PATTAYA, Thailand – After visiting Pattaya for 20 years, British visitor Leslie Haynes says his love for the city remains strong, but he worries about the changes he has seen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message to the Pattaya Mail, Haynes shared his concerns about rising prices, different charges for Thai and foreign customers, airport fees and the changing atmosphere in some of Pattaya’s best-known entertainment areas.
Haynes said he understands that businesses need to raise prices to recover revenue lost during the pandemic. However, he believes Thai residents and foreign visitors should pay the same price for the same products and services.
Seeing different prices displayed for locals and tourists, he said, can leave visitors feeling unwelcome and discourage them from spending money in the city. He also expressed concern that additional airport charges could make travel more expensive at a time when Pattaya is seeking to attract more visitors.
Haynes believes the city’s entertainment scene has changed considerably over the years. He singled out Walking Street, saying its atmosphere and range of entertainment no longer resemble what he remembers from previous visits. He added that some local bars now play music that does not match his personal tastes, while he was also critical of the rubbish left along the beach after dark.
Despite his complaints, Haynes made clear that his comments come from affection for Pattaya rather than a desire to criticize the city unfairly. Having returned for two decades, he wants to see the destination retain the qualities that made him fall in love with it.
His message reflects concerns that some longtime visitors have about balancing commercial interests with the experience that keeps tourists coming back. Fair pricing, clean public spaces and a varied entertainment scene remain important considerations for a city competing for visitors.
For Haynes, the issue is not simply about money. It is about preserving the character of a place he has enjoyed for 20 years and hopes will continue to thrive.
