Too many tourists, not enough planning — Pattaya is bursting at the seams as the beach town nears a breaking point. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya has long been known as one of Thailand’s busiest and most accessible beach destinations—a magnet for tourists from all walks of life. But as international arrivals surge post-pandemic, not everyone is celebrating. A growing number of expats are expressing frustration, not just at the volume of tourists, but at the strain their presence is placing on local infrastructure, public order, and quality of life. For years, foreign retirees and long-term residents have made Pattaya their home, drawn by its affordability, tropical charm, and once-laid-back pace. But many now say that the sheer intensity of short-term tourism has transformed the city into something nearly unlivable. One expat summed it up bluntly: “Let them go! Pattaya is full of tourists, driving is hell, and every day there is violence because of tourists’ behavior. If you want more tourists, you need to improve the infrastructure. People are getting tired of being blocked in the traffic jam, having overcrowded places and broken roads. Vietnam offers a much better experience at the moment. Pray that they do not implement a retired visa, because then you will see half of the foreigners leaving.” These frustrations aren’t unfounded. Traffic congestion in central Pattaya is near-constant, especially during peak season. Road maintenance struggles to keep up with the pace of development. Popular beaches and nightlife areas are overcrowded, and incidents involving unruly tourist behavior—from street fights to reckless driving—regularly make headlines. While Thailand continues to market itself as a dream destination, some long-term residents say the dream is fading. They argue that mass tourism is being prioritized over quality tourism, and local authorities are failing to invest in infrastructure and public safety at the level needed to support this growth. Without better planning and enforcement, they fear the city will collapse under the weight of its own success. Some expats now encourage short-term holidaymakers—especially those drawn to Pattaya solely for cheap parties or beach selfies—to consider other destinations like Vietnam, where tourism growth has been paired with rapid improvements in transport, public amenities, and urban planning. The message from this group isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about balance. Tourism and expat communities can coexist, but only if the city’s growth is managed sustainably. Until then, the tension will continue to simmer, and Pattaya’s reputation as a place to stay, not just visit, may be in jeopardy.