Recent news headlines have seen Pattaya City officials proclaim plans for ‘Neo Pattaya’ or the New Pattaya. Their vision is of the modern city of Pattaya as ‘the’ commercial, recreational and residential heart to the high-tech Eastern Economic Corridor or EEC that is evolving along the region’s eastern seaboard from Chachoengsao Province in the north to Rayong in the south. This New Pattaya will retain its distinction and role as a major tourist destination, with an abundance of new infrastructure and a stronger family-friendly focus.
Thanks to the development and opening of the Bangkok−Ban Chang or M7 Motorway, Greater Pattaya from Naklua to Na Jomtien and further down into Baan Amphur and Bang Saray has become easy to get to from the capital. This has led to significant condo and hotel developments along the coast. Ease of access and the evolving face of Pattaya has seen more Bangkokians establish weekend bolt holes or second homes. Covid has only increased that trend.
A lot is happening, so let’s take a closer look at some of the plans that will slowly but surely change the face of Pattaya.
Connectivity
The aforementioned M7 motorway cuts travel time between the capital and the key communities from Chonburi to Rayong with spur roads to coastal communities, including Pattaya. Planned future extensions of the M7 to the Thai-Cambodian border will facilitate greater ease of tourist traffic.
An integral EEC infrastructure project is building a 220 km long high-speed rail system linking Bangkok’s two major airports — Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang with U-Tapao airport in Rayong Province. Already undergoing significant expansion, U-Tapao will become Thailand’s third major international airport. Recent announcements from the EEC indicate the high-speed service will be operational by 2025. After departing Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, U-Tapao Airport, and Rayong will be the only stations on this high-speed line. Trains will travel around 160 km per hour in urban areas and 250 km per hour on the intercity sections.
Pattaya Monorail – The EEC Office was recently presented with a proposal for an elevated train line linking the new Pattaya high-speed rail hub in Nong Prue to Pattaya City. The 8.15 km long line will have 13 elevated stations and travel from Nong Prue along North Pattaya Road, 2nd Road, then turn at Thappraya Road to terminate at Bali Hai Pier. The latest estimates have construction beginning in 2023 and completed in 2026. Such connectivity between the Pattaya high-speed rail hub and Pattaya City would mean travellers from Bangkok’s two airports or U-Tapao would experience fast and hassle-free transfers.
Tourism, Recreation and Sport Infrastructure
A major redevelopment in the Cape Bali Hai area proposes a terminal for cruise ships at the cape’s tip, a new recreation area near the Bali Hai pier, expansion of the waterfront, shopping precinct, skywalk and monorail station. A 38,000-square-metre commercial area near the existing Walking Street would be a new tourist attraction.
The world’s first Columbia Pictures theme and waterpark, Columbia Pictures’ Aquaverse, will open in Bang Saray this December 2021, Covid restrictions permitting. State-of-the-art rides and newly themed attractions will bring beloved characters from successful, world-class movies, including Ghostbusters, Jumanji, Bad Boys, Men in Black and Hotel Transylvania.
Also in Bang Saray is Cartoon Network Amazone Waterpark with 30 ultramodern water rides and other attractions, including Disneyworld-style mascots, entertainment shows, a food court and more. It opened in 2014 with a post-Covid reopening set for December 2021.
When Chonburi Motor Park in Si Racha is completed, the Greater Pattaya region will have a potential F1 track on its doorsteps. Facilities include karting and rallycross tracks, driver experience centre, hotel, retail, bonded warehouse, team garages, sports stadia and a convention centre. This world-class facility will complement the well-established Bira Circuit in the Bang Lamung District that regularly hosts local and international-level motorsport events.
How Are These Changes Playing Out?
We ask our on-the-ground experts to give us their view of the changing face of Pattaya and where they see it heading.
According to Tommy Almond, Lazudi Consultant, “I’ve seen more simple essentials for families, infrastructure like skate parks, playgrounds, and activities for kids appear in recent years. With the recent opening of Terminal 21, we now have an excellent selection of quality shopping malls. I’m also seeing more long-term clients here in Pattaya, not just coming down for the weekend but renting or buying and staying. We are experiencing a considerable increase in Pattaya property enquiries, and I firmly believe this is partly down to the ‘New Pattaya.’ Si-Racha and Rayong are already getting more popular with both Thai clients and foreign investors. The EEC will have a significant positive impact on the real estate market in the future.”
Adding to Tommy’s views is fellow Lazudi Consultant Steffen Heitman. “For some years now, Pattaya has been one of the best places in Thailand to invest in real estate, both for resale and especially in the long-term rental market in Pattaya. I believe we’ll see a marked increase in Pattaya investments in the longer term. Post-Covid, I’m anticipating an increase in both clients and prices, especially as we see more international companies investing in EEC related projects.”
