Why Pattaya?

As the shadows of the evening approach, I take a few steps to Beach Road, where I hop a baht bus that takes me to my one-bedroom condominium in the heart of the city in Pattaya.

The question is asked, why do hundreds of Farangs live in Pattaya? The answers vary according to the individual, but to this Farang the answer is the Pattaya people. Thailand is the “Land of the Smiling people,” but the Pattaya Thais have a recipe for happiness that needs to be examined. One ingredient in this recipe is sharing. Seldom will a Thai eat alone. They join in groups and enjoy sharing food. Within Thai society, sharing is known as “The Thai Way.”

The Pattaya Thais are also a caring people. It is not unusual to see a young Thai helping an adult crossing a busy street, or lending a helping hand when an adult is boarding a baht bus or carrying bags of groceries for the elderly. These acts of kindness speak well of the Thai culture that teaches the younger generation to respect age. Thais believe that within the minds of the elderly, the secrets of wisdom are stored.

Children are expected to care for their parents. They will sacrifice their personal needs for the needs of their mother or father. This is another remarkable aspect of the “caring process.”

Another ingredient in the recipe of happiness is the “Acceptance Policy.” Learning to accept alternative life styles eliminates the negative “Hate Factor.” It is difficult for a happy person to hate, thus gays and lesbians from around the globe have found a place where they can live with respect and dignity without fear.

Other than “The People,” there is a health benefit to living in Pattaya. The warm, tropical climate, with plenty of sunshine, encourages early morning or late afternoon walks. The wide, shady sidewalks, outlined with miles of sandy beaches, accompanied with clean, fresh, ocean filtered air, contributes to a healthy life-style. The glamour of the “Lady Boys” and the beauty of the “Lovely Women,” add an extra spice to the Beach Road Walk. Whereas, a gentle smile and warm hello is all that is needed to keep on walking. It is good to remember that confrontation to a Thai is an act of rudeness, and a loud voice is a sign of anger, and should be avoided.

There is a social atmosphere found in Pattaya that provides an extra incentive for “Farang Living.” Pattaya is an International City where people around the world can meet, and over time become friends.

Establishing international friendships is not only interesting, but educational. Meeting at the local tavern and sharing “tales of woe” is a favorite Farang past time. There are heated political debates; discussions concerning, “fair and balanced” television broadcasting; and other topics of world renown. All in all the “Pattaya Farang” are well-informed people.

The main reason that many Farangs live in Pattaya is the NIGHT- LIFE. Pattaya is an exciting city that is alive 24-7. Nighttime is a great time to be in Pattaya, because of the ‘Smorgasbord OF ENTERTAINMENT.’ To take a nightly scroll down the WORLD FAMOUS WALKING STREET, is like stepping into another world, where imagination runs wild and adventure can be the guide. To see the electrifying “Tina Turner” performance at the Copa, or the sexy boy show at Wild West Boys, or take in the singing sensation of EL DUO at Café Royale, are just a few of the great places of entertainment that makes BOYZ TOWN a popular destination.

Is Pattaya a utopia? Not quite but she has earned the title of, “THE PARADISE CITY BY THE SEA!”

Yours truly, Mr. D