The Association of Chon Buri Tourism Federation (ACTF) recently met with Tourism Minister Sermsak Pongpanit to discuss this initiative. The meeting also reviewed insights from a workshop involving foreign tour agencies from five key markets: Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States, Germany, South Korea, China, and India. The discussion focused on plans to collaborate on promoting Pattaya tourism and rebranding the city.
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, President of the ACTF, emphasized that Pattaya has evolved from a nightlife hotspot to a more family-oriented city offering a wide range of activities.
“Pattaya has the potential to become a city of diverse attractions and a hub for investment as well as world-class events,” said Thanet. The city boasts various attractions, including beaches, high-quality golf courses, cultural sites, meeting facilities, and shopping malls. Its proximity to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-Tapao Airport in Chon Buri, along with nearby provinces like Rayong and Bang Saen, further enhances its appeal by helping to manage the influx of tourists.
Last month, locals and business operators in Pattaya protested against the Thai media’s portrayal of their city as a “Sin City.”
Regarding sex tourism, Thanet pointed out that only those who haven’t visited Pattaya in over two decades still cling to outdated perceptions of its nightlife and sex tourism scene. Frequent visitors and foreign travel agents are aware of the city’s broader tourism offerings.
Morrakot Kuldilok, President of the Eastern Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association and an executive of the federation, acknowledged the continued presence of prostitution. She suggested that local government officials should regulate the industry and implement welfare measures to protect sex workers. In light of recent reports of illegal gambling near Pattaya Soi 6, Morrakot proposed establishing a legal casino operation to address the issue in Pattaya and other areas with similar activities.
The ACTF also suggested that Pattaya could become Thailand’s first casino city as part of their proposal. Other areas requiring improvement include safety, cleanliness, public infrastructure, sustainability, and city zoning regulations, which need government support.
Thanet noted that Pattaya’s zoning regulations have not been properly updated, leading to a mix of nightlife venues, hotels, and residences, which can make some family tourists feel unsafe, according to the Bangkok Post.
Looking ahead to the upcoming high season, Thanet estimated that tourism revenue in Pattaya should recover to over 80% of the 2019 level. However, challenges remain due to Thai tourists favoring overseas destinations and increasing competition from places like Vietnam and Hainan Island in China.
