Pattaya Chronicles
Property, business and life in Pattaya.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Leases, Landlords and Paperwork When Buying a Business in Pattaya
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on short leases, key money, meeting the landlord, and why he always takes over the existing company when he buys.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Finding a Job in Pattaya as a Foreigner
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on finding work as a foreigner: why you need to be here, the jobs foreigners actually do, why networking beats applying, work permits and visas, and realistic pay.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Pattaya vs Bangkok: Which Is Better to Live In?
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on choosing between Pattaya and Bangkok: cost, rent, getting around, air and traffic, and who each city really suits.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Taking Over a Business in Pattaya: The First Few Months
Hold back part of the price, change nothing for three months and keep the staff on side. A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on how he handles a takeover, and the mistakes he sees others make.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Teaching English in Pattaya: Is It Worth It?
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on teaching English and working in schools: the demand, pay from Thai schools to international schools, qualifications, the lifestyle, and why you must work legally.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Thai Food: What to Try First and What to Watch Out For
A Pattaya restaurant owner of over 20 years on Thai food for newcomers: the first dishes to try, ordering without spice, street food on a short holiday, and why Thai is one of the world's great cuisines.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
How to Value a Business in Pattaya
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on what a restaurant and bar here should really make, how he checks the numbers, and the multiple he uses to work out a fair price.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Why I'd Buy a Business in Pattaya Rather Than Start One
Starting from scratch takes years and you never know if the market's there. A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on why he'd rather buy one that's already trading.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Working in Hospitality in Pattaya: Jobs, Hiring and How to Get In
A Pattaya owner of restaurants and pubs on working in hospitality as a foreigner: the four main roles, what he looks for when hiring a manager, and how to get a foot in the door at hotels and small restaurants.
- My Advice · 3 November 2026
Working Remotely in Pattaya: Visas, Where to Work and Tax
A Pattaya business owner on working remotely or freelancing from Pattaya: who does it, the DTV visa, where people work, local clients, tax and the real downsides.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Dogs in Pattaya: Street Dogs, Rabies and Owning a Pet
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on dogs in Pattaya: how much of a problem street dogs really are, what to do if one comes at you, rabies, and what to know before getting a pet here.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Eating Healthily in Pattaya: Tips From a Health Food Restaurant Owner
The owner of Cajun Life Cafe on eating healthily in Pattaya: why it's easy now, why Thai food isn't as healthy as people think, how Cajun started, what gym-goers order and where to find healthy food.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Your First Month in Pattaya: What to Sort Out First
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on the first month after moving to Pattaya: phone, renting below budget, visa, bank, licence and hospitals, plus the mistakes newcomers make.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Getting Around Pattaya Without a Car: Baht Buses, Motorbike Taxis and Bolt
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on getting around the city: motorbike taxis, baht buses and how they really work, Bolt and Grab, and which to choose depending on how long you're staying.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Hiring a Maid or Housekeeper in Pattaya
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on hiring a maid or housekeeper: how common it is, what it costs, why live-in quarters matter, how to find someone good and work permits for staff from neighbouring countries.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Making Friends as an Expat in Pattaya
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on making friends as an expat: why it's easy if you get out there, how golf and football built his circle, the pitfalls of a transient city and a drinking culture, and how to find your people.
- Car Rental · 2 November 2026
Pattaya Traffic: When It's Worst and How to Live With It
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on the city's traffic: why it's got worse, long holiday weekends, the roads to avoid, motorbikes versus cars, and how to make peace with it.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Shopping in Pattaya: An Honest Guide
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on shopping in Pattaya: Central Festival, Terminal 21, Thepprasit night market, haggling, and why Pattaya isn't really a shopping destination.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Songkran in Pattaya: What a Local Business Owner Wants You to Know
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on Songkran: why it lasts a week here, the big day on 19 April, why his restaurants and car rental close, staying safe on the roads, and how to enjoy it.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Walking Street Pattaya: How It's Changed and Is It Worth Visiting?
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on Walking Street: how the crowd and the offer have changed, why it's worth a visit even if bars aren't your thing, and how safe it really is.
- My Advice · 2 November 2026
Where to Stay in Pattaya: The Best Areas for Your Holiday
A Pattaya business owner of over 20 years on where to stay on holiday: Naklua and Wongamat for families, central Pattaya for nightlife, Jomtien, condos for longer stays, and how to book.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Banking and Money in Thailand: A Foreigner's Guide
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on banking in Thailand as a foreigner: opening an account after the crackdown, which bank to try, sending money from home, transfer limits, QR payments and why you should still carry cash.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
The Best Day Trips From Pattaya
A Pattaya local of 20 years on the best day trips from the city: Bang Saray, Koh Samet, Koh Si Chang, Khao Chamao waterfall and the Buddha mountain, what to skip, what to bring and why a rental car makes it easier.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Business Partners: What I've Learned From Partnerships in Pattaya
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on business partnerships: why he took on partners, why he'd now rather go it alone, what makes a partnership work, agreements and exit clauses, and why 50-50 is a mistake.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
How My Businesses Got Through COVID, and Came Out Stronger
A Pattaya business owner on living through COVID: closing Hemingways, supporting staff, why low debt saved him, the opportunities that came after, and why every owner needs cash reserves.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Learning Thai: My Honest Experience After 22 Years
A Pattaya business owner of 22 years on learning Thai: where he's at, why the tones are so hard, why he gave up and regrets it, and what a newcomer should learn first.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Marketing a Small Business in Pattaya: What's Worked for Me
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on marketing a small business: why he starts with Facebook ads, what's worked for car rental and property, how much to spend, the importance of testing, and using influencers who are a genuine fit.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
My Biggest Business Failure, and What It Taught Me
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on his one real failure, the golf range that gave birth to Pattaya Rent a Car, how he exited the businesses that didn't work, and his advice on when to keep going and when to let go.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Pattaya for Digital Nomads and Remote Workers
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on whether Pattaya suits remote workers: internet, cost of living, how it compares with Bangkok and Chiang Mai, where nomads base themselves, and making friends.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
The Rainy Season in Pattaya: What It's Really Like
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on the rainy season: when it rains, how bad the flooding gets, who should still visit, how it affects his businesses and what to bring.
- Car Rental · 1 November 2026
Renting a Car in Pattaya: What to Check Before You Sign
The owner of Pattaya Rent a Car on renting a car in Pattaya: why price isn't everything, hidden charges, checking the insurance is for rental use, deposits, windscreen disputes and why a reputable company is worth it.
- Car Rental · 1 November 2026
Getting a Thai Driving Licence in Pattaya
The owner of Pattaya Rent a Car on getting a Thai driving licence as a foreigner: when you need one, doing it yourself or with an agent, what to bring, the tests on the day, renewals and why it's worth having.
- My Advice · 1 November 2026
Where to Watch the Football in Pattaya: Tips From a Sports Bar Owner
The owner of three Hemingways sports bars on watching the Premier League in Pattaya: what makes a good sports bar, late kick-offs, how multi-screen bars work, and when to book a table.
- Pattaya News · 1 November 2026
Where Pattaya Is Heading: My View of the Next 10 Years
A Pattaya business owner of 20 years on where the city is heading: steady growth, why he's sceptical of big infrastructure promises, Jomtien as the growth area, a shift to Asian visitors, and whether to invest.
- Property · 1 November 2026
Working as a Property Agent in Pattaya: What It's Really Like
The owner of two Pattaya real estate agencies on working in property: what makes a good agent, a typical day, salary and commission, why new agents quit, and how the best ones succeed.
- Car Rental · 31 October 2026
Buying or Renting a Car in Thailand: Advice From a Rental Company Owner
Should you buy or rent a car in Thailand? The owner of Pattaya Rent a Car on the one-year rule, buying as a foreigner, second-hand pitfalls, insurance, monthly rentals and selling up.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
The Cultural Mistakes Foreigners Make in Thailand
After 20 years in Pattaya, a business owner on the cultural mistakes foreigners make in Thailand: losing your temper, indirect communication, what Thais will forgive, and his one piece of advice for fitting in.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
Customer Service and Online Reviews: What I've Learned Across Seven Businesses
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on getting good Google reviews without pressure, handling bad and unfair reviews, who replies to what, and why response time is everything.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
How I Run Seven Businesses at Once
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on how he actually runs them: one manager per business, hiring through people he knows, checking everything from his phone, and why AI replaced the team he tried to build.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
How I Use AI to Run My Businesses
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on how he went from no-code tools to building his own systems with AI: the booking system that changed everything, the 80/20 rule, an expensive security lesson, and why your knowledge should live outside any one AI company.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
Managing Thai Staff: What I've Learned Running Seven Businesses
A Pattaya owner of seven businesses on managing Thai staff: how to talk to your team, why face matters, how to keep good people, and why building a team takes longer than you think.
- Property · 31 October 2026
The Pattaya Property Market Right Now: An Agency Owner's View
The owner of two Pattaya real estate agencies on today's buyer's market: the split between high-end and mass-market condos, who's buying, how to find the best deals, and his outlook.
- Property · 31 October 2026
Renting Out Your Condo in Pattaya: Advice for Landlords
The owner of two Pattaya real estate agencies on renting out a condo: what tenants want, furnishing, short vs long lets, finding good tenants, realistic yields, deposits and managing from abroad.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
Running a Restaurant and Bar in Pattaya: What I've Learned
The owner of three Hemingways restaurant and bars on how he got started, the hardest part of the job, what keeps a venue going, and his one piece of advice before you open.
- Car Rental · 31 October 2026
Scooter or Car in Pattaya? Advice From a Rental Company Owner
Should you rent a scooter or a car in Pattaya? The owner of Pattaya Rent a Car on safety, scooter insurance, police checks and fines, and where beginners should ride.
- Property · 31 October 2026
Selling a Condo in Pattaya: Advice From an Agency Owner
The owner of two Pattaya real estate agencies on selling a condo: why overpricing kills sales, how to get a realistic valuation, exclusive vs multiple agencies, paperwork, and negotiating offers.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
Staying Fit and Active in Pattaya: Padel, Running and Why I Quit Drinking
A 45-year-old Pattaya business owner on staying active: the growing padel scene, running in the heat, why he fell out of love with golf, and what giving up alcohol changed.
- My Advice · 31 October 2026
What I Wish I'd Known Before Moving to Thailand
Twenty years after arriving, a Pattaya business owner on what surprised him about Thailand, the real downsides of moving here, what he'd do differently, and his advice.
- Car Rental · 30 October 2026
Bangkok Airport to Pattaya: How to Get There
Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya, from the owner of Pattaya Rent a Car: taxi, Grab and Bolt, airport car hire, and why he'd always take a taxi first.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
The Best Beaches In and Around Pattaya
A Pattaya local's pick of the best beaches nearby: Dongtan Beach in town, the Navy Beach, Koh Lan, and quiet Koh Si Chang.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
The Best Time to Visit Pattaya, From Someone Who Lives Here
When to visit Pattaya: why February and March suit first-timers, which weeks to avoid, and why repeat visitors often prefer the low season and its rain.
- Car Rental · 30 October 2026
Driving in Pattaya: What a Car Rental Owner Tells Every Customer
Driving and renting a car in Pattaya: how the roads differ from the West, which licence you need, the real risks, and what to do if you have an accident.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Healthcare in Pattaya: Hospitals, Costs and Why You Need Insurance
A Pattaya resident of 20 years on the hospitals his family uses, what a visit costs, and why health insurance is essential, even for short stays.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
International Schools in Pattaya: A Parent's View
A Pattaya parent and business owner on choosing an international school: Tara Pattana, Regent's, Rugby, St Andrews, the new Highgate, and what fees really cost.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Is Pattaya Safe? A Local Business Owner's Honest Answer
Is Pattaya safe? A Pattaya business owner raising a family here on crime, scams, nightlife and the real danger: the roads.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
A Night Out in Pattaya Beyond Walking Street
A Pattaya business owner who no longer drinks on his kind of night out: the best steak restaurants, Tiffany's show, and where he'd go instead of Walking Street.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Pattaya vs Hua Hin: Which Is Better?
Pattaya vs Hua Hin compared by a Pattaya business owner: beaches, nightlife, golf, getting to Bangkok, and who should choose the quieter town.
- Property · 30 October 2026
Renting a Condo in Pattaya: What I Tell Every Renter
Renting a condo in Pattaya? Typical rents, contract lengths, deposits, who pays agency fees, utilities, and why the building matters more than the room.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Retiring in Pattaya: Advice From 20 Years Here
Why retirees choose Pattaya, what really catches them out, and the one thing a Pattaya business owner of 20 years advises every retiree to do.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Visas in Pattaya: What 20 Years Here Has Taught Me
A Pattaya business owner's experience of Thai visas: the business visa, retirement visas, the DTV for remote workers, and the costly mistake of choosing the wrong one.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Things to Do in Pattaya: Where I Take Friends and Family
A Pattaya local's picks of things to do: Walking Street, Nong Nooch, Koh Lan, the best water parks and zoo for families, what to skip, and a hidden gem.
- My Advice · 30 October 2026
Where a Restaurant Owner Eats in Pattaya
A Pattaya restaurant owner's own favourite places to eat, from Italian on Thappraya Road to steak in Pratumnak, plus the three things he checks to judge any restaurant.
- Property · 29 October 2026
Buying a Condo in Pattaya as a Foreigner: What I Tell Every Buyer
Can foreigners own a condo in Thailand? Yes. Here's how the 49% rule really works, the buying steps, the fees, off-plan vs resale, and how to buy smart in Pattaya.
- Property · 29 October 2026
Buying a House in Pattaya as a Foreigner: Why I'd Rent Instead
Can a foreigner buy a house in Pattaya? The land rules, 30-year leases, company structures and Thai-spouse purchases explained, and why I'd rent a house instead.
- My Advice · 29 October 2026
Golf in Pattaya: A Former PGA Pro's Honest Guide
A former PGA teaching pro on golf in Pattaya: the must-play courses, best-value rounds, real costs, caddie tips, and why low season is the best time to play.
- My Advice · 29 October 2026
Is Pattaya Expensive? What It Really Costs to Live Here
Is Pattaya expensive? Real monthly costs for a single person and a family, from rent and eating out to school fees, and what's cheaper or dearer than people expect.
- My Advice · 29 October 2026
Pattaya vs Phuket: Which Is Better? My Honest Take
Pattaya vs Phuket compared by someone who lives here: cost, golf, beaches, families, nightlife and how easy each is to reach from Bangkok.
- My Advice · 29 October 2026
Starting or Buying a Business in Pattaya: You'd Better Be Serious
Thinking of starting or buying a business in Pattaya? What I've learned running seven: start vs buy, due diligence, Thai partners, work permits, and which businesses work.
- Property · 20 October 2026
The Best Area to Live in Pattaya Depends on Who You Are
Central Pattaya, Pratumnak, Jomtien, Wongamat or East Pattaya? Where I'd live at each stage of life, and what ฿20,000 a month rents in 2026.
- My Advice · 20 October 2026
Is Pattaya Good for Families, and Is It Safe?
I've raised my kids in Pattaya. Here's my honest take on safety, the best area for families, international schools and fees, and the downsides in 2026.
- My Advice · 20 October 2026
What It's Really Like Living in Pattaya
After 20+ years here, my honest take on living in Pattaya: the pace, the weather, the people, what it costs, healthcare and the mistakes newcomers make.
- Car Rental · 19 October 2026
16 Years of Pattaya Rent a Car: Trust Runs Both Ways
From 12 cars at a golf driving range to nearly 100 on the road: what 16 years running Pattaya Rent a Car has taught me about trust, cash and service.
- My Advice · 19 October 2026
Bar Manager to 7 Businesses
From managing a bar in Soi 13 to running seven businesses: the ventures that worked, the ones that didn't, and what 20 years in Pattaya taught me.
- My Advice · 19 October 2026
Finding Good Foreign Staff in Pattaya Is Easy. Keeping Them Isn't.
After 20+ years running businesses in Pattaya, here's what I look for in foreign staff, why people leave, and how I keep the good ones for years.
- Pattaya News · 19 October 2026
Pattaya's Old Reputation Is 20 Years Out of Date
Is Pattaya worth visiting now? I arrived at 23, surrounded by retirees. Twenty years on, it's a city of families, schools and beaches. Here's how it changed.
- My Advice · 29 March 2026
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