Why Pattaya??? I Went! I Looked! I Stayed! (Issue 17)

I was in search of a better place to live when I discovered Pattaya. I was immediately impressed by the warm, friendly, happy people, whose faces showed me that they had perfected the art of successful living. As a Westerner I had to challenge myself to do research to answer the question, WHY are the Pattaya Thais happier than most people in other parts of the world? In short, the answer lies within the framework of Eastern Culture. People are taught to be content and satisfied with what life brings. The Pattaya Thais have learned that the main ingredient in their “Recipe for Happiness,” is contentment. This is in direct contrast to the Western way of life. I had been brainwashed to accept a believe, guided by capitalism, spirited by the ‘desire factor’ that taught never to be satisfied, but always want more. I am a simple man, with a simple plan. I relax in the shade of a beach umbrella, sipping a ‘mint julep,’ and watching all the handsome Thai boys go by. When I think of my friends back home, I just lean back, and say to myself, “If only they could see me now!’ These friends think that I live in a thatched-roof hut, in the middle of nowhere; wearing a grass skirt, eating soup from a black pot, and listening to the natives beat the drums. Well, for the grass skirt, maybe on certain occasions, and only in the privacy of my condo, with the beating of the drums, only to resemble the go-go boys of Sunee, and then I refrain and return to a more dignified life, that keeps me out of the “Monkey House” of Pattaya.

I reality, I live in the heart of a booming metropolitan area. I have all the amenities of modern living that leads to an enjoyable life. I have found a standard of living that is acceptable and affordable. Pattaya is a thriving community with more successes than failures, and more happiness than sadness. For a city of its size, Pattaya can easily compete with much larger cities in the entertainment arena. There are go-go bars for men and women, open-air pubs, karaoke bars, late night discos, and professional Cabaret Show. The go-go bars provide the entertainment that I and many other farangs enjoy. The smiling faces of the doormen represent the ‘welcoming mat’ to step inside. The employees of the Pattaya go-go bars have perfected the art of making everyone feel special. I have often wondered, if they have been taught this art, were born with it, or are it just a generational tradition.

However obtained, it is something that is hard to find any place else in the world. It is, however, the ingredient in the Recipe for Happiness that keeps the visitor coming back for more.

Mingled within the cabaret shows, in the go-go bars, there is usually some kind of a comedy routine. Even though the act changes from the night to night, generally it features the basic performance of a balloon breasted, shabby dressed, female impersonators, who stumbles on stage, tripping over spiked high heels. She is performing to the music of a favorite Thai song, with the boy “rainbow dancers” in the background. From out of nowhere, a stranger appears with a sharp object, and BURSTS HER BALLOONS! What an embarrassing episode, for “A LADY,” to have her breasts deflated in front of an audience that shows no mercy for the poor bewildered soul. She must exit, and allow the dancers to finish the act. Night after night, I never get tired of laughing, along side of the Thais, the visiting patrons, the go-go boys, and my special friends. When morning comes, I have to stand before a mirror and pinch myself to make sure that I’m really alive, but if I’m dreaming, don’t you dare wake me up because I want this dream to live on. Once you go there, you WILL return.

Yours truly,

Mr. D