Your Predictions for High Season

[Bazle]

So is it going to be a damp squib, or a stonking one? Your predictions/comments, please. 

Most comments I've read have been negative. My own opinion is that it is going to be a high High Season. This is based on reports of hotel bookings, and how busy Swampy has become. 

[Lemondropkid]

Bangkok feels very busy now. Had a beer in Patpong last night on the way home. The whole area was flooded with people.

My prediction for BKK would be see even more regualr tourists in the bar areas. Continuation of a trend on Cowboy, Patpong last night had a few touts pushing pussy shows felt to me they were after "regualr tourists"

 

[fygjam]

My prediction.

Farang bar owners in Pattaya will use the annual claim, it's the worst high season ever.

 

[Painter]

Depends on a high season for who....

I've been here a month, and yes, town is busier now than a month ago. But it's busier with people out and about, and imo that isn't resulting in bums on stools in bars at the moment. And by people, I'm seeing more and more young couples with push chairs, or groups of chaps walking down the middle of the soi holding hands...

In my opinion.... it will be a  high season regarding visitors, and they have to stay somewhere, but it won't be particularly good for bar owners

 

[Glasseye]

[boydeste]

I think it will be a short high season,  maybe mid December through to mid Jan at best, with moderate numbers before that time.

[Butch]

as @Painter said, high hotel occupancy doesn't translate to the same demographic that visits the Bars. 

Even with increased numbers, there's still going to be an oversaturation of bars to customers. I saw it in Songkran, in fact, the day before Wan Lai I was drinking in a bar complex as the only customer. 

With there being a fairly big financial squeeze on people at the moment, the increased pricing structure some Bars employ won't help either. Factor in some idiot who owns Robin hood thinks he can justify 4.8k Baht for Xmas dinner gives to an idea of the stupidity that exists, and the chance to gouge customers even more due to the time of year isn't lost on many.

I expect there will be a big increase in numbers, footfall, and guys who would rather be in Pattaya than alone at home over the festive period, and are happy to pay a premium for that, and the guys who have to take holiday at that time of year due to factory shutdowns etc. How that translates to takings across the bars is another thing entirely.

Perhaps we will see the body count of failed bars increase over the next 6 months. It's been a savage low season apparently.

There will be an increase consummate with what is usually expected at this time of year, but I think the days of Walking St being so rammed you can't get through are long gone. 

[Bazle]

4 hours ago, Butch said:

I expect there will be a big increase in numbers, footfall, and guys who would rather be in Pattaya than alone at home over the festive period, and are happy to pay a premium for that, and the guys who have to take holiday at that time of year due to factory shutdowns etc. How that translates to takings across the bars is another thing entirely.

Totally agree. 

[CalEden]

It is frequently reported in the USA that alcohol consumption/sales are way down. Because of this certain types of liquor producers are finding surpluses in their supply lines, resulting in some bankruptcies/reorganizations.

If this is true worldwide this could be affecting the bar businesses in Thailand. Less people camping out at the bars and drinking all day. Drinking long-term is not a healthy lifestyle, a slow suicide. Sooner or later the olde liver gives up the ghost. Demographics could be effecting change, lifestyle changes marriage, age etc.

Males have that innate urge to procreate that's not going away. Punters may be spending less time in the bars by acquiring their desire and dashing. This also could be compounded by the high cost of everything associated with the bar scene in Thailand. Drinking in a bar in Thailand is fast approaching US Bar prices and is no deal when considering the cost of travel.  The only real deal remaining in Los is the "Happy Endings", despite the glut of fatties, like home. 

My last Pattaya visit the Soi's where just rammed bedlam and the bars an desert oasis of solitude.

Just some thoughts.   

[maipenrai]

I was home and out cold by 9:00PM last night after arrival yesterday afternoon and other than a couple of stops along Soi Buakow and Soi Honey on the way home from TukCom, I just didn't see enough to make any assessments; however, the traffic was really bad on the motorway from the airport yesterday, taking over two hours to Central Pattaya, and a friend who came over from Jomtien on a baht bus last night said that the traffic was just crazy and it took forever to get into town. As mentioned previously, this doesn't necessarily translate into bums on bar stools but the streets seem busy. 

[john luke]

I have been back in Thailand  for a few days after my trip to Australia.  It does seem busier now as far as traffic and pedestrians.  The Fireworks at the weekend will be a big crowd puller too.  The stalls on Beach Road are already in situ.  Dusit Thani busses dinner is priced at 2600 baht per person plus cost of drinks.  I am still considering this; whilst expensive it does give an excellent view of the fireworks away from the crowds.  40% of me says book it and 60% says no.

A point that others have made is that tourist numbers and bar occupancy are not the same.  Whilst Pattaya is second most visited City in Thailand by tourists, the reasons for visiting Pattaya are different to those for visiting other places in Thailand.

My impression over the last weekend was that visitors from Bangkok increase for the weekend and then fall off.

 

[Glasseye]

On 11/23/2025 at 5:43 AM, CalEden said:

It is frequently reported in the USA that alcohol consumption/sales are way down. Because of this certain types of liquor producers are finding surpluses in their supply lines, resulting in some bankruptcies/reorganizations.

If this is true worldwide this could be affecting the bar businesses in Thailand. Less people camping out at the bars and drinking all day. Drinking long-term is not a healthy lifestyle, a slow suicide. Sooner or later the olde liver gives up the ghost. Demographics could be effecting change, lifestyle changes marriage, age etc.

Males have that innate urge to procreate that's not going away. Punters may be spending less time in the bars by acquiring their desire and dashing. This also could be compounded by the high cost of everything associated with the bar scene in Thailand. Drinking in a bar in Thailand is fast approaching US Bar prices and is no deal when considering the cost of travel.  The only real deal remaining in Los is the "Happy Endings", despite the glut of fatties, like home. 

My last Pattaya visit the Soi's where just rammed bedlam and the bars an desert oasis of solitude.

Just some thoughts.   

Good post ^

- Lingering Covid Effect

- Changing (who the f**k knows) Immigration hic ups

- Aging

- Changing demographics 

- Changing habits and needs (internet, desire for solitude, safety, etc....)

--- the list goes on. 

[galenkia]

The days when you could get a cheap flight, hotel, pussy etc are long gone.

Exchange rates have been poor for years.

Add in the increased cost of living for people then a beer and pussy holiday is a luxury not a regular treat like in the past. 
 

For me Thailand hasn’t been a value for money destination for a long time.

Then add in the type of visitors now compared to the past I find little to make me want to go back.

I have no problem spending money, but it needs to be justified.

Really don’t surprise me if high season visitors are down.

[richy65]

I'm really looking forward to my 4 week trip starting next Friday but won't be spending a small fortune in the Soi Nana bars this time, just can't justify blowing 5000 baht or more on an afternoons drinking then doing it all over again at night, bet the prices have gone up again too.

I fancy exploring the massage scene and small bars around Soi 22 this time, had some good fun round there when I stayed at S31 hotel 10 years ago but haven't been back much since then.

[Stillearly]

1 minute ago, richy65 said:

I'm really looking forward to my 4 week trip starting next Friday but won't be spending a small fortune in the Soi Nana bars this time, just can't justify blowing 5000 baht or more on an afternoons drinking then doing it all over again at night, bet the prices have gone up again too.

I fancy exploring the massage scene and small bars around Soi 22 this time, had some good fun round there when I stayed at S31 hotel 10 years ago but haven't been back much since then.

Loads around Soi 33 as well 😜

[Lemondropkid]

3 hours ago, richy65 said:

I'm really looking forward to my 4 week trip starting next Friday but won't be spending a small fortune in the Soi Nana bars this time, just can't justify blowing 5000 baht or more on an afternoons drinking then doing it all over again at night, bet the prices have gone up again too.

I fancy exploring the massage scene and small bars around Soi 22 this time, had some good fun round there when I stayed at S31 hotel 10 years ago but haven't been back much since then.

I was down on Soi 7 last night at the Moonshine Pub (excellent home cooked food- recommend that). It's in the open air bar complex, but an inside bar with AC.

Outside in the wider complex there was dozens of girls hustling for customers who'd be delighted to see you your money😀

Great idea to get out and explore.

 

[Jambo]

On 11/25/2025 at 11:05 PM, galenkia said:

The days when you could get a cheap flight, hotel, pussy etc are long gone.

Exchange rates have been poor for years.

Add in the increased cost of living for people then a beer and pussy holiday is a luxury not a regular treat like in the past. 
 

For me Thailand hasn’t been a value for money destination for a long time.

Then add in the type of visitors now compared to the past I find little to make me want to go back.

I have no problem spending money, but it needs to be justified.

Really don’t surprise me if high season visitors are down.

And, just to mention, we have all got older and it now takes us all night to do............etc etc. 😄

Well, it does me.

I am beginning to think I am in terminal decay. 

I spent the first 97% of my life with nothing worse than various sports injuries and one, relatively minor, motor cycle accident. The last 3% of my life I have had one hip replacement; on the urgent list for a second; one cataract operation with another due in 6 weeks and this week I went down with Bronchitis the symptoms of which FOR ME are like flu on steroids.

I coughed virtually non-stop for two days and nights. No sleep possible.It now hurts in my stomach each time I cough.

I just had a shower but I cannot get my hair dry because I am running a temperature! I have a non-stop headache; sneezing and a cascading snot producing nose!

Apart from that lot, I am fine! 

I should be in Thailand right now, up country, visiting Sai on her market garden of a farm some 450 miles or so from Pattaya. I had to postpone because of the pending operations and I dare not miss the hip replacement which may now come at very short notice as I am on the urgent list. 

For the reasons you highlighted, I really don't miss Pattaya just a number of friends. I do miss Sai, the farm in Mae Sot and our pack of dogs and I am really pissed that medical issues are stopping me from visiting.

Humiliating Spurs a the weekend helped.

[galenkia]

1 hour ago, Jambo said:

And, just to mention, we have all got older and it now takes us all night to do............etc etc. 😄

Well, it does me.

I am beginning to think I am in terminal decay. 

I spent the first 97% of my life with nothing worse than various sports injuries and one, relatively minor, motor cycle accident. The last 3% of my life I have had one hip replacement; on the urgent list for a second; one cataract operation with another due in 6 weeks and this week I went down with Bronchitis the symptoms of which FOR ME are like flu on steroids.

I coughed virtually non-stop for two days and nights. No sleep possible.It now hurts in my stomach each time I cough.

I just had a shower but I cannot get my hair dry because I am running a temperature! I have a non-stop headache; sneezing and a cascading snot producing nose!

Apart from that lot, I am fine! 

I should be in Thailand right now, up country, visiting Sai on her market garden of a farm some 450 miles or so from Pattaya. I had to postpone because of the pending operations and I dare not miss the hip replacement which may now come at very short notice as I am on the urgent list. 

For the reasons you highlighted, I really don't miss Pattaya just a number of friends. I do miss Sai, the farm in Mae Sot and our pack of dogs and I am really pissed that medical issues are stopping me from visiting.

Humiliating Spurs a the weekend helped.

Met some really great people in Thailand, I loved having a beer and a laugh with them.

That’s probably the only thing I do miss about the place.

Hope you get better soon mate and can get back out there.

[Golfingboy]

On 11/25/2025 at 6:05 PM, galenkia said:

The days when you could get a cheap flight, hotel, pussy etc are long gone.

Exchange rates have been poor for years.

Add in the increased cost of living for people then a beer and pussy holiday is a luxury not a regular treat like in the past. 
 

For me Thailand hasn’t been a value for money destination for a long time.

Then add in the type of visitors now compared to the past I find little to make me want to go back.

I have no problem spending money, but it needs to be justified.

Really don’t surprise me if high season visitors are down.

Well said Allen. Even this time next year when I will have scraped something together, the only reason for me to go would be familiarity and pure nostalgia. Obviously the good old days are long gone, and as you listed, it’s not any ONE THING, lots of factors. It’s halfway around the world, my $ is very weak, I’m not paying $2K just to get there or $1,200 just because it 40 hours one way….unless it’s my final trip. 
 

Drinking in the bars seems to be inflated just as much as the lady costs, and if I wanted to drink in my room, well I can do that at home & save airfare. Hotels maybe I would argue aren’t too bad because with the booking sites, you’d think you can always find a bargain…although even at that I hear some areas are awful, especially down South now

I guess I can only take comfort in the fact that I spent almost a whole year there in my mid 30’s, got to shag 200+ young ladies while the blood was flowing well, and had some amazing times

[galenkia]

16 minutes ago, Golfingboy said:

Well said Allen. Even this time next year when I will have scraped something together, the only reason for me to go would be familiarity and pure nostalgia. Obviously the good old days are long gone, and as you listed, it’s not any ONE THING, lots of factors. It’s halfway around the world, my $ is very weak, I’m not paying $2K just to get there or $1,200 just because it 40 hours one way….unless it’s my final trip. 
 

Drinking in the bars seems to be inflated just as much as the lady costs, and if I wanted to drink in my room, well I can do that at home & save airfare. Hotels maybe I would argue aren’t too bad because with the booking sites, you’d think you can always find a bargain…although even at that I hear some areas are awful, especially down South now

I guess I can only take comfort in the fact that I spent almost a whole year there in my mid 30’s, got to shag 200+ young ladies while the blood was flowing well, and had some amazing times

Agree Eric, loved my time in Thailand, spent around 18 months of my life there in total.

Always will have a place in my heart for the great memories I have from there.

Such a shame it’s just become another tourist rip off trap.

[Golfingboy]

2 hours ago, galenkia said:

Agree Eric, loved my time in Thailand, spent around 18 months of my life there in total.

Always will have a place in my heart for the great memories I have from there.

Such a shame it’s just become another tourist rip off trap.

Stop f—king modifying your 3 Ducatis and pair of Hayabusas and you’d have the £10 you now need for a lady drink, you cheap Limey! 
 

JK mate 😂

[Golfingboy]

On 11/27/2025 at 5:44 PM, richy65 said:

I'm really looking forward to my 4 week trip starting next Friday but won't be spending a small fortune in the Soi Nana bars this time, just can't justify blowing 5000 baht or more on an afternoons drinking then doing it all over again at night, bet the prices have gone up again too.

I fancy exploring the massage scene and small bars around Soi 22 this time, had some good fun round there when I stayed at S31 hotel 10 years ago but haven't been back much since then.

That is one of the last places I stayed ever in January 2012, but I think it was the newer S33. Because the minibus driver was a little annoyed I probably selected 31 from a drop-down menu as it was around longer at the time. I remember those lady bars named after the painters when I left to roam around, which I walked right past. Ended up getting a FL from Biergarten for only one white note, she slept over too. Nice compact modern room , I remember her showering and it was a nice bath room too…Think it was like 2,350 for two nights direct on the S website

People always act like BKK is so head and shoulders expensive above everywhere else, but in my limited experience I had fun. The only night I really partied hard was around the same time, best night of my whole 11 months in the country. Had been dead tired getting off the bus from Chiang Mai, didn’t help driver just dumped us off at a random petroleum station North of the city. So speaking no Thai, I was last in the queue to hail a taxi. Got a room near Khao San, slept, then hit Tulip for 3 rounds, amazing session. THEN mandarin Nana, 2 more in a ST on premises. Then a Soi 11 disco, another lady and back to the room….I know it’s almost 15 years ago, but I still drank like a fish, 3 girls, 7 shags, plus my room…. was like only 7K THB…….Oh boy try duplicating that today! 
 

But my point was even back then , guys acted like BKK was so much more than Pattaya for fun…wasn’t my experience 

[Lemondropkid]

Well my prediction for high season is that people will still come here and enjoy themselves 😉 

Had a pal of a retirement age do his first trip recently and he loved it.

Never heard him complain about prices. Is he enjoying being back home in the cold,.dark and pissing down rain do you reckon?

Everywhere has got more expensive unfortunately, but there's still plenty of value and fun to be had here.

 

[Glasseye]

20 hours ago, Jambo said:

And, just to mention, we have all got older and it now takes us all night to do............etc etc. 😄

Well, it does me.

I am beginning to think I am in terminal decay. 

I spent the first 97% of my life with nothing worse than various sports injuries and one, relatively minor, motor cycle accident. The last 3% of my life I have had one hip replacement; on the urgent list for a second; one cataract operation with another due in 6 weeks and this week I went down with Bronchitis the symptoms of which FOR ME are like flu on steroids.

I coughed virtually non-stop for two days and nights. No sleep possible.It now hurts in my stomach each time I cough.

I just had a shower but I cannot get my hair dry because I am running a temperature! I have a non-stop headache; sneezing and a cascading snot producing nose!

Apart from that lot, I am fine! 

I should be in Thailand right now, up country, visiting Sai on her market garden of a farm some 450 miles or so from Pattaya. I had to postpone because of the pending operations and I dare not miss the hip replacement which may now come at very short notice as I am on the urgent list. 

For the reasons you highlighted, I really don't miss Pattaya just a number of friends. I do miss Sai, the farm in Mae Sot and our pack of dogs and I am really pissed that medical issues are stopping me from visiting.

Humiliating Spurs a the weekend helped.

 

I feel for you mate. I used to get bronchitis when I was a kid (13-16). Had it several times. I would hack up green chunks all day. It was miserable. Not sure what happened over time, never get it anymore. Thank Dog, it would probably kill me now. It sounds to me with the other symptoms you described that you probably have the flu or covid.

The only thing I can say is sometimes in life you get piled on and it seems like it will never end. And then over time things level off.

I've learned to socialize less, and I think that helps some. I enjoy staying active and do a lot of it, just usually by myself. I believe that has helped ref. my overall health. I am also realistic that sooner or later something will catch up with me. I will fight it and try to stay on top of it the best I can, no matter what it is. I guess my "fcuk em all" attitude may have something to do with it. Heck, I don't know....

[Golfingboy]

1 hour ago, Glasseye said:

 

It sounds to me with the other symptoms you described that you probably have the flu or covid.

I am also realistic that sooner or later something will catch up with me. I will fight it and try to stay on top of it the best I can, no matter what it is. I guess my "fcuk em all" attitude may have something to do with it. Heck, I don't know....

I hate talking about this, because I am much better now, the only thing left is anxiety, specifically I CANNOT get into an argument or raise my voice, my heart pounds like hell.Other than that , I am healed. But I went through f—king hell for about 8-9 months. I never blamed the vaccine, because I had both shots in 2021 & never had issues until after my 2022 infection .Never lost my sense of smell, it affects everyone differently . But dizziness, anxiety, heartburn….even grossly overweight these are things I never dealt with pre-COVID. I know the damn virus changed me, and if you know anyone that’s alive, but suddenly out of nowhere the last few years , they’re anxious, easily fatigued, short of breath, more irritable….its not just the economy or “life”, they probably got infected and have some form of LONG COVID. But I never expect any sympathy, 90+% of people especially youngsters , this thing went right through them like a cold, no symptoms . Bit it could be worse, 9 months on a tiny dose of beta blocker , and patience/time, healed me up

As to your last point Brad, that’s what is scary but we got to accept. We can do everything right, make all kinds of improvements , but like Rocky Balboa said, Father Time, he’s undefeated. Something gets us sooner or later. All I can add is fasting, as much as it sucks to not eat for 24+ hours , is underrated IMO and something I will do more as I age, and stay leaner