The Demise of Pattaya

[Buddha King]

Once a shimmering jewel on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya City's decline began insidiously, a slow descent into the depths of despair that no one saw coming. In its heyday, Pattaya was a haven for travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a taste of Thai culture. However, as the years passed, a series of unfortunate events and choices led to the city's tragic demise.

 

It all started with the unchecked pursuit of tourism dollars. Pattaya's pristine beaches and natural beauty were overshadowed by a relentless wave of overdevelopment. Towering condominiums and hotels sprouted like concrete mushrooms, casting shadows over what was once a picturesque coastline. The relentless construction not only scarred the landscape but also disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Local officials, blinded by the promise of quick riches, turned a blind eye to environmental concerns and zoning regulations. Unchecked development led to the erosion of the very charm that drew visitors in the first place. The city's once vibrant coral reefs suffered irreparable damage, and the pollution levels in the once-clear waters rose steadily.

 

As the cityscape transformed, so did the character of Pattaya. The influx of tourists attracted a different kind of crowd. What was once a bustling but charming city now became a haven for those seeking excess in every form. The nightlife, once known for its lively and diverse entertainment, descended into a chaotic and hedonistic scene. Bars and clubs proliferated, drawing in a wave of low-class tourists and expats with questionable intentions.

Corruption permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of lawlessness. The once-proud city lost its moral compass as officials turned a blind eye to illicit activities. Crime rates soared, and the streets of Pattaya became increasingly unsafe. Locals, who once depended on tourism for their livelihoods, found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of decay.

 

The demographic shift was stark. Pattaya, once a melting pot of cultures, became a magnet for mentally unstable expatriates seeking an escape from their demons. The city's streets were filled with the haunted expressions of those who had come seeking solace but found only chaos.

In the end, Pattaya's demise was a collective failure – a tragic tale of unchecked greed, environmental negligence, and moral decay. The city that held so much promise had become a cautionary tale, a warning etched into the concrete and coral that stood as the remnants of what once was. As the sun set on Pattaya City, it cast long shadows over the ruins of a dream that had crumbled into the sea.

Edited December 1, 2023 by Buddha King
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[1tooth]

Fortunately, I only did a 4 second skim read. Thank goodness for the ignore button. I will never have to endure that 4 seconds of mediocrity again.

[Chuck in Bangkok]

51 minutes ago, Buddha King said:

Once a shimmering jewel on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya City's decline began insidiously...

I guess some people have a different reaction to a bad experience at Witherspooms than I did...

[simon6666]

"Friends! Let me share my misery with you."

[Greg_B]

[Bobmoore]

Quote

Pattaya, once a melting pot of cultures, became a magnet for mentally unstable expatriates seeking an escape from their demons. 

Strongly disagree and I'm Napoleon. 

[travelling_man]

That is not the pattaya history I remember.  The sex and bars were long before tourism.

 

"Pattaya originated as a small fishing village in Thailand and remained so until the mid to late 1900s. In the 1960s, American service members discovered Pattaya while looking for a place to relax during the Vietnam War."

 

[Greg_B]

27 minutes ago, travelling_man said:

That is not the pattaya history I remember.  The sex and bars were long before tourism.

 

"Pattaya originated as a small fishing village in Thailand and remained so until the mid to late 1900s. In the 1960s, American service members discovered Pattaya while looking for a place to relax during the Vietnam War."

 

 U-Tapao was a base used by the USA during the Vietnam War

It's not far from Pattaya

[Sloracer]

I think someone's been playing with and getting over enthusiastic with AI editorial tools. 

[speedtoy]

Dang..is Pattaya demising...again????

[lincsfun]

4 hours ago, Buddha King said:

Once a shimmering jewel on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya City's decline began insidiously, a slow descent into the depths of despair that no one saw coming. In its heyday, Pattaya was a haven for travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a taste of Thai culture. However, as the years passed, a series of unfortunate events and choices led to the city's tragic demise.

 

It all started with the unchecked pursuit of tourism dollars. Pattaya's pristine beaches and natural beauty were overshadowed by a relentless wave of overdevelopment. Towering condominiums and hotels sprouted like concrete mushrooms, casting shadows over what was once a picturesque coastline. The relentless construction not only scarred the landscape but also disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Local officials, blinded by the promise of quick riches, turned a blind eye to environmental concerns and zoning regulations. Unchecked development led to the erosion of the very charm that drew visitors in the first place. The city's once vibrant coral reefs suffered irreparable damage, and the pollution levels in the once-clear waters rose steadily.

 

As the cityscape transformed, so did the character of Pattaya. The influx of tourists attracted a different kind of crowd. What was once a bustling but charming city now became a haven for those seeking excess in every form. The nightlife, once known for its lively and diverse entertainment, descended into a chaotic and hedonistic scene. Bars and clubs proliferated, drawing in a wave of low-class tourists and expats with questionable intentions.

Corruption permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of lawlessness. The once-proud city lost its moral compass as officials turned a blind eye to illicit activities. Crime rates soared, and the streets of Pattaya became increasingly unsafe. Locals, who once depended on tourism for their livelihoods, found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of decay.

 

The demographic shift was stark. Pattaya, once a melting pot of cultures, became a magnet for mentally unstable expatriates seeking an escape from their demons. The city's streets were filled with the haunted expressions of those who had come seeking solace but found only chaos.

In the end, Pattaya's demise was a collective failure – a tragic tale of unchecked greed, environmental negligence, and moral decay. The city that held so much promise had become a cautionary tale, a warning etched into the concrete and coral that stood as the remnants of what once was. As the sun set on Pattaya City, it cast long shadows over the ruins of a dream that had crumbled into the sea.

 

4 hours ago, Buddha King said:

Once a shimmering jewel on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya City's decline began insidiously, a slow descent into the depths of despair that no one saw coming. In its heyday, Pattaya was a haven for travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a taste of Thai culture. However, as the years passed, a series of unfortunate events and choices led to the city's tragic demise.

 

It all started with the unchecked pursuit of tourism dollars. Pattaya's pristine beaches and natural beauty were overshadowed by a relentless wave of overdevelopment. Towering condominiums and hotels sprouted like concrete mushrooms, casting shadows over what was once a picturesque coastline. The relentless construction not only scarred the landscape but also disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Local officials, blinded by the promise of quick riches, turned a blind eye to environmental concerns and zoning regulations. Unchecked development led to the erosion of the very charm that drew visitors in the first place. The city's once vibrant coral reefs suffered irreparable damage, and the pollution levels in the once-clear waters rose steadily.

 

As the cityscape transformed, so did the character of Pattaya. The influx of tourists attracted a different kind of crowd. What was once a bustling but charming city now became a haven for those seeking excess in every form. The nightlife, once known for its lively and diverse entertainment, descended into a chaotic and hedonistic scene. Bars and clubs proliferated, drawing in a wave of low-class tourists and expats with questionable intentions.

Corruption permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of lawlessness. The once-proud city lost its moral compass as officials turned a blind eye to illicit activities. Crime rates soared, and the streets of Pattaya became increasingly unsafe. Locals, who once depended on tourism for their livelihoods, found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of decay.

 

The demographic shift was stark. Pattaya, once a melting pot of cultures, became a magnet for mentally unstable expatriates seeking an escape from their demons. The city's streets were filled with the haunted expressions of those who had come seeking solace but found only chaos.

In the end, Pattaya's demise was a collective failure – a tragic tale of unchecked greed, environmental negligence, and moral decay. The city that held so much promise had become a cautionary tale, a warning etched into the concrete and coral that stood as the remnants of what once was. As the sun set on Pattaya City, it cast long shadows over the ruins of a dream that had crumbled into the sea.

Crikey....what a load of dribble!

[simon6666]

1 hour ago, lincsfun said:

Crikey....what a load of dribble!

The way you've quoted, I guess that makes it double dribble.

[Aussie Whoremonger]

If you ignore the smell, the traffic, the endless construction and the sewage in the sea, its a jewel I tell you!

A JEWEL! 

[Billy Baht]

1 hour ago, Aussie Whoremonger said:

If you ignore the smell, the traffic, the endless construction and the sewage in the sea, its a jewel I tell you!

A JEWEL! 

Why you make pom pen, say not good?!? 555!

There is a lot to like about Pattaya- but it does have real faults that appologists refuse to acknowledge.

3 hours ago, Greg_B said:

U-Tapao was a base used by the USA during the Vietnam War

It's not far from Pattaya

Had I been stationed at U-Tapao instead of West Germany, my oh my!

[Geordie59]

Being an old timer here I do prefer the good old days. 
But Pattaya has been and continues to be massive success story. Although there is a large entertainment section the city itself if way bigger than that. 

[Harry Brown]

8 hours ago, Buddha King said:

Once a shimmering jewel on the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya City's decline began insidiously, a slow descent into the depths of despair that no one saw coming. In its heyday, Pattaya was a haven for travelers seeking sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a taste of Thai culture. However, as the years passed, a series of unfortunate events and choices led to the city's tragic demise.

 

It all started with the unchecked pursuit of tourism dollars. Pattaya's pristine beaches and natural beauty were overshadowed by a relentless wave of overdevelopment. Towering condominiums and hotels sprouted like concrete mushrooms, casting shadows over what was once a picturesque coastline. The relentless construction not only scarred the landscape but also disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Local officials, blinded by the promise of quick riches, turned a blind eye to environmental concerns and zoning regulations. Unchecked development led to the erosion of the very charm that drew visitors in the first place. The city's once vibrant coral reefs suffered irreparable damage, and the pollution levels in the once-clear waters rose steadily.

 

As the cityscape transformed, so did the character of Pattaya. The influx of tourists attracted a different kind of crowd. What was once a bustling but charming city now became a haven for those seeking excess in every form. The nightlife, once known for its lively and diverse entertainment, descended into a chaotic and hedonistic scene. Bars and clubs proliferated, drawing in a wave of low-class tourists and expats with questionable intentions.

Corruption permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of lawlessness. The once-proud city lost its moral compass as officials turned a blind eye to illicit activities. Crime rates soared, and the streets of Pattaya became increasingly unsafe. Locals, who once depended on tourism for their livelihoods, found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of decay.

 

The demographic shift was stark. Pattaya, once a melting pot of cultures, became a magnet for mentally unstable expatriates seeking an escape from their demons. The city's streets were filled with the haunted expressions of those who had come seeking solace but found only chaos.

In the end, Pattaya's demise was a collective failure – a tragic tale of unchecked greed, environmental negligence, and moral decay. The city that held so much promise had become a cautionary tale, a warning etched into the concrete and coral that stood as the remnants of what once was. As the sun set on Pattaya City, it cast long shadows over the ruins of a dream that had crumbled into the sea.

 

What was your first year in Pattaya?

[khwan]

Well of that's the case everyone should stay away... I'll hold the fort on my own 😁. 

[Isván]

Stop the drugs!

[LovinBgood]

9 hours ago, Buddha King said:

Corruption permeated every level of government, leading to a culture of lawlessness. The once-proud city lost its moral compass

"once-proud" I doubt... Corruption comes with any government, it is always there.  More corrupt than government are the actual owners of the buildings who have increased rents astronomically, yet the massage shops still can only change 200 baht to stay in competition.  Rent control and business type control is needed IMO.  Owners who do not follow should have their properties sold at fair market value, bought by the city,  and turned into paid parking lots.  

Pattaya is not for everyone, but many tourists do like it from those I meet as an expat

 

[Sloracer]

🤣🤣

The Evolution of Pattaya..... Bla bla bla

Pattaya  - the jewel of Asia
Pattaya, Thailand, is a city that has undergone remarkable transformation over the past few decades. From a humble fishing village to a vibrant and globally recognized entertainment hub, Pattaya has become an alluring destination that captivates travelers with its diverse attractions and lively atmosphere. This essay explores the evolution of Pattaya, highlighting its journey from obscurity to a bustling city that offers a wide array of entertainment options for people with varying interests.

Historical Background:
Originally a small fishing village overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya experienced a major turning point in the 1960s. With the arrival of American soldiers during the Vietnam War, the city began to witness a rapid influx of visitors seeking leisure and relaxation. Over time, Pattaya transformed itself to accommodate the needs of its growing tourist population, leading to a significant expansion in its tourism industry.

Tourism and Entertainment:
The booming tourism industry played a pivotal role in shaping Pattaya's character. The city now boasts a wide variety of entertainment options that cater to all tastes. Whether one seeks a peaceful stroll along the scenic beaches, an exhilarating water sport adventure, or a vibrant nightlife experience, Pattaya has it all.

Beaches and Water Sports:
Pattaya's picturesque coastline stretches for miles, offering visitors an abundance of stunning beaches to enjoy. From the popular Pattaya Beach with its lively atmosphere and water sports activities to the more tranquil Jomtien Beach that appeals to those seeking relaxation, each shoreline has its unique charm. Travelers can engage in activities like parasailing, jet skiing, or embark on a thrilling speedboat ride to explore nearby islands.

Cultural Attractions:
Beyond its captivating beaches, Pattaya is also home to several cultural attractions. The Sanctuary of Truth, an intricately carved wooden temple, stands as an awe-inspiring testament to Thai craftsmanship and spirituality. The Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden showcases beautifully manicured landscapes and hosts cultural shows that provide insights into Thai traditions. Pattaya also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture.

Nightlife and Entertainment Zones:
Pattaya's reputation as a nightlife hotspot is well-deserved. Known for its vibrant and diverse entertainment zones, the city offers an exciting range of options after sundown. Walking Street, the city's iconic thoroughfare, comes to life with a bustling assortment of bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. Visitors can indulge in pulsating beats, enjoy live performances, or simply soak in the electric atmosphere of this bustling district.

Conclusion:
Pattaya's evolution from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling city with entertainment for all tastes is truly remarkable. Its transformation owes much to the vision and resilience of its people, as well as its ability to adapt and cater to the needs of diverse tourists. Whether one seeks relaxation, adventure, cultural experiences, or a vibrant nightlife, Pattaya has become a destination that leaves a lasting impression on visitors from across the world. It stands as a testament to the boundless potential of a place that has embraced both tradition and progress.
 

Edited December 2, 2023 by Sloracer

[nourishing lotion]

The Evolution of Pattaya

Introduction
The city of Pattaya, Thailand, presents an intriguing study in urban evolution, especially when viewed through the lens of cosmic horror. This essay aims to explore Pattaya's transformation from a serene fishing village into a modern, bustling tourist hub, using an emphasis on the mysterious, the unknown, and a touch of the ominous.

The Tranquil Past
Pattaya's origins as a fishing village paint a picture of simplicity and harmony with nature. The traditional lifestyle, symbolized by wooden boats and quaint huts amidst palm trees, speaks to a time when life was dictated by the rhythms of the sea. This era, though less technologically advanced, had a certain purity, unmarred by the complexities of modern life. This period represents the calm before the unknown, a deceptive tranquility that belies the cosmic horrors lurking beneath.

The Inevitable Transformation
The evolution of Pattaya into a tourist destination marks a significant shift. The city's landscape began to morph dramatically, with towering skyscrapers replacing huts, and the once quiet beaches now teeming with tourists. This transformation can be viewed as the encroachment of the unknown onto the familiar. The modern buildings, shrouded in eerie mist, symbolize humanity's relentless pursuit of progress, often without regard for the potential unknown consequences. Such change is often a prelude to an encounter with the incomprehensible and the cosmic.

The Atmosphere
Pattaya's new landscape is not just a change in physical structures but also in the atmosphere. The sky, swirling with dark clouds and vortex-like formations, hints at a portal to another dimension. This imagery evokes a sense of cosmic horror, a realization that beyond the known world lies a universe of unfathomable mysteries and terrors. Pattaya, in its modern form, becomes a metaphor for humanity's hubris and the inevitable awakening of ancient, cosmic forces.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the evolution of Pattaya, offers a rich tapestry of themes and imagery. From the tranquil past to the ominous present, the city's transformation mirrors themes of the unknown, the unknowable, and the inevitable consequences of encountering cosmic horrors. Pattaya, thus, serves as a microcosm for the human experience in the face of the vast, indifferent universe.

Here is the image depicting the evolution of Pattaya. It captures the transformation from a tranquil fishing village to a bustling, modern tourist destination, with a touch of cosmic horror and mystery.

[Evil Penevil]

On 02/12/2023 at 02:29, travelling_man said:

That is not the pattaya history I remember.  The sex and bars were long before tourism.

"Pattaya originated as a small fishing village in Thailand and remained so until the mid to late 1900s. In the 1960s, American service members discovered Pattaya while looking for a place to relax during the Vietnam War."

It's a myth that Pattaya got its start because of U.S. military personnel.  Pattaya was NEVER an R&R destination for U.S. troops during the Viet Nam War, nor were there bars in Pattaya catering to the airmen stationed at U-Tapao air base. Unfortunately, it's also a myth that has been repeated many times through the years, including by respected mainstream sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

Basically, the big mistake a lot of people made was to imagine a much earlier beginning for Pattaya as a center of commercial sex than actually occurred. Some wanted to "pin the blame" on the U.S. military for "corrupting" Thai society. I've even read that there was no prostitution in Thailand prior to the Viet Nam war! Those kinds of mistakes have been repeated in various Internet articles over and over again.

Bangkok was indeed an R&R destination for several hundred thousand soldiers during the course of the Viet Nam War., but very, very few of them made the trip to Pattaya, which was then a small village without facilities for large numbers of visitors.  The seven-day R & R trips to Thailand for troops stationed in Vietnam ended in late 1971.  By then, Pattaya had only three hotels and the largest of these, the Pattaya Palace, didn't open until 1970. Pattaya had NO sexy nightlife at that time.

The false notion that Pattaya got its start as an adult playground during the Viet Nam War is mostly confusion between Bangkok and Pattaya,  compounded by the existence of  "shack bar" clusters near U-Tapao. One, called Kilo Sip, was located 10 kilometers from U-Tapao. The other bar area, called Newland, was located about 15 kilometers from the air base, but in the opposite direction.  Some photos from Newland:'

Also, some pictures that were taken of bars near other U.S, basesmin Thailand were later misidentified as Pattaya, while pics from Pattaya in the 1980s were incorrectly said to have been taken during the Viet Nam War years.

Charter tourist groups, mainly from Germany and Scandinavia, spurred Pattaya's development as a tourist destination in the early 1970s, with the P4P angle coming a few years later. Remember, the first go go bar in Pattaya didn't open until 1978.

In the mid- 1970s, a small group of West European hotel managers and restaurateurs, in conjunction with Scandinavian and German tour and travel companies, began pushing Pattaya as a tourist destination. When I first visited Pattaya in 1979, it was still very limited in terms of P4P, nothing at all compared with Bangkok. It was more a place to take a BKK girl for a beach weekend, not yet the wild party town it would later become.

Bottom line:  U.S. military personnel had a negligible role in the development of Pattaya as we know it today.

Evil

Edited December 3, 2023 by Evil Penevil

[oldie]

20 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

... ... In the mid- 1970s, a small group of West European hotel managers and restaurateurs, in conjunction with Scandinavian and German tour and travel companies, began pushing Pattaya as a tourist destination ... ...

Yes. As someone who has still never been to Europe, I found my first visit to Pattaya in 1976 to be wildly exotic simply because virtually all signs were in German! The tiny wooden Pattaya of the day was a Germanic holdout.

[Chuck in Bangkok]

On 03/12/2023 at 12:18, Evil Penevil said:

It's a myth that Pattaya got its start because of U.S. military personnel.  Pattaya was NEVER an R&R destination for U.S. troops during the Viet Nam War, nor were there bars in Pattaya catering to the airmen stationed at U-Tapao air base. Unfortunately, it's also a myth that has been repeated many times through the years, including by respected mainstream sources like The New York Times and The Economist.

Basically, the big mistake a lot of people made was to imagine a much earlier beginning for Pattaya as a center of commercial sex than actually occurred. Some wanted to "pin the blame" on the U.S. military for "corrupting" Thai society. I've even read that there was no prostitution in Thailand prior to the Viet Nam war! Those kinds of mistakes have been repeated in various Internet articles over and over again.

Bangkok was indeed an R&R destination for several hundred thousand soldiers during the course of the Viet Nam War., but very, very few of them made the trip to Pattaya, which was then a small village without facilities for large numbers of visitors.  The seven-day R & R trips to Thailand for troops stationed in Vietnam ended in late 1971.  By then, Pattaya had only three hotels and the largest of these, the Pattaya Palace, didn't open until 1970. Pattaya had NO sexy nightlife at that time.

The false notion that Pattaya got its start as an adult playground during the Viet Nam War is mostly confusion between Bangkok and Pattaya,  compounded by the existence of  "shack bar" clusters near U-Tapao. One, called Kilo Sip, was located 10 kilometers from U-Tapao. The other bar area, called Newland, was located about 15 kilometers from the air base, but in the opposite direction.  Some photos from Newland:'

Also, some pictures that were taken of bars near other U.S, basesmin Thailand were later misidentified as Pattaya, while pics from Pattaya in the 1980s were incorrectly said to have been taken during the Viet Nam War years.

Charter tourist groups, mainly from Germany and Scandinavia, spurred Pattaya's development as a tourist destination in the early 1970s, with the P4P angle coming a few years later. Remember, the first go go bar in Pattaya didn't open until 1978.

In the mid- 1970s, a small group of West European hotel managers and restaurateurs, in conjunction with Scandinavian and German tour and travel companies, began pushing Pattaya as a tourist destination. When I first visited Pattaya in 1979, it was still very limited in terms of P4P, nothing at all compared with Bangkok. It was more a place to take a BKK girl for a beach weekend, not yet the wild party town it would later become.

Bottom line:  U.S. military personnel had a negligible role in the development of Pattaya as we know it today.

Evil

Great information and pictures! Thank you!

[Buddha King]

Thanks for all the replies.  It worked right into my goal. All the belly laughs I got from a simple troll baiting post.  Thanks for playing.