PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand’s baht strengthens and prices climb, Pattaya’s bar scene is increasingly feeling the pressure—not just from rising costs, but from customer pushback over what many see as exorbitant bar fines. Recent discussions among long-term visitors and expats reveal a growing perception that Pattaya’s nightlife is pricing itself out of its own market, particularly when compared with Bangkok.
On popular tourist streets such as Soi 6 and LK Metro, bar fines for a night with a hostess often exceed 2,000 baht, sometimes doubling or even tripling within months. Many visitors say the experience no longer matches the cost, noting cramped seating and subpar service, a stark contrast to the lively, bustling vibe of Bangkok’s go-go bars, which remain packed and competitively priced.
“Currency exchange has nothing to do with the ridiculous bar fines Pattaya bars charge,” one expat remarked. “Go to Bangkok, bars and go-go clubs are packed. People pay bar fines, and everyone’s happy. Why pay so much in Pattaya for a poor experience?”
Other readers acknowledged that bar owners face high operational costs, including key money, licenses, and staffing, and that rises in drink and service prices are often necessary. Yet, many argue that abrupt, large jumps in bar fines risk driving away regular customers. “Back in my heyday, I’d pay 2,000 baht for an all-nighter with a 400-baht bar fine. Three months later, the same night cost 4,500 baht with a 600-baht bar fine,” one visitor said. “Prices must rise with costs, but it should be step by step, not a sudden hit.”
Another key point raised by expats is that bar fines are separate from what hostesses charge. Bars typically earn nothing from these fees; it is strictly an arrangement between the customer and the hostess. Still, the high costs can affect perceptions of Pattaya as a nightlife destination.
Many commenters drew comparisons with Bangkok’s go-go scene. While main tourist areas in both cities show similar pricing for bar fines, Bangkok offers a wider range of options in side streets, with lower prices and more varied experiences. Visitors say this flexibility keeps Bangkok’s nightlife vibrant, while Pattaya risks fading into the shadows of its former glory, much like what happened to Soi Patpong in Bangkok, which declined after years of price inflation.
Despite the challenges, some expats still see value in Pattaya’s bar scene for those willing to shop around and explore beyond the main streets. “Bars and hostesses have the right to set their prices, and customers have the right to choose where to spend,” one reader summed up. “But Pattaya must learn from Bangkok: balance cost with experience, or risk losing its crowd.”
As Pattaya heads into the high season, the question remains whether bars will adjust gradually or continue pushing prices, potentially chasing away the very tourists that built the city’s nightlife reputation.
