The future of Pattaya...

[Muadib]

There is a lot of speculation on the future of Thailand and specifically Pattaya... It is difficult to find any positive news about the Kingdom in the press, on the Net and speaking with friends... Topics discussed such as reduced tourism due to increased travel costs, runaway inflation, retail prices being driven up across the board, increases in crime, ever changing immigration requirements, corruption in every aspects of politics & law enforcement, ngo pressure to shut down the sex industry, eminent collapse of real estate investments, attitudes of TG's not what it once was, etc... All of these factors combined don't paint a rosy picture for the future of Pattaya or Thailand in general... At least in the form we know now...

 

So peer into the crystal ball and share with us what you think Pattaya will look like in 5 years...

[Mr Unix]

Well... Say what you want about Pattaya, but sex is here to stay.

[luvtomuff]

Well for the immediate future except for us hardcore returners some are holding off on their trips due the increased fare cost driven by the rising cost of oil. I really wonder if this will affect the high season activity. I have to think it will. Also, with the economic out look in many people in the affected countries right now many are looking to hold vacations aside. Just a thought. Not all of us.

 

I know some airlines have reduced the number of flights and connecting fights to BKK

[Esco]

The government is trying to make Pattaya a luxury tourist spot with resorts, 5 star hotels and hence less sex tourism. It wont happen overnight bit I reckon in 10 years the place will have changed significantly

[keswick01]

In 5 years time i think Pattaya beer bars and gogos will beaway from Walking Street but they will stillbe there in big numbers and the town will still be paradise.

[formulas]

I am not expecting any serious chance in short term, however who knows what is going to happen in long term

[Scottish_Tyrant]

Thats a damn good question. There is my mate, just back from LOS that was his 50th trip. He actually said he is getting bored of patts! She shit etc. Saying that he was robbed this trip by not a Thai but an English bloke who had been begging him for money!

 

He ended up spending 2 weeks in Angeles in Phils! Said he enjoyed it better!! Was quite amazed actually!

 

As LOS in general pulls itself out of its 3rd world status things are bound to change. I doubt it will be anytime soon, maybe not even in our life time but it will change one day. 100 years ago, all of our countries were 3rd world, we have all come a long way with invention after invention. Eventually Thailand will also change. Let hope it is no time soon

[don_pool]

IT will be a crying shame if it all does change like you say above, but there will always other places to get up the role.

[mathias]

I have no problems, if the thais live on a higher live-quality and the result are higher prices for us - pattaya is still near to paradise for me. I suggest five years later russians are the majority of foreign visitors. Ten years later the chinese but it all depends to offering people-to-people-possibilities. Without pattaya has bad cards.

[Calantusss]

Well, it all depends on which way the dollar gos, and all western countries currencys in general. I hope it recovers so i can have some nice vacations in the future, and i need to go soon incase Pattaya does change into a luxury spot. Anything change recently such as less bars ect ect? Because that would suck a great deal lol.

[caltexman]

Shit guys pattaya might go a bit more upmarket but without the sex the place is a shithole really. I meant the beach is crap.............lol.

 

But as to future changes well doubt much will change ......look at bkk still plenty of pussy in that place and it's the capital.............lol.

[supertony]

Hi All

 

An interesting & relevent thread.

 

I think the key thing here in respect of what happens in the short-term is this:

 

What will the political situation & it's influence at national & local level be when (not if) The King dies?

 

Same-Same? I think not.

 

Will there be more, or less encouragement of tourism?

 

What will be the visa policy, foreign residence policy, & land/business owning status policy?

 

Obviously, one can only speculate at this stage, but it is worth considering. Some people if they guess right with their investments will no doubt make a packet; equally, some may lose big-time.

 

Tone

[igot2see]

Shit guys pattaya might go a bit more upmarket but without the sex the place is a shithole really. I meant the beach is crap.............lol.

 

But as to future changes well doubt much will change ......look at bkk still plenty of pussy in that place and it's the capital.............lol.

 

 

More expensive pussyes for sure as like in America, and maybe Europe. The question is if it woth to travel all the way there to pay the same prices , but with a beach shit.

[HDELUX]

An article recently in Bangkok Post and Pattaya paper indicated that the plan was for Pattaya to become a high brow tourist location.

 

There are plans for a massive Casino and many more 5 start hotels, this is all predicated on it close proximity to Bangkok and the beaches.

 

It also appears financial grants for developed countries have many demands attached like cleaning up the sex tourism industry.

 

The Monachy recently also lamented the perception of Thailand as sex tourism capital of the world and that they wanted during their rein to change this perception.

 

In terms of tourisim numbers the Thais have predicted a drop of almost 2 millinon visiters this comming 12 month period due to costs and changed economic conditions in Thailand and SEA in general.

 

But like an earlier comment the view is that the place will be over run with in 5 years of Chinese males looking for partners as the One Child policy starts to show the results of the male dominated birth rates during the past 20 years.

 

So this will present challenges for many SEA countries as their women will be in great demand as marriage partners.

 

HD

[Brucers]

Live for today and let tomorrow take care of it self. When change occurs there is little that you or I could have done to stop it. Just my thoughts

 

[Parkwahn]

Its been in the same vein for 30 years, just got bigger ......

 

Corruption will hold its development, as will the face issue.

 

I doint see big changes in the next 30 years

[Ikkyu-San]

An article recently in Bangkok Post and Pattaya paper indicated that the plan was for Pattaya to become a high brow tourist location.

 

There are plans for a massive Casino and many more 5 start hotels, this is all predicated on it close proximity to Bangkok and the beaches.

 

It also appears financial grants for developed countries have many demands attached like cleaning up the sex tourism industry.

 

The Monachy recently also lamented the perception of Thailand as sex tourism capital of the world and that they wanted during their rein to change this perception.

 

In terms of tourisim numbers the Thais have predicted a drop of almost 2 millinon visiters this comming 12 month period due to costs and changed economic conditions in Thailand and SEA in general.

 

But like an earlier comment the view is that the place will be over run with in 5 years of Chinese males looking for partners as the One Child policy starts to show the results of the male dominated birth rates during the past 20 years.

 

So this will present challenges for many SEA countries as their women will be in great demand as marriage partners.

 

HD

 

Interesting take on the Chinese males. Makes sense to me actually. With the Chinese economy becoming stronger I can see how these guys would take to Pattaya just the same as the rest of us. Their close proximity is also a benefit to them. Lets just hope they don't overpay like the Japanese are so famous for doing...would end up pricing us right out of the market!

[bodhi]

I can't imagine what will happen if the dollar gets much weaker and airfares/oil prices continue to climb.

 

I've watched a United ticket from the east coast of the U.S. go from $1200 to $1800 in recent weeks.

[Muadib]

Many interesting observations & predictions about the future of Thailand & Pattaya... All important concerns for travellers to the Kingdom... Especially for those planning to relocate or retire in Thailand... Thus the reason for the original question... I'm considering early retirement in a few years and LOS would be the likely destination... That is unless things go to hell in a handbag in Thailand first...

 

As long as TG's don't price themselves out of the market, mongers will travel to Thailand... That day may be coming if you calculate the price per pop while in-country versus other places... Hell, I banged a stunning 19yo Korean spinner last weekend who was on the game... 4000 baht ST... Sounds high, but when adding up the cost of travel, accomodations, incidentals, BF's, ST, LT in LOS, it doesn't sound to high to me... Even more so with 600 - 1500 baht BF's and LT being anywhere from 1000 - 3000+ baht for a stunner...

 

Thailand's economic future is rocky at best with rampant inflation, reduced tourism $$$ and continued politcal unrest... Who knows what's going to happen when the King dies...

 

I guess all we can do is enjoy it while it lasts... I only wish I had discovered it a lot sooner...

[phuketsigel]

Dont worry about the chinese or indians too much.

 

they primarily will not be interested in mating with someone who has darker skin than they have. Sure there are some asians who dont belong to that "racist" group but the majority will care about such things, especially those who can actually afford a trip to the LOS not even mentioning the cost of an actual GF. Those are a huge minority in their countries and will mostly have no problems finding a nice chinese or indian girl. The others...well even though the economies of all those countries are booming only a few are profiteering...most still earn a pittance!!

 

thats true for the russians as well. They come to patts with their (rather hot) russian girlfriends anyway so no real competition for us mongers. besides, their olgas, natashas, and tatianas are costing them a fortune...the russian guys would not even have enough money left for a lady drink even if they were allowed to...

 

lets not confuse some big investors with what the average indian, russian, chinese or arab makes. most are still struggling in their own countries. there will not be a big change overnight.

[La Muerte]

Great thread here. I am no expert and can only speculate, but my sense is that things will change, although not dramatically. The fact is that the gap between wealthy and poor on a global basis is increasing. This means on the one hand that there will be more multi-millionaires with money to invest in things like 5 star resorts and casinos. It also means that the mortality rates amongst poorer young males will increase, while the pool of poorer young females going into fields like prostitution will increase as well. What decreases in all of this is the reduction of the middle class to some degree (but not so much…more on that in a moment).

 

I do not believe that this economic trend is likely to change, in spite of the rise of the BRIC nations. There is still a lot of volatility and corruption in those economies and governments, and in a global economy there may still be too much risk in placing a great dependence on those countries from an economic infrastructure point of view. Therefore, while the middle class is decreasing, it will not decrease dramatically because countries with an economic infrastructure that supports the existence of a large middle class (like the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, Sweden, etc.) will still provide the engine which drives the global economy.

 

That said, my guess is that the still increasing number of poor rural Thai girls pouring into Bangkok and Pattaya will keep single males coming, and that the viability of middle class single males will remain strong enough to buy a ticket and come on over in significant numbers. All of this will keep the heart of the adult entertainment industry in LOS alive and well.

 

Remember also that the sex industry in Thailand is not only about the $ or € that two week millionaires are dropping at one time, but also about the massive amount that is wired in from the west by guys who sponsor. The fact is that Thailand needs the revenue, and I also don’t see that changing. Evolving, yes, but not such that Pattaya will lose its viability any time soon.

 

Then again, what do I know ?

 

LM

[LongPlay]

Well, I travel around many countries and see a constant moving towards the tourist dollars. That is a big appeal to almost all markets. What I see happening in the longer term, say 10 years or so, is a more blended scene in Pattaya. There will probably always be a significant P4P scene here. No change in that except for the locations possibly. Money talks in Pattaya, like anywhere else in the world. And the big money will push for 4 star and 5 star hotel properties on the "main drag" locations. And of course with all that money, will be plenty left over to improve the new "private beaches" these 5 star hotels will build. Fresh new white sand, big fences for privacy, and exclusive entry ways. I definitely see that in the not so distant future of Pattaya. But even as close as second road, I think you will see plenty of P4P venues around for many years to come. After that, possibly a move farther out, but not gone I think.

 

( from Muabib )As long as TG's don't price themselves out of the market, mongers will travel to Thailand... That day may be coming if you calculate the price per pop while in-country versus other places... Hell, I banged a stunning 19yo Korean spinner last weekend who was on the game... 4000 baht ST... Sounds high, but when adding up the cost of travel, accomodations, incidentals, BF's, ST, LT in LOS, it doesn't sound to high to me... Even more so with 600 - 1500 baht BF's and LT being anywhere from 1000 - 3000+ baht for a stunner...

I doubt they will ever price themselves out of the market. PERIOD The real question is WHICH market..... The Chinese have a reputation for being a bit on the frugal side to say the least. Cheap actually is the word other Asians use. So, the money side may rise simply from a point of supply and demand, with a few thousand extra punters from China in the mix, but likely no worse than a typical High Season pricing.

 

Indians are coming now in ever larger numbers, and they are rising in their spending habits, and that should make them more favorable soon in the venues that still continue to discriminate against them. So I see that as another place to watch the market change. The upscale Indian travelers I know, have no problem spending 2000 or 3000 for a good designer watch. They know value as well as anyone. They will, however usually try and bargain a little longer than Western people, but in the end, they have the dollars / Bhat / Pounds it takes to get what they want.

 

Politically speaking, I think the biggest threat is the mortality of the King. When he is replaced at the end of his great rein, I really hope someone is sitting in the wings with the same kind of kindness and genuine love of the Thai people at heart, ready to sit in the seat and continue his ways. We can all only sit on the side and watch. It is still NOT OUR COUNTRY, remember.....

 

I am glad this topic was started. I would like to think that when I am doing the drudgery of my work in hell holes like Saudi Arabia, and the back slums in and around India, I can have a nice long weekend on the way home, to stop and allow me to mellow out a bit!!!!!! Thailand is my choice for this. I like Philippines also, but a bit too close to home for me,,, as my wife is from there!!

[particle]

Heard it all before over 15 years.

 

Not to say things will stay the same forever, but remarkably little has changed since I first discovered PTY.

 

About 12 years ago they were taking about making PTY a more upmarket tourist destination. At that time I don't think even Soi 8 existed. There has been an explosion of bars over the city since then.

 

Most Issaan people haven't got 2 baht to rub together and they've got a pretty easy attitude to paid sex, so I don't see the fundamentals changing too soon. If the industry closes down, that's a lot of Issaan residents back in the poorhouse.

 

On the other hand, as more Thais realise the reputaton they've got in the world, there will be more pressure to take dramatic action. But Thakksin didn't shut down the industry, so if he didn't, who's going to?

 

Corruption is also a major factor preventing decisive action. Thakksin demonstrated that he could enforce early closing despite corruption. But he didn't shutdown the sex industry. And now he's living in London (near me!)

 

One day they'll judge it worthwhile to bite the bullet. Could be next year, could be 20 years from now. Then we'll go to Africa. Where they speak english and the time difference is minor to Europe. When Africa's over, we'll be too old to care.

 

Prostitution's getting a bad rap. Harriet Harman the British government minister(bless her) wants to make it illegal. Maybe she doesn't like the competition. But now we associate that kind of bossy thinking with islamic fundamentalists, and no-one wants beardies and towel-heads telling us how to live our lives.

 

So don't fret guys. It's all good.

[blue1878]

In recent years I have noticed a drop in western tourists. Hopefully this is partcially due to the current economic situation. I think it needs us Pattaya/Thailand addicts who are still coming to make sure that friends/people in our own countries don't forget about Thailand so that when the economy turns around they will once again return to the LOS.

 

In recent years I have noticed a big increase in russian visitors to Pattaya. And they seem to be buying a lot of property. I see the russians around Pattaya during the daytime but they seem to disappear at night. Very few are seen drinking in the bars and even fewer are seen in the gogo's. This I think is not a good thing.

 

The chinese are starting to come to Thailand but I get the impression that the ones that are coming at the moment are the ones that once they are here don't have much money to spend. Which is not great for the thais.

 

I know the thais are working hard to attract more western tourists but are finding it hard going. I live in the north of England and fly from Manchester airport. If I want to fly direct to Thailand I have to go down to Heathrow or Gatwick in London. Which I don't want to do. The Thai's think if there were direct flights from the north of England to Thailand(ie Manchester airport) there would be more tourists from England going to Thailand but British authority's I believe are against this.

 

I think Pattaya would like to see a big reduction in gogo's and beer bars but I think this is unlikely becuase they bring in so many tourists. I spend a lot of money when I am on holiday in Pattaya. If it changed a lot I and other people like myself would go elsewhere. Which would mean a big loss of money to Pattaya. I don't think even the Thai authoritys would like this.

 

In recent years I think Pattaya have been trying to go upmarket. I don't think this to a bad thing. Top hotels and shopping centres I think is a good way to compliment what Pattaya already has. I think they can excist alongside the beer bars and gogo's

[bibzo]

The theme of Pattaya may move to Cambodia Vietnam

But pussy will always be for sale in Thailand lots of these girls love being fucked for a living