Pattaya

Property in Thailand is probably one of the most lucrative investment arenas, worldwide, with prices almost 1/3 of an equivalent unit in most top Western destinations. This particularly applies to Pattaya where the total value of condos sold leapt from US$12m in H1,2005 to an astounding US$222m in H1,2008 (Bt 392.4m-7,258.33m), with prices rising from US$1,929 prices per square metre (psm) to US$3,264 psm (Bt63,096.51 - 106,767.98). In one case, The Cove topped Bt220,000 psm; the equivalent of top Bangkok prices. Being such a lucrative arena, however, makes the property market highly susceptible to scam merchants, one such we will elaborate on after giving you the background to the Pattaya Property Market.

Late Wednesday night, a team of Pattaya police officers assisted by civil volunteers, raided the Pattaya Beach in an attempt to clear it of prostitutes and others suspected of engaging in anti-social or criminal activity.

Over the next few days, Pattaya will temporarily be the centre of the women's golf world. The LPGA's top players are in Thailand's famous resort town to compete in the US$1.3 million season-opening Honda-PTT LPGA Thailand tournament.

Marina Erakovic has added another significant WTA doubles title to her tally, by winning at the $220,000 PTT Pattaya Open in Thailand, with her partner, experienced local player Tamarine Tanasugarn.

Aiming to cut down on how many times sun worshippers are pestered for massages, Pattaya officials will limit the number of masseuses on Jomtien Beach to two per plot, giving priority to Pattaya residents.