PATTAYA, Thailand – For many foreign tourists, spending a little extra on beach chairs, snacks, and local vendors is part of the laid-back Pattaya experience. “You can walk across the road and buy food from the same vendor at the same price the beach chair guy does and pay no extra,” said one long-term visitor. “I always load up at 7/11 before even sitting in the chair. But I do like the steamed prawns sold by people walking around.”
At Pattaya Beach, prices are simple and transparent: 50 baht for a chair, 100 baht for a bed. “Don’t order food if you’re not hungry. Don’t buy a drink if you’re not thirsty. One drink is appreciated,” said another tourist. Coconut water is a popular choice for many.
Vendors work hard despite low rents, setting up daily and relying on beachgoers for their livelihood. Many visitors recognize this and support them by using massage services or buying snacks.
However, quality remains a sticking point for some. “You really do get what you pay for,” said one expat. “Everything along Beach Road — parasols, beds, deck chairs — is tatty, to say the least, so the prices are realistic.”
Some tourists argue that Pattaya remains affordable compared to other popular beach destinations. “On the Canary Islands, it’s now 15 euros for two beds and an umbrella,” noted one traveler. “So Pattaya is still quite cheap.”
Hidden costs and vendor persistence can frustrate visitors. “The constant badgering every five minutes while trying to relax ruins the beach experience,” said a frustrated visitor. Yet others say, “The more polite you are, the less aggravating it is. Just read a book, relax, close your eyes, and they won’t bother you—or just say ‘mai ao krap’, a polite Thai phrase meaning ‘no, thank you.’”
Still, some tourists avoid the beach altogether due to vendor harassment. “They’re irritating and reluctant to take no for an answer,” said one visitor.
Despite mixed experiences, many agree that the basic fees for chairs and beds are fair and reflect the local economic realities. As one visitor put it, “If it’s too expensive, stay home and save your money. Here, a chair costs about $1.55, a long chair $3.10. What’s expensive about that?”
