By David Lambeth
The Kingdom of Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in south East Asia, with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, robust cuisine and ruins of ancient kingdoms. Pattaya and Jomtien Beach are considered by some as Thailand's twin fun paradises based on their beaches, diving, windsurfing, island trips, numerous golf courses, and world renowned nightlife. Pattaya, and especially Jomtien, have been growing at a fast rate. Proof of Pattaya and Jomtien's popularity is their forever-growing cosmopolitan flavor, with a large contingent of Expats from all over the world who have either settled and retired here, or invested in a holiday home. Many Expats could only have dreamt of buying a condo or house, looking over the ocean and waking up to the sea breezes, at a fraction of the cost that they would have paid in their home countries.
The growth in the residential market has been further boosted by a demand for property from Pattaya locals and other Thai buyers due to the closeness to Bangkok. As a result of the new airport and continued improvements in infrastructure, more property developers are also entering the market to launch a variety of developments, including residential, international chain hotels and retail projects. Based on the number of property developments currently underway, its a clear indicator that this trend is set to continue.
One of the main advantages of living in Pattaya Jomtien Beach, apart from the climate and low cost of living, is their world class infrastructure. Many world travelers we have talked to are impressed with the infrastructure when compared to the Philippines, Costa Rica, and other exotic travel destinations. Over the past 10 years, millions of Thai baht has been ploughed into improving Pattaya's infrastructure by resurfacing roads and improving the city's visual image. Roads and transportation are first class. The most common means of traveling around Pattaya and Jomtien Beach is the "baht bus". Seldom do you have to wait more than five minutes for the bus. The regular baht bus fare within Pattaya is 10 baht which amounts to about 35 cents American. There are two bus terminals where you can take an air conditioned bus to Bangkok or to one of the popular provinces. A large number of sports facilities have been built in and around Pattaya to cater to a wide range of sporting activities. All facilities are easy to reach. The telephone system is a modern PABX and internet cafes providing ADSL service (2 mbps) are common place. Health care is of a very high standard. There are three large international hospitals and one hospital that caters to the local Thais. Doctors are highly trained and speak English well. The hospitals also offer some interpreting services if your native language is not English
