“If Tomorrowland really comes here, it could draw fans from over 200 countries,” says Chutima, urging hope amid Pattaya’s tourism slowdown. PATTAYA, Thailand – As the rainy season drags down tourist numbers, Pattaya’s tourism and business sectors are confronting a tough stretch — but they’re not giving up hope. With domestic stimulus programs and the buzz surrounding a potential Tomorrowland festival in Chonburi next year, many local operators are betting on a strong rebound by the end of 2025. Chutima Jiramongkol, president of the Pattaya Business and Tourism Association (PBTA), acknowledged that Pattaya is currently facing a pronounced downturn, exacerbated by global economic uncertainty, war-related disruptions, and the effects of climate change. “Tourism always dips during the rainy season,” she said. “But this year, the drop has been much steeper than usual.” She pointed to declining tourist arrivals across the board, especially from China, which traditionally serves as Thailand’s largest market. Ongoing economic struggles, floods, and typhoons in China have severely impacted outbound travel, especially among large tour groups. Only a trickle of Chinese FIT (Free Independent Travelers) are still visiting. While some hope remains in the European long-stay market, buoyed by the summer holidays, many local businesses are struggling. Operators who already have “bookings on hand” can stay afloat, Chutima noted, but those without advance reservations may face mounting difficulties. Could a fairy-tale music fest save Pattaya’s economy? Hopes rise as talk of Tomorrowland 2026 sparks excitement across Chonburi. One bright spot is the return of the government’s “Rao Tiew Duay Kan” (Let’s Go Halves) stimulus campaign. Now in a reduced phase, the program still offers subsidies for domestic travel and is expected to encourage more Thai tourists to explore destinations like Pattaya. “Even at half the coverage compared to earlier phases, it still gives us a much-needed push,” she said, adding that if response is strong, the government may consider expanding it further. Perhaps the most exciting prospect on the horizon is the rumored arrival of Tomorrowland, the globally renowned music festival, which may be hosted in Chonburi province in late 2026. For Pattaya, the potential economic spillover is massive. With past success hosting major international events like Wonderfruit, Rolling Loud, and Lollapalooza, the city is confident it can handle the scale. “If Tomorrowland really comes to this region, it could draw music fans from over 200 countries,” Chutima said. “Not only would it lift local businesses, but it would create jobs, inject fresh economic energy, and elevate Pattaya’s global profile.” Tomorrowland’s appeal, she noted, lies not just in its music lineup but in its fantastical, ever-changing themes that blend fairy-tale aesthetics with immersive experiences — a formula that keeps fans coming back year after year. For now, Pattaya’s streets may be quieter, but optimism is quietly building beneath the surface. With the right support and a bit of spectacle, business owners are hoping the final quarter of the year will bring the recovery they’ve been waiting for. Pattaya weathers the rainy season slump — but hopes are high for a year-end revival driven by local travel schemes.