 Pattaya
lies 147km southeast of Bangkok on the northeast coast of
the Gulf of Thailand. In 1950 there was little here other
than a small fishing village. It was unspoiled and unsophisticated
yet in 40 short years it has become a city in its own right.
Development started during the Vietnam War
when the US constructed a naval base in the area that is still
visited by war ships today. Currently used by the Thai Royal
Navy, Thai soldiers are often seen in town.
More than 30 offshore islands stretch around
Pattaya within a radius of some 48km, from around Si Racha
in the north to Sattahip in the south. A few islands are off-limits
as they are under the control of the Royal Thai Navy. Most
others have fascinating dive sites. The waters are rich in
various coral species and tropical fish.
 Today,
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s premier beach resorts and annually
attracts thousands of pleasure-seeking tourists from all over
the world. Despite the wide range of excellent facilities
for tourists with legitimate interests, Pattaya in particular
has, like Thailand in general, an image problem, caused by
the so-called sex industry.
Reports in the international media have long
overemphasized the sex-related negative sides of the city
and these reports, fueled by the local media haven’t helped
the situation. Prostitution is practiced and perverts coming
to Pattaya has made sensational international coverage, enticing
people to come with the sole purpose of bedding pre-teenagers
of either sex.
 True,
there has been a problem, but things are improving here as
well as other known ‘sex trade’ areas in Thailand. It is regularly
raided by both the Thai and international police. The future
for Pattaya is looking bright being encouraged and although
the industry still exists, and already there are major changes
to the area. Wholesome, family entertainment is on.
Not that Pattaya lacks in attractions. It
has good beaches, though the actual Pattaya beach is not the
cleanest anymore, others are pristine and the water crystal
clear. Beach related activities are extensive and you are
sure to find something to suit you.
Besonders Pattaya is located within easy
reach from the Bangkok as well as Don Muang International
Airport. It has an excellent accommodation infrastructure,
which are of international standard and restaurants and entertainment
for all tastes. Because of its good accessibility from Bangkok,
Pattaya remains one of Thailand’s most important and popular
dive centers. |
