https://shaneruddle.com/articles Practical articles from Shane Ruddle on buying property in Pattaya, running a business in Thailand, car rental and living on the Eastern Seaboard. en-gb https://shaneruddle.com/articles/business-leases-and-landlords-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/business-leases-and-landlords-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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/finding-a-job-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/finding-a-job-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-vs-bangkok https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-vs-bangkok 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/taking-over-a-business-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/taking-over-a-business-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/teaching-english-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/teaching-english-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/thai-food-for-newcomers https://shaneruddle.com/articles/thai-food-for-newcomers 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/valuing-a-business-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/valuing-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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/why-buy-a-business-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/why-buy-a-business-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-in-hospitality-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-in-hospitality-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-remotely-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-remotely-in-pattaya 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 Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/dogs-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/dogs-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/eating-healthily-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/eating-healthily-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/first-month-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/first-month-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/getting-around-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/getting-around-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/hiring-a-maid-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/hiring-a-maid-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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/making-friends-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/making-friends-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. My Advice Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-traffic https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-traffic 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. Car Rental Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/shopping-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/shopping-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/songkran-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/songkran-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/walking-street-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/walking-street-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/where-to-stay-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/where-to-stay-in-pattaya 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 Sun, 01 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/banking-in-thailand-for-foreigners https://shaneruddle.com/articles/banking-in-thailand-for-foreigners 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/best-day-trips-from-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/business-partners-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/business-partners-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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-my-businesses-got-through-covid https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-my-businesses-got-through-covid 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/learning-thai https://shaneruddle.com/articles/learning-thai 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/marketing-a-small-business-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/marketing-a-small-business-in-pattaya 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/my-biggest-business-failure https://shaneruddle.com/articles/my-biggest-business-failure 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-for-digital-nomads https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-for-digital-nomads 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/rainy-season-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/rainy-season-in-pattaya 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. My Advice Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/renting-a-car-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/renting-a-car-in-pattaya 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 Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/thai-driving-licence https://shaneruddle.com/articles/thai-driving-licence 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. Car Rental Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/watching-football-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/watching-football-in-pattaya 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. My Advice Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/where-pattaya-is-heading https://shaneruddle.com/articles/where-pattaya-is-heading 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. Pattaya News Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-as-a-property-agent-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/working-as-a-property-agent-in-pattaya 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. Property Sat, 31 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/buying-vs-renting-a-car-in-thailand https://shaneruddle.com/articles/buying-vs-renting-a-car-in-thailand 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. Car Rental Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/cultural-mistakes-in-thailand https://shaneruddle.com/articles/cultural-mistakes-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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/customer-service-and-online-reviews https://shaneruddle.com/articles/customer-service-and-online-reviews 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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-i-run-seven-businesses https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-i-run-seven-businesses 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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-i-use-ai-in-my-businesses https://shaneruddle.com/articles/how-i-use-ai-in-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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/managing-thai-staff https://shaneruddle.com/articles/managing-thai-staff 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. My Advice Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-property-market https://shaneruddle.com/articles/pattaya-property-market 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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/renting-out-your-condo-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/renting-out-your-condo-in-pattaya 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. Property Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/running-a-restaurant-and-bar-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/running-a-restaurant-and-bar-in-pattaya 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. My Advice Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/scooter-or-car-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/scooter-or-car-in-pattaya 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. Car Rental Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/selling-a-condo-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/selling-a-condo-in-pattaya 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. Property Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/staying-fit-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/staying-fit-in-pattaya 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 Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/what-i-wish-id-known-before-moving-to-thailand https://shaneruddle.com/articles/what-i-wish-id-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. My Advice Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/bangkok-airport-to-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/bangkok-airport-to-pattaya 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. Car Rental Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT https://shaneruddle.com/articles/best-beaches-in-pattaya https://shaneruddle.com/articles/best-beaches-in-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 Thu, 29 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT