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- BCCT networking event in Ban Chang strengthens business ties in the EECBAN CHANG, Rayong – The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) continued its mission to strengthen business relationships and promote investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) with another successful networking evening, held at the elegant Kantary Hotel Ban Chang on October 31. The event brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the […]
Business leaders and entrepreneurs connect during the BCCT Networking Evening at Kantary Hotel Ban Chang, fostering new partnerships in the Eastern Economic Corridor. BAN CHANG, Rayong – The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) continued its mission to strengthen business relationships and promote investment in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) with another successful networking evening, held at the elegant Kantary Hotel Ban Chang on October 31.
The event brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across the region for a night of engaging conversation, new opportunities, and shared insights into one of Thailand’s most dynamic economic zones.
Organized as part of the BCCT’s ongoing series of regional business gatherings, the evening showcased the Chamber’s commitment to fostering collaboration between local and international enterprises operating in the EEC. Guests enjoyed a relaxed yet productive atmosphere, enhanced by the hotel’s warm hospitality and excellent catering.The BCCT expressed heartfelt thanks to all who attended, noting that such events play a vital role in supporting business growth and community connections. “Your participation was truly appreciated, and we hope you made some excellent, valuable connections,” said a BCCT representative.
Special recognition went to the evening’s event sponsors, whose continued support made the gathering possible: Business Class Asia, represented by Lee Stevens, Macallan Insurance Broker, represented by Graham Macdonald, MBE, and Kiwi Resource Protection, represented by Steve Fraser.
Their contributions and active engagement helped ensure the night’s success, reinforcing the Chamber’s reputation for hosting high-quality, meaningful networking events.
BCCT Executive Committee members and event sponsors share a moment of camaraderie as they celebrate another successful networking night in the EEC. Strengthening Business in the EEC
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), covering the provinces of Chonburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao, represents Thailand’s flagship initiative to transform its industrial landscape and attract advanced investment. With world-class infrastructure projects, logistics networks, and innovation zones, the EEC serves as a hub for next-generation industries such as aerospace, digital technology, robotics, and renewable energy.
The BCCT has been an active partner in supporting the EEC’s development, helping connect British and Thai businesses to new opportunities emerging from the region’s rapid growth. By organizing regular networking events like this one, the Chamber fosters dialogue, strengthens partnerships, and encourages sustainable investment across sectors.
As the evening concluded, guests left with new contacts, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of optimism about the EEC’s future potential.The BCCT expressed gratitude to all participants and sponsors, adding, “We look forward to welcoming you to our next networking event in the EEC — where business connections continue to grow stronger.”
Guests enjoy lively discussions and fine hospitality at the BCCT Networking Event, highlighting the spirit of collaboration driving growth in the EEC region.
10 November 10 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525615 - Lost child safely reunited at Jomtien Beach as Pattaya officers take swift actionPATTAYA, Thailand – A young child who went missing at Jomtien Beach was safely returned to their parents on November 9. Pattaya City municipal officers discovered the child near the Krungsri Bank near Dong Tan Beach. While coordinating with the family, the officers took the boy to have a meal to keep him comfortable and […]
Officers found a child near Krungsri Bank at Dong Tan Beach and safely reunited him with his family. During the wait, the rescued boy enjoyed a meal with the officers before being returned home. PATTAYA, Thailand – A young child who went missing at Jomtien Beach was safely returned to their parents on November 9. Pattaya City municipal officers discovered the child near the Krungsri Bank near Dong Tan Beach.
While coordinating with the family, the officers took the boy to have a meal to keep him comfortable and calm. The child was then safely reunited with his parents. The incident highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and raise awareness about child supervision.
Residents are encouraged to report similar cases immediately to the City Hall hotline at 1337, supporting Pattaya’s continuous drive to make the city safer and better for everyone.
10 November 10 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525688 - Condo fire in Pattaya prompts mass evacuation with over 60 treated for smoke inhalationPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s land-based disaster relief center received reports of a fire at a condominium on Soi Kor Pai 4, in south Pattaya at 6:00 p.m. on November 9. Firefighters, rescue teams, and police immediately rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, authorities found residents, both Thai and foreign, evacuating the building in a chaotic […]
Firefighters work to evacuate residents and control the blaze at a Pattaya condominium, rescuing over 60 people treated for smoke inhalation. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s land-based disaster relief center received reports of a fire at a condominium on Soi Kor Pai 4, in south Pattaya at 6:00 p.m. on November 9. Firefighters, rescue teams, and police immediately rushed to the scene.
Upon arrival, authorities found residents, both Thai and foreign, evacuating the building in a chaotic rush as thick smoke billowed from the 7th floor. The blaze was concentrated in Room 707, with flames spreading rapidly. Firefighters quickly deployed water to contain the fire, which was brought under control after more than 30 minutes. Smoke continued to fill the building, requiring ventilation equipment to clear the air. There were no serious injuries reported, but over 60 people suffered from smoke inhalation.
The room where the fire originated belonged to Ms. Pornsiri Siriya, 26, who was inside with her boyfriend. She reported noticing a burning smell while doing laundry, discovering the fire starting at an electrical socket and quickly spreading to her bed and across the room. She and her boyfriend escaped without any belongings. Authorities were alerted immediately, and the fire was brought under control with no major injuries.
10 November 10 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525684 - Sattahip Police raid illegal slot machine operation ahead of wider scam threatPATTAYA, Thailand – Sattahip Police conducted a major raid on an illegal slot machine operation, seizing 49 electronic gaming machines, two signal transmitters, and numerous other electronic devices. The operation resulted in the detention of both Thai and Chinese suspects, who are believed to be linked to a cross-border scam network. Police officers executed the […]
Sattahip Police inspect the 49 seized slot machines and electronic equipment before detaining the Thai and Chinese suspects linked to a suspected cross-border scam gang. PATTAYA, Thailand – Sattahip Police conducted a major raid on an illegal slot machine operation, seizing 49 electronic gaming machines, two signal transmitters, and numerous other electronic devices. The operation resulted in the detention of both Thai and Chinese suspects, who are believed to be linked to a cross-border scam network. Police officers executed the raid at a commercial building located at 93/7 Moo 2, Bang Saray.
The raid followed a tip-off from an informant reporting that Thai and Chinese nationals were storing slot machines in the building. Upon arrival, officers observed a Chinese suspect directing the unloading operation, while a Thai suspect supervised workers moving machines and electronic equipment onto a truck. Authorities quickly secured the scene, confiscating 49 slot machines, various electronic devices, and internet signal distribution equipment, before detaining the suspects for questioning at Sattahip Police Station.
Investigators believe the operation is connected to a larger network of scammers, likely fleeing from neighboring countries, preparing to establish a base in Thailand. Police said the swift response, aided by local informants, prevented the illegal operation from spreading further and will allow authorities to expand investigations into the cross-border criminal network.
10 November 10 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525680 - Sky-high drink prices drive tourists from Pattaya’s main streets to coconut tree lanesPATTAYA, Thailand – Once the undisputed capital of flashy go-go bars, Pattaya is seeing a quiet revolution. Tourists are skipping sky-high drinks and strict bar rules, finding a freer, more affordable nightlife under the city’s coconut trees. Here, freelance girls offer companionship without the markups of bars, giving visitors a more flexible and budget-friendly alternative […]
A freelance entertainer offers her services under a coconut tree on Pattaya Beach, free from bar rules and high prices, giving tourists a more flexible and affordable alternative to Walking Street nightlife. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Once the undisputed capital of flashy go-go bars, Pattaya is seeing a quiet revolution. Tourists are skipping sky-high drinks and strict bar rules, finding a freer, more affordable nightlife under the city’s coconut trees. Here, freelance girls offer companionship without the markups of bars, giving visitors a more flexible and budget-friendly alternative to the city’s traditional nightlife scene.
Many of Pattaya’s iconic go-go bars now sit empty or up for sale, often at astronomical prices. Without entrance fees, bar owners rely heavily on “lady drinks” for revenue. But sky-high prices and an oversaturated market have driven away tourists, many of whom now seek cheaper, more authentic nightlife experiences elsewhere in Thailand or across Southeast Asia, including Vietnam and Cambodia.
A visitor to the city summed it up bluntly: “The gogo bars have priced themselves out of the market. With the expensive drinks and lady drink prices, it’s no longer worth coming. People are starting to look at other countries where the quality is better and the price is fairer.”In contrast, smaller side-street venues, freelance girls, and local bars are thriving. Patrons report that these establishments offer better value for money, relaxed service, and a more flexible approach to drinks and entertainment. A typical example: instead of paying for an individual lady drink at an inflated cost, tourists can enjoy sharing from a bottle with a freelancer, cutting expenses dramatically.
Long-term visitors note that Pattaya remains “cheaper than home” for most everyday costs, but the high-season premiums on Western-style food, hotels, and premium nightlife experiences have made certain areas less accessible. Observers argue that Pattaya’s survival hinges on the informal, freelance-driven side of its nightlife. It is these smaller venues, away from the neon glare of Walking Street, that continue to attract tourists seeking affordable fun without scams or aggressive upselling.
Real estate trends also hint at change. Many bars are for sale or rent, often clustered close together, signaling a potential transformation of prime nightlife zones into residential or commercial developments. Industry insiders suggest that while the go-go bar era is not over, it faces a reckoning: if bars fail to adapt to tourists’ demand for affordability, Pattaya could see its nightlife shift to more flexible, freelance-oriented venues that cater to cost-conscious visitors.In short, Pattaya’s glitzy façade may be fading, but the city’s heartbeat survives through its freelance girls, side streets, and smaller bars—proving that nightlife in Thailand is more resilient than any neon sign.
10 November 10 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525695 - Heavy rain alert for Northern Thailand brings local caution to PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – While Northern provinces brace for heavy rain and possible flash floods, the Meteorological Department warns southern regions and coastal areas, including Pattaya, to prepare for scattered heavy showers. Swells in the Gulf of Thailand could reach over 2 meters in stormy areas, prompting authorities to advise local fishermen and boat operators to […]
Storm Watch in Pattaya Residents and tourists prepare for sudden heavy showers as the Meteorological Department warns of possible flooding and rough seas along the Gulf coast. PATTAYA, Thailand – While Northern provinces brace for heavy rain and possible flash floods, the Meteorological Department warns southern regions and coastal areas, including Pattaya, to prepare for scattered heavy showers.
Swells in the Gulf of Thailand could reach over 2 meters in stormy areas, prompting authorities to advise local fishermen and boat operators to exercise caution. Residents and visitors in Pattaya should stay alert for sudden downpours and possible localized flooding, especially in low-lying or drainage-prone zones.The warning comes as a low-pressure system covers northern Thailand and parts of Myanmar, bringing unstable weather conditions across the country. Citizens are urged to monitor local forecasts and follow official safety updates.
9 November 09 2025Daily Newsletterhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525677 - Vietnam surges ahead as Chinese tourists flock in while Thailand faces troubling signs for its tourism industryPATTAYA, Thailand – Vietnam is on track for a record-breaking year in tourism, pulling in 17 million visitors so far in 2025 — with a staggering 4 million from China alone — and projections rising toward 22 million by year’s end. The Vietnamese government even dares to dream higher, setting a target of 25 million […]
Chinese tourists flock to Vietnam as the country’s calm, affordable, and culturally rich destinations surge in popularity, leaving Thailand struggling to keep up with its once-dominant tourism industry. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Vietnam is on track for a record-breaking year in tourism, pulling in 17 million visitors so far in 2025 — with a staggering 4 million from China alone — and projections rising toward 22 million by year’s end. The Vietnamese government even dares to dream higher, setting a target of 25 million visitors, a figure that would smash its pre-pandemic peak of 18 million in 2019.
Thailand, once the undisputed tourism giant of ASEAN, is watching this shift with growing unease. While Bangkok and Pattaya grapple with safety concerns, rising prices, and a strong baht, Vietnam is quietly cashing in — selling what travelers crave most: authentic food, raw history, breathtaking landscapes, and peace of mind.
Vietnam’s Winning FormulaThe turnaround has been remarkable. The country’s calm domestic climate and visa-free entry for 12 countries have created the image of a stable, affordable, and accessible destination. Its “soft power” push through cinema and music — with Netflix’s A Tourist’s Guide to Love, Bollywood’s Love in Vietnam, and viral Vietnamese pop videos — has only amplified global curiosity.
Meanwhile, major tourism players like Saigon Tourist, Sun Group, and Vingroup (Vinpearl) are pouring money into infrastructure and new airlines to welcome even more visitors, especially to resort hubs like Phu Quoc Island.
Thailand Loses Its ShineAcross the Gulf, Thailand’s tourism engine shows worrying cracks. Analysts from BMI (under Fitch Solutions) note that Chinese tourists are now choosing Vietnam over Thailand as their top destination. The reasons?
-Safety concerns following the high-profile abduction of a Chinese celebrity in Thailand earlier this year.
-Cautious spending by Chinese travelers facing a domestic economic slowdown.
-An unfavorable exchange rate, as Thailand’s strong baht continues to make vacations more expensive.
Simply put, Vietnam feels safer, cheaper, and more welcoming.
The Numbers Tell the StoryVietnam’s retail sector grew 6.7% in the first eight months of 2025, while tourism revenue soared 48.4% compared to the same period in 2024. The tourism ministry reported total earnings of US$30 billion last year — and this year looks even stronger.
By contrast, Thailand’s visitor numbers have stalled below pre-pandemic peaks, weighed down by policy missteps, political uncertainty, and an erosion of foreign confidence.
A Warning Sign for ThailandThis isn’t just a statistical victory for Vietnam — it’s a wake-up call for Thailand. The “Land of Smiles” can no longer rely on its reputation alone. A mix of overregulation, moral panic laws like the new alcohol ban, dual pricing, and tourist fatigue is beginning to reshape how travelers see the kingdom.
As one analyst put it bluntly:“Vietnam is selling experience and authenticity. Thailand is selling nostalgia.”
If trends continue, 2025 may be remembered as the year Vietnam dethroned Thailand as the tourism leader of Southeast Asia — not through luck, but through strategy, stability, and a currency that works for its people, not against them.
9 November 09 2025Daily Newsletterhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525673 - Doomsday for Pattaya’s nightlife as new alcohol law threatens to choke the city that never sleepsPATTAYA, Thailand – Starting November 8, Thailand’s revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 officially comes into force — and it could spell disaster for nightlife-driven cities like Pattaya. Under the new law, even sitting and drinking inside a bar, restaurant, or venue outside of permitted selling hours is now illegal, with violators […]
As the clock strikes twelve, Pattaya’s once-bustling bars fall silent under the new Alcohol Control Act. From November 8, even sitting with a drink after hours could cost you a 10,000-baht fine — turning the “City That Never Sleeps” into one that suddenly must. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Starting November 8, Thailand’s revised Alcohol Beverage Control Act (No. 2) B.E. 2568 officially comes into force — and it could spell disaster for nightlife-driven cities like Pattaya.
Under the new law, even sitting and drinking inside a bar, restaurant, or venue outside of permitted selling hours is now illegal, with violators facing a fine of up to 10,000 baht.
Yes, you read that right: if you’re “stuck in the mood” after midnight or lingering over your last beer during the afternoon break, you could be breaking the law.
The New RealityAccording to Section 32, it is strictly prohibited to consume alcohol “in any place where alcohol is sold or provided for commercial purposes” during restricted hours, even if you bought your drink before the cutoff time.
Those restricted hours, as reaffirmed by the Prime Minister’s Office notification, are:
00:00 (midnight) to 11:00 a.m.
14:00 (2 p.m.) to 17:00 (5 p.m.)
And under Section 37/1, anyone caught violating this rule faces a civil fine of up to 10,000 baht.
From Tourist Town to Twilight ZoneFor Pattaya — a city that thrives on late-night drinks, live music, and the neon pulse of Walking Street — this new regulation feels like the end of an era. Bars that used to stay open until sunrise will now face unprecedented pressure to clear out customers the moment the clock strikes midnight.
Imagine the scene: it’s 12:01 a.m. on Beach Road. Tourists still sipping their cocktails are suddenly told to put their glasses down. Staff rush to clear tables, and the mood evaporates faster than the beer foam on a hot night.
Even worse, it’s not just about selling alcohol anymore — drinking itself becomes a punishable act. Patrons, not just bar owners, are now liable. That means an innocent couple enjoying wine with a late dinner could find themselves in trouble simply because time ran out.
Economic FalloutPattaya’s economy is built on nightlife. Tens of thousands of workers — from bartenders to musicians, security guards, and street vendors — depend on those after-hours crowds.
With this law, the government has effectively turned the city’s main economic engine into a liability. The fear of fines and police checks could drive away both local patrons and foreign tourists who come seeking the freedom and fun that once defined Thailand’s beach capital.
A City Under CurfewCritics are already calling it a “moral panic law,” arguing that real social issues won’t be solved by policing what time people drink. Instead, they say, it risks pushing nightlife underground — into private rooms, off-the-book bars, and online delivery channels.
Pattaya, long branded as the “City That Never Sleeps,” may now have to change its slogan to something darker — “Drink Fast or Get Fined.”
Unless authorities clarify how the law will be enforced, the clock is ticking on Pattaya’s freedom to enjoy a night out.
9 November 09 2025Daily Newsletterhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525664 - Baht swings don’t deter tourists as food and hotels bite harder in ThailandPATTAYA, Thailand – While the Thai baht has fluctuated over the past decade, foreign tourists say the currency swings rarely impact their vacations. One long-time visitor recalls arriving in Thailand in 2015 when the exchange rate was about 30 baht to the USD. Today it hovers around 32. Over the years, it has peaked at […]
Foreign tourists check exchange rates at a Pattaya currency booth, sizing up their baht before hitting the streets and beaches. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While the Thai baht has fluctuated over the past decade, foreign tourists say the currency swings rarely impact their vacations. One long-time visitor recalls arriving in Thailand in 2015 when the exchange rate was about 30 baht to the USD. Today it hovers around 32. Over the years, it has peaked at 38 and dropped as low as 29.
“I find it hard to believe that baht fluctuations significantly impact tourism,” the visitor said. “You’d have to be a broke backpacker staying in a hostel to worry about a few percentage points when planning a vacation, especially considering airfare from Europe or the States. Once you get here, everything is a bargain compared to home.”
The traveler stressed that this perspective applies to short-term visitors, not retirees on a fixed income living in Thailand. “A 10 to 20% swing makes a difference over a year, but for a few weeks? I’ve never once thought about exchange rates on vacation.”Tourists report that Thailand’s currency exchange is transparent, with rates close to the real market value. “In the UK they’ll screw you on the buy/sell rate and you lose about 10%,” one visitor added. “I’m bringing £1,500 in cash for my three-week stay next week, plus 5,000 baht left over from my last trip.”
While baht fluctuations may not scare away tourists, the real pinch comes from rising costs of food and accommodation. Western-style dining in Bangkok can be expensive, and hotel rates spike sharply during high season. Visitors say they adapt by being careful where they spend, avoiding tourist-heavy streets like Walking Street, and instead supporting businesses along Soi Buakhao and surrounding sois.Pattaya’s currency exchange booths remain busy, a visual reminder that even in a changing financial landscape, tourists prioritize convenience and value. The scene underscores a growing trend: short-term visitors continue to focus on experiences over minor financial concerns, showing that Thailand’s sun, sea, and culture still hold strong appeal.
9 November 09 2025Daily Newsletterhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525692 - Banglamung Learning Center joins HHN Foundation to advance education for underprivileged children in PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – The Banglamung District Learning Promotion Center partnered with the HHN Foundation for Thai Children to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the HHN Learning Center in Pattaya. The collaboration aims to promote educational opportunities for underprivileged children and youth, particularly those unable to fully access the Thai formal education system. The […]
Officials from Banglamung Learning Center and HHN Foundation sign an MOU to expand educational access for disadvantaged children in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Banglamung District Learning Promotion Center partnered with the HHN Foundation for Thai Children to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the HHN Learning Center in Pattaya. The collaboration aims to promote educational opportunities for underprivileged children and youth, particularly those unable to fully access the Thai formal education system.
The signing ceremony was honored by Ms. Phisamai Longcharoen, Director of the Banglamung District Learning Center, and Mr. Siromet Akrapongpanich, Deputy Director of the HHN Foundation. Both parties are committed to making “education for all” a reality in Pattaya.
The partnership seeks to provide target students with the Ministry of Education curriculum across primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels over a six-year period. It will also focus on life skills, vocational skills, and foundational learning to build educational stability and improve the long-term quality of life for the children and their families, creating new opportunities for a secure and equitable future.
8 November 08 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=525588