Kasikorn Research warns of first domestic alcohol market contraction in four years despite eased sales rules; reviving tourism is key for Thailand to boost alcohol sales and support thousands of local businesses. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The fragile purchasing power of Thai consumers, coupled with a decline in international visitors, has caused the domestic alcohol market to shrink by 1.8% this year—the first contraction in four years, according to Kasikorn Research Center. Despite government easing restrictions on alcohol sales at airports, hotels, and entertainment venues, the market faces significant challenges. While Thai alcohol consumption slightly increased in 2024 due to easier access and stress-related factors, rising health risks such as alcohol-related liver disease continue to pose concerns. The sector also grapples with intense competition, over 2,000 local alcohol businesses, and a growing influx of imported products, which expanded at an average annual rate of 16%. For tourism-reliant cities like Pattaya, foreign tourists are vital to sustaining alcohol sales. The drop in international visitors has directly impacted bars, nightclubs, and restaurants where alcohol consumption typically surges. Reviving tourism flows is critical for Pattaya to boost its struggling alcohol market and support the livelihoods of thousands dependent on this sector.

As the capital tightens regulations and pushes for transparency, questions arise about Pattaya’s readiness to follow. PATTAYA, Thailand – In a bold move to improve urban mobility and passenger safety, Bangkok has launched a sweeping upgrade initiative for motorcycle taxi services across the capital. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has set an ambitious target: inspect all 5,365 registered motorcycle taxi stands (known as win) across the city by the end of 2025. The effort, led by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and spokesperson Ekwaranyu Amrapal, aims to bring order, fairness, and safety to a sector that millions rely on daily. District offices have been instructed to intensify inspections, randomly checking at least 20% of win in their areas each month for five months straight. The inspections follow a new standardized framework called “model win” criteria. To ensure accountability, violations will be tracked through multiple sources — including AI cameras, public complaints, and direct field inspections. The BMA has also encouraged residents to report misconduct via Traffy Fondue, an easy-to-use digital complaint platform. Issues like riding on footpaths, missing yellow license plates, improper attire, or drunk driving can be reported with photos and location data to enable swift action. The BMA also emphasized the importance of clear reporting. Complainants are urged to include license plate numbers, driver IDs, or the win location, as incomplete data often stalls enforcement efforts. Currently, Bangkok has approximately 79,521 registered drivers, with win locations spread across public footpaths (1,497), private areas (1,186), traffic lanes (2,107), and other spaces like parks (575). While Bangkok is investing in both regulation and driver welfare — including annual health screenings and traffic law refreshers — a critical question lingers: What about Pattaya? As one of Thailand’s most tourism-reliant cities, Pattaya depends heavily on informal transport, including motorcycle taxis, to serve both locals and international visitors. Yet unlike Bangkok’s methodical crackdown and upgrade strategy, there’s little sign of comparable momentum in Pattaya — where inconsistent service quality, overcharging, and lack of oversight remain frequent complaints. “Bangkok is stepping up — but Pattaya feels like it’s standing still,” one regular visitor commented. “If Pattaya wants to be taken seriously as a safe, modern destination, it needs to clean up its motorcycle taxi system too.” But the concerns go beyond just drivers and fare disputes. In Pattaya, it’s not uncommon to see motorbikes weaving through crowded footpaths or parked en masse in pedestrian zones, turning walkways into obstacle courses for tourists, the elderly, and families with strollers. Enforcement appears sporadic, and in many cases, absent altogether. With Bangkok moving forward with digital registration, ride-tracking, and stricter zoning, some are asking whether it’s time for Pattaya to adopt AI-driven enforcement tools — such as automated CCTV tracking and license plate recognition — to curb sidewalk encroachment and restore pedestrian-friendly zones. After all, if Pattaya wants to maintain its image as a world-class beach resort, it may need to modernize not just its skyline, but its street-level systems too. Observers argue that a parallel strategy in Pattaya — involving local government, law enforcement, and tourism stakeholders — could not only improve safety but also boost confidence among tourists and residents alike. With Bangkok paving the way, the spotlight is now on Pattaya. Will the beach city follow suit and raise standards for its own vital transport network?

“Not Just the Baht” — As the baht falls, long-term visitors say Pattaya must fix dual pricing to truly win tourists back. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai baht opened sharply weaker on Thursday, falling to 32.73 baht per U.S. dollar, down from 32.49 at the previous close. While the dip marks a notable shift in favor of foreign currency holders, analysts and visitors alike say the currency move is “almost perfect — but not quite enough” to reignite a strong inbound tourism rush to Pattaya. The euro and British pound have also seen modest fluctuations, but neither is currently strong enough to significantly lure back the crowds — especially amid rising airfares and ongoing concerns about pricing transparency and fairness. Financial markets reacted to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to hold interest rates steady, while Chairman Jerome Powell struck a cautious tone, signaling no rush to lower rates. This, combined with stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data, fueled the dollar’s strength — and pushed the baht into its weakest territory in weeks. Krungthai Bank now forecasts the baht to fluctuate between 32.60 and 32.85 per dollar. Still, while currency shifts like this typically attract budget-conscious travelers, regular visitors to Pattaya say it’s not just about exchange rates anymore. “Even with the baht weaker, Pattaya isn’t as cheap or as welcoming as it used to be,” said one longtime retiree living in Jomtien. “There are still dual pricing policies at beaches, parks, and attractions. That leaves a sour taste — not the exchange rate.” The baht’s slide was largely driven by rising U.S. bond yields and a stronger dollar, following upbeat private employment data. Yet, analysts say the weakening may be short-lived unless further signs emerge that the Fed will avoid any rate cuts this year. Current market expectations now see only a 39% chance of two Fed rate cuts in 2025, down sharply from earlier in the year. While the weaker baht offers some cushion for international spending — softening the blow of airfares, hotels, apartment rentals, and dining — Pattaya’s tourism veterans say it won’t be enough to tip the scales unless pricing transparency and fairness improve. “It’s not about a few baht here or there,” said one longtime expat. “It’s about feeling like you belong, especially if you live here, work here, or visit often.” As the exchange rate continues its bumpy ride, one thing remains clear: If Pattaya wants to win back the trust of repeat visitors, a cheap baht isn’t the full answer — fairness is.

Tourism officials reaffirm that major tourist hubs, including Pattaya, remain safe and accessible, while efforts continue to restore traveler confidence and stabilize arrivals. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The recent military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along their shared border have triggered widespread repercussions across Thailand’s tourism sector and labor markets, raising concerns among industry stakeholders and government officials alike. According to Mr. Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, roughly 8,000 foreign tourists have canceled their travel plans to Thailand since the border skirmishes intensified. Although flight cancellations have not been reported on a large scale, the Minister disclosed that official communications have been sent to embassies and the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s (TAT) international offices, stressing that the conflict zones are geographically isolated and far from Thailand’s main tourist hubs. “Despite reassurances, travel insurance policies from various countries are increasingly excluding coverage in conflict-affected zones, leading to heightened traveler anxiety,” Mr. Sorawong said. Hotels in eastern border provinces, particularly Chanthaburi, have experienced cancellations reaching 20%, reflecting the caution travelers have begun to exercise. “While Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket, and Chiang Mai have not been physically affected, the negative international media coverage and travel warnings have led to a slowdown in bookings across the country,” explained Mr. Thianprasit Chaiphatranan, President of the Thai Hotels Association. Pattaya, known internationally for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and as a favored destination for European and long-stay tourists, is seeing the impact primarily through shifting tourist sentiment rather than direct conflict. Hotel operators and tourism businesses report increased inquiries about safety and insurance, and a hesitation among new tourists to commit to bookings. Industry sources in Pattaya warn that while the city remains far from the conflict zone, “the reputational damage from ongoing border clashes and the resulting travel advisories are causing unease, especially among first-time visitors and families.” In northern Thailand, Chiang Mai, a major cultural and eco-tourism center, has begun to feel the consequences despite being geographically distant from the border conflict. Ms. Warunee Kammeru, President of the Northern Tourism Federation, shared that international group tours and corporate seminar bookings have decreased, particularly affecting the low travel season. “Tour operators are postponing or canceling trips due to concerns over safety and the exclusion of conflict zones from travel insurance coverage. Even though Chiang Mai is far removed from the clashes, international perceptions are affecting traveler decisions,” Ms. Warunee said. High season bookings are currently at 30-35% of previous years’ levels, well below the typical 50% or more, signaling caution among international markets. The conflict is also influencing Thailand’s labor market, particularly in eastern provinces where many Cambodian migrant workers have temporarily returned home. Dr. Thanit Sorat, Vice President of the Thai Employers’ Confederation, noted that approximately 500,000 legal Cambodian workers (about 18% of foreign labor in Thailand) could be affected, though the majority of Cambodian workers are employed in agriculture, fisheries, and construction rather than industry. “The temporary withdrawal of Cambodian workers is creating labor gaps, especially in agriculture during harvest seasons in provinces like Chanthaburi, Trat, and Sa Kaeo. However, the large population of Myanmar migrant workers — approximately 2.9 million — can potentially fill some of these gaps,” Dr. Thanit said. Mr. Cholathai Numnu, a durian farmer in Trat, warned that the labor shortage is particularly acute for fruit harvesting, where Cambodian workers predominate. “If workers do not return, much of the lychee and durian harvest could be lost, threatening hundreds of millions of baht in agricultural output,” he said. The labor shortage also extends to meat processing plants in the Northeast and Eastern regions, where many Cambodian workers occupy roles that require manual dexterity, such as poultry hanging and cutting, which cannot be easily mechanized. Industry insiders revealed that some plants have seen thousands of Cambodian workers resign or take leave, forcing reliance on overtime for remaining staff and accelerating plans to invest in automation technology to mitigate workforce gaps. In response to labor shortages, the Thai Chamber of Commerce’s Northeast committee has proposed recruiting more Laotian workers to temporarily fill gaps in construction and other labor-intensive sectors. Preliminary trials involving work permits and skill assessments are underway, although differences in worker capability and integration remain concerns. On the economic front, discussions between private sector leaders and government officials regarding recent U.S. trade demands for zero tariffs on all American imports have intensified. Thai businesses have urged for phased tariff reductions over 5 to 10 years and import quotas to allow domestic producers, especially in agriculture and livestock, to adjust without collapsing under competition. Despite challenges, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, led by Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiattipiboon, emphasizes that Thailand’s key tourist destinations, including Pattaya, remain safe and accessible. “The conflict is confined to a narrow border area, distant from major tourist centers,” she reassured. “We are closely monitoring the situation and prioritizing visitor safety at all times.” With continued marketing campaigns and planned events, officials remain hopeful that tourist arrivals will recover, although current numbers still trail those of 2024 by around 4%.

“Just Keep Pattaya Fair and Affordable”: Long-term tourists push back on price discrimination, say discounts should be based on contribution — “We’re Not ATMs”. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – As the debate over dual pricing in Thailand continues, long-term visitors, short-stay tourists, and locals all seem to agree on one thing: fairness matters more than a few baht at the gate. “Tourists don’t fly halfway across the world to squint at the sea behind a paywall of umbrellas and rules,” said one long-time visitor. “What made Pattaya special wasn’t luxury — it was freedom. Now it’s starting to feel like a transaction.” While dual pricing at national parks or temples might feel justified to some — “Thai people pay taxes, it’s normal that foreigners pay more,” one Thai commenter argues — others say it’s not that simple. “I pay tax in Thailand and have for over 10 years. Still no exemption from dual prices,” counters one foreign resident. Another adds, “The government wants to tax my overseas income like I’m Thai, but when it comes to admission fees, suddenly I’m not local anymore.” Some try to draw comparisons. “We do it in Florida — charge tourists more in high season. Otherwise, we’d lose local business. It makes sense,” said one American. Another shared: “In Hawaii, I just say the right phrase, and boom, I get the local discount.” But for many in Pattaya, the issue isn’t the price tag — it’s the principle. “It’s not the money,” one expat said. “It’s the system openly saying the price is X, but we’ll double it for you because you’re a foreigner. That stings.” The logic some propose is simple: reward people who contribute to the tourism economy, regardless of nationality. “If you work in this town and bring tourists to a venue, you deserve the local rate. I got free meals as a ski guide in Europe, and I wasn’t from there. That’s fair.” Another adds: “Local price should be for all locals. Tourist price should be for anyone not helping the tourism scene. It’s about your role, not your passport.” Still, others wave it off. “Hotel prices in Thailand are already too low,” says one commenter. “You won’t find anything this cheap in the UK — even in Cardiff.” One poster added, “You’re on holiday. Expect to pay. That’s the same all over the world.” But that argument falls short for long-term residents, retirees, and digital nomads who have made Pattaya home. “I’ve been here five years and barely see dual pricing,” one says, while another claims, “Try going to Had Toei in Sattahip with a Thai wife and kids. Still not welcome.” In the end, it seems most agree on a core truth: just keep Pattaya cheap, transparent, and fair — and the tourists will keep coming. As one commenter put it bluntly, “Bigger fish to fry than this lil trout.” But as long as those fish keep flopping, expect the pricing debate to keep resurfacing too.

พนักงานบัญชี (พัทยา)บริษัท รัตนากร แอสเซท จำกัดบริษัท รัตนากร แอสเซท จำกัดอ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีตามโครงสร้างบริษัทฯ

ผู้จัดการอาคาร (พัทยา)บริษัท เอพี (ไทยแลนด์) จำกัด (มหาชน)บริษัท เอพี (ไทยแลนด์) จำกัด (มหาชน)อ.สัตหีบ จ.ชลบุรีไม่ระบุ สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

หัวหน้าช่างประจำอาคาร (พัทยา)บริษัท เอพี (ไทยแลนด์) จำกัด (มหาชน)บริษัท เอพี (ไทยแลนด์) จำกัด (มหาชน)อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีตามตกลง สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

ผู้จัดการสาขา (ประจำสาขาพัทยา)Mahajak Development Co., Ltd.Mahajak Development Co., Ltd.อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีตามตกลง สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

ตำรวจ สี่ สภ. ฝ่ายปกครอง สนธิกำลัง ปฏิบัติการ “No Drugs No Dealers” กวาดล้าง ผู้ค้า ผู้เสพ ทั่วอำเภอบางละมุง เมื่อเวลา 06.06 น.วันที่ 1 สิงหาคม 2568 นายพัชรพัชร์ ศรีธัญญนนท์ นายอำเภอบางละมุง พร้อมด้วยกำลังเจ้าหน้าที่อำเภอบางละมุง เจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจสภ.บางละมุง สภ.หนองปรือ สภ.เมืองพัทยา สภ.ห้วยใหญ่ สนธิกำลังกันปล่อยแถวออกกวาดล้างยาเสพติด ตามนโยบายของ กระทรวงมหาดไทย “No Drugs No Dealers” ผนึกกำลัง สร้างหมู่บ้านชุมชนปลอดยาเสพติด แก้ไขปัญหายาเสพติดอย่างจริงจังในพื้นที่ สร้าง “ภูมิคุ้มกันทางสังคม” ให้เข้มแข็ง ในสถานศึกษา ชุมชม หมู่บ้าน และครอบครัว โดยแบ่งกำลังตามสถานี แล้วออกตรวจสอบตามเป้าหมาย โดยสภ.บางละมุง นำโดย พ.ต.อ.สราวุธ นุชนารถ ผกก.สภ.บางละมุง นายคำไพร เหลาแสน ปลัดอำเภอบางละมุง […]