PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand enjoys a long holiday weekend from August 9th to Tuesday the 12th, which is Mother’s Day, Pattaya is buzzing with activity and energy. Hotel bookings across many popular accommodations have surged past 90%, reflecting a strong rebound in tourism during this festive period.
Thanet Suphornsahasrangsi, President of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, shared that Pattaya’s tourism scene during the four-day national holiday is vibrant and lively. Thai tourists began arriving from August 9th, with online booking systems seeing increased usage, marking a shift from the past when hotel availability was less predictable.
During the high season, Pattaya traditionally welcomes visitors from Europe, the UK, and Russia, who escape the cold for a tropical break. Meanwhile, the low season is sustained by domestic travelers from Bangkok and neighboring Asian countries, as well as corporate conferences and seminars.
Some visitors enjoy island hopping adventures nearby amid rough seas, strong winds, and scattered rains in sight, while others prefer relaxing on Pattaya’s calm, serene beaches. Despite the occasional rough weather, the sun never stays away from Pattaya for long — it always shines bright again in the afternoon, inviting everyone to enjoy its warmth and beauty.
“This domestic market, along with business travelers and Asian tourists, is key to keeping Pattaya’s tourism thriving year-round,” Thanet noted. However, he acknowledged the significant drop in Chinese tourists by 30-40% this year. Encouragingly, July showed signs of recovery due to collaborative efforts between the private sector and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).
One major challenge remains: promoting a positive image of Thailand internationally to boost traveler confidence. The strong Thai baht also affects foreign visitors’ perception of affordability.
Thanet urged the government to consider measures to stabilize the baht and continue supporting Asian markets. He also highlighted the need for more tourism promotion campaigns and enhancements to travel-related apps to improve user experience.
Thanet said, “With Pattaya’s timeless appeal and continuous efforts to attract visitors, the city’s fun and attractions never fade — it always comes around, ready to welcome the next wave of travelers. If this momentum remains strong and tourists’ plans stay in full swing, we should get through the low season comfortably and dive into a crowded, bustling Pattaya again by October.”
