Has Pattaya really gone upscale? More than once I’ve had to justify my reasons for working and living in Pattaya to those who still cling to the old “Sin City” label. A short while ago, I was invited to an agency gathering at Raimon Land’s Northpoint condominium. Standing on the 44th floor of this modern ocean‑front high‑rise, I was fascinated by the skyline of Pattaya City below. For a moment, I thought of the great metropolises I’ve visited in my life and realized I was admiring my own home — Pattaya, on the Gold Coast of Thailand.

Pattaya Then and Now

On my first trips to Thailand nearly 20 years ago, Pattaya was more like a village. Large chunks of bare land, a “rough diamond in the making.” I never imagined it would become my safe haven. Back then, Pattaya’s face was dominated by tourists. Certain months, like September, were so quiet that malls were empty and property roadshows were pointless. Today, things are different.

A New Crowd, A New Energy

Just last week, over coffee at La Baguette on Naklua Road, I noticed something remarkable. In less than an hour, 30–35 young, stylish Bangkok Thais came and went. Five years ago, this would have been unthinkable. These were not foreign tourists. They were Thais — rediscovering Pattaya. That explains why the city now has a constant buzz, even in what used to be the off‑season. Pattaya is back on the map.

Rediscovered by Bangkokians

The changes over the past few years have created a warm safety net for those seeking comfort in a familiar environment. Bangkokians have fallen in love with Pattaya again. Picture yourself in a plunge chair at the Hilton Hotel, overlooking the city and ocean, cocktail in hand, sea breeze on your neck. This is the new Pattaya. From above, the neon beer bars are just a faint row of lights. A new era has dawned. Pattaya has matured — and it’s the Pattaya I always wanted it to be.

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About Cees Cuijpers

Cees “KC” Cuijpers is Dutch, born in the Netherlands, and moved to Thailand in 1997. With a background in hospitality and logistics, he specialized in sales and marketing before joining Town & Country Property in 2003. As Managing Director and Partner, Cees has become one of the most respected names in Pattaya real estate, with projects like The Residence, Whispering Palms, and The Meadows — the latter recognized as a finalist for “Best Villa Project Thailand” at the Thailand Property Awards.