Where Are The Western Tourists?

[Dodger]

I think Pattaya's problems shrink to insignificance compared to the problems in cities in the USA and problems caused by Trump. As long as Thailand will have me, I'm staying right here in Pattaya.

And if I am ever forced to return to the USA, I guarantee wherever I go it won't be Miami.

If I was ever forced to leave Thailand, and I don't see that ever happening, Jai and I would move somewhere within SE Asia with a similar cost-of-living versus moving back to the U.S.

I feel terrible for my family members and friends back in the States trying to survive the economic conditions, but we live like Kings here in Thailand and I wouldn't trade that for anything. And U.S. expats will receive another 2.8% cost-of-living increase in January. Works for me!

I Love Thailand!

[Gaybutton]

If I was ever forced to leave Thailand, and I don't see that ever happening, Jai and I would move somewhere within SE Asia with a similar cost-of-living versus moving back to the U.S.

Same for me. If I were to be forced to move back to the USA, as I said it wouldn't be Miami. I don't know where I would go, but not there.

If I could remain in SE Asia, for me next stop would be the Philippines.

[Jun]

They might start by asking tourists what they like and dislike.

I like the boys (even if they are not from Thailand), the gay scene, the climate, the coffee shops, when I can find it, I like the vegetarian food, the culture and the low prices.

I dislike the poor provision for pedestrians, poor public transport (outside Bangkok) & the pollution. Immigration could raise their game.

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for me.

For anyone not chasing the boys, the list of alternative countries to visit could be considerably wider.

Also, what quality of tourist do they expect to attract with cheap flights ?

[Dodger]

The advantages outweigh the disadvantages for me.

They know that.

[Jun]

The most important part - did you get the visa?

I eventually got the visa. Over 3 weeks after application and the same day that I e-mailed the embassy to chase it up. Over on Asean Now, there's one person who received his whilst in Dubai, en route to Thailand !!

Meanwhile, Thaiger reports of immigration intending to crack down on people who use more than 2 60 day visa exempt entries. I presume they mean per year.
I have already entered visa free twice in 2025, once nearly 60 days (from Vietnam, for the second leg of the last winter trip) and the other for a short 3 week stay.
Thankfully there is a visa for this trip. Well, at least the first 90 days of it.