Pattaya is a mad city but has a lot more to it than its reputation. There is a plethora of stereotypical 50's plus clientele looking for 'love' but also significant Russian, Chinese and Korean investment. Things are definitely improving and more family orientated, although still plenty of debauchery to be found.I spent a lot of time there in the early 2000's. Was in Samui when the tsunami happened in 2003, where we were unaffected, but some of my friends were in Phuket and witnessed some terrible things. They came to Samui to stay with us. Nine of us in a couple of rooms. They lost their money and passports!
I've met quite a few characters in pattaya including Jimmy White and Jason Mariner, the Chelsea headhunter fella from that BBC investigation years ago. He's loud but ok. I also met Chris 'Chubby'Henderson who was the co-owner in the 'Dog's ********************************' bar. He who was also caught up in the 2nd Chelsea Headhunter trial. He's dead now but I quite liked him.