Pattaya to Cambodia same-day border bounce unaffected. Foreign tourists and expats needing a single day border hop to Cambodia report no problems at the Pong Nam Ron (Hot Water Spring) frontier post. It’s located in a semi-rural area of Chanthaburi province and a four hours drive from Pattaya. If you travel with an established agency, there is no long queuing or disorder of the kind publicized at some other border areas. UK tourist Philip Sawle said, “The territorial dispute between Thailand and Cambodia is not affecting foreigners at Pong Nam Ron. My girlfriend and I were obtaining a new 60 days visa exempt stamp and used the service provided by Thai Visa Center. We boarded the minibus at 7.30 am outside Jomtien immigration headquarters and were back in Pattaya well before dark.” He added that Cambodian immigration authorities conveniently handled the now-compulsory Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Border hops are not visa runs as explained by Jessataporn Bunnag, managing director of Thai Visa Center located next to the Jomtien immigration bureau. “A border hop is an in-out quickie for foreigners wanting a new visa exempt entry, or needing to refresh a 90 days non-immigrant visa which has two or more entries. On the other hand, a visa run is for those requiring a brand new permit issued only by a Thai embassy or consulate in a neighboring country.” Some confusion has arisen because Cambodian nationals entering Thailand visa-exempt by land now receive only seven days, but that restriction does not apply to other nationalities. Mr Bunnag explained, “Our customers must register with us first as we email in advance a copy of their passport. But we take care of all the bureaucracy and escort them throughout the exit and entry process in the two countries. Lunch is provided and the all-inclusive price (nothing extra) is 6,500 baht, or less than US$200. A recent trend is for foreigners with a single-entry student visa to cancel it by doing a border hop and returning with a 60 days visa exempt stamp. This is because student visas have become difficult to extend in Thailand because of a crackdown on perceived abuses. According to Mr Bunnag, they can subsequently (with the required paperwork) apply for a five-years validity soft-power Destination Thailand Visa in a neighboring country such as Laos or Cambodia. Border hops and advice on DTVs can be arranged at the Thai Visa Center office or by phoning Mr Bunnag on 0875133333.

“Make Pattaya Great Again?” — But who’s supposed to do the heavy lifting: tourists, expats, or struggling local businesses? PATTAYA, Thailand – “Make Pattaya Great Again” sounds like a noble call, but it begs the question: who exactly is responsible for that mission? Should it be the foreign tourists coming back in droves, the long-term expats still clinging to their Beach Road nostalgia, or the local business owners trying to adapt to a tourism economy under stress? “Because as it stands, many argue Pattaya is doing a fine job pulling itself down — ‘No need help,’ one commenter quips.” The price of a beer is no longer a joke. From 60-baht beachside beers on Koh Samet to 80-baht soda water in Pattaya’s music bars, inflation is real, and so is the pain of a tourist dollar not stretching as far as it used to. As one tourist put it, “In 2013, short time was 500 baht. Now it’s 1500. That’s 40 euros.” And the exchange rate rubs salt in the wound. The British pound once fetched 85 baht — now it’s hovering under 44. The Australian dollar? It’s lucky to hit 21 baht, compared to 19 in the late ’80s. Tourists grumble: “Stay away then, Cheap Charlie.” Others shrug and say, “Pattaya can be expensive, but it can still be cheap — if you know where to look.” Like Chang beer at 39 baht. But let’s be honest — those bargains are buried beneath layers of inflation, higher alcohol taxes, and services now more focused on grabbing money than offering value. At the heart of the matter is not just money, but attitude. Some say Thai hospitality has become a “filthy hustle,” where “hungry for money” Thai vendors and service workers have lost the charm that once drew tourists in droves. Others draw comparisons to other destinations. “Go to the Philippines,” one commenter says. “They understand you. They know what hard-earned money means. Thai gals just plunder.” Some say it’s time to stop trying to make Pattaya ‘great’ — at least in the nostalgic sense. “Let them learn the hard way,” one expat laments. “Stop trying to justify anything here. Without a weak baht, there’s no reason to choose Thailand at all.” There’s a strong undercurrent of cynicism: Pattaya is too far gone, its golden era buried under currency fluctuations, diluted services, overpriced nightlife, and a loss of authenticity. But others remember differently. “The baht was stronger in the past, and people didn’t complain this much,” says a seasoned Bangkok veteran. Perhaps it’s not just Pattaya that changed — it’s the travelers, the expectations, and the world economy. Beer’s still cheap, but the vibe isn’t. Rising prices and falling patience leave long-timers wondering if the golden days are gone for good. So Who Should Do It? If “Make Pattaya Great Again” is to be more than a meme, who’s supposed to do the heavy lifting? Foreign tourists? Many are being priced out by expensive airfares and a tough exchange rate. Expats? A lot are disillusioned and disengaged — or just tired of being called “Cheap Charlies.” Local businesses? Some are trying — but many are just trying to survive. So maybe no one can make Pattaya great again — not the way it used to be. Maybe it’s about making it work now, in a different time, with different tools and expectations. Until then, you can still find a 39-baht Chang and a few sunsets that don’t cost a thing — but you’ll have to look a little harder than before.

Pattaya Warned: Sudden storms possible despite calm breezes, national rain alert issued. (Photo – Pattaya Beach in June) PATTAYA, Thailand – Visitors enjoying the cool sea breeze on Pattaya’s beaches are being warned not to be lulled into a false sense of security, as dark clouds continue to hover above the Eastern Seaboard. Sudden, intense rainstorms may strike at any moment — even when the skies appear deceptively calm. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a nationwide alert, warning of very heavy rainfall in parts of the North, Northeast, East, and western South of Thailand, urging residents and tourists to beware of flash floods and forest runoff, especially in foothill areas and lowlands. This includes Pattaya and surrounding areas in Chonburi province, where conditions remain unstable. According to the 24-hour forecast, eastern provinces such as Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat could see severe weather, with wind gusts and waves reaching 2–3 meters — and even higher during thunderstorms. Local authorities are also urging small boats in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea to stay ashore until at least June 13, as wave heights could exceed 3 meters in stormy areas. Meanwhile, a tropical depression in the upper South China Sea is expected to intensify into a tropical storm. While it will not directly impact Thailand, it is contributing to the current unstable conditions. Farmers across affected regions have been advised to take precautions to protect crops from flood-related damage. Even if the beach breeze feels pleasant, don’t leave your umbrella behind. Pattaya’s weather remains unpredictable — and a surprise downpour may be just minutes away.

15 million tourists and counting… But expats say: “It doesn’t feel like a boom on the ground.” PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand has welcomed over 15 million foreign tourists between January 1 and June 8, 2025, according to new data released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. But while officials highlight the figures as a sign of sustained recovery, many long-time residents and business owners paint a very different picture of tourism on the ground. The Official Numbers Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong announced that Thailand recorded 15,016,878 international arrivals, generating an estimated 699.3 billion baht in tourism revenue during the first five months of the year — a slight 2.87% decrease compared to the same period last year. The top five source countries for inbound tourists are: Malaysia – 2,041,002 China – 2,029,481 India – 1,035,864 Russia – 981,011 South Korea – 702,267 In the most recent weekly report (June 2–8), arrivals averaged 80,826 tourists per day, with Malaysia again leading the chart at 114,018 visitors for the week, followed by China and India. Officials expect a further uptick in June due to factors like the easing of visa rules, upcoming promotional campaigns under the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025, and improved flight connectivity. Thailand welcomes over 15 million tourists in first five months of 2025, generating nearly 700 billion baht in revenue despite a slight 2.87% dip from last year — Minister Sorawong reports. But What Are People Saying? Despite the glowing government reports, skepticism is growing online. Comments from expats, digital nomads, and local business operators on social media reflect widespread doubt — and frustration. “This is what you call a BS report. Fake news,” one commenter wrote on Facebook. “I was there Jan, Feb, April, and May — tourism was down,” added another. “Understand high/low season… I’ve worked in Thailand for 30 years. Tourism is in bad shape.” Several pointed to anecdotal evidence like quiet beaches, struggling guesthouses, and shuttered nightlife venues in areas once booming with foot traffic. “Thailand has gotten expensive. I think I’ll go to Cambodia next time,” one foreigner posted, echoing concerns over rising prices, dual pricing, and the strong baht making Thailand less attractive to budget-conscious travelers. Another user suggested, “Bali is the best… Thailand isn’t what it used to be.” While some still express affection for the country — “I love Thailand,” one said — others questioned the credibility of the data. Malaysia, China, India lead the tourist surge, yet local businesses claim spending isn’t keeping up. A Case of Two Realities There appears to be a growing gap between macro-level statistics and micro-level sentiment. While the government highlights total arrivals and overall revenue, expats and small business owners focus more on spending per head, length of stay, and visible changes in traveler behavior. Some analysts suggest that short-haul arrivals from neighboring countries — particularly Malaysia — may be inflating the headline numbers without significantly boosting local economies. These travelers often come for brief stays, sometimes just day trips, with limited spending on accommodation or high-value services. Meanwhile, traditional long-haul markets like Europe or North America — which historically contribute more in terms of spending per tourist — remain relatively subdued. This divide raises a key question for Thailand’s tourism strategy: should the focus remain on quantity, or shift toward quality and sustainability? Tourism is back? Not everyone agrees — many long-timers call the numbers “misleading.” Big numbers, small impact? Thailand’s tourism tally hits 15M, but some say the real economy tells a different story.

Chaos erupts late night on June 10 at Pattaya’s Walking Street: Thai rappers clash with Russian tourists in viral brawl, casting shadows over safety amid agencies’ concerns at other popular destinations like Phuket. PATTAYA, Thailand – While Pattaya has already felt the harsh impact of declining tourism and growing challenges, Phuket now faces its own critical crossroads. Recent findings reveal that despite still being a top tourist destination, Phuket is grappling with significant problems that threaten its future appeal. A survey of over 190 international travel agencies worldwide that send tourists to Phuket highlights several key concerns: worsening traffic congestion, poor environmental management, overflowing trash, cleanliness issues, taxi scams, street scuffles, and even the pervasive smell of legalized cannabis. These problems are raising red flags among tour operators, who warn that if left unaddressed, Phuket’s competitiveness and ability to accommodate visitors could be seriously undermined. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chayanon Phucharoen, Deputy Dean of Prince of Songkla University’s Phuket Campus, shared the survey results, noting that while travel agencies still recommend Phuket as a destination for the next 12 months due to its natural beauty, vibrant city life, delicious food, and welcoming locals, the urgency to tackle these problems is clear. Phuket Tourism Business Association President Thanes Tantipirayakit confirmed the concerns, reporting that during international marketing roadshows in the UK and other cities, tour companies frequently cited traffic jams, waste management, water pollution, and the effects of cannabis legalization as deterrents for tourists. “The association has raised these issues with the provincial government and regional authorities, emphasizing the need for urgent government support and funding to address problems like traffic congestion that cannot be solved at the provincial level alone,” said Mr. Thanes. “Tourism remains Phuket’s main economic driver, and safeguarding it must be a top priority.” Phuket’s situation echoes Pattaya’s earlier struggles, where a rise in similar problems dented tourist satisfaction and arrivals. Without swift, coordinated action, Phuket risks following Pattaya’s path — a sobering reality check for Thailand’s tourism-dependent provinces. Phuket’s tourism industry urges urgent government action to solve problems before they impact visitor numbers. Phuket faces growing tourism challenges as traffic jams, trash, environmental issues, and even the pervasive smell of legalized cannabis threaten its future appeal. (File Photo)

Pattaya faces urgent call to register all motorbike taxi drivers after decades of complaints about safety and scams. PATTAYA, Thailand – After years of mounting complaints about unruly behavior, overcharging, and safety concerns involving motorbike taxi drivers, it’s clear that Pattaya urgently needs to implement a proper registration and reporting system similar to Bangkok’s new mandate. Bangkok’s government recently announced that all “motorbike taxi drivers” must report themselves between November 1-30, 2025, to maintain their official status. Those who fail to do so will be removed from the official registry. This move follows persistent calls for better regulation and oversight of public transport drivers. The announcement, published in the Royal Gazette on June 10, 2025, updates a 2020 directive to improve the registration process and ensure it suits current conditions. Under the new rule, drivers must report biennially either in person or online. Failure to comply will result in their names being struck from the official list of licensed motorbike taxi drivers. For Pattaya, adopting a similar system could bring order to a sector long plagued by complaints ranging from aggressive solicitation, scams, and safety issues to general disorderliness. After decades of tolerating these problems, the city should take serious steps to register and monitor all motorbike taxi drivers, ensuring safety and trust for both locals and tourists. Such a move would not only enhance public safety but also improve Pattaya’s overall image as a well-managed tourist destination. Bangkok mandates motorbike taxi drivers to report by Nov 2025 or risk removal — Pattaya urged to follow suit.

Pattaya cracks down on construction firms polluting public drains — cement and debris blamed for clogged sewers. PATTAYA, Thailand – Authorities in Pattaya’s Naklua area, including municipal officers and related agencies, have fined a construction company 10,000 baht after discovering that cement water, sand, and soil from the site were being discharged into the public drainage system in Soi Phothisarn 6. This behavior has been cited as one of the leading causes of blocked drains and street flooding in the city. Officials emphasized that this type of violation undermines public sanitation and contributes to chronic drainage issues, especially during heavy rains. They stated that enforcement will continue with the aim of maintaining cleanliness and urban order in one of Thailand’s busiest tourist cities. Public response has been swift on social media, with many residents expressing concern that the fine is too low and unlikely to deter future violations. Some have called for harsher penalties, including raising the fine to 100,000 baht or temporarily shutting down irresponsible companies. Others have suggested that construction firms should be required to physically help clean the clogged drains themselves as part of their penalty. One commenter asked, “Where can we report these issues?” To which officials replied, “Dial 1337.” In response, city officials confirmed that they are acting within their legal mandate and will continue to enforce the law strictly. Netizens slam the low fine, calling for stricter penalties and temporary shutdowns for repeat offenders. Local construction site blamed for illegal dumping that blocks Pattaya’s drainage system. Call 1337 to Report Dirty Practices. Pattaya residents ask for clear reporting channels to stop public infrastructure abuse. Authorities promise continued inspections and action to protect the city’s cleanliness and order. Public calls grow for violators to help remove their own mess from the drainage system.

Drive Drunk, Lose Your Car: Thailand’s prosecutors crack down with new legal weapon to seize vehicles from dangerous drivers. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is pushing the envelope on road safety with a new wave of tougher legal enforcement and high-tech surveillance, as Thailand’s judiciary and local government respond to growing public concern about traffic accidents and drunk driving in tourist-heavy areas. On June 11, a groundbreaking directive from the Office of the Attorney General came into effect, introducing stricter prosecution protocols for drunk driving offenses. Under the new policy, if a suspect’s behavior is deemed reckless or shows disregard for public safety, prosecutors are now instructed to seek court orders for vehicle forfeiture as part of the criminal penalty — even if the suspect doesn’t yet face that specific charge. The measure is rooted in Section 43(8) of the Traffic Act, which penalizes driving that causes danger or public disturbance. “This new guideline is designed to address the escalating danger and loss of life caused by drunk driving,” said Kosonwat Inthujanyong, Director-General of the Office of Legal Aid and Enforcement. “It is not just about jail time or fines anymore — it’s about taking away the means to reoffend.” Just a day before the directive, at 3:30 AM on June 10, a dramatic reminder of the issue unfolded in Pattaya. Ms. Supaporn, a 28-year-old from Rayong, crashed her white Toyota Yaris into a construction camp inside the Runway Market area on Pattaya Second Road. She admitted to having partied at Walking Street before attempting to drive back to Rayong. The vehicle plowed into PVC pipes, cement poles, wooden scaffolding, and tiles, leaving the scene strewn with debris. She was clearly intoxicated, and police detained her for breath alcohol testing. Rayong woman’s drunken crash in Pattaya fuels debate over harsh new penalties – public says ‘Seize It All’. News of the tougher drunk driving policy sparked a flurry of public comments on social media. Some expressed approval: -Just seize the car and let them continue the loan payments. -Great! Take the car and make the payments yourself. Others took a more cynical tone: -What if the officer is the one drunk? What will you confiscate then? -Why stop at the car? Confiscate the house and land too. -Bars are doomed. Get ready. But tough laws aren’t Pattaya’s only strategy. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet recently confirmed a joint initiative between Pattaya City and Provincial Police Region 2 to make the city a smart surveillance pioneer. With nearly 2,500 CCTV cameras already operating on both the mainland and Koh Larn, Pattaya is now preparing to integrate AI-powered facial recognition and license plate scanning, linking data to the national law enforcement database. The AI-enhanced system — modeled after what’s already in use at the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) — will allow real-time identification of wanted suspects and repeat offenders. A joint task force made up of Pattaya City, Pattaya Police, and CIB will manage the rollout. Pattaya Steps Up: City becomes pilot zone for AI-linked CCTV network to boost road safety and track offenders. Installation of the upgraded surveillance system is set to finish by the end of June 2025, focusing on high-traffic areas and tourist zones. Officers will monitor the live feeds locally, ready to respond instantly to any flagged activity. With legal reform now backed by smart technology, Pattaya’s approach could signal a turning point for road safety in Thailand. For a city that welcomes millions of tourists annually, many of whom party late into the night, the message is clear: Drive drunk and you may lose your car — and your freedom. And with more eyes watching — not just human, but artificial — the days of getting away with reckless driving in Pattaya may finally be numbered. ‘No More Excuses’: Pattaya Mayor and police launch 3-way task force to make roads safer with high-tech surveillance.

Thailand’s Tourism Authority battles tough weather to revive visitor groups, while many tourists don’t seek luxury—just peace, sun, and a simple escape. PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite popular belief, the strong Thai baht alone doesn’t fully explain why many European and Chinese tourists are hesitant to visit Pattaya these days. The baht remains relatively stable, opening at 32.62 baht per US dollar, almost unchanged from previous levels. Market analysts expect the baht to trade sideways in the short term as investors await the upcoming US inflation report, which could influence interest rate decisions by the Federal Reserve later this year. According to financial experts, if US inflation data comes in lower than expected, it could encourage the Fed to cut rates, potentially weakening the dollar and easing pressure on Asian currencies like the baht. Conversely, higher inflation could lead to delayed rate cuts, strengthening the dollar and causing currency volatility. Despite this, the current range of the baht is predicted to stay between 32.45 and 32.75 per dollar in the near term — no drastic weakening in sight. So if the exchange rate isn’t the main culprit, what else is driving tourists to hold back? High airfares from Europe, Australia, and the US have made travel to Thailand more expensive. Combined with inflation within Thailand, prices for hotels, dining, and daily activities have increased noticeably. These rising costs chip away at Pattaya’s once-famous reputation as an affordable getaway. In addition, ongoing global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and fears of recession in some regions, make travelers more cautious about discretionary spending and long-haul vacations. A seasoned traveler commenting on the situation said, “I do not really think it is about the strong baht. It could be due to other factors like high ticket prices. Inflation in Thailand could also be a factor. Prices of accommodations, restaurants have gone up. And most important is the global economy which is not very stable.” Yet another perspective notes, “Pattaya is still half the price of many Western countries,” highlighting that while the destination remains relatively affordable compared to Europe or North America, the combined impact of travel costs and economic worries is enough to make tourists reconsider their plans. For Chinese tourists, additional barriers remain, including stricter travel policies and ongoing geopolitical concerns. Health and safety apprehensions also continue to influence their travel decisions, which have further slowed visitor numbers from one of Pattaya’s largest tourist groups. Maybe it’s also the rainy season in Thailand that’s keeping tourists away for now. While the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is fighting hard to bring back long-time visitor groups through aggressive campaigns and promotions, there’s a strong hope that tourist numbers will rebound as the dry winter season approaches. The TAT is pulling out all the stops to revive the market, aiming to attract visitors back once the weather improves and travel becomes more comfortable again. Many foreign tourists express frustration that not all visitors are the “high-value” travelers the industry often targets. Instead, a large number simply want a peaceful getaway with a bit of sun, away from the hectic pace of their home countries. They aren’t necessarily looking for luxury experiences or nonstop entertainment—just a calm, affordable place to relax and recharge. This mismatch between what some tourists want and what the market pushes can sometimes leave both visitors and local businesses feeling disconnected.

“I used to love Pattaya. Now I feel like a walking ATM” – A growing sentiment from German regulars who won’t return. (Photo – Jomtien Beach, Thailand) PATTAYA, Thailand – Once a mainstay of Pattaya’s high-season tourism scene, German tourists have become a rarer sight along Beach Road, in beer gardens, and even in the city’s famously lively nightlife zones. While official statistics show a general post-pandemic recovery in foreign arrivals, anecdotal evidence and social media posts tell a different story when it comes to German travelers. Many Germans who once returned to Pattaya year after year now say they’re staying away—and they’re not shy about explaining why. “It’s not the same anymore. Prices have gone up, quality has gone down, and the charm is fading,” wrote one German user on Facebook. “Früher war Pattaya ein Paradies für uns Rentner. Heute ist alles teuer und überfüllt mit anderen Nationen,” another added. (“Pattaya used to be a paradise for us retirees. Today it’s expensive and crowded with other nationalities.”) Across forums in comment sections, longtime German visitors are voicing their disappointment and disinterest in returning. Some cite overdevelopment, others lament the erosion of Gemütlichkeit—that cozy, laid-back Thai-German rapport that once defined their holidays. But underlying many of the complaints is a hard economic truth: the euro just doesn’t go as far as it used to. Since early 2024, the euro has struggled against the Thai baht. At times hovering near 37 baht to the euro, compared to close to 45 baht just a few years ago, German pensioners and budget-conscious travelers are finding it increasingly hard to justify long trips. “Früher bekam ich für 1000 Euro fast 45.000 Baht. Jetzt sind es kaum 37.000. Das macht einen riesigen Unterschied.” (“I used to get almost 45,000 baht for 1,000 euros. Now it’s barely 37,000. That makes a huge difference.”) For many older German men who once spent several months a year in Pattaya, this exchange rate squeeze affects everything—from accommodation and healthcare to daily meals and nightlife. “No point going all the way to Thailand when I can barely afford a decent hotel and a few beers a night,” wrote another. “Ich liebe Thailand, aber nicht zu jedem Preis,” added one commenter. (“I love Thailand, but not at any price.”) Another common theme that emerges from online German-language forums and social posts is disappointment with the bar scene itself. Many say the atmosphere has become too transactional, too artificial, and—perhaps most strikingly—too cosmetic. “Ich erkenne die Mädels gar nicht mehr wieder – überall nur noch Plastikgesichter, keine Natürlichkeit, keine Seele,” wrote one disillusioned commenter. (“I don’t recognize the girls anymore – just plastic faces everywhere, no authenticity, no soul.”) Some Germans, especially older regulars, say they miss the “warm, simple fun” of previous years, replaced now by what they describe as aggressively money-focused interactions in bars and entertainment venues. “Es geht nur noch ums Geld. Du sitzt kaum hin, schon wird gefragt, ob du trinkst, bezahlst oder gleich Lady Drink willst,” another grumbled. (“It’s all about money now. You barely sit down before they ask if you’re drinking, paying, or want a lady drink right away.”) These observations may be subjective, but the frequency with which they appear suggests a deeper shift in how parts of Pattaya’s nightlife are being perceived—at least by one formerly loyal demographic. Some even mock the so-called “expert opinions” on Thai tourism with a touch of sarcasm: “Super wenn Deutsche Experten zu solchen Schlussfolgern kommen. Das braucht die ganze Welt.” (“Great when German experts come to such conclusions. That’s exactly what the world needs.”) Pattaya’s changing crowd — more Russians, Indians, and Chinese visitors are reshaping the city, making some longtime German tourists rethink their return. (Photo – Pattaya Beach, Thailand) And for some, the verdict is final. A now-popular comment simply reads: “Thailand hat fertig.” (“Thailand is finished.”) Short, bitter, and unmistakably clear, it reflects a deep disenchantment from a segment of German travelers who once saw Pattaya as their personal paradise. For decades, Thailand marketed itself as the ultimate “Sea, Sand, and Sun” destination — and for many Germans, Pattaya was the perfect place to experience it all, with a cold drink in hand and the Gulf of Thailand at their feet. But in 2025, that golden formula isn’t as unique or compelling as it once was. “Sonne und Meer gibt’s auch in Spanien oder Griechenland – und dort werde ich wenigstens nicht dauernd über’s Ohr gehauen,” wrote one user. (“There’s sun and sea in Spain or Greece too – and at least there I’m not constantly getting ripped off.”) Others point out that beaches in places like Vietnam, the Philippines, or even Albania offer similar coastal experiences — often with better value, cleaner environments, and a friendlier reception. “Why should I go all the way to Pattaya to sit on a noisy beach surrounded by jetskis and vendors?” asked one commenter. “Ich flieg lieber nach Teneriffa – Meer, Sonne, gutes Essen und keine Visa-Probleme.” (“I’d rather fly to Tenerife – sea, sun, good food, and no visa issues.”) Even further afield, destinations like Bali, Sri Lanka, and Mexico are gaining attention among German travelers who feel priced out or unwelcome in the new version of Thailand. While Thailand once dominated the tropical fantasy for winter-weary Europeans, today’s travelers have more choice, more transparency, and more expectations. A German tourist further expresses: “Ich mochte Phuket früher wirklich, aber ganz ehrlich – es ist jetzt viel zu teuer für das, was man bekommt. Alles kostet das Doppelte, und der Charme ist weg.” “I used to really like Phuket, but honestly – it’s way too expensive now for what you get. Everything costs double, and the charm is gone.” Another factor prompting many German tourists to rethink their visits to Pattaya is the noticeable demographic shift in the city’s tourist makeup. Increasingly, Pattaya is welcoming larger numbers of Russian, Indian, and Chinese visitors. While this diversification brings new energy and business, some longtime German visitors feel it has changed the atmosphere they once cherished. “Früher war man hier fast allein unter Freunden. Jetzt fühlt es sich anders an, viel lauter und hektischer,” shared one German traveler. (“It used to feel like you were almost alone among friends here. Now it feels different — much louder and more hectic.”) Unless Thailand addresses the rising costs, artificiality, and waning warmth that longtime visitors feel, Pattaya risks becoming a nostalgic memory rather than a planned return. Because now, as many Germans are discovering: “The sea is everywhere. The soul isn’t.” Or as one blunt commenter put it: “Thailand hat fertig.”

Pattaya Council members inspect new wastewater treatment system on Koh Larn, designed to support growing residents and tourists. PATTAYA, Thailand – At the Koh Larn community, members of the Pattaya City Council  inspected the construction project of the third community wastewater treatment system (Phase 1) at Tha Rai and followed up on the comprehensive waste incinerator project on Koh Larn aimed at solving the island’s waste problem sustainably. The construction of the third community wastewater treatment system (Phase 1) at Tha Na Ban area is necessary because Koh Larn currently has only two treatment ponds located at Ta Waen Beach and Samae Beach, but the Tha Na Ban area, which has a dense residential population, does not have a wastewater treatment pond. Additionally, the natural treatment system currently in use cannot support the increasing number of residents and tourists on Koh Larn. The project is now complete, and the contractor has begun testing the wastewater treatment system. The Tha Na Ban treatment plant can process up to 1,600 cubic meters of wastewater per day. The wastewater treatment process involves sewage passing through a grit chamber, sedimentation tank, balancing tank, biological tank, treatment system, and then into a clean water holding pond. The treated water must have a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) value of no more than 20 milligrams per liter before it is used for watering plants, street cleaning, and potentially for use with the waste incinerator system in the future. Koh Larn’s third wastewater treatment plant can process 1,600 cubic meters of sewage daily to protect island waters. Regarding the comprehensive waste incinerator project on Koh Larn, the Pattaya City Council members were informed by the contractor that the initial trial to ignite the incinerator and test the heat system will begin on June 26. Once fully operational, the incinerator will be able to destroy both new and accumulated municipal waste on Koh Larn — over 50,000 tons in total — at a rate of 50 tons per day. The machinery will also be capable of sorting 100 tons of waste daily, helping to manage both old and new waste simultaneously to sustainably solve Koh Larn’s waste problem going forward. During long weekends and holiday periods, Koh Larn experiences a significant surge in visitors, with over 20,000 tourists arriving on the island. This sudden increase puts considerable pressure on the island’s infrastructure, especially its waste management and wastewater systems. The new wastewater treatment and waste incineration projects are therefore crucial to sustainably handle the environmental impact caused by these large crowds and to maintain Koh Larn’s natural beauty and cleanliness for both residents and visitors alike. Initial heat tests for Koh Larn’s new waste incinerator begin June 26, aiming to burn 50 tons of waste per day.   Advanced waste sorting and incineration machinery will handle up to 100 tons of trash daily, tackling both old and new waste. Sustainable waste solutions come to Koh Larn as Pattaya City pushes forward with eco-friendly infrastructure projects.

The Ministry targets unsafe products like children’s toys and food-contact plastics to protect consumers and local markets. BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Industry has announced the upcoming official launch of “TISI Watch,” an artificial intelligence system designed to track and flag substandard goods being sold across online platforms. Under the direction of Industry Minister Akanat Promphan, the system has already identified more than 100,000 listings that may violate Thai industrial standards. The system was developed by the Industrial Technology and Innovation Reform Committee (INDX) and operates by using AI-powered bots to scan e-commerce websites for product listings. These listings are then matched against the database of the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI). Within five months of development, the system flagged nearly 99,000 listings for possible violations, indicating a widespread issue with online products not meeting safety and quality regulations. Key product categories identified include food-contact plastics, children’s toys, and electrical appliances. These are areas where compliance with TISI standards is legally required due to the health and safety risks involved. The Ministry stated that despite lacking a dedicated budget, the project has progressed steadily thanks to internal collaboration. The move comes amid growing concerns over a surge in imported products that fail to meet local requirements. Industry reports indicate that such goods are contributing to unfair pricing, intellectual property infringement, and disruption of local markets. Authorities say the system is now compiling URLs of sellers linked to non-compliant goods, and enforcement actions will follow. (NNT)