PATTAYA, Thailand – The dream of a cheap tropical escape to Pattaya is fast becoming a myth for many international tourists. As the Thai baht shows no sign of weakening, visitors who still wish to enjoy the city’s sun-soaked beaches, vibrant nightlife, and affordable street food will have to tighten their belts — or accept that “budget travel” in Thailand isn’t quite what it used to be. The baht opened Tuesday morning at 32.65 per US dollar, slightly stronger than previous day’s close of 32.67, and continues to hover in a sideways range of 32.50–32.75, according to market analysts. Overnight movements showed the USDTHB pair oscillating without a clear direction (between 32.61–32.74), reflecting market uncertainty over U.S.–China trade talks and anticipation ahead of key U.S. inflation data. Despite volatile global conditions and investor hesitation, the baht remains stubbornly resilient. Support from rebounding gold prices and ongoing speculation about U.S. inflation and Bank of England (BOE) policy further contributes to the currency’s lack of real depreciation — a reality that’s hitting tourists harder than ever. For foreign travelers, especially those earning in weaker currencies like the euro, yen, or Australian dollar, Thailand is not the “cheap” getaway it once was. A European couple sipping coffee on Pattaya Beach might now be spending as much as they would in Barcelona. Australian backpackers, once a common sight in Pattaya’s hostels and beach bars, are increasingly being replaced by short-stay tourists with bigger budgets. “It’s not the smiles or the street food anymore — it’s the exchange rate that decides whether I stay or go,” said a long-term visitor from Down Under who’s been coming to Pattaya since the early 2000s. “Every year, I get fewer baht for my buck, but everything costs more. Pattaya still has its magic — it’s just getting more expensive to feel it.” Market analysts note that the baht’s current stability is tied to a number of global factors. While there’s limited upside to gold prices — which historically support the baht when they rise — there’s also no major selloff in sight. At the same time, investors are watching closely for updates on the UK labor market, which could shift BOE rate expectations and indirectly influence the U.S. dollar. Any softening of the dollar might provide temporary relief, but it’s unlikely to cause a meaningful baht depreciation without additional internal Thai economic pressure. In fact, the baht could even face fresh appreciation in the short term if gold prices climb or if U.S.–China trade relations improve and global investors begin to rotate back into emerging markets like Thailand. On the other hand, a rise in crude oil prices could apply slight downward pressure on the baht, as Thailand is an energy importer. Still, these are marginal effects unlikely to shift the overall picture dramatically. In the meantime, tourists will continue to bear the cost of a strong baht. Whether it’s a 100-baht bowl of noodles or a 3,000-baht beach hotel room, prices have remained sticky even as foreign currencies have weakened. For now, visiting Pattaya is still worth it — but no longer cheap. As the baht holds strong, so too must the wallets of those hoping to enjoy Thailand’s iconic resort town.