Living in Pattaya, Thailand

Pattaya is possibly the most enigmatic city in Thailand. It has been describe as a city of sin by some, a beach paradise by others.

Pattaya has, we believe, more "farangs" per square meter than any other Thai city.

Pattaya proper may have more beer bars per square kilometer than any other Thai city.

Yet Pattaya has beach front promenades, quiet bistros, more than 20 fine golf courses, an excellent sports club, a lighted lawn bowling green and scuba diving in two directions. Pattaya is a prime tourist destination for the hedonistic, and lies along the gulf of Thailand 150 km southeast of Bangkok. Utapao airport is nearby. A taxi to bangkok is Bt 800 - 900. Buses and trains are much cheaper and service is virtually continual.

But a reasonable drive down the coast brings the visitor back into contact with Thailand. Sattahip, Chantaburi and Trat are much more traditional.

For the retiree who needs a regular fix of western food and shopping, Pattaya is the place. For the golfer, it's heaven.

Safety Traffic incidents, or falling into a construction opening in a sidewalk or street is prime safety hazards in Pattaya.

Pattaya has a seedy side and is best avoided. "Katoeys", transvestites and transsexuals are omnipresent in the entertainment areas and cause a significant share of problems. Health Pattaya has several quality hospitals.

• Pattaya International Hospital
• Bangkok is 2 hours away

Thailand Financial Facilities

• ATMs are everywhere. Currency exchanges are common
• Interest earned on fixed deposit accounts is taxable at 15% and collected by the bank.

Some Meeting Places - Getting acquainted in Pattaya is relatively straightforward. Cliques do form just as anywhere else, and expats seem to be more individualized.

There also seems to be a tendency that ... the more remote a location ... the lower the living costs, the quality of the westerner diminishes. Pattaya has its share of con men and schemers as well as its "characters".

Expat Oriented Organizations in Pattaya

• Expats Club of Pattaya - Meets every Sunday.
• Filipino Community - meets every 1st Sunday
• Francophone Jean De La Fontaine - French library
• Free Masons, Lodge Pattaya West Winds - meets every 2nd Saturday
• Pattaya Bridge Club - meets every Monday
• Pattaya Business & Tourism Assn (PBTA) - meets every 2nd Thursday.
• Pattaya Expat Club - meets Sundays at 1100
• Pattaya Sports Club - clubhouse and facility, member discounts at golf courses
• Pattaya International Ladies Club - meets first Tuesdays.
• Pattaya Panthers Rugby Club - plays touch football & rugby Tuesdays from 1800.
• Rotary Club of Jomtien - Pattaya English language meetings Wednesdays
• Rotary Club of Pattaya - meets Mondays at Town in Town Hotel.
• UK Club of Pattaya - has regular meetings, events & functions.

Dining Pattaya has is all ... from sidewalk food carts to elegant restaurants with extensive wine list. Noodle shops, open front Thai style eateries offering every imaginable cuisine.

Getting Started in Pattaya

Hotels are a more viable option in Pattaya because of comperition. There are hundreds, hotels and guest houses of all types, sizes, locations and qualities. Here are some Pattaya hotel reviews

Monthly rentals can be an excellent option. Many are furnished serviced apartments. Some notables are (availability varies).

• Diana Estates Condo - Soi Buakow between 2nd and 3rd road. Nice singles are around Bt 10,000 and up
• View Talay Condo - Jomthien Bt 10,000 for a studio
• Jomthien Condotel
• Siam Garden Court - Jomthien, Studios and larger from Bt 6,000

Real estate agents can be helpful, but caution should be exercised. Ask around.

The Pattaya Mail is an excellen resource for news, about Pattaya as well as classifieds.

Shopping - Pattaya Mail has numerous markets. There are several large westernized stores. Lotus and Big C are "superstores" while Foodland and Tops are well stocked supermarkets.