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.

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Reader's comments:

my husband is going again for the third time .should i trust him .he says he has not been with anyone.but i dont believe him? what do u tnink.s.s Added by: Anonymous    Report abuse

I HAVE BEEN TO PATTAYA 7 TIMES NOW AND WILL BE GOING BACK IN APRIL 08.I FIND PATTAYA VERY SAFE.I HAVE ONLY EVER WITNESS 1 ASSAULT HAPPENING.20 TIMES WORST ON A WEEKEND IN ANY UK CITY. Added by: ANDY    Report abuse

hey try living nr soi 17 murder every month here...dont kid yourself pattaya is very very dangerous ...never walk alone after the bars close....beach area especially... Added by: mandingo    Report abuse

couldent agree more dont listen to stories see for yourself i garentee you wont regret it if you die with not seeing pattaya you havent lived Added by: si    Report abuse

I FEEL SAFER WALKING THE STREETS THERE THEN I DO MY HOME CITY AND I CAN SAY IVE NRVER SEEN ANY REAL INCIDENTS THAT WOULD OPEN MY EYES. Added by: JOHNO    Report abuse

Yep, well written and full of good insight. Treat the doll who sidles up to you with respect and charm and you'll both have a great time! Get all the fees discussed in advance and suit up (wear condom you doofus!).No exceptions unless you've been living under a rock for the last 25 years. Afterwards---and all western guys do this---add up how many times you got laid in your home country and what the divorce charges came to? How much did you pay for that per occasion? It is sobering. Treat the Thai gals nice and everyone smiles! I've had many repeat gals in Pattaya---a good time had by all. Added by: Jdawg    Report abuse

This is a damn insightful and truthful article that dispels those myths! Added by: Bruce    Report abuse

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