PATTAYA, Thailand – Patrick Heywood led a wide-ranging discussion at the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, inviting his audience of more than 70 members to consider whether Pattaya was “finished” or simply entering a new phase.
The broad view was that Pattaya remains viable, but its character has changed substantially. Members pointed to shifts in the city’s visitor mix, nightlife, development and community life, while also raising concerns about fewer long-stay tourists, a weak recent high season, business closures, higher airfares and the continuing effects of COVID-19 and global conflicts.
Vietnam, particularly the seaside city of Da Nang, was cited as an increasingly attractive competitor for international visitors. Some members, however, welcomed a quieter Pattaya and said reduced congestion had made daily life easier.
A recurring theme was the need for longer and more predictable visas for established expatriates. Participants suggested that residents who demonstrate a sustained commitment to Thailand should be offered progressively longer visa terms, encouraging stable residency and continued spending in the local economy.
Patrick also outlined his proposed Lifestyle Resort Village, combining a hospital, care and nursing facilities, and a retirement complex. He said the concept could bring 1,000 long-stay expatriates to Pattaya within three years and, if expanded across Thailand, attract as many as 10,000 permanent residents while generating steady local revenue and jobs for Thai workers. He added that the proposal had been presented to the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Members also questioned progress on major infrastructure and development plans, including high-speed rail, U-Tapao Airport, roads and healthcare facilities. At the same time, they praised Pattaya’s affordability, warm climate, safety, convenience, improving facilities outside the city centre and the friendliness of Thai people.
Criticism focused on traffic, noisy motorcycles, overdevelopment, weak infrastructure, inconsistent policies and the loss of some of Pattaya’s former charm. The discussion also touched on cultural respect, expatriate behaviour, and perceived social hierarchy, with speakers stressing that foreign residents should remember they are guests in Thailand.
Patrick said he would raise the proposal for longer-term visas through his contacts, although not formally on behalf of the club. The meeting concluded that Pattaya faces real challenges but also significant opportunities. Rather than being finished, members suggested, the city is evolving and will need a clear plan to remain attractive to visitors, long-term residents and investors.
After the presentation, MC Ren Lexander brought everyone up to date on upcoming Club events. This was followed by the Open Forum where questions are asked and comments made about Expat living in Thailand. To learn more about the PCEC, visit their website at https:/pcec.club.
