Pattaya has many attractions to make the city appealing to people from all walks of life but there has been one group that seems to be increasing in numbers – sports stars. Ok, many of the stars come to the city to do after dinner speaking or do exhibitions but a lot come of their own free will and aren’t coming here to work, just to relax and enjoy a little downtime. Perfect examples would be former World Boxing Champion Ricky Hatton and snooker legend Jimmy White. Yes, both make professional appearances in Pattaya but they also come socially too. So, why do these people want to come to Pattaya in the first place?
Probably the most obvious reasons why these people come is that there is plenty to do and not just in terms of the bar scene and restaurants but also the golf. Here they can play a few rounds of golf, relatively cheaply but they will also have a sense of anonymity which is often appreciated. The year-round climate also help with many of these people looking to get a warm weather break again, something that is very difficult to achieve especially in Europe around this time of year.
Returning to the anonymity aspect, many of these people won’t be known outside of their home countries. Not being recognised means that they can live a normal life and do things that they perhaps couldn’t do back ‘home’. This is arguably the biggest attraction and the freedom that they get from this is greatly appreciated. There is also a good chance that previously they have lived something of a nomadic existence so anything that gives them a sense of normality will, of course, appeal.
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The fact that many of these stars will have been sporting nomads often means that many of them are single. A place like Pattaya will give them the opportunity to perhaps start new relationships even if they are more casual. This is something that is hard to do normal if they spend large amounts of their life in the media spotlight. Things that are seen as normal in Pattaya may get unfair scrutiny specially in countries such as the UK where the tabloid press borders on intrusive.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that many of these people will still be relatively young even if they have retired from professional sport. As a result, they will no doubt enjoy the nightlife and a few drinks with friends and family which again they may not have been able to do when they were at the height of their career. The chances are that they will have been on numerous traditional beach holiday so the opportunity to enjoy something a bit different is a welcome change.
Of course, it is not only sports stars that come to Thailand and Pattaya but many other famous people such as Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin. Again, the attractions will probably be the same. Pattaya has so much to offer for people of all age groups with golf and the anonymity putting Pattaya towards the top of their lists. Let’s remember that it isn’t just single men that enjoy Pattaya, it is a city that is there for all to enjoy.