Five Reasons I Choose to Live in Pattaya, Thailand
Most people lump Thailand’s entire Eastern Seaboard under the name “Pattaya,” given it’s the biggest city on the coast with a reputation everyone loves to chatter about. As an East Coaster, I used to correct them: “I don’t live in Pattaya; I live in Jomtien Beach.” But times have changed. Nowadays, no matter which nook, cranny, or beach of this sprawling seaside city we call home, I’m proud to say: “Yes, I live in Pat‑ta‑ya!”
Here are my top five reasons why.
1. Diverse Expat Population
I’ve visited many expat hotspots, often disappointed to find a sea of American escapees like myself. But Pattaya is different. With an estimated expat population of around 180,000, less than 10% are from North America. Twice as many are from the UK. My contacts list is a global roll‑call — Norwegian, German, Russian, Australian, Swiss, Irish, French, Japanese, and Thai.
From celebrity hairdressers turned magazine editors to Austrian real estate moguls now acting in Thai films, Pattaya’s people are as diverse as its skyline. At a charity event, I once chatted with Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin without realising who he was. Palm trees and sunsets are great, but it’s the people who make a place special.
For more on Pattaya’s multicultural appeal, see The Expat Community.
2. The Perfect Balance of City and Beach
Back in the U.S., I struggled to choose between city life and beach life. In Pattaya, I don’t have to. This is a real city with restaurants, pubs, theatres, live music, shopping malls, gyms, and even an international airport — all minutes from the sand.
Whether I want a five‑star rooftop dinner or coconut water on the beach, Pattaya delivers. It’s evolved from a tourist cliché into a vibrant seaside city with endless lifestyle and entertainment choices.
For a closer look at the city’s neighbourhoods, read What Area in Pattaya Has My Name Written on It?.
3. Constant Improvement
My first visit to Pattaya left me unimpressed — dirty beaches, garish tourism, and too many drunks. But like a lotus rising from the mud, Pattaya has transformed. The beaches are cleaner, transport is easier, and shopping and entertainment options have multiplied. We’re attracting better tourism, and the city keeps getting better.
4. Close Proximity to Bangkok
Motorway 7 cut travel time from Bangkok to Pattaya in half, making it a weekend playground for the capital’s residents. Soon, a high‑speed rail link will reduce the journey to just 30 minutes, boosting property values and making Pattaya “Bangkok Beach.”
For more on infrastructure shaping the region, see Thailand’s High‑Speed Railway Project Greenlit for Construction.
5. Easy Living for an Old Bachelor
From condo staff who’ve been with me for over a decade to market vendors who know my order by heart, Pattaya feels like a village. My “team” includes Kompan the maintenance man, Meaw the manager, my egg guy, mango man, chicken lady, and veggie vendor Wan with the best smile in town.
Add in trusted doctors, dentists, and a realtor who finds tenants year after year, and life here is effortless. I’m looked after by wonderful people — and I’m a proud Pattayan.
Inspired by: Mr. B. Walters
For more information: Please contact Town & Country Property – [email protected]
