There are thought to be tens of thousands of sex workers operating in Pattaya, which has led to it being dubbed the sex capital of the world by various publications.

In the town’s red light district you can find it all; go-go bars, sex shows, sex workers and cabaret performers working long into the night for a crowd the majority of whom are Western males. 

It is also known for its substantial population of transgender women, commonly referred to as “ladyboys.” The prevalence of a significant transgender community in Thailand is largely attributed to Thai culture which has a long history of being exceptionally accepting and tolerant when it comes to gender diversity, setting it apart from many other societies.

As the sun sets, you’ll know when you’re in Pattaya’s red light district by the look on foreigners’ faces walking up and down the street with their jaws dropped open and scantily clad females hanging around the entrances to the various go-go bars and beer bars hoping to lure some punters their way!