exchange rates. “The baht’s strength is volatile, and it may swing both ways,” Dr. Amorntep noted, forecasting the currency to trade between 32.90 and 33.30 baht per U.S. dollar by year-end. However, a strong baht poses risks for sectors heavily dependent on foreign spending, particularly tourism and exports. Pattaya, which draws millions of international visitors each year, is already grappling with challenges related to image and infrastructure. The rising baht threatens to reduce the purchasing power of foreign tourists, potentially deterring long-term visitors and impacting revenue from tourism-related businesses. Local tourism operators in Pattaya are voicing cautious concern. One beer bar owner remarked, “A stronger baht means fewer tourists willing to spend here, especially from Western markets. We’re watching closely because tourism is the lifeblood of this city.” Burin Adulwatana, Managing Director and Chief Economist at Kasikorn Research Center, believes Thailand’s central bank may cut interest rates due to the weakening economic outlook in the second half of 2025, signs of a recession, and trade pressures. He expects the Bank of Thailand to lower its policy rate from 1.75%—possibly twice, in October and December—to weaken the baht, which has been stronger than regional currencies due to capital inflows. A weaker baht could help support exports and tourism. For now, he sees the baht trading around 33.50 per U.S. dollar. Patrick Pulia, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Financial Markets and Private Banking at Siam Commercial Bank, said the baht’s strength is expected to moderate in the second half of the year, likely trading between 31.50 and 32.50 per US dollar. This is due to a slightly weaker US dollar influenced by expected Federal Reserve rate cuts and capital outflows from the US. He explained that the baht’s recent rapid appreciation was driven by concerns over the growing US fiscal deficit and relatively limited global economic impact from tariffs—factors already priced into the market. As the US gains revenue from tariffs later this year, worries over US fiscal health may ease, limiting further dollar weakness and resulting in only slight baht gains. Regarding exporters, Pulia expects the Bank of Thailand to manage baht volatility but not quickly weaken the currency. Exporters may need to manage currency risk through tools like FX options. While further interest rate cuts by the Monetary Policy Committee are possible, these would be motivated more by domestic economic conditions than by attempts to influence the baht. Pattaya’s tourism sector, which has been encouraged by the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) ambitious 2026 strategy focusing on quality and sustainable tourism, faces a critical test as currency dynamics add to existing challenges. While TAT aims to attract high-value visitors and diversify markets, the baht’s strength could blunt these efforts by making Thailand a more expensive destination. With economic uncertainties continuing and global markets in flux, Pattaya’s future tourism growth hinges not only on strategic policy execution but also on stabilizing currency conditions that allow visitors to feel their money goes further. As the baht’s tides ebb and flow, Pattaya waits with cautious optimism — eager to capitalize on new tourism initiatives but mindful of the economic headwinds that a strong currency can bring.

วินจยย.ห้ามฝรั่ง ทะเลาะกับสาวสอง สุดท้ายถูกชกก่อน น้องเข้าช่วยต่างชาติเจ็บ กลางซอยบัวขาว  เมื่อเวลา 04.06 น.วันที่ 23 กรกฎาคม 2568 ศูนย์วิทยุหน่วยกู้ภัยสว่างบริบูรณ์ธรรมสถานเมืองพัทยา รับแจ้งเหตุทะเลาะวิวาท มีผู้ได้รับบาดเจ็บ เหตุเกิดที่ กลางซอยบัวขาว พัทยาใต้ ต.หนองปรือ อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรี หลังรับแจ้งจึงประสานเจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจสายตรวจ สภ.เมืองพัทยา พร้อมนำกำลังเจ้าหน้าที่อาสาสมัครกู้ภัยฯรีบไปตรวจสอบ ที่เกิดเหตุพบผู้ได้รับบาดเจ็บ ศีรษะแตก เลือดไหลนองพื้น นอนรอความช่วยเหลือริมทาง เจ้าหน้าที่กู้ภัยฯให้การช่วยเหลือปฐมพยาบาลเบื้องต้น ก่อนเคลื่อนย้ายส่งโรงพยาบาลอย่างเร่งด่วน ส่วนคู่กรณีไม่ได้หลบหนีไปไหน ยืนรอให้การกับเจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจ สอบถามกลุ่มผู้ก่อเหตุทราบว่า สังเกตเห็นชาวต่างชาติ ทะเลาะกับสาวประเภทสองคู่ขา เรื่องไม่ยอมจ่ายค่าตัว ทุกคนพยายามเข้าไปห้ามปราม หวังให้ทั้งสองฝ่ายสงบศึกกัน แต่ฝ่ายชาวต่างชาติกลับ ปรี่เข้ามาไล่ทำร้าย ตอนแรกทุกคนพยายามเดินหลบ แต่ก็ไม่พ้นถูกไล่ชกถูกเข้าที่ใบหน้า จึงสวนกลับไปในทันที ซึ่งทุกคนเห็นเหตุการณ์จึงเข้าไปช่วย จนต่างชาติล้มหัวฟาดจนได้รับบาดเจ็บดังกล่าว ขณะที่ฝ่ายสาวประเภทสอง ทราบชื่อคือนายปัญญา (สงวนนามสกุล) อายุ 38 ปี ให้ข้อมูลว่า ตนเองได้ไปเที่ยวกับชาวต่างชาติ แต่ชาวต่างชาติเมาแล้วมีอาการงี่เง่า ตนเอง จึงไม่อยากจะไปด้วย […]

“Same Faces, Same Corners” – Residents say street beggars and addicts return hours after being removed, with little lasting change. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s vibrant beachfront and bustling streets are once again under scrutiny—not for tourism highs, but for an increasingly visible challenge: the growing number of homeless people, beggars, and suspected drug users occupying public spaces. Despite repeated efforts by local authorities to manage the situation, many residents say the core problem remains untouched—too many people on the streets, and too few rules that stick. On July 23, Pattaya’s city leadership, led by Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, ordered a coordinated operation to manage the situation. Teams from the Social Welfare Division, Public Order Division, and Municipal Planning Department, along with the Chonburi Protection Center for the Destitute, were dispatched to key areas including Pattaya Beach Road, Central Pattaya Road, and Wat Nong Yai to conduct outreach and enforcement efforts in response to public complaints. But while these operations are nothing new, residents are growing increasingly frustrated at the apparent lack of long-term regulation or effective solutions. “Try walking around Jomtien Beach. They’re everywhere—Thai, Chinese, foreigners—begging like it’s their full-time job,” one resident posted. “You take them away for ten minutes, and they’re back in the same spot smiling like nothing happened.” “Some are clearly drunk every day, sitting right on Pattaya Second Road. They ask for money, then go buy more alcohol. It’s the same faces every day.” City Sweep or City Cycle? – Pattaya authorities conduct another operation to relocate the homeless, but locals doubt long-term impact. Locals say that despite the good intentions of city hall, enforcement is short-lived. Some even claim that areas like abandoned buildings, alleyways, or public beaches have become de facto homes for people who either refuse help or return shortly after being removed. “It’s uncomfortable. Tourists walk by and get harassed, especially at night. It looks unsafe, and it’s hurting the image of our city,” said a business owner near Beach Road. “It’s sad, but also frustrating. You see the same people every day. Some even bring infants out in the heat just to beg.” Many comments highlight deeper issues—addiction, undocumented migrants, and those who may be abusing public sympathy. Some residents also question the screening process during city operations: “Do you test for drugs during these raids? Because some clearly aren’t just homeless—they’re dealers.” “In some areas like Jomtien Plaza, it’s not just people sleeping rough. It’s drug sales, fights, and intimidation. We need proper enforcement.” “It’s Sad but Frustrating” – Public sympathy wears thin as street problems multiply along Pattaya’s tourist zones. Despite these concerns, citizens also express empathy: “They’re still people, with problems like anyone else. But if we don’t have shelters or long-term solutions, this will just repeat again and again.” Indeed, the lack of infrastructure—like full-time shelters, mental health support, and addiction services—means that operations like this become a cycle: remove, release, return. Some suggest that without clear policy on foreign beggars, stronger cooperation with immigration, or designated support centers, Pattaya risks becoming what one commenter called “a zombie town like in America.” As one post pointedly asked: “Where do you put them after you remove them? If there’s no answer to that, then there’s no solution.” Pattaya continues to be a magnet for both opportunity and hardship. But unless city regulations catch up with the real problems on the streets, residents fear the city’s charm will keep fading—one sidewalk camp at a time. Tourism Meets Reality – As Pattaya welcomes global visitors, locals ask: why is there no real solution to rising street homelessness?

National economic measures play a crucial role in sustaining Pattaya’s property market momentum. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s real estate market continues to hold steady, largely influenced by nationwide economic policies and government support measures designed to stabilize the housing sector. According to the Housing Bank’s Real Estate Information Center (REIC), the overall Thai residential real estate market index for Q1 2025 stood at 71.1 points, marking a 10.7% drop year-on-year. This decline reflects a slowdown in both supply and demand across the housing market. However, there are promising signs of recovery ahead, thanks to government economic stimulus efforts. Key measures include reduced transfer and mortgage fees for homes priced up to 7 million baht and a temporary relaxation of Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratios by the Bank of Thailand. These initiatives, effective from April and May 2025 respectively, are expected to boost real estate activity starting from Q2 2025. REIC forecasts the residential market index for 2025 to be around 80.9 points, a slight 1% decline from 2024. The positive impact from government incentives is expected to offset some of the market’s challenges. Despite these supportive policies, the housing sector still faces several risks such as high household debt levels, stricter lending criteria by financial institutions, economic uncertainties stemming from U.S. policy shifts, and ongoing geopolitical tensions — all factors that could slow domestic and global economic growth. For Pattaya, a popular destination for property investment and tourism, these national policies remain crucial. The city’s real estate market relies heavily on the broader economic environment and government interventions to maintain momentum and weather external uncertainties.

Meteorologists advise staying alert as the storm fades, but Pattaya’s vibrant spirit is shining through once again. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — After several days of heavy rains, strong winds, and turbulent seas caused by Tropical Storm Wipha, Pattaya is finally seeing clearer skies and a return to normalcy. The tropical storm, which weakened to a low-pressure system on July 23, had affected much of northern and northeastern Thailand, including 40 provinces nationwide, bringing heavy rainfall and raising concerns about flash floods, strong winds, and high waves. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, Wipha’s center moved over northern Laos and weakened into a low-pressure area, but its influence remained strong, particularly across northern regions and along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand coasts. Authorities warned residents to stay alert for sudden floods, fast-flowing mountain streams, and rough seas—especially urging small boat operators to avoid going out until the weather calms. While much of Thailand faced hazardous weather, Pattaya experienced intermittent heavy rain and gusty winds, briefly disrupting daily life and tourism activities. Beaches were quieter, water sports paused, and local businesses adapted to the changing conditions. Now, with Storm Wipha weakening, Pattaya is brightening once again. The storm clouds are clearing, rain is easing, and seas are calming — bringing back the vibrant energy the city is known for. Tourists are returning to the beaches, vendors are opening their stalls and shade umbrellas, and nightlife spots are preparing for lively evenings under the stars. The respite couldn’t come at a better time for locals and visitors alike, eager to enjoy Pattaya’s unique blend of coastal charm and bustling city life. However, meteorologists remind everyone that while the storm has passed, vigilance remains essential. Weather conditions can still be unpredictable, and officials urge everyone to stay informed through updates from the Thai Meteorological Department. For the latest weather warnings and safety advice, residents and tourists can visit the department’s official website at www.tmd.go.th or call their 24-hour hotline at 1182. After days of heavy rain and rough waves, Pattaya welcomes the return of sunny weather and bustling beach life. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)

Tragedy on the Highway: A 17-year-old student’s final ride ends beneath a pickup truck, dragged for 300 meters in the rain. PATTAYA, Thailand – Another fatal accident serves as a grim reminder that Thailand’s roads — especially in Pattaya and across the country — are never truly safe, even for a second. On the rainy night of July 22, around 9 PM, 17-year-old vocational student Nattawut, known as “Sand,” was tragically killed in Kamphaeng Phet province. Riding his motorbike along Phahonyothin Road near a gas station, he was struck and his body became wedged under a grey pickup truck, which then dragged him nearly 300 meters without the driver realizing. Just before the accident, Nattawut had called his father around 8:45 PM asking for 100 baht to buy food. His father transferred the money, unaware it would be the last time he spoke with his son. The pickup driver, transporting dried mangoes from Lampang to Bangkok, claimed he was not the first to hit Nattawut. He said another truck had clipped the motorbike earlier, pulled the body free, and fled the scene. Only after pulling into a nearby gas station did the driver realize something was caught under his vehicle when employees alerted him. The family arrived soon after, with Nattawut’s father collapsing in grief after confirming his son’s body was beneath the truck. At the crash site, police found the severely damaged blue motorbike, with the license plate torn off and skid marks running from the road to the gas station. Authorities are now reviewing CCTV footage and searching for witnesses and the first truck that fled. This tragic incident serves as a stark warning to everyone using Thailand’s roads, especially in Pattaya, where traffic is dense and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Rain, poor visibility, distracted drivers, and risky maneuvers can turn any journey fatal. Whether you live here or are just visiting—whether weaving through narrow streets or cruising down busy Sukhumvit Road—it’s worth remembering that sometimes the risk isn’t just from your own actions, but from other drivers whose mistakes—like drunk driving, dizziness, or phone distractions—can quickly lead to disaster. When the urge comes to check your phone, rush a green light, or take a risky shortcut in Pattaya or anywhere else in Thailand—keep in mind that accidents are reported here every day. Sometimes all it takes is one blink, and a life is lost forever. Dragged and discarded: Grim evidence of how little a human life can matter during a rainy night on Phahonyothin Road.

“If they had big pensions, they’d stay in Spain” — Pattaya retirees stay not for temples or sunsets, but for reasons money can’t always explain. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Foreign retirees in Pattaya are often portrayed as carefree figures, sipping cold drinks on sun-drenched terraces, but the reality is more complex — and increasingly shaped by economics. As inflation bites and local prices climb, many are re-evaluating their decisions, questioning whether Thailand still offers the value it once did. In truth, retirees have every right — and full awareness — to choose where they spend their final chapters. For some, Pattaya’s appeal lies beyond beach sunsets and Buddhist temples. It’s about companionship, familiarity, and a rhythm of life that’s grown comfortable over the years. But many also admit that if they had generous pensions and the ability to spend freely, they might not be here at all. Countries like Spain, for instance, often offer similar climates, better infrastructure, and arguably cheaper day-to-day living — without the need to adjust to cultural differences or long-distance flights. That calculation becomes even tougher for those on fixed incomes. A flat pension, once enough to live well in Thailand, now struggles to keep pace with rising rents, bar prices, and medical costs. While Pattaya was once seen as a budget-friendly alternative, some now find themselves searching for places even cheaper, whether in Thailand’s northeast or beyond. Critics argue that the stereotype of the “retired foreigner” in Pattaya — disillusioned, broke, and clinging to outdated dreams — isn’t entirely off the mark. It’s a harsh assessment, but not one without merit. Others counter that such portrayals ignore the emotional and social reasons people stay. They might not be wealthy, but they’ve found a life that suits them — even if it’s far from perfect. Ultimately, Pattaya doesn’t promise the paradise it once did, especially for those who lack strong financial footing. As the city evolves, so too must the expectations of those who’ve called it home for years.

“It can either turn back 20 years or move further from what it was” — Expats call for a reset of Pattaya’s bar model to bring back the fun. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – In the eyes of many long-term foreign residents, Pattaya stands at a crossroads: poised for a rebirth or spiraling further into stagnation. While city officials talk up recovery and tourism campaigns, the reality on the ground, according to local expats, is far more complicated — and their candid online discussions offer a glimpse into the city’s deeper dilemma. “It can either turn the clock back 20 years or stay as a ghost town. Simple really,” wrote one veteran expat, summing up the common feeling of uncertainty that hangs over the resort town. For many, Pattaya’s future hinges not just on promotional slogans, but on whether core issues like affordability, infrastructure, and changing tourist expectations are seriously addressed. One recurring theme is cost. Many pointed out that bar fines and drink prices have soared beyond reason. “Some places now charge a thousand baht or more before midnight, and even higher later at night,” one user noted. Others questioned whether tourists would continue to pay steep prices for “lady drinks” or spend freely in bars where the women are pressured by unrealistic sales quotas. “The beer bar business model needs a complete RESET,” argued one expat, calling for a system that balances affordability for tourists, fair wages for workers, and sustainability for bar owners. “Cheaper lady drinks would help,” another chimed in, pointing out how girls are pressured to sell 10 shots at a time at over two hundred baht each — often with little return. But not everyone agrees that prices are the core issue. “Life everywhere in the world is the same. You don’t think bar fines and beers are going to stay the same price as 20 years ago?” one user replied, suggesting some expectations may be outdated. Taxi fares sparked another lively debate, especially over Bolt, the app-based ride service. While some claimed “horrendously expensive Bolt trips” are driving tourists away, others dismissed this outright. “Since when was Bolt expensive?” one asked. “I always use Bolt and feel safe — prices are a lot lower than others,” a woman added, highlighting the divide in perceptions between occasional visitors and seasoned users. Others broadened the conversation beyond prices. “The biggest thing I noticed is trying to charge Western prices for food — and most is disgusting,” wrote one expat of 14 years, expressing frustration with inflated costs and disappointing standards. Another blamed the city’s “low budget” culture and the quality of tourists Pattaya tends to attract: “Cheap bar fines would attract the tourists Pattaya doesn’t need.” Still, some called for perspective. “It’s the same everywhere,” one poster said, pointing out that inflation, service charges, and tourist fatigue are global issues. Others noted that many bars still offer fair prices — if you know where to look. “People obviously aren’t looking hard enough,” one wrote. “Venture out and find the diamonds in the rough.” The comments also touched on deeper anxieties — from visa policies and a strong Thai baht, to uneasy regional geopolitics and shifting global travel patterns. “Too many problems in the news: visa rules, cannabis, alcohol, war with Cambodia,” one post read. Another simply said, “It’s almost as if Thailand leans more towards BRICS now and hopes they support them.” Despite the frustrations, some struck a more hopeful tone. “That will sort itself out,” one remarked. And perhaps that’s the heart of the expat paradox — Pattaya may never return to what it was, but neither has it completely lost its appeal. There are still cheap eats, relaxed nights, and familiar faces for those willing to adapt. But as one comment dryly put it: “Good luck with that. It’s been happening for decades.” Whether Pattaya reinvents itself or slides into deeper decline may depend not only on official policies but also on how its loyal residents — foreign and local alike — choose to engage, or disengage, from the city they still call home.

Pattaya Chaos Turns Bloody – A foreign man allegedly attacked motorbike taxi drivers trying to break up a dispute with a transgender companion. PATTAYA, Thailand – What began as a drunken argument over unpaid services between a foreign tourist and a transgender woman ended in a violent street brawl early Wednesday morning, leaving one man injured and even the peacekeepers bloodied. The clash erupted around 4:00 a.m. on July 23 in the middle of Soi Buakhao, South Pattaya. Rescue units from Sawang Boriboon Foundation and local police rushed to the scene after reports of a violent altercation with injuries. On the street, responders found a foreign man, estimated to be about 50 years old, lying on the pavement with a severe head wound and blood pooling beneath him. He was given first aid and rushed to hospital. Meanwhile, the Thai group involved stayed on-site to explain the situation to police. According to several motorcycle taxi riders — all claiming to be bystanders — they saw the foreigner arguing with his transgender companion about not paying for her time. When tensions escalated, the riders said they tried to step in to stop the fight peacefully. But instead of calming down, the foreigner allegedly lashed out, swinging punches at anyone nearby. “He was drunk and aggressive. We tried to back off but he came at us,” said one of the riders, whose face was bruised. “I got punched first, then everyone jumped in to stop him.” Police Investigating with CCTV – Officers say footage and witness accounts will help determine who was truly at fault. The transgender woman involved, identified only as Mr. Panya, 38, told police the tourist had gotten drunk and obnoxious, and she simply wanted to leave. “I told him I didn’t want to go with him anymore, but he kept following me. When the win (motorbike taxi guys) stepped in, he tried to hit them too.” The situation quickly spiraled. A video taken by a passerby shows the foreign man lunging at the much smaller Thai drivers before falling and hitting his head. Police say they will review CCTV footage and collect all video evidence to determine exactly what happened. No charges have been filed yet, but authorities confirmed the case will be handled fairly for all sides involved. What’s clear is this: even those trying to break up the fight didn’t escape the chaos — a reminder that in Pattaya, nightlife drama can sometimes leave blood on the streets.