Pattaya, Thailand, has long been a popular destination for international visitors, offering sun, nightlife, and entertainment.
However, behind the city's vibrant facade, an uncomfortable truth emerges: many visitors feel that their worth is measured by their spending power.
Transactions often take precedence over genuine hospitality, and one-off tourists are frequently viewed as short-term revenue rather than welcomed guests.
Those who frequent the same venues over time enjoy familiarity and a sense of inclusion, while newcomers often experience a transactional approach, with every interaction assessed for its monetary value.
This disparity highlights the city's complex relationship with its visitors, where familiarity and loyalty are rewarded, but newcomers are often seen as mere revenue opportunities.
Author's summary: Pattaya's hospitality is often overshadowed by its focus on spending power.