Pattaya, Thailand, has long been a popular destination for international visitors, offering a mix of sun, nightlife, and entertainment.
However, beneath the city's vibrant surface, a different reality emerges. Many visitors feel that their worth is measured by their spending power, rather than being treated as genuine guests.
Transactions often overshadow genuine hospitality, and one-off tourists are frequently seen as short-term revenue rather than guests to be welcomed.
Regular visitors to the same venues may enjoy a sense of familiarity and inclusion, but newcomers often experience a transactional approach, where every interaction is assessed for its monetary value.
Ultimately, the city's focus on spending power can lead to an uncomfortable experience for visitors who are not seen as valuable customers.
Author's summary: Pattaya measures visitors by spending power. This affects their experience in the city, leading to a transactional approach rather than genuine hospitality.