Thai baht holds steady, but not every tourist heading to Pattaya carries dollars
Strong euro, steady baht keep Pattaya attractive for visitors. European travelers still find value in Thailand despite global economic fluctuations. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)
PATTAYA, Thailand – Whether you’re watching every satang or just trying to make your travel budget go further, there’s cautious optimism among travelers and investors alike: the Thai baht is holding steady — and that could be a green light for more tourists heading to Pattaya.
As of the morning of July 15, the Thai baht opened at 32.46 per U.S. dollar, slightly weaker than the previous close at 32.40. According to analysts at TMBThanachart (ttb), the current trading range is between 32.30 and 32.60, giving international visitors some predictability in their exchange rates — at least in the short term.
While some expats and financial commentators online remain skeptical about the long-term fundamentals, others see the current rate as a “sweet spot” for holidaymakers. “The USD was down to 32.15 at some currency exchange kiosks today — that’s probably a new record,” one traveler noted. Another chimed in: “The euro is still OK, so is the pound. Pattaya still makes financial sense.”
But in the social media sphere, economic updates rarely come without a side of snark. One commenter dryly asked, “Since when is a stable USD-Baht a good thing for tourists?” while another scoffed at the baht’s so-called volatility: “You live here and transfer money daily? If you’re moving pennies, a 0.3% change doesn’t matter — unless you’re broke.”
Others were more cautious, noting the Thai baht’s decade-long strength against major currencies and voicing concerns about whether it’s overvalued. “The Thai baht is overvalued by at least 20%. Debt is at 69% of a falling GDP. There’s only one way the baht is going — and that’s not up.”
Still, for most international travelers planning trips to Pattaya — especially those with euros or pounds — the currency’s current behavior is a plus. It helps them plan with confidence, avoid surprise jumps in hotel rates, and keep vacation spending steady.
Meanwhile, underlying global economic events continue to drive the conversation. The U.S. dollar rose on Monday, thanks to bond yields hitting 4.439% and investor attention shifting toward key inflation data, including June’s CPI and PPI reports. Internationally, trade tensions are back in the spotlight, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a 30% tariff on imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1 — moves that could further shake up the currency landscape.
Despite the noise, Thailand remains appealing. As one expat pointed out: “Pattaya’s value isn’t just about the exchange rate. It’s the full package — food, location, climate, and energy. If the baht is stable too? Bonus.”
So while the U.S. debates politics, Europe tracks inflation, and economists argue over currency strength, one thing is clear: tourists aren’t waiting. The flights are booked. The wallets are ready. And Pattaya is still one of Southeast Asia’s best value-for-money escapes.
Even better if you’re carrying euros.