Mr. Roberts on the Pattaya Scene -- Continued
Enjoyed reading Mr. Roberts' latest update on the Pattaya ground truth. Good man!
"There have always been too many bars spread out all over, but at the moment the competition for girls is so fierce that its created bizarro world."
Pattaya has always had too many bars. But 10 years ago, the rents were lower. Today higher rents and fewer customers have killed all those little places run by older falangs as a hobby. The bigger and more commercial places survive, but it appears they're tilting away from the naughty boys, in favor of patrons who are happy to just buy drinks.
"I have come to realize that it's the two week millionaires that kept this place going. They are actually the lifeblood of the industry because they spend big and they pay the bills."
Very true. But efficient market theory teaches us that they are informed consumers. Forums like this, and cogent analysis by guys like Mr. Roberts, allow them to learn the latest just by scrolling on their phones.
They know very well that Pattaya is less of a punter playground now. It's teetering on the brink of becoming a place where the girls tease but don't deliver. Guys who seek out play-for-pay are acutely sensitive to this, because every single one has paid good money for a bad experience, or even worse gotten ripped off. The moment they perceive Pattaya venues as clip joints, they will abandon that destination most ricky-tick.
GO GO CLUBS ARE POOR VALUE FOR MONEY: "We are talking about prices that are starting to match Europe. You are going to be paying through the nose or waste time hunting for that gem that pops up from time to time -- 8 k-10 k all up. Add the hotel cost, food, flights and other expenses. If the go go clubs were full of women that could match any half decent FKK, Spanish bordello or Brazilian club I would say fine. But it's not at that level."
Over the past 36 months I've read dozens upon dozens of reports to this effect. I think it's fair to say this is the consensus view. For me, the most worrisome finding is that hot girls are not available at any price. The Naughty Boy planning a holiday can't help but be concerned, especially if lives far from Thailand.
GREEDY BAR OWNERS PRIORITIZE ALCOHOL SALES OVER EVERYTHING ELSE: "The pressure to sell drinks in some venues is fucking insane and it puts you off going into these venues. Its relentless, to the point where cleaning staff are hammering you. I know the owners need to start turning a buck, but this is not the way. I have not been back to walking street in two weeks, and even LK Metro it is out of control with it."
The bars sell two things: Alcohol and "companionship. " So long as the girls remain back in the village, it's the equivalent of all those Chinese factories closed by COVID, or those container ships anchored near harbors full of goods that aren't on store shelves. So the bars try to sell alcohol. But selling alcohol, especially at premium prices, requires some X Factor to attract patrons. Seriously, without the chance to get laid by a hottie for a cheap price is there ANY attraction to one of the many Nightwish bars on Soi Six? To a go go club blasting EDM and charging 150 or more for a bottle of Chang?
MORE AND MORE GIRLS WON'T BUDGE FROM THEIR BARSTOOLS: "Never thought I would see the day, but some girls in GC's and bars even on Soi 6 are drinks only. No idea why owners and managers think their customers are coming to speak broken English to bar girls who won't go ST or LT but this is becoming more and more frequent. Soi 6 has turned into a drinking alley more than a fucking alley."
So we have a semi-attractive girl dressed provocatively who teases guys with the prospect of a trip upstairs in order to keep him buying high priced drinks. Call it a "hostess bar," a "clip joint" a "bottakuri" or "the bottle service scam." But it's anathema to the Two Week Millionaire that has supported Pattaya for decades.
LODGING & FOOD BARGAINS: Accommodation, food and gyms, etc are all great and cheap as hell. And I always loved the people here. Beyond the sex industry Thailand has a lot to offer and still does, so I have enjoyed my time here immensely. It's tough not to just stick around if you can work remotely.
All true. But as Mr. Roberts explained, it's the Two Week Millionaires who support the naughty boy scene in Pattaya. If the only visitors are Digital Nomads and Thrifty Ex-Pats, the local economy will collapse.
LONG TERM VISITORS ARE HOOKING UP WITH A DIFFERENT TYPE OF GIRL: "I have been getting stuck into the semi pros and less active freelancers. This has been a goldmine, and it's been delivery straight to the room with the occasional night out. If you are here a while, you can set yourself up like a king. However if you don't have that time on the ground, it's going to be a challenge unless you want to drop a lot of money."
CAN YOU SAY "DISINTERMEDIATION?" "A lot of girls are going the freelance route now. They are sick to death of the bullshit from the mamasans and the owners. ".
For the past 50 years or so the worldwide economy has ruthlessly eliminated middlemen who don't add value. Who needs a regional sales manager? We can eliminate the manufacturer rep and sell direct! Sounds like the girls are doing the same.
Two problems, it seems to me: (1) Going out to the club or the bar and seeing the girl in the flesh is part of the fun for most naughty boys. Just my opinion, but sitting in my room and scrolling on my phone seems a little sad. Of course YMMV. (2) Choosing a girl online increases the risk of a bad experience. Mostly because of bait and switch, but also because of no-shows and really bad attitudes. In the bar or club you can see the girl in person and assess her demeanor. I will say that if you find somebody you like in the club, it's silly simple to book repeats via Line.
WHO WILL BE THE MARGINAL BUYER GOING FORWARD? "With recession coming, the increasing cost of flights and the lack of tourism from Russia and China the Thai tourism industry is in for a difficult run. The Indians are not spending anything, and I think Pattaya as it is right now is going to put a lot of people off."
The USA Dollar is trading at about 38 to the Baht, which is the strongest Dollar in years. Compared to, say, 30/$ that's 27% more Baht to the dollar. Might the American Punter be the naughty boy who saves Pattaya?