Pattaya was simply a small fishing village until it was discovered as a beach resort by Bangkok residents in the 1960s. Soon thereafter, American servicemen from all over Southeast Asia, including the United States Air Force base at U-Tapao in neighbouring Rayong province began using the area for "rest and recuperation" (R&R), causing a huge boom in prostitution. When the Americans left following the end of the Vietnam War, the city fell into a crisis. However, modern mass tourism, particularly single men looking for companionship, from Europe and America, brought a new lease of life to Pattaya. The rapid growth of tourism brought about many negative consequences, such as pollution and petty crime. In 1976, the Pattaya City Act was passed by the Thai legislature, making Pattaya a self-administrating municipality governed by a Council-manager government. However, many argue that this administration system has drawbacks (for example, the mayor may disagree with the city manager). Critics have recommended abolishing the system. In recent years the city has pushed hard to clean up its image, and family-focused entertainment is increasingly available; however, the core sex-industry has ensured that Pattaya retains its position as one of the world's most renowned party destinations. In 2005, more than 35,000 hotel rooms were available in Pattaya and it has seen a large increase in family tourism in recent years, thanks to efforts to present a more wholesome image. Despite these efforts, Pattaya's sex industry is the city's raison d' etre. Pattaya is an especially popular vacation destination for families from Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. Pattaya also has a large international expatriate population, especially British, Russian and German residents.

Welcome to Pattaya.

Pattaya enjoys a tropical wet and dry climate, which is divided into the following seasons: warm and dry (November to February), hot and humid (March to May), and hot and rainy (June to October). The most comfortable time of year coincides with the peak tourist season, which is over the Christmas and New Year period.

 

Pattaya is about 1 and a half hours by road from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Pattaya is also served through U-Tapao International Airport which is 45 minutes drive from the city. By road, it is served by Sukhumvit Road and Motorway 7 from Bangkok. Intercity transport is usually through one of two bus stations, one for Bangkok and one for other destinations.

Until recently the only transport within town were private songthaews and motorbike taxis. However, a public bus service has begun in 2006.

Every month you will find interesting article about staying or living in this exiting city of Pattaya, no matter if you are tourist or a expat resident, in our monthly column like In Memory, What's On, Fantastic Fact, Tourist Attraction, Eye Focus, Healty Living, Regional News, Pattaya Guide and more there are always interesting reading.

Other articles are also available in EYE magazine and can also been reach in our article section on our website, where we will keep articles from older issues that You can read.

You also find sections about Pattaya websites(more than 800), directory, previous issues that you can browse through and much, much more.

EYE Magazine monthly is distributed within the first week of the month into many fine places, including 5 stars Hotels, Restaurants, tailors, travel agencies and many shopping areas around town

EYE Magazine monthly are also distributed into many places outside Pattaya. Arriving Thailand from abroad you will find EYE Magazine monthly in the new international airport. You also find EYE Magazine monthly in places in Bangkok.

Copies of EYE Magazine monthly are also found in United Kingdom.