Somewhere, over the rainbow...

[readerc54]

From Pattaya One

Changing Pattaya from the Sex Capital to a Family Resort will take time says Chief

The chief of Pattaya’s tourism office has said that changing the resort’s seedy image is not something that can be expected to happen overnight.

But Sinchai Watanasartsathorn said he was determined to work with all sectors both public and private to change its image. And one day he said he would succeed.

Sinchai – a chamber of commerce and tourism expert – was talking to the Pattaya News following a story that appeared online in the UK’s Mirror newspaper.

http://pattayaone.news/en/changing-face-pattaya/

[Gaybutton]

That's another one on my "I Don't Get It" list. Why try to change Pattaya's "seedy" image? For what? That's what attracts a great many people to Pattaya. There are plenty of "family" resorts in Thailand. What's so terrible about having both? Besides a few prudes that somehow managed to get into positions of authority, who even wants to change Pattaya's "seedy" image?

They already have restricted the beaches, bar operating hours, liquor sales hours, what bar workers can and cannot wear, etc. And besides those prudes, who wants those regulations? Not the workers. Not the holiday makers who come here just for that "sleaze." I haven't even seen any publicity saying any families have complained.

There would be far fewer problems around here if the powers-that-be would stop meddling.

[Captain Kirk]

Don't get it either. It's not compulsory to visit the seedy areas of the place. I've been to Amsterdam but never been to the red light district.

[Dodger]

The chief of Pattaya’s tourism office has said that changing the resort’s seedy image is not something that can be expected to happen overnight.

If you look at the changes just in the past 5 years it's apparent that a fair amount of progress has been made already. The sex scene in Pattaya doesn't resemble anything like it did back then.

I CAN SEE IT NOW

A Joyful family frolicking along the sands of Dong Tan Beach changing their babies diapers and collecting seashells right in the spot where I remember getting my first blowjob in public....or watching a young Swedish couple on sabbatical from their homeland missionary strolling down the sois of the refurbished (seedless) Sunee Plaza remarking what a charming place this is - right on front of what used to be Amigo Pub where naked boys would jag off and cum in an empty glass for 20 baht.

What's this world coming to?

[fountainhall]

As Dodger points out, a lot has already changed. Whilst I cannot see change coming quickly, let's recall how Las Vegas changed to become a family destination. The underbelly is still there, but in my several visits to Las Vegas I have been primarily for the astonishing Cirque du Soleil permanent shows (unbelievable quality far superior to the company's touring shows) and artists like Cher and Bette Midler at The Coliseum, some great sights and incredible food at reasonable prices.

[Gaybutton]

I don't foresee much change in the near future either. They want to make Pattaya a 'family' destination. I don't know why they want to do that, but there it is.

Of course, with the kind of corruption that goes on, I won't be surprised if Pattaya does indeed become a 'family' destination. The trouble is the family will likely be the Manson family . . .

[readerc54]

Are there really a lot of families out there who want a second home on one of the most polluted beaches in SE Asia? And with traffic congestion that would choke Linda Lovelace.

Barring a tsunami, I think we're safe for the foreseeable future--or until Viagra now longer does the trick.

[fountainhall]

I suspect it's largely economics - whatever any official might suggest about cleaning the swamp!! A family on holiday is far more likely to stay longer and spend more than most individuals. Plus the cash cow conventions usually opt for a family-type destination since many delegates bring wives and families with them for longer holidays. That brings the bonus of an add-on a week in Phuket or elsewhere. The last Rotary International Convention about 6 years ago brought close to 40,000 in to the country. A lot more opportunity for creaming a lot more off the top for a lot of officials than from the bars!!

Without the convention trade, Las Vegas would all but die!

[readerc54]

Agree about the rationale of economics argument. But this isn't China where, once a decision is made at the upper levels of government, the thing happens.

TIT.

[Gaybutton]

I suspect it's largely economics

I do too - his own.

Plenty of families already come to Pattaya. I don't know how long they stay, how much they spend, or where they spend it, but they come.

Do they really think Pattaya will be transformed from Linda Lovelace to Shirley Temple?

When does Pattaya Disneyland open . . . ?