As much of Thailand faces heavy rain and flash flood warnings, Pattaya enjoys warm sun, cool breezes, and clear beach skies. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While dark clouds loom over much of Thailand, Pattaya continues to offer visitors a sun-kissed escape, with warm weather, a gentle sea breeze, and calm beaches inviting locals and tourists alike to relax, swim, and stroll along the shore—though light rains in the evenings add a refreshing touch to the tropical atmosphere. Under golden skies and with temperatures hovering in the low 30s, beachgoers stretched out along Pattaya Beach today, sipping cold drinks and enjoying the lapping waves, seemingly a world away from the severe weather alerts affecting much of the country. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, several northern and central provinces — including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, and Nan — are under warnings for heavy rainfall that may lead to flash floods and runoff, especially in mountainous areas and low-lying zones. Bangkok and surrounding areas are forecast to see thunderstorms covering 70% of the region, with potential for localized downpours. But in this eastern seaside city, the weather remains forgiving — at least for now. The moderate southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand hasn’t significantly disrupted Pattaya’s coast. Waves are mild, and the skies remain mostly clear, though authorities urge caution for small boats, especially if thunderstorms move inland or along the gulf. Looking ahead, meteorologists are closely monitoring a developing depression off the eastern Philippines, expected to strengthen into a tropical storm and reach the South China Sea between July 19–22. Its arrival could intensify the monsoon over Thailand and bring more widespread heavy rainfall, including stronger winds and waves of 2–3 meters or higher in the upper Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf. For now, though, Pattaya remains a rare oasis of calm, with beach umbrellas fluttering in the breeze, jet skis carving through the surf, and ice cream vendors ringing their bells. As the rest of the country braces for storms, those in Pattaya are making the most of a perfect summer day — with an eye on the horizon. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, storms threaten; yet on Pattaya Beach, it’s business as usual with jet skis, banana boats, beach bars, and sea breeze bliss. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)