The baht just dropped again — more fun, food, and sun for less in Pattaya. Who’s booking their trip this low season? PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand heads deeper into its traditional low tourism season, the recent weakening of the baht has emerged as a potential silver lining for Pattaya’s tourism-dependent economy. On the morning of April 24, the Thai baht opened at 33.57 baht per US dollar, a depreciation from the previous day’s close of 33.39 baht. Analysts are projecting the currency to fluctuate within a range of 33.40–33.70 baht per dollar in the next 24 hours, suggesting ongoing pressure on the baht driven by global market dynamics. The key factor behind the baht’s depreciation is the resurgent strength of the US dollar, which has gained momentum amid rising investor confidence in American assets. Hopes for a de-escalation of US-China trade tensions and easing political concerns over Federal Reserve intervention have helped boost risk appetite, prompting sell-offs in traditional safe-haven assets like gold and the Japanese yen. In fact, the yen recently slipped past 143 per dollar after U.S. Treasury officials indicated no desire to discuss currency targets with Japan — a stark contrast to past interventions like the 1985 Plaza Accord. For Pattaya, a city that sees tourist numbers dwindle between April and October, a weaker baht may offer a timely incentive for foreign visitors looking to stretch their travel budgets. Tourists from countries with stronger currencies — such as the US, Europe, and even nearby Malaysia or Singapore — could find Thailand significantly more affordable, from beachfront resorts to international dining and nightlife. This could be a strategic opportunity for local businesses and tourism operators in Pattaya to reignite interest through aggressive promotions, special packages, and digital marketing targeted at short-haul and long-haul travelers. Even modest gains in exchange rates can significantly impact perceived travel value for price-sensitive segments such as backpackers or digital nomads. However, analysts also caution that the baht’s downward momentum might be short-lived. The resurgence in global gold prices has provided intermittent support for the baht, as some investors buy gold during dips or exit short positions. Moreover, upcoming economic indicators — such as the US’s Core Durable Goods Orders and Jobless Claims, as well as Europe’s German IFO Business Climate Index and the ECB speeches — may shift market sentiment rapidly. In Asia, market watchers await Thailand’s March exports and imports report, which may show signs of expansion, partly due to last-minute stockpiling by trading partners ahead of potential US trade barriers. The Thai Commerce Minister is set to address the press on this topic, which could further impact market sentiment and currency movements. Despite the weakening trend, the baht remains trapped in a sideways pattern, and resistance is expected near 33.70–33.80 per dollar — a zone where exporters may begin offloading dollars. Meanwhile, pressure from foreign dividend repatriation and dollar purchases toward the end of the month could continue weighing on the baht in the short term. Tourism officials and business owners in Pattaya may not be able to control global currency fluctuations, but they can certainly capitalize on the window of opportunity the weak baht presents. With strategic messaging and targeted promotions, Pattaya could draw more international visitors even in the slow season — turning what’s traditionally a quiet period into a bustling one, all thanks to a little help from the foreign exchange markets.