Has Pattaya Become Mumbai?

[Undaunted]

‘Booked a trip to Thailand, got India instead’ – Pattaya welcomes all, but risks losing its identity

By Pattaya Mail

June 20, 2025

As international tourism numbers waver below pre-pandemic highs, Pattaya’s tourism authorities are putting on a brave face, insisting the city remains a top destination thanks to “emerging markets” like India. But behind the curtain of upbeat press releases and marketing slogans, hoteliers, expats, and even returning tourists are asking a harder question: Is Pattaya just papering over deeper problems with short-term fixes?

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Indian arrivals have surged in the past year, now consistently ranking among the top five source markets for Pattaya. On paper, that sounds like a success story. In reality, it may be masking a more worrying trend: declining interest from Western and high-spending tourists who once formed the backbone of Pattaya’s economy.

“Pattaya hotels face wage hike challenge amid calls for higher tourist spending,” one local hotel manager noted. “The Indian population can help out there – but only if they’re actually spending money locally.”

Indeed, many Thai business owners, while grateful for foot traffic, say Indian tourists often travel in large groups, stay in Indian-run hotels, eat at Indian restaurants, and book excursions through Indian-owned operators – all of which keeps the economic benefits in a closed loop.

“And there lies the problem,” commented a European expat who frequently visits the city. “Three out of the four hotels we stayed in on our last trip were run by Indians, staffed by Indians, with a token few Thais. That’s the problem.”

The trend has sparked frustration not just among hoteliers, but also among returning tourists who feel Pattaya is losing its Thai charm.

“A friend visited recently and said ‘never again.’ He went to see Thailand, not Mumbai,” said another long-time visitor.

Tourism analysts warn this shift isn’t just about perception—it’s about long-term sustainability. If visitors feel that Pattaya no longer offers an authentic Thai experience, they may choose other destinations in the region such as Vietnam, Bali, or even Sri Lanka.

“Tourists from other countries have no interest in coming to Thailand if it is overrun with Indians,” one online commenter bluntly stated.

While such remarks border on xenophobic, they reflect a real tension between mass tourism and cultural tourism—between quantity and quality. Pattaya is under pressure to show strong visitor numbers, but at what cost?

There’s also the political angle. With minimum wage hikes looming, many hotels—especially those operating on thin margins—are struggling to stay profitable, especially as average tourist spending continues to decline. Starting July 1, all hotels rated 2-star and above will be required to pay a 400-baht daily minimum wage, putting even more pressure on operators to attract higher-spending guests. If the city becomes too reliant on low-budget group tours that generate limited economic ripple effects, it could undermine efforts to raise wages, improve service quality, or invest in much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

Ultimately, Pattaya’s challenge isn’t attracting tourists—it’s attracting the right kind of tourists, and ensuring the city’s Thai identity doesn’t get lost in the pursuit of volume over value. Compounding the issue, local businesses now face the added pressure of surviving the low season, which typically runs from May to September. With fewer high-spending visitors and mounting operational costs, we may soon see more “closed down” signs across Pattaya, especially among Thai-owned establishments that can’t compete with larger, foreign-operated group-tour setups.

The city needs a more thoughtful tourism mix, one that balances mass-market visitors with culturally curious, higher-spending travelers. If not, Pattaya risks becoming a generic beach town that pleases no one—not even the new markets it’s trying so hard to court.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/booked ... ity-506013

[Gaybutton]

Has Pattaya Become Mumbai?

Maybe more like Delhi . . .

The city needs a more thoughtful tourism mix, one that balances mass-market visitors with culturally curious, higher-spending travelers.

While I agree that Pattaya could do with much more diversified tourist numbers, the fact is Indian travelers have just as much right to be in Pattaya as anyone from anywhere else. For me, the best thing about the presence of Indians in Pattaya is the food. I like Indian food and loads of Indian restaurants have opened in Pattaya - some lousy, but most I've tried have been very good to excellent. There are also many Indian tailor shops in Pattaya. I've bought from a few of them and was pleased with my purchases.

I have nothing against Indians in Pattaya, perhaps because I almost never see them. I don't know where they go, but they're hardly ever at places where I go. They also don't cause major traffic problems due to loads of tour buses. They don't rent motorbikes and spend their time driving like maniacs. I've never had any problems with any of them.

I'm not thrilled about large numbers of Indians, but I have nothing against them either. Hopefully they have nothing against my presence either.

[Jun]

For me, the best thing about the presence of Indians in Pattaya is the food. I like Indian food and loads of Indian restaurants have opened in Pattaya

My favourite Indian restaurants in Pattaya tend to cater to farang customers and have Thai staff.

[Dodger]

This huge influx of Indians is turning Pattaya into a slum...no doubt.

I also like Indian food...actually I prefer it to Thai food, and don't have anything against Indians personally, but I came to Thailand to enjoy Thai culture - not an Indian slum.

Hopefully they can find a way to limit the number of cheapskate Indians, Chinese, and Arabs, and attract more Europeans, Australians, Americans, etc., like we had in the past so we can get back to enjoying some "classy sleaze" like we had before...555.

[Undaunted]

Pattaya’s popularity grows – but at what cost to its Thai identity

By Pattaya Mail

June 20, 2025

As international tourism numbers waver below pre-pandemic highs, Pattaya’s tourism authorities are putting on a brave face, insisting the city remains a top destination thanks to “emerging markets” like India. But behind the curtain of upbeat press releases and marketing slogans, hoteliers, expats, and even returning tourists are asking a harder question: Is Pattaya just papering over deeper problems with short-term fixes?

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Indian arrivals have surged in the past year, now consistently ranking among the top five source markets for Pattaya. On paper, that sounds like a success story. In reality, it may be masking a more worrying trend: declining interest from Western and high-spending tourists who once formed the backbone of Pattaya’s economy.

“Pattaya hotels face wage hike challenge amid calls for higher tourist spending,” one local hotel manager noted. “The Indian population can help out there – but only if they’re actually spending money locally.”

Indeed, many Thai business owners, while grateful for foot traffic, say Indian tourists often travel in large groups, stay in Indian-run hotels, eat at Indian restaurants, and book excursions through Indian-owned operators – all of which keeps the economic benefits in a closed loop.

“And there lies the problem,” commented a European expat who frequently visits the city. “Three out of the four hotels we stayed in on our last trip were run by Indians, staffed by Indians, with a token few Thais. That’s the problem.”
The trend has sparked frustration not just among hoteliers, but also among returning tourists who feel Pattaya is losing its Thai charm.

There’s also the political angle. With minimum wage hikes looming, many hotels—especially those operating on thin margins—are struggling to stay profitable, especially as average tourist spending continues to decline. Starting July 1, all hotels rated 2-star and above will be required to pay a 400-baht daily minimum wage, putting even more pressure on operators to attract higher-spending guests. If the city becomes too reliant on low-budget group tours that generate limited economic ripple effects, it could undermine efforts to raise wages, improve service quality, or invest in much-needed infrastructure upgrades.

Ultimately, Pattaya’s challenge isn’t attracting tourists—it’s attracting the right kind of tourists, and ensuring the city’s Thai identity doesn’t get lost in the pursuit of volume over value. Compounding the issue, local businesses now face the added pressure of surviving the low season, which typically runs from May to September. With fewer high-spending visitors and mounting operational costs, we may soon see more “closed down” signs across Pattaya, especially among Thai-owned establishments that can’t compete with larger, foreign-operated group-tour setups.

The city needs a more thoughtful tourism mix, one that balances mass-market visitors with culturally curious, higher-spending travelers. If not, Pattaya risks becoming a generic beach town that pleases no one—not even the new markets it’s trying so hard to court.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ity-506013

[Gaybutton]

Ultimately, Pattaya’s challenge isn’t attracting tourists—it’s attracting the right kind of tourists

Whose fault is that? They better start figuring out just who the "right kind" of tourists actually are. It's people like us. It's not millionaires willing to buy very expensive visas. It for sure isn't attracting "family oriented" tourists. How many foreign families do you see going around Pattaya looking for wholesome activities?

Until they give up this utter nonsense about family oriented and very rich people flocking to Pattaya, they need to remember what made Pattaya successful in the first place. Like it or not, it was Pattaya's reputation as a "sin city". They need to stop acting as if sex is some sort of terrible thing. You want foreign tourists coming to Pattaya? Then offer them what they're looking for. Otherwise, why would they come?

What they are not looking for, and this goes for gay and straight, is conservative attire in the bars, sex show restrictions, bar hour restrictions, prostitution even technically illegal, and being questioned about why they come often to Thailand.

Those considering retirement in Thailand are not looking for a set of immigration inconveniences, having to go to visa agents just to open a bank account, being unable to own property other than condo units, etc.

Wise up powers-that-be. Open your eyes. Do you want Pattaya to continue on its downward spiral or do you want Pattaya to be the success it used to be? Guess what you need to do - immediately.

[Jun]

Whose fault is that? They better start figuring out just who the "right kind" of tourists actually are. It's people like us. It's not millionaires willing to buy very expensive visas. It for sure isn't attracting "family oriented" tourists. How many foreign families do you see going around Pattaya looking for wholesome activities?

Until they give up this utter nonsense about family oriented and very rich people flocking to Pattaya, they need to remember what made Pattaya successful in the first place. Like it or not, it was Pattaya's reputation as a "sin city". They need to stop acting as if sex is some sort of terrible thing. You want foreign tourists coming to Pattaya? Then offer them what they're looking for. Otherwise, why would they come?

What they are not looking for, and this goes for gay and straight, is conservative attire in the bars, sex show restrictions, bar hour restrictions, prostitution even technically illegal, and being questioned about why they come often to Thailand.

I'd like to think I'm the "right kind" of tourist, but:
1 My daily spend is quite modest and I'm not even trying, since I always spend less than I can afford
2 On the recent trip, over a 40% of that daily spend went on money boy tips at the hotel or at bars. For the first time, none of those boys were Thai.

As for attracting "rich" people & I mean multi-millionaires, since millionaires are everywhere these days. Well, I'd imagine the only multi-millionaires going to Pattaya are also looking for sex.

As for conservative attire in bars, well I've learnt to live with that, just as long as it's a host bar where my drink costs 100 baht or less. It's taken years to get to this, but talking to boys in a host bar works surprisingly well compared with gogo bars.
Gogo bars are fast becoming irrelevant and need to offer a far better experience for the money to attract customers. My last visit to a Pattaya gogo bars would have been December or early January.
Classic Boys was the pick of the crop with some cute lads, in underwear and acceptable prices.
A good start, but how would you screw that up ?
Well, with all the boys staring at the lone customer, it was very uncomfortable. I just couldn't wait to leave, taking them right back to zero customers.

The gogo bars who want 300 baht per drink to watch rough boys in jeans aren't going to get a single baht out of me.

I'd imagine the vast majority of Pattaya bar visits by board members are to host bars.

[Gaybutton]

millionaires are everywhere these days.

Sadly, none at my house . . .

[Undaunted]

Indian tourists set to topple Chinese numbers in Pattaya as locals say, ‘The city’s future may well be written in Hindi’

By Pattaya Mail

June 22, 2025

In a shift that could reshape Pattaya’s tourism landscape, Indian tourists are rapidly closing the gap on their Chinese counterparts and are poised to become the top foreign visitors to the city in the coming months. The surge comes amid a broader tourism revival that has seen Thailand welcome over 13.4 million international tourists from January 1 to May 18, 2025 — generating more than 632 billion baht in revenue.

According to data released by Tourism and Sports Minister Sorawong Thienthong, Chinese tourists still hold the top spot nationally with 1.83 million arrivals so far this year. But Indian travelers, who already account for nearly 880,000 visits, are gaining fast. In the most recent weekly tally, Indian arrivals totaled 50,571 — compared to 62,569 Chinese — narrowing the margin significantly, especially considering India’s consistent upward trend and stronger growth potential during upcoming travel windows.

“India is a rising force in Thai tourism,” said a Pattaya-based hotel manager. “They stay longer, travel in groups, and are increasingly exploring beyond Bangkok — especially destinations like Pattaya that combine beach, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.”

The overall weekly snapshot showed Malaysia (68,738), China (62,569), India (50,571), South Korea (18,213), and Laos (17,034) as the top five foreign visitor groups. But while Malaysian numbers dipped by 20%, Indian arrivals grew by 1.34% — the third consecutive week of positive momentum. China posted only a modest 2.18% increase, and with continuing issues like delayed visa approvals, limited direct flights, and changing outbound travel behavior, some analysts believe India could overtake China by late 2025, especially in hot-spot cities like Pattaya and Phuket.

Fueling the surge is the Thai government’s aggressive tourism push under the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. Key policies include waiving the TM.6 immigration form, encouraging airlines to boost seat capacity, and easing travel procedures across major airports. Indian travelers are among the biggest beneficiaries of these conveniences — and also among the most active in social media promotion, helping spark peer-to-peer tourism growth.

In Pattaya, the trend is already visible. Indian tourists are now a daily fixture across Walking Street, Pattaya Beach, and shopping areas like Central Festival. Hoteliers, restaurateurs, and transport operators are adapting quickly, adding Indian dishes to menus, hiring Hindi-speaking staff, and aligning with Indian travel agents to offer wedding and group packages.

“Chinese group tours are not what they used to be,” said a bar owner on the Walking Street. “Now it’s Indian weddings, family holidays, and independent travelers that keep us busy.”

If this momentum continues, Indian tourists could become the dominant foreign demographic in Pattaya by the high season — a major pivot for a city long synonymous with Chinese tour groups.

One local tourism official summed it up: “The future of Pattaya may well be written in Hindi.”

https://www.pattayamail.com/latestnews/ ... ndi-506312

[Jun]

There are certainly a lot of Indians in South Pattaya. Those & the middle Easterners are taking over our former area.
East of third road seems to be reasonably free from Indians & Arabs, but that's too far from the gay scene.

Only a handful seem to make it down to Jomtien. I saw a small group checking into The Zing, in the complex. There are sometimes a few Indians at the top of Jomtien beach, including ones scouting the few prostitutes that are unfortunately found in the area in the evening.

Koreans are also mentioned in the stats. I see quite a few of them too, but they seem more keen on North Pattaya. Usually well behaved.