An unbelievable 6 million tourists or guest arrive to experience Pattaya each year making it the most popular and successful seaside resort in the world. It gained notoriety as an R&R destination for American and Allied troops during the Vietnam War and once the infrastructure was in place all it needed was a different market.

The Thai economy in part relies upon the sex industry and therefore while it is frowned upon by authorities it flourishes in the tourist areas particularly Pattaya. Sex tours to Pattaya originate from all parts of the planet but in the last 20 years many have hailed from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Naturally meeting the laws of supply and demand as the tourists increase so do the sex workers coming in from very poor rural areas in the hope of striking it rich or better still marrying a "farang" (foreigner) who would ostensibly look after the extensive and disadvantaged family.

Apart from female sex workers male ones referred to as "ladyboys" emerged during the last 15 or so years to satisfy the needs of the sexually adventurous or misled. It is difficult upon first meeting to set them apart from the many pretty ladies displaying their wares in the hope of attracting a punter for the night (or week if they are lucky).

Pattaya is not just about the sex industry and offers a wide variety of amusements for families including a massive variety of water sports and first class golf. No famous resort is complete without its complement of fine restaurants and bars and even the most fastidious of diners would not be disappointed by the fare on offer in this vibrant city.