‘What went wrong with Pattaya?’– Tourists cite lady drinks, sky-high prices, weird music, and lost magic
From lady drinks to legal weed—longtime visitors say Pattaya has lost its magic and affordability.
PATTAYA, Thailand – Once a magnet for Western travelers drawn by cheap prices, friendly faces, and easy fun, Pattaya is now facing a chorus of discontent from returning tourists and long-term visitors. Yes, tourists are back—but many aren’t staying long, and they’re spending less than ever.
“It’s not Pattaya anymore,” one visitor bluntly posted online. “The Thai government has allowed it to turn into little Mumbai.”
It’s a sentiment echoed often in comments and barstool conversations. While some chalk the change up to shifting demographics, others point to broader issues: sky-high airfares, expensive hotels, and the soaring Thai baht that’s chipping away at foreigners’ spending power.
“Everything is double since the last time I was here,” said a frustrated tourist. “I found a better place—cheaper, safer.”
Even among those who love Pattaya, the mood has changed.
“We have guests again,” said one small hotel operator, “but we’re working twice as hard to earn half as much.”
Many bars and clubs that once relied on long-term Western regulars now struggle to adapt to shorter-staying, cost-conscious travelers. And while the town still pulses with music and neon, some say the soul has shifted.
“Thailand has become Mumbai,” one commenter posted. “Time to holiday in another place.”
There’s also tension over who’s coming—and how they’re spending.
“Most tourists will buy a beer and a lady drink,” one bar regular said. “But Indians will buy one beer and four straws.”
Another added, “I’ve seen Indian men haggling with the baht bus—it’s 10 baht, ffs.”
Yet others push back, saying the complaints mask deeper issues.
“Westerners have always complained about too many non-Westerners in Pattaya,” one expat commented. “First Arabs, then Russians, then Chinese, and now Indians. If you can’t get along with others, maybe the problem isn’t them.”
Still, the criticism isn’t just about nationalities. It’s also about value.
“It’s too expensive in Pattaya,” said one longtime visitor. “Restaurants cost as much as the UK. Bars want too many lady drinks, and the entertainment has dropped in quality.”
“More quantity, less quality,” said another.
And for many, the legal weed boom hasn’t helped the vibe.
“Big families who used to spend on tours and nice restaurants are gone,” one observer noted. “Now it’s mostly young guys staying in hostels, eating McDonald’s.”
Even loyal fans of Pattaya are eyeing the exit.
“Next time, Cambodia,” one man said flatly.
As costs rise and expectations shift, the warning signs are clear. Pattaya isn’t just dealing with a tourist slowdown—it’s facing a reputation crisis.
Or as one frustrated visitor put it:
“You reap what you sow.”
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