No matter your budget, Pattaya welcomes all travelers—just pay your way and enjoy the city’s vibrant charm. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai baht opened on July 8 at 32.58 to the U.S. dollar, slightly weaker but virtually unchanged from last week’s close at 32.57. Kasikorn Research Center projects a trading range between 32.30 and 32.70 baht per dollar today. The baht’s gentle dip reflects broader currency trends in Asia, as global trade tensions — especially involving the U.S. — keep markets cautious. Falling gold prices have also weighed down the baht this week. Meanwhile, in Pattaya, the exchange rate may be a conversation starter, but it’s far from the only concern. “Money ain’t everything… but try telling that to the girls on Walking Street,” muttered one grizzled veteran. Still, with the baht staying strong and prices rising, it’s not as easy as it once was to live large. “Why waste your baht on Walking Street?” some ask. “Other places offer better value, and besides — the fantasy is expensive.” Even the exchange rate hits nationalities differently. British tourists still manage with around 44 baht to the pound, calling it fair value — at least compared to Spain or Portugal. “It’s not great, but it’s manageable,” said one Brit on Soi LK Metro. But German travelers, getting just 38 baht to the euro, are more vocal about the strain: “We used to feel rich. Now we check every bill twice.” Still, Pattaya retains its peculiar charm — chaotic, raw, and always transactional. One long-timer offered advice for the budget-conscious: “If you walk past a massage parlor or see a ladyboy or freelancer, just tell them: ‘I have no money. Come.’” It might not work — but it might not need to. Pattaya still rewards boldness, even if your wallet’s thin. Soi LK Metro or Soi Buakhao, Lenkee, Chaiyapoon, or Soi 6 — choose your comfortable spots. Good luck. Veterans of the scene are quick with warnings: don’t take strangers back to your room, watch your phone, and don’t fall in love before payday. The city’s generosity doesn’t always come without strings. One retiree, 73, living on a 41,000-baht monthly pension, summed it up plainly: “It’s enough to get by — as long as you don’t overspend on companions. That can quickly drain anyone’s budget.” He joked, “I’m a bit of a ladies’ man with a strong appetite. Is there a doctor in the house?” For many, Pattaya is no longer the bargain it once was. But it’s still cheaper than real life — and for those willing to adapt, the fun’s far from over. Just don’t expect the city to play nice if you can’t pay your way.