PATTAYA, Thailand – As the Thai baht strengthens and prices climb, many long-term visitors argue that Pattaya has simply become “too expensive” compared to what it offers today. But not everyone is sympathetic. Critics snap back with comments like “Stay home then” or “Sorry, cheap Charlie,” insisting that those complaining are just unwilling to adjust.
Yet others — especially those who have known Pattaya for decades — say the problem is far bigger than exchange rates.
Some long-time visitors, including people who first came nearly 40 years ago, describe the city’s transformation as a slow drift away from the charm that once made it unique. What was once a relaxing seaside town with character and soul is now, they argue, a concrete sprawl with fading appeal.
They say the original Pattaya had personality: affordable seafood restaurants on the beach, informal nightlife, small family shops, and a laid-back coastal lifestyle that drew travelers back year after year. Today, rising prices, overdevelopment, congestion, and a general sense of wear and tear have replaced that atmosphere. For them, the issue isn’t just the strong baht — it’s that Pattaya no longer feels like Pattaya.
Still, Pattaya remains an attractive destination for many. It offers a wide range of reachable-rate hotels and resorts, diverse dining options, and easy access from Bangkok’s airports, making it convenient for both short getaways and longer stays. Its sunny beaches, lively nightlife, and year-round events continue to draw visitors who appreciate a mix of modern comforts and classic coastal charm.
