With its vibrant atmosphere and lively streets, Pattaya is renowned for its beer bars that line the beach road and dot nearly every street. These bars, a quintessential part of Pattaya’s nightlife, attract a diverse crowd of expats and tourists, creating a melting pot of cultures and experiences that define this bustling city.
It’s a world designed for men.
The allure of these beer bars lies not only in the beer and drinks they serve but also in the company they offer. Before the bars, the ladies in their mid-twenties, whose seductive looks and inviting smiles aim to entice passersby into their domain.
Once inside, the ritual begins as one or more ladies approach patrons to buy them a drink—a custom known as a “lady drink.” A lady may select any drink she desires. The customer pays a fixed price for the privilege. Some bars even offer a range of options, from regular to more expensive lady drinks, each contributing to the earnings of the bar girls through commissions.
With a drink, the customers are encouraged to converse with their companions for the next fifteen minutes or so. However, the quality of service can vary greatly from bar to bar. While some ladies may enthusiastically engage with the customers, others may adopt a more transactional approach, fulfilling their duties as bar runners without much interaction.
It’s important to recognise that most of these ladies are working as hookers, providing companionship and entertainment in exchange for money.
Despite the controversies surrounding them, Pattaya’s beer bars remain integral to the city’s identity. For visitors, they offer a unique experience—a chance to immerse oneself in the vibrant nightlife of Thailand’s most famous destination for men.
