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Pattaya Holiday Myths
I’ve encountered several myths amongst newcomers wanting to come to Pattaya but unsure about coming at that time because of them. The first one is that the joint US/Thailand (and other SEA nations) military operation “Cobra Gold” means that Pattaya will be swamped by thousands of military with no hotel rooms, over-crowded bars and clubs and all the bargirls taken. Nothing could be further from the truth! It takes place in the middle of low season. The many US troops that come here are just a drop in a nearly empty bucket. I’ve been here for three of these exercises, one-time in Khorat and twice in Pattaya. The numerous US troops aren’t in one hotel and aren’t on liberty at the same time. I’ve seen bar complexes with ten bars, full of bar-girls, a live band and only ten customers for all of them. “Simon Beer Bar” complex on “Walking street” is partying hard and lively……….at a few of the bars inside. The rest have a few or no customers with many bargirls forlorn. The hotels near the prime areas like Soi 7/8 and “Walking street” almost always have rooms available. One may have to wait in line to eat at the KFC or McD or “MK Sukiyaki” at busy hours but there are always dozens of fine dining establishments begging for a man’s patronage. The other myth is that crime is out of control in Pattaya. This is due to hysterical stories in the local media. Newspapers thrive on sensationalism, especially scandal UK sheets who breathlessly reported on Brits on disability who were living in the so-called “sleaze” capital of the world, Pattaya. Pattaya does have it’s share of crime and does draw criminals. No city or country is 100% safe at all times anyway. But the stories seem to be on the up rise, mainly because there are more foreign visitors here. There are more media outlets (Pattaya People, Pattaya Mail) that print the unpleasant news about assaults against Farangs. “Bangkok Post” and “The Nation” pretty much ignore it unless it’s too big or spectacular to ignore. If one were drop-dead drunk, wearing a Rolex and walking on Beach road at 4am perhaps he’d be at risk. But one would be in more danger in almost any major Western urban city. As in all situations one always keeps an eye on their surroundings, no matter what. The banks here have no bullet proof glass, the drug stores are not fortresses and many outdoor restaurants simply lock up the freezer and food cabinets when closing. Submitted by : Claw 25-June-06 Related Stories - Introduction to Pattaya Pattaya First Time Visitors Advice
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