What will Pattaya look like under its own “New Normal”?

Pattaya and Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard have been among the areas hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. With international tourism vanishing almost overnight, the region’s main economic driver ground to a halt. It remains to be seen when the situation will improve more than 18 months later with the country fighting another outbreak.

Even when the situation improves, many people wonder: what will Pattaya look like under the “New Normal”? It is safe to say tourists will eventually return to the Eastern Seaboard, but Town & Country Property Director KC Cuijpers believes the recovery will be gradual and requires the city to adjust to its own “New Normal”.

“As for the tourism industry in Pattaya and Thailand as a whole, we think, the demographics will change short term. With that, the city must become more of a draw for all types of visitors,” Cuijpers said. “The first markets to resume travel to Thailand will probably be in Asia. Thailand has always been favorable to Asian tourists with Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Singaporean and Malaysian visitors who are all likely to return once borders reopen.”

He noted that visitors from western countries may be slower to return which means Pattaya will need to be proactive in preparing for its own “New Normal”.

“Pattaya will need to prepare for a “New Normal” of tourism as well. This includes catering to short-term tourism as opposed to multiweek holidays. Additionally, the city should look at opening entertainment venues and food and beverage options that are appealing to arrivals from Asia,” Cuijpers stated. “Not only will this help the city start its recovery quicker, but it may also make Pattaya a more appealing destination to a greater number of tourists over the long haul.”

“New Normal” mandates, such as wearing masks and social distancing, will eventually become a thing of the past. However, Pattaya’s “New Normal” as it relates to tourism may lay the foundation for greater success in the years to come.

“We expect large investments in infrastructure and industry throughout the Eastern Seaboard which will benefit the private residential property market. That, coupled with a focus to bring in more regional travelers, would have a positive impact on the local economy,” Cuijpers explained. “Many property buyers, especially once based in Asia, are eager to diversify their investment portfolio. Pattaya is definitely a real estate investment destination worth considering.”