A Year That Was – Pattaya Review 2013

Pattaya Highs and Lows of 2013

How a year flies by and for Pattaya it has seen many changes and plenty of highs and lows. The Russians continue to holiday in increasing numbers, the condominium market remains buoyant and the lifestyle scene has shown clear signs of evolving.

Infrastructure

Pattaya Beach Road has been redeveloped with widened roads and walkways, with speed bumps the latest to be added to slow traffic in this pedestrian rich area.

Expat & Business Scene

The largest golf association in the world, IAGTO, held its annual conference for all its global members at the PEACH centre at the Royal Cliff Resort, Pratamanak.
The Lighthouse Club Networking event is no longer and Movers and Shakers is now well established in both Pattaya and Bangkok.
A new charity events team – TFI – was launched and kicked off with a fabulous 80’s evening which was well attended by the local expats.
Popular local expat and entertainer Daryl Read was sadly killed in a motorbike accident in Naklua.
Relaxing of immigration for certain nationalities, including the UK,for reentry into the country increased from 15 to 30 days.

Party Scene Changes

Almost instantaneously Pattaya saw the birth of the Ibiza style pool party with numerous venues opening at the same time, from Planet Earth in Jomtien, Unique Pool & Lounge in Soi 6 Pratamanak, Momento Beach off Soi 8 on Thepprassit Road, to the Aqua Pool Party to be held periodically at the Mercure Hotel just off second road. Genuine interest is being shown and this could be the start of bringing both the Russian and other Western nationalities together going into 2014.

The Soi LK, off Soi Baukhao, transformation is now complete and is recognized as a key party and go-go area for the Europeans in town. Hard to believe that just over 6 years ago it was deemed a somewhat problematic street to open a successful bar in!

Key Events for 2013

The International Firework show was once again an awesome spectacle and ran for two evenings within Pattaya Bay in early December.

Tradegy

A tragic boat accident ferrying tourists from Koh Larn to Bali Hai and huge fire on second road near Walking Street occurred in the last quarter of 2013.

Inspire Continues to Mature

2013, in what is only Inspires second full year of existence, saw Inspire become a multi-regional online media now operating in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi and Hua Hin. Inspire also launched its APP at the Inspire May Day Fun Day. Inspire TV is now also showing throughout the 6 key Tony Fitness Centres throughout Pattaya 24 hours every day.