Nightlife extension in Pattaya to 4am could boost tourism, says city business chief

The president of the Pattaya City Night Business Association is optimistic about the potential of nightlife extension activities until 4am. However, she noted that the current directive only applies to the U-Tapao Airport area. She urged the government to better understand the unique dynamics of Pattaya, a city heavily reliant on tourism.

Lisa Hamilton voiced her concerns that while the government perceives Pattaya as saturated with tourists, it may not fully comprehend the challenges faced by the city, especially after she meets with the Tourism Commission. She suggested that the government should extend the operating hours of entertainment venues to match those of other tourist cities, which would contribute significantly to the country’s revenue.

If a 24-hour operating window were achievable, it would be ideal, but she recognised the difficulties in implementing a nightlife extension policy. Instead, she encouraged the government to extend the operating hours until 4am for tourist cities, significantly increasing revenue.

Additionally, Hamilton called for the government to promote Pattaya to new groups of tourists. Currently, India, China, and Russia are the main sources of tourists, and she suggests that Pattaya should be promoted as a family and sports beach destination.

Following the implementation of free visas for Chinese and Kazakh tourists, Pattaya has yet to reach its full revenue potential. Hamilton argued that the government should stimulate tourism from the American, Australian, and European zones, suggesting the introduction of free visas for European tourists escaping the winter. This group of tourists has considerable purchasing power.

Hamilton urged the government to extend closing times and stimulate the economy by attracting diverse groups of tourists, not just from India and China. She believes that attracting a variety of tourists will inject more money into Pattaya.

The survival of bars is currently at risk due to rising rental costs. As the spending habits of tourists from each country greatly differ, Hamilton proposes that the government stimulates European tourists to increase their numbers reported KhaoSod.

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