The rains are still hard and the streets relatively calm at night, but Pattaya is readying for another high season. Buses from the Isaan Plateau unloaded hundreds of hopeful women at the Northern bus station. The bars post signs offering a variety of positions to the newcomers.
3500 for service. 5000 for cashiers, 6000 for dancers and 8-10k for showgirls.
Are you ready?
“Yes.”
But will the farangs come this year?
That is the big question since Thailand has dropped off the list of Top 10 destinations for many countries. Political uncertainty, visa restrictions, police raids, and unchecked land development have tarnished the nation’s appeal to travelers, who say to themselves, “Been there done that.”
This low season was lower than anyone could remember.
Business was off from last year, which wasn’t good either.
And the government says that the drop-off will be replaced with an infusion of Japanese tourists. This coming from a regime whose holidays have been paid by the military at army resorts.
Can Pattaya survive another year under their control?
They may not like farangs, but the money for sick buffaloes got to come from someplace.
“Where are the farangs?”
Last night I was in the Buffalo. One beer while waiting for a pepperoni pizza from Scoby’s. The mam-san brought over a new girl. 23. Cute. all. Isaan Not a word of English.
“You tell her about farang.” Sandy shrieked like a crow with a pencil up its ass.
“Why not?” The girl needed some encouragement. She had never seen westerners in her village. Her story was typical. Husband ran off with another woman. I said in Thai, “Tell farang he die in Yala. Small lie, but you not have to say anything after. All farang same as Thai man. No good. Some good too. You here to take care of your baby and family. Remember your money is your money. Don’t give your friends. They never give back and then you not have friend again. Smile a lot. Laugh a little. Touch them on the arm. They like this.”
She laughed and wai-ed her thanks as I tipped her 50 baht.
Thanks for helping her entering the ever-glamorous world of Pattaya bargirls.
Better me than the fat german at the bar.
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