East Pattaya is no longer ‘The Darkside’

Rewind 7 or 8 years and I used to live on the Darkside in Pattaya, it was away from the action and more quieter pace of life. There were a few diners and lots of day time beer bars, and that was about it. But that has all changed.

I took a drive out to Lake Maprachan in East Pattaya over the weekend and some areas were almost unrecognisable. I was also suprised to see so many Western Expats, it is clearly where many have now moved too – as I don’t see half as many in Central Pattaya these days! Before driving through East Pattaya I was of the mindset that a good chunk of retired Westerners had moved on, now I don’t think that is entirely the case. I now think East Pattaya is home to the lionshare of the retired Westerner in Pattaya.

I spoke to a number of business in East Pattaya and they were less positive about the current climate. They said business was down citing fewer retirees and those that were still here having less money to spend.

I short though, my trip to East Pattaya was a very pleasant one and I could see why it is such an appealing area for retired Westerners to reside.