Quiet Beaches, Quiet Cash Registers — Pattaya’s slow August has restaurants, bars, and hotels waiting anxiously for high-season crowds to return. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Locals hope for a high-season comeback as the city’s beaches remain quiet despite promising signals from some international markets. August has arrived, but Pattaya still isn’t seeing the tourist numbers it needs. A survey of the beach and city areas on August 3, found the atmosphere still subdued, with only a moderate uptick in international visitors — mostly from Malaysia, India, and parts of Europe. According to mid-year tourism data, Malaysia has become Thailand’s largest tourist market in 2025, with more than 2.29 million arrivals so far. Indian tourists, too, are on the rise, reaching 1.18 million visitors, a 13.8% increase compared to last year. Officials expect the number to hit 2.5 million by the end of the year. Meanwhile, tourists from Germany, the UK, France, and Poland continue to see Pattaya as a summer destination, though not yet in the numbers needed to truly revitalize the local economy. Still, the early August scene remains calm — perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway without crowds. Pattaya Beach remains open and welcoming, offering a peaceful escape for travelers looking to avoid peak-season chaos. But for local businesses — from restaurants to hotels and bars — the struggle continues. Many report insufficient income and increasing pressure to adapt and survive. Hopes now rest on the upcoming high season (November to February), when a stronger influx of tourists may finally help bring the local economy back to life. “We’re hanging on,” one local hotel manager said. “But it’s getting harder. We need the crowds back — not just the headlines.”

Tourists say Thailand no longer feels like a bargain. Public backlash grows as the baht stays firm while wallets get lighter. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While headlines scream about a “weakened” Thai baht, the truth is more complicated — and frankly, misleading. The baht hasn’t significantly weakened in any meaningful long-term sense. If anything, it remains overvalued against several major currencies, especially considering the tourism slump Thailand continues to face. In the past week, the baht touched its weakest point in over a month, closing at 32.85 baht per USD, compared to 32.38 a week prior. But this slight shift hardly signals a sustained weakening. In fact, KBank expects it to remain in a tight range of 32.30–33.10 next week, depending on U.S. inflation data, foreign capital flows, global gold prices, and — oddly enough — tensions with Cambodia. Meanwhile, tourists — particularly from the UK, Australia, and Europe — are not convinced. “It hasn’t weakened at all,” one commenter noted. “It’s still too strong against any currency.” Another wrote, “We’re not even getting 43 baht to the pound — I remember when it was 70 or more. Thailand’s too expensive now.” The problem isn’t just the currency — it’s perception and purchasing power. Thailand relies on tourism for nearly 25% of its total income, but visitor numbers have reportedly dropped off by 30% compared to pre-pandemic peaks. A strong baht with low spending volume creates a serious imbalance. Currency strength should reflect the underlying flow of money and demand — and right now, both are lagging. Foreign tourists are increasingly price-sensitive. British tourists remember getting 65–75 baht to the pound. Aussies are seeing the baht hold stubbornly around 21 per AUD, while the euro barely stretches far in tourist zones. Yes, Thailand is affordable in absolute terms — but it’s no longer the unbeatable bargain it once was. Meanwhile, regional competitors like Vietnam and the Philippines are drawing budget-conscious travelers with better exchange rates and fewer structural issues. Some argue the baht is being deliberately propped up. With U.S. Fed rates remaining high and global investors cautious, the baht’s movement is more reactive to bond yields and global capital shifts than tourism reality. Add in recent trade talks with the U.S. and EU, and investors are treating the baht as stronger than what the tourism sector can support. Others say it plainly: “The baht needs to weaken to attract more tourists.” But currency policy isn’t designed to make beer cheaper for backpackers — it’s aligned with macroeconomic strategy and trade priorities. While tourists squabble online about exchange rates, Pattaya’s beaches are quieter, hotel occupancy is patchy, and nightlife venues aren’t pulling the crowds they used to. Even the lower baht against the dollar hasn’t reversed the dip in long-haul travel from the West. Yes, some visitors still come — but they’re staying shorter, spending less, and choosing neighboring countries more often. Thailand’s “value-for-money” edge is slipping, and unless the baht adjusts to reflect actual demand, it may slip even further. Bottom line? Stop calling the baht weak. It’s not. And until Thailand recalibrates its economic and tourism policies — or faces real currency correction — the only thing weakening may be its hold on its own tourism future.

Cannabis, conflict, and controversy: Thailand’s tourism model faces an identity crisis as locals blame the wrong kind of tourists, scammers, and unchecked policy drift. (File Photo) PATTAYA, Thailand – Calls are mounting for Thailand’s Tourism and Sports Ministry to step in and regulate the open sale and use of cannabis on the streets of Pattaya and Phuket. As the country navigates the post-pandemic tourism rebound, debate is growing over whether Thailand’s cannabis decriminalization has helped or hurt its image — particularly in its flagship beach destinations. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong is under renewed pressure after social media platforms filled with photos, videos, and eyewitness complaints of tourists openly lighting up joints outside 7-Elevens, in beach bars, on walking streets, and near family areas. “The smell is everywhere — this is not what we signed up for,” wrote one frustrated visitor on Facebook. “Weed has become the new tuk tuk tout.” But the backlash has sparked a wider, often heated conversation. “Funny how cannabis has become the scapegoat,” one user commented. “Forget the drunken buffoons chain-smoking cigarettes at the bars and getting into brawls.” Others point to international examples. “Doesn’t seem to be a problem for Amsterdam — the place is packed. Same with Colorado and California. So not buying that argument,” another posted. “Thailand should focus on managing behavior, not banning cannabis outright.” However, local resentment is also bubbling over — and not just about cannabis. “Cannabis plus the wrong kind of tourist is a bad mix,” one Thai resident commented. “Add in scammers from Eastern Europe — laundering black money through shell businesses and buying up property — and now it’s out of control.” Tourism Minister Sorawong hears concerns firsthand as calls grow for clearer rules on cannabis, unruly tourists, and unchecked business takeovers in Pattaya and Phuket. Another added more pointedly, “Weed or the waves of cheap-spending tourists — you hit the nail on the head. The real issue is how these crowds are flooding in and reshaping the country in all the wrong ways.” Despite the discriminatory tone in some of the comments, the underlying sentiment appears to be frustration with the changing face of Thai tourism — and a lack of oversight. Some argue that cannabis remains part of Thailand’s unique post-pandemic identity, drawing in travelers from nations where marijuana use remains criminalized. “Take it away, and they’ll go to Vietnam or Cambodia,” one poster warned. “Those countries legalize it next, and you lose the edge.” So far, Thailand has stopped short of rolling back cannabis laws, though the Thai government has vowed to reclassify the plant for medical use only by year’s end. But until a new law is passed, enforcement remains patchy, and confusion reigns — not just among tourists, but also vendors, police, and even local governments. For now, the cannabis haze continues to drift over Thailand’s most iconic tourist cities — with no clear consensus in sight.

President Ilona Landgraf-Strobel (centre) and fellow members of the Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International stand together with relief goods ready for distribution to families affected by the on-going border conflict in Surin. PATTAYA, Thailand – For the members of the Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International, service above self is more than just a motto — it’s a lived commitment. Recently, this dedication took the form of an arduous journey: nearly eight hours by car from Pattaya to Surin, on Thailand’s north-eastern border with Cambodia, where families affected by the on-going border conflict urgently needed help. Led by the club’s new president, Ilona Landgraf-Strobel, the small team set off in the early hours, determined to bring not just supplies, but also hope. Packed into their vehicles were essential relief items: food, water, blankets, medicine, and hygiene kits — carefully gathered thanks to the generosity of club members and supporters back home in Pattaya. The mission was about more than just logistics; it was about human connection. Upon arrival, the Rotarians met local community leaders, volunteers, and directly with the refugees themselves. Many of those displaced had fled their homes with little more than what they could carry. For them, the arrival of aid was a powerful reminder that, even amid crisis, they were not forgotten. Ilona Landgraf-Strobel, who took office only recently, expressed both pride and humility: “It was a long journey, but every kilometre was worth it. Seeing the gratitude in people’s eyes reminded us why we do this work. It’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with those in need — no matter how far away.” The Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International is one of the city’s oldest and strongest clubs, known for tackling diverse challenges — from health projects to educational support and disaster relief. This mission to Surin once again demonstrated the club’s unwavering commitment to rapid action when crises strike. Back in Pattaya, club members continue to rally support, planning follow-up trips and exploring longer-term initiatives to help border communities rebuild and regain stability. In every effort, they remain guided by the core Rotary principles of fellowship, compassion, and sustainable service. As the convoy returned home, tired yet deeply fulfilled, the shared sense among the team was clear: it isn’t just the distance travelled that matters, but the difference made. And through their dedication, the Rotary E-Club Dolphin Pattaya International has shown how hearts in Pattaya can reach those in need — no matter how far the road.

เจ้าหน้าที่กิจการพิเศษพัทยาควบคุมตัวนักท่องเที่ยวสวีเดน บินโดรนถ่ายวิวชายหาด ฝ่าฝืนข้อห้ามช่วงสถานการณ์ไม่สงบเมื่อเวลา 22.00 น. วันที่ 3 สิงหาคม 2568 เจ้าหน้าที่กิจการพิเศษเมืองพัทยา เข้าควบคุมนักท่องเที่ยวชายชาวสวีเดน อายุ 28 ปี ขณะกำลังบังคับโดรนถ่ายภาพบริเวณชายหาดพัทยา อำเภอบางละมุง จังหวัดชลบุรี โดยไม่ได้รับอนุญาตจากการสอบสวนผ่านล่าม นักท่องเที่ยวรายนี้ให้การว่า เพิ่งเดินทางมาถึงพัทยาไม่นาน และตั้งใจเก็บภาพทิวทัศน์ทะเลเป็นที่ระลึก โดยไม่ทราบว่ามีคำสั่งห้ามบินโดรนทั่วประเทศในช่วงเวลาดังกล่าว อันเนื่องมาจากสถานการณ์ความไม่สงบบริเวณชายแดนไทย–กัมพูชาเจ้าหน้าที่จึงยึดของกลาง (โดรน 1 เครื่อง) และนำตัวส่ง สภ.เมืองพัทยา เพื่อดำเนินการตามขั้นตอนทางกฎหมาย พร้อมว่ากล่าวตักเตือนและชี้แจงข้อกฎหมาย รวมถึงประกาศห้ามบินโดรนที่เกี่ยวข้อง ก่อนอนุญาตให้กลับที่พักทั้งนี้ สำนักงานการบินพลเรือนแห่งประเทศไทย (CAAT) ได้ออกประกาศชัดเจน ห้ามใช้หรือปล่อยอากาศยานไร้คนขับ (โดรน) ทุกประเภททั่วประเทศ ตั้งแต่วันที่ 30 กรกฎาคม ถึง 15 สิงหาคม 2568 หรือจนกว่าจะมีประกาศเปลี่ยนแปลง เพื่อรักษาความมั่นคงและความปลอดภัยในการปฏิบัติงานของเจ้าหน้าที่ในพื้นที่เสี่ยง

Sales Project / Sales Spec (ประจำพัทยา)บริษัท เวสเทิร์น เดคอร์ คอร์ปอเรชั่น จำกัด (มหาชน) (WDC)บริษัท เวสเทิร์น เดคอร์ คอร์ปอเรชั่น จำกัด (มหาชน) (WDC)อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีตามตกลง

จป.วิชาชีพ ประจำโครงการก่อสร้าง (พัทยา)บริษัท จงเทียน โอเวอร์ซีส์ เอ็นจิเนียริ่ง (ประเทศไทย) จำกัดบริษัท จงเทียน โอเวอร์ซีส์ เอ็นจิเนียริ่ง (ประเทศไทย) จำกัดอ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรี20,000 - 35,000 บาท สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

Sales Executive : ฝ่ายขายบริการด้านกำจัดแมลง (สาขาพัทยา)Rentokil Initial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Rentokil Initial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีรายได้รวม 28,000 - 40,000+ บาท ต่อเดือน สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

พนักงาน Bigcmini สาขามาบยางพร ระยอง ปลวกแดง บ่อวิน พัทยา สัตหีบบริษัท บิ๊กซี ซูเปอร์เซ็นเตอร์ จำกัด (มหาชน)บริษัท บิ๊กซี ซูเปอร์เซ็นเตอร์ จำกัด (มหาชน)จ.ระยองตามโครงสร้างบริษัทฯ สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์

Service Technician: พนักงานบริการกำจัดแมลง (CPM สาขาพัทยา)Rentokil Initial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Rentokil Initial (Thailand) Co., Ltd.อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรีรายได้รวม 14,000 - 20,000+ บาท ต่อเดือน สัมภาษณ์งานออนไลน์