This was the first scheduled international flight to arrive at U-Tapao since the airport was used to alleviate the crisis during the closure of the Bangkok airports last year. Since then the airport has been totally renovated and upgraded to international standards.

At 00.10 am Pattaya's deputy mayor, Mr. Weerawat Kakai, and his team of officials were on hand to give a special welcome to the 300 Korean tourists, who were treated to a special Thai classical dancing show arranged by Mr. Kumpol Tunsatja of the Nongnooch Tropical Garden.


Mr. Niti Kongkrut from the Pattaya office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) said that Thailand's tourism industry had been through a very difficult time, especially since protesters closed the two main airport in Bangkok, during which time the U-tapao management had performed beyond the call of duty to facilitate the departure and arrival of thousands of tourists. He said that this first flight from Korea brought a new ray of hope, especially to Pattaya and its tourist industry.


However, the Koreans were given a stark reminder of the current crisis as each had their temperature measured as a test for swine flu, but happily everyone was given the completely clear, and the smiles on their faces returned as they received their very special warm welcome -- Pattaya style!

On 15th June 2009 many Pattaya political figures and officials joined the crowds in a concerted clean-up campaign to reduce the spread of Swine Flu and restore confidence in the city.

It was the first day of the big clean up for Government offices, private companies, business buildings, shops, restaurants and bars throughout the city.

Mr. Sehnee Jitkasem, the Chonburi governor, Mr. Warut Jirasetsiri, the Chonburi public health doctor, Mr. Ittipol Kunpluem, Pattaya city mayor, and many other officials donned their boots and with brushes in hand performed synchronized scrubbing of Walking Street and the roads nearby. As an extra bonus to the PR operation, the Grammy Entertainment Company provided 2 of their recording artists to front the clean up.

Mr. Sehnee said that to preclude the influenza A (H1N1) virus from spreading any further, everyone had to co-operate and endeavour to keep their environment clean.

Government officials, for their part,'ll be keeping their eyes on schools, crowded locations and other environments where the virus could be spread more easily.

Chonburi government officials offered words of advice on how individuals able to take proper concern of themselves. They recommend that anyone who develops a fever or the symptoms of flu should stay home, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water, eat great food and wear a face mask.

Meanwhile, Mr. Suphan Sithamma of the Public Health Ministry announced that a letter was to be sent to provincial health and hospital officials ordering them not to speak directly to the media or the public about the Swine Flu in their districts. All information concerning the number of cases and details about the patients must now be sent directly to the health authorities in Bangkok for further dissemination to the media and public, effectively imposing a gagging order. The move is intended to prevent public anxiety over the spread of the virus which has now infected 201 persons in Thailand. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has urged everyone to remain calm, and to remember that the virus has a very low fatality rate.

Pattaya is only the most famous of the beaches in Chonburi province. Its wild hedonism contrasts with the more sedate atmosphere of a number of different seaside resorts e.g. Bangsaen, and the island of Ko Si Chang, which attract primarily Thai vacationers. Beaches near to Pattaya, such as Jomtien and Naklua, are cleaner and more conducive to enjoyment of water sports, while still allowing easy access to the nightlife, entertainment, golf courses, dive shops and numerous other attractions of Pattaya Beach.

Sand, sun and fun make Pattaya one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Thailand. Pattaya, on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, was a small fishing village until the early 1960's when it was 'invaded' by American soldiers and sailors seeking rest and recreation while on leave from serving in Vietnam. It has since blossomed into a cosmopolitan city dedicated to the pursuit of excitement, pleasure and adventure.

Pattaya CityEasy to get to from Bangkok by air conditioned bus, Pattaya offers every imaginable form of water sports, plentiful and affordable golf courses, such as several designed by the most famous names in the game, and stimulating nightlife.

In the last few years Pattaya has, in an effort to broaden its appeal to family vacationers, toned down some of the rowdy behavior that had given it a dubious reputation. But you'll still find a profusion of clubs and cabarets which cater to every taste and persuasion, and Pattaya's famously charming hostesses will still enjoy completely your senses. Pattaya is the ideal destination for those seeking non-stop entertainment. It has boisterous go-go bars, clamorous discos and tumultuous nightclubs. Visitors seeking deserted and unpolluted beaches and a laid back atmosphere should go elsewhere.

Hotels and guesthouses in every price range have more than 12,000 rooms available, and while Pattaya is not the cheapest beach resort in the region, it is competitively priced when compared to similar vacation destinations. It is unsurpassed in the variety of services and activities available.

Pattaya Annual FestivalWith it's many well equipped and reasonably priced dive shops Pattaya is a favorite destination of scuba enthusiasts from all over the world. While here are other, superior, dive sites in Thailand, Pattaya is the most convenient to Bangkok and is the jumping off point for trips to Ko Laan, and the nearby islands of Ko Sak and Ko Krok. More advanced divers seeking a more challenging experience may want to head out to the more remote Ko Man Wichai or Ko Rin, where visibility is better, or to the shipwrecks near Sattahip.

Naklua beach, immediately north of Pattaya, is quiet and unpolluted. It doesn't have as many restaurants or expensive resort hotels as it's neighbor to the south, nor the rowdy nightlife, but all these are obtainable for the 10 Baht cost of a 20 minute songthaew ride to Pattaya beach. Similarly, Jomtien beach, around the headland to the south of Pattaya, is quieter and less congested but has good quality accommodations and restaurants.

All night, every nightPattaya beach is world renowned for the variety and unrestrained hedonism of it's nightlife, though city leaders have in recent years made an effort to confine the commercial sex industry to an area of south Pattaya beach. The frenzied merrymaking diminishes as you move up the beach road to central and north Pattaya, and to neighboring Naklua beach.

Although most of travel destinations in Thailand are about natural resources such as beaches
mountains
caves
historical sites etc. but for many of us who have visited Thailand for several times realised that there are more and more interesting things to see in this interesting country.

That is city life or night life. One of the most entertaining activities for both Thais and foreigners. When we talk about night life in Thailand
we usually think about Bangkok
Chiangmai and Phuket
which are major cities and these cities already gain global reputation. However
let’s have a look at the east coast region of Thailand
there is a province called “Chonburi” where the location of Pattaya city.

Unlike any other city
Pattaya has number of tourists as equal as big major cities of Thailand. For example
Chiang Mai may have large number of tourists only in peak season or during winter season. But for city like Pattaya
travelers can visit throughout the year and that’s why the number of tourists of Pattaya are as many as many of major city in Thailand.

Somebody has mentioned that night life in Pattaya is endless. You will find that the people in this city always active and do their job regardless the time. No matter in the daytime or at night
there will always be things for tourists to enjoy.

Bar and night clubs in Pattaya are very well attractive to visitors. Some kind of fantastic shows such as Tiffany shows and Thai boxing shows. Apart from that
you will gain experience of Thai and seafood cuisine in Pattaya.

This city located on the coast line
so it is naturally become very famous for seafood market. There are also several province in eastern region such as Rayong or in the south like Phuket where the capital of seafood market is there
but all people who visited Pattaya are really appreciated the taste and freshness of sea foods.

Also
as the city is considered as central hub for foreign tourists
great international food also available by many of hi-class restaurant. For some of you who want to enjoy night life in Pattaya with pleasure of Thai and international cuisine
you have just come to the right place!!

Pattaya is also the idea place for romantic couple who want to get great private atmosphere to enjoy most favourite time. Beautiful island where five stars resorts and hotels are located do you are able to enjoy your honeymoon private time. In case if you are family who want to join activities together
there are all kinds of indoor games and outdoor activities such as paintball game and rock climbing to try out.

In summary
Pattaya is not only the city for nigh life
but also including all kind of pleasure and activities that everyone can find the most suitable to your preference. No matter you are the person who only wants to get very relax moment privately on the beach or enjoying activities together with family or even you are the person who not much appreciate nature but shopping
it is also the place for you.

Located 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok or only about two-hour drive, Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and annually attracts hundreds of thousand of pleasure-seeking tourist from all over the world. Visitors can windsurf, water ski, swim, sunbath, snorkel, sail, or take trips to offshore coral islands. They can rent water scooters to explore Pattaya bay, and motorcycles and jeeps to explore neighbouring-beaches.

Pattaya boasts an incredible choice of accommodation to suit every pocket. Facilities range from air conditioned opulence to basic simplicity. Essentially, the visitor has the choice of luxury hotels with private-beaches; bayside hotels and bungalow; and "inland" economy-class hotels and guest houses.

Pattaya offers some of Thailand's choicest seafood in several specialty restaurants. Steak houses and fast-food outlets provide attractive alternatives and gourmets and gourmands alike find satisfaction in restaurants featuring French, Italian, Swiss, German, Hungarian, Scandinavian, English, Indian, Moslem, Japanese, Chinese and Thai Cuisines.

From families to individual visitors, Pattaya offers something for everyone and all the ingredients for a truly memorable holiday.

Also worth a look is close by Jomtien beach about 3 kms south. This is a rapidly developing area with emphasis on beach life rather than sleaze. There are several excellent golf courses within 15 minutes taxi ride including the 27 hole Phoenix, and the excellent Pattaya Country Club (check for sport days which include a free lunch and a round for 15 dollars) Further south (30 mins) is the Navy course near Sattahip, this is beautiful and still cheap (18 holes for 25 dollars).