The Thai prime minister has made world-class tourism in Bangkok and the provinces a top priority for her administration. Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized that tourist cities should focus on man-made attractions and modern entertainment complexes to appeal to both domestic and international travelers seeking new experiences.
Meanwhile, critics who perpetuate Pattaya’s image as a hub for prostitution and crime are quick to dismiss these changes. Some media outlets, both in Thailand and internationally, are largely responsible for the outdated belief that Pattaya remains unchanged over the past two decades. Phrases like “notorious sex industry” or “prostitution-ridden” still frequently appear. The Tourist Authority of Thailand’s Pattaya office is well aware of this. “You can find sex tourism here if you know where to look, but the city has evolved significantly,” said the office manager. She pointed to five-star hotels, family entertainment options, sports and music festivals, and the city’s transformation as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor hub, which has seen substantial investment in infrastructure.
The government’s focus on man-made attractions extends far beyond traditional landmarks like the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Garden, or the Golden Buddha Mountain. The new wave includes the Ramayana Water Park, which is Thailand’s largest, occupying an area equivalent to 700 tennis courts. Other additions include the European-style village mall A La Campagne, and the fully redeveloped Naklua town center. Visitors can also enjoy themed attractions like Hotel Transylvania, floating cafes, underwater worlds, beginner-friendly snorkeling, dinosaur parks, and even treetop adventures inspired by Tarzan. However, not all ventures have succeeded, such as Rubberland, which has permanently closed, according to Google.
Hotels in Pattaya are also transforming. The Grand Centre Point in North Pattaya, for instance, boasts a futuristic “Astro Club” designed like a spaceship. The government’s pledge to collaborate with the private sector on entertainment complexes likely includes plans for integrated casino resorts. These won’t be standalone casinos but rather mixed-use developments featuring hotels, restaurants, children’s entertainment, and relaxation facilities. One potential location for such a development is near U-Tapao Airport, in the rapidly growing area of Rayong. The government aims to keep affluent Thais from spending their money at casinos in neighboring countries by offering domestic alternatives.
Six years ago, Pattaya’s local government introduced the concept of “Neo Pattaya,” a vision to shift away from the city’s reliance on night entertainment. However, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 turned the city into a ghost town, delaying those plans. As tourism and investment gradually recover in 2024, Pattaya is expected to continue its transformation. Whether the city fully reinvents itself remains to be seen, but the true test will likely come by 2034.
