From Fishing Village to Sin City to Family Home: Pattaya's Turbulent History

Located on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya has long been known as one of the most notorious tourist destinations in the world. The city has become a symbol of nightlife, with an abundance of bars, nightclubs and other entertainment options. But how did this town develop from a simple fishing village to an internationally renowned 'Sin City' and then a family destination?

In this article we will review the history of Pattaya exploring, the influence of American soldiers, and the growing pains it has experienced in its rapid transformation.

The origins of Pattaya: a fishing village with growing pains

Developed as a small fishing village in the early 20th century, Pattaya began to grow with the rise of fishing and the seafood trade. The locals lived a simple life, focused on the sea and the natural resources it had to offer. In the early 20s, Pattaya was made up of a small group of fishing families who had settled in the area. At that time there were only a few hundred inhabitants. With the rise of tourism and the American influence however, in the 60s, the population of Pattaya began to increase rapidly.

During the heyday of the Vietnam War in the 60s and 70s, the population is estimated to have risen to around 50.000, with much of the population engaged in the growing tourism industry. In the following decades, the population continued to grow, thanks in part to the continued development of the tourism industry and the influx of both foreign and Thai migrants seeking employment and economic opportunities.

According to the latest 2021 data, Pattaya had an estimated population of about 320.000. It is important to note that these figures do not fully reflect the fluctuating population of tourists and seasonal workers, so the actual number of people in the city may be significantly higher at certain times.

Major milestones in Pattaya's history

• Early 20th century: Pattaya emerges as a small fishing village.
• 60s: American soldiers discover Pattaya as a recreational destination, leading to an influx of tourism and economic growth.
• 1961: The Thai government begins development of Beach Road, leading to an increase in the number of hotels and tourist facilities.
• 70s and 80s: Pattaya's reputation as a 'Sin City' grows due to the increase in illegal activities such as prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking.
• 1994: Establishment of the Pattaya City Administration Organization to better manage the city and promote tourism.
• 2000: The Thai government begins initiatives to improve Pattaya's image and promote family-friendly tourism.
• Present: Pattaya continues to develop, with a focus on sustainable tourism and the preservation of local culture and traditions.

The American influence

The turning point in Pattaya's history began in the 60s, when American soldiers stationed in Vietnam sought a place to relax during their leisure time. Pattaya's proximity to the US Air Force Base U-Tapao made it an ideal destination for the soldiers. This created an influx of American soldiers looking for recreation and entertainment.

The result was a rapid increase in demand for hotels, bars, restaurants and other tourist facilities. Local entrepreneurs and investors quickly responded to this demand, turning Pattaya into a popular destination for relaxation and entertainment.

The growth of tourism

The American presence in Pattaya laid the foundation for the development of the tourist industry, which gained momentum in the 70s and 80s. In addition to American soldiers, tourists from other parts of the world also began to flock to Pattaya, attracted by the warm climate, beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife.

The Origin of Sin City

As tourism in Pattaya grew, a dark side emerged. In addition to the legitimate bars and clubs aimed at relaxation and entertainment, illegal activities also emerged. Prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking increased and Pattaya was soon nicknamed 'Sin City'. Despite efforts by the Thai government to contain the situation, Pattaya's image as a center of vice and debauchery remained.

(Tang Yan Song / Shutterstock.com)

Prostitution and sex tourism

Whoever writes about Pattaya cannot avoid also taking a look at the dark side of the city: the widespread prostitution and sex tourism. In the 60s and 70s, Pattaya grew into a popular R&R (rest and recreation) destination for US military personnel during the Vietnam War. This brought the city into contact with the prostitution industry and sex tourism. After the end of the war, the demand for paid sex services continued to grow, both among foreign tourists and the local population. Today, prostitution is deeply ingrained in Pattaya culture, although it is officially illegal in Thailand.

An important reason why prostitution so prevalent in Pattaya is economic inequality in Thailand. Many women from poor rural areas come to the city in the hope of a better life. They are often drawn to the opportunity to make a quick buck in the sex industry, despite the risks and stigmas associated with it.

One of the reasons Pattaya is such an attraction to sex tourists is the relative openness and availability of the city's sex industry. It is easy to find bars, clubs and other entertainment venues where sex workers are present and offering their services. In addition, the city is often seen as a place where sexual services are cheaper and more accessible compared to Western countries.

De prostitution and sex tourism in Pattaya have negative consequences for both locals and tourists. The presence of this industry has led to an increase in crime, drug use and human trafficking in the city. In addition, the stigma surrounding prostitution has a negative effect on Pattaya's reputation as a tourist destination.

The Thai government has taken measures to tackle the problems of prostitution and sex tourism in Pattaya. For example, stricter laws and enforcement have been introduced to combat human trafficking and child prostitution. In addition, initiatives have been launched to support women in the sex industry in finding alternative forms of work.

However, it remains a complex problem that is difficult to solve. There is a lack of agreement on what is the best course of action, and many of the measures taken have had only limited effects. Some experts advocate complete decriminalization and regulation of the sex industry, while others believe this would only exacerbate the problem.

Conscious of the negative impact of Pattaya's reputation, the Thai government has launched several initiatives over the years to improve the city's image and emphasize more family-friendly tourism activities. Investments have been made in infrastructure, public transport and cultural and recreational facilities, such as theme parks and museums, to diversify the tourist offer and make the city more attractive to a wider audience.

The influence of mass tourism

However, the rapid growth of tourism has also led to growth spurts and environmental problems such as overcrowding, pollution and degradation of natural resources. In addition, the influx of foreign visitors and resulting economic growth has led to social and cultural changes, with some fearing the loss of local culture and traditions.

Pattaya's appeal to retirees

For years, Pattaya has attracted retired expatriates looking for a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle. The city's popularity with retirees can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, the climate in Pattaya is very pleasant, with warm temperatures all year round and an abundance of sunshine. This makes it an ideal place for retirees who want to escape the cold and wet weather in their home country.

The relatively low cost of living in Pattaya is also an important factor for retirees. Housing, food and drink, and general day-to-day expenses are often significantly cheaper than in Western countries, allowing retirees to extend their retirement and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

Pattaya has excellent healthcare facilities, including modern hospitals and clinics with well-trained staff. This allows retired expats to be confident that they will have access to quality medical care when needed.

Finally, Pattaya offers a wide range of recreational activities and amenities that appeal to retirees. Golf courses, parks, cultural attractions and shopping centers are just some of the options available to retired expats looking for entertainment and relaxation.

Pattaya as a family destination

Today's Pattaya is an excellent destination for families as it offers a wide variety of activities and attractions that appeal to all ages. The city has fine beaches where families can relax and enjoy water activities such as swimming and snorkeling. In addition, there are many family-friendly attractions, such as theme parks and water parks, that provide a day of fun and excitement for both children and adults.

The city is also rich in culture and history, with several sights and landmarks offering an educational experience for the whole family. In addition, there are many eateries in Pattaya that serve local and international dishes, so families can enjoy a wide variety of culinary options.

Pattaya has evolved over the years and has adapted to the changing needs of travelers. More family-friendly accommodations and amenities are now available, making it easier for families to stay comfortably and explore the city. Finally, Pattaya is easily accessible from other parts of Thailand, making it a convenient destination for families who want to visit multiple places in the country. All these factors contribute to Pattaya's appeal as an ideal family destination.

Jomtien and Naklua

Jomtien and Naklua are two nearby areas closely linked to Pattaya both geographically and in terms of tourism and development. Both locations have their own unique characteristics and attract different types of visitors, while still taking advantage of the proximity to Pattaya and the amenities this city has to offer.

Jomtien

Jomtien, located south of Pattaya, is known for its long stretch of sandy beach and a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. It is a popular alternative for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and lavish nightlife of Pattaya, but still enjoy the region's beautiful beaches and warm climate.

In recent years, Jomtien has developed into an emerging tourist destination, with an increasing number of hotels, resorts, restaurants and attractions. This development is due in part to the efforts of the Thai government and local entrepreneurs to promote more family-friendly and sustainable tourism activities in the area. There are several water sports activities, such as sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing, available to visitors, as well as recreational facilities such as water parks and golf courses.

The connection between Jomtien and Pattaya is good, with frequent public transport options such as songthaews (shared taxis) running between the two areas. This makes it easy for tourists to explore the attractions of both destinations.

Naklua

Naklua, located north of Pattaya, is another area closely associated with Pattaya. It is known for its quieter and more authentic atmosphere, with a focus on preserving local culture and traditions. Originally a small fishing village, Naklua has managed to retain some of its original charm and character despite the tourist development in the area.

One of Naklua's main attractions is its fishing port, where visitors have the chance to see the daily life of the local fishing community up close and buy or taste fresh seafood. The area is also known for the Sanctuary of Truth, an impressive wooden temple complex worth visiting for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.

Naklua has a wider range of accommodations, ranging from luxury resorts to more modest guesthouses, offering visitors a quieter and more relaxed environment compared to busier Pattaya. Like Jomtien, Naklua is easily accessible from Pattaya via local songthaews and taxis.

The future of Pattaya

Despite the challenges and notorious image of Pattaya, the city continues to develop and evolve. There are ongoing efforts to further diversify the tourist offer and to promote a more sustainable and responsible form of tourism. The Thai government and local stakeholders continue to look for ways to combat the negative aspects of the city while reaping the economic benefits of tourism.

Some key figures about Pattaya

• Population: 400.000 to 500.000
• Number of tourists: Pattaya welcomes about 10 million tourists every year.
• Number of hotels: There are more than 1.000 hotels in Pattaya, ranging from budget accommodations to luxury resorts.
• Number of entertainment venues: Pattaya has hundreds of entertainment venues, including bars, nightclubs, discotheques and cabaret shows. The city is known for its vibrant and wild nightlife, especially in areas such as Walking Street, Soi Buakhao, Soi 6 and LK Metro.
• Number of nationalities: Pattaya welcomes visitors from a wide range of nationalities. While exact numbers are hard to come by, some of the most common nationalities of tourists in Pattaya are Chinese, Russian, Indian, South Korean, Japanese, Australian, British, German, and American. Pattaya also has a large Belgian and Dutch community.
• Number of restaurants: There are estimated to be more than 2.000 restaurants in Pattaya, serving a variety of local and international dishes. Thanks to its diverse population and tourism, eateries serving Thai, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, European, American and other cuisines can be found.
• Number of hospitals: There are 4 major hospitals in Pattaya; Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, Pattaya International Hospital and Banglamung Hospital. In addition, there are many smaller clinics and medical centers that provide specialized care.
• Shopping centres: Pattaya has more than 5 shopping malls. The most famous are: Central Festival Pattaya Beach, Terminal 21 Pattaya, Royal Garden Plaza, The Avenue Pattaya and Mike Shopping Mall.

Sources and accountability:

• Pattaya City official website: https://www.pattaya.go.th/
• Books on the history of Pattaya, such as “Pattaya: The Comprehensive Guide” by Michael Holland and “The Life and Times of a Good-for-Nothing Wanderer: Tales of Pattaya” by Duncan Stearn.
• Articles and reports from respected news organizations such as Bangkok Post, The Nation and Thai PBS.
• Scientific publications and reports on the social and economic development of Pattaya, such as those of Thammasat University or Chulalongkorn University.

About this blogger

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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.

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