Expat population in Bangkok and Pattaya

[reader]

From Pattaya Mail

The exact number of expats currently living in Bangkok and Pattaya isn’t explicitly detailed in official sources like the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). However, the MFA does indicate that Bangkok is home to the largest population of expatriates in Thailand due to its role as the nation’s capital and a hub for international businesses, diplomatic missions, and educational institutions. In Pattaya, expats are largely retirees, business owners, and individuals working in hospitality or tourism sectors.

Recent reports and visa data show that non-immigrant visa holders, including retirees and business professionals, significantly contribute to the expat population in these cities. Bangkok hosts a large number of working expatriates, while Pattaya sees a concentration of retirees, particularly from Western countries.

As of 2024, Thailand remains a popular destination for expatriates, with an estimated 3-4 million foreign residents across the country. Bangkok and Pattaya stand out as key hubs for expatriates, each hosting diverse communities with distinct characteristics.

 

Bangkok is home to the largest expat population in Thailand, estimated at 250,000 to 300,000 individuals. The capital serves as a major business, cultural, and educational center, attracting professionals in finance, IT, education, and multinational corporations. Its modern infrastructure, international schools, and vibrant lifestyle options make it a top choice for expatriates. Popular districts among expats include Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathorn.

Pattaya, known for its beachside lifestyle, is home to around 50,000 to 60,000 expatriates, a significant proportion of whom are retirees. The city’s lower cost of living, mixed with modern amenities and a thriving tourism sector, appeals to retirees, business owners, hospitality workers, and digital nomads. The community in Pattaya is growing, especially as the city develops more family-friendly and investment opportunities.

Expats in both cities come for various reasons, including retirement, business opportunities, education, and the digital nomad lifestyle. Trends show a rise in younger expats, particularly in digital fields, along with a growing number of Russian expatriates in Pattaya and Phuket. The introduction of long-term visa programs, such as the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, has also contributed to this growth.

Continues at

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/expat-population-in-bangkok-and-pattaya-a-growing-hub-for-retirees-professionals-and-digital-nomads-481783

[bkkmfj2648]

59 minutes ago, reader said:

Expats in both cities come for various reasons,

They forgot to include: Boom-Boom in the above list.

oh, I forgot, we are no longer allowed to make references to "sin city" in the context of Pattaya.

Hmmm, what happened back in the 1960s and 1970s to cause more than 400,000 military personnel to be sent for R&R (rest & relaxation) to that then small sleepy fishing village, known as Pattaya?  hmmm, how many orgasms back in those days planted the seeds to what we now know as the Pattaya of today ?

[reader]

7 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

Hmmm, what happened back in the 1960s and 1970s to cause more than 400,000 military personnel to be sent for R&R (rest & relaxation) to that then small sleepy fishing village, known as Pattaya?  hmmm, how many orgasms back in those days planted the seeds to what we now know as the Pattaya of today ?

…..or Patpong and Bangkok’s other “entertainment” areas for that matter.

[vinapu]

7 hours ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

 

Hmmm, what happened back in the 1960s and 1970s to cause more than 400,000 military personnel to be sent for R&R (rest & relaxation) to that then small sleepy fishing village, known as Pattaya?

 

38 minutes ago, reader said:

…..or Patpong and Bangkok’s other “entertainment” areas for that matter.

it looks that both Pattaya and Patpong ( along with soi Cowboy and Nana plaza ) are another greta American inventions

[reader]

Thailand responds to market opportunities faster than anyplace on globe.

[vinapu]

2 minutes ago, reader said:

Thailand responds to market opportunities faster than anyplace on globe.

and this is why we love it there !!!

[bkkmfj2648]

12 hours ago, reader said:

Thailand responds to market opportunities faster than anyplace on globe.

And then denies that this "opportunity" even existed when they don't like the image that this former "opportunity" brought them.

I tell my Thai friends that in the USA we have Las Vegas, the most similar place to Pattaya, and we don't pretend to ignore what really goes on there --> instead we embrace its success, but with the following motto:

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"

So, here in Thailand we could say:

"What happens in Pattaya, stays in Pattaya"

[vinapu]

22 minutes ago, bkkmfj2648 said:

So, here in Thailand we could say:

"What happens in Pattaya, stays in Pattaya"

 

I'd say we should say " what happens in Pattaya should be promptly reported on the forum" subject to usual doiscretion
 

[Keithambrose]

In Hong Kong we had the 'Kai Tak Agreement'!