Would the Thai government listen if expats asked: “What more must Pattaya do to attract high-value travelers?” PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya has long been a magnet for sun seekers, retirees, nightlife lovers, and beachgoers. But as Thailand aims to pivot towards attracting “high-value tourists” — those who spend more, stay longer, and behave better — the question arises: is the government ready to listen to the foreign community already living here, many of whom have been observing the city’s transformation for years? If they did listen, they’d hear plenty — and not all of it would be easy to digest. One expat suggests: “Maybe challenge the three-tier pricing at most tourist attractions, get motorbikes and traffic laws under control, actually arrest and confiscate drunk drivers’ cars, tourist or local, get pedestrian crossings and general parking in the city under control. Red traffic lights mean stop, so stop and strongly fine those that don’t! Spring clean the city and put flower planters everywhere so it looks inviting. Eradicate brown envelopes. Sorry, just writing down some pipe dreams for the boys in brown shirts.” It’s a scathing, if sincere, call for reform, expressing frustration at inconsistent law enforcement, corruption, and visual blight in areas expected to appeal to affluent travelers. Another voice adds sarcasm, with a stinging edge: “Loud Indian music piped everywhere 24/7 would attract more quality tourists.” Some comments get more specific about the perceived shift in visitor demographics: “Quit bowing down to the Chinese and offer the western countries more incentives to come here.” “Soi Buakhao area in Pattaya is too crowded with old poor Europeans and Brits. Doesn’t look nice.” “Place is now full of Indians who all appear to have no money?” “Overtourism and exploiting Western tourists has backfired.” One story underscores the issue of misaligned urban planning with investment: “A fast-food brand built a new franchise on Beach Road in Jomtien. It’s really nice, obviously very expensive to build. The area around it has been a stinky hole ever since it opened. The beachfront has no walkways; it’s all construction garbage and dirt. There’s nothing to entice people to get some food and then go spread a mat on the sidewalk. It’ll probably close before Pattaya gets around to finishing the walkway.” Then there’s the safety and image issue — repeatedly highlighted by concerned residents: “Who wants to come to Pattaya? All I see is prostituting, alcoholics, fights, stabbings and murders daily on the news — not to mention muggings, thefts, and corruption. Who really thinks it’s a good place to bring family and friends? Or yes, let’s invite groups of guys who love drugs, alcohol and prostitution then complain respectful tourists won’t come. WAKE UP THAI GOVERNMENT — not everything is about weed.” And what about immigration and visa policies? “Enforce laws and immigration rules. Drop tourists’ visa back to a less abusive place. Limit the daily barrage of embarrassing incidents.” “Also, a one-month visa exempt is more than enough. If you want to stay longer, just get a visa… it’s easy and not expensive.” “There’s a few countries I’d change to 30 days a year honestly. It seems like the same groups cause most of the issues.” Some commenters acknowledge that the problem may go beyond Thailand’s control: “I think there are less tourists from the West etc… this is therefore not something that Thailand can fix. The West is focused on reducing tourism.” And then there’s sheer cynicism: “More chance of platting fog than getting a robust strategy implemented.” “They get what they deserve treating foreigners badly.” “Sure, it’s all because of mistranslations. Got to be the reason.” “You’re frequenting the wrong neighborhood.” While not every opinion is constructive — and some teeter into xenophobic territory — the core message is clear: the foreign community wants a cleaner, safer, better-managed Pattaya, with fairer pricing and proper law enforcement. They’re asking for more than luxury malls and light shows. They want accountability, order, and a city that respects its visitors and residents alike. The question remains: Is anyone in government really listening — or are these just digital cries into the void?