Pattaya witnesses boom in tourist arrivals

By Hoang Vu August 21, 2024 | 03:43 pm PT

A boat cruises along a river in Pattaya, Thailand. Photo by Shutterstock

Thailand's Pattaya, known for its sex businesses, received 12.69 million tourists in the first half of this year, up 27% against pre-pandemic levels.

The figure increased by 9.32% from the same period last year, TAT Pattaya office director Urai Mukpradabtong said, as cited by Bangkok Post.

The surge in tourist arrivals in Pattaya was thanks to tourism promotion policies and short travel time from Bangkok, Pattaya One News reported.

Tourism operators in Pattaya have recently put forth a proposal to the government, expressing their hope to turn the city into a family-friendly tourist destination, instead of its notoriety for sex tourism and illegal gambling.

Around a two-hour drive from Bangkok, Pattaya is famous for long, sandy beaches, Buddhist pagodas and nightlife entertainment.