Indian tourists bring a different rhythm to Pattaya — more thrills, more activities, and more spending. PATTAYA, Thailand — As Pattaya continues to grapple with economic pressure and slower-than-expected tourist spending from traditional Western markets, a new reality is setting in: Indian tourists may no longer be just a segment of the crowd — they might be the ones keeping the lights on. Once dominated by visitors from Europe, Russia, and China, Pattaya’s tourism landscape has undergone a noticeable shift. With the euro weak and Chinese group tours still recovering, Indian travelers — often arriving in groups, families, or bachelor parties — are filling hotel rooms, dining in local restaurants, and injecting much-needed cash into the economy. While their presence has sparked mixed reactions from longtime expats and some business owners, the numbers don’t lie. In the face of waning revenue, Pattaya’s dependence on Indian spending has grown — and so has the need to cater to them. “For better or worse, Pattaya has to accept the scenario,” said one hotel manager in Central Pattaya. “They may not be the ‘ideal tourist’ for everyone, but they’re the ones showing up, booking rooms, and spending money.” The differences in tourist behavior are also shaping how money flows. Indian tourists are drawn to activities like jet skiing, banana boating, and parachute rides. Their love for water sports means their money circulates through beachfront vendors, equipment rentals, and activity operators. In contrast, many European visitors are content to spend the day lounging under umbrellas with a drink in hand — relaxing, but not necessarily splurging. Indeed, while European visitors often travel more cautiously — booking shorter trips, negotiating harder, and skipping ladydrinks at bars — Indian tourists are seen spending freely on attractions, nightlife, and food. Their habits may differ, but their impact is undeniable. With Thailand’s ambitious tourism revenue targets still falling short, Pattaya finds itself at a crossroads. Embracing its evolving demographic may be less about preference — and more about survival. As European spending slows, Indian travelers are keeping Pattaya’s tourism engine running — one jet ski ride at a time.