Pattaya Revives: Tourists Spend ฿100 Million Per Night

Currently, there is an upswing in tourism spending in Pattaya, with visitors from Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Vietnam spending more during both the day and night. This increase in spending has led to a rise in revenue for entertainment venues like Walking Street, with total spending now reaching 100 million baht per night, exceeding the pre-COVID-19 record. In light of this growth, local business owners are urging the government to declare the area an entertainment free zone until 4 a.m., similar to Phuket. Additionally, Anoma Wongyai, the Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Pattaya, reports that the city is in high season, with Russian tourists and also travelers from India, Indonesia, and China expressing interest in visiting the city, often in private or family groups.

On February 25th, U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport is set to receive flights from China. The lifting of RTPCR measures may also attract more Indian visitors to Thailand. As you may know Pattaya is a popular destination, especially among Russian tourists, with additional visitors from India, South Korea, Vietnam, and also China. However, it is expected that the number of Chinese tourists will surpass that of other nationalities.

According to Varinda Saeung, the Director of the Pattaya Floating Market, a cultural tourist spot situated in Muang Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri, the business also has seen a surge of around 50%. The market has experienced an increase in the number of visitors from India, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, including Russia. Varinda reported this to Prachachat Business.

Damrongkiat Pinijkarn, who is the Managing Director of Hollywood Pattaya and also serves as the Secretary General of the Pattaya Entertainment Association, stated that most foreign visitors are independent travelers. Among them, 50% are from India, and the other 50% are from Vietnam. Nevertheless, since early February, there has been an increase in the number of tour groups consisting of around 30-40 people, indicating a positive trend, as per Damrongkiat.

Pinijkarn also mentioned that the entertainment business in Pattaya is rebounding, with the first wave of tourists coming from India, followed by Europeans and Asians from South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The entertainment industry is currently operating at 90% capacity.

Currently, approximately 40% of tourists in Pattaya are Thai, while 60% are foreigners. Chinese tour groups are gradually returning. Pinijkarn would like authorities to permit Pattaya to stay open until 4 a.m., akin to Phuket, to allow the city to earn more revenue from tourists.

Aumporn Kaewsaend, General Manager of the Stone House and Rass Club on Walking Street, reported that Pattaya has recuperated swiftly, having been open for roughly four months. The city has seen an influx of new visitors from Hong Kong, South Korea, and Vietnam, compared to its pre-COVID-19 peak in 2019.

Revenue has risen from around 100,000 baht per night before COVID-19 to roughly 150,000-170,000 baht per night at present. On some evenings, revenue has surged two to three times, highlighting the purchasing power of customers.

In Walking Street, individual shops' total revenue is approximately 60 million baht per night on weekdays and  increases to 100 million baht per night on weekends. Aumporn believes that if Pattaya were to extend its opening hours to 4 a.m., this figure could increase to 200 million baht per night.

The tourism industry in Pattaya is seeing a surge in spending by visitors from various countries, leading to increased revenue for the entertainment industry operating at 90% capacity. To further boost revenue, business owners are urging extended operating hours in the city. The Pattaya Floating Market has reported a 50% rise in overall business, attracting visitors from India, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea, and Russia. Chinese tour groups are gradually returning, and the city expects an increase in the number of Chinese tourists. While individual travelers from India and Vietnam comprise the majority of foreign visitors, tour groups of around 30-40 people have been spotted since early February, indicating progress. Overall, Pattaya's tourism industry is on an upward trend, and local business owners are hopeful about the city's future

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