Picture this: the dazzling lights of a casino casting their allure over the vibrant streets of Pattaya. 
It might not be as far-fetched as you think, considering the billions of dollars pouring into casinos across South East Asia. 
The potential transformation of Pattaya into a casino city holds immense promise, promising a windfall for both local and national economies.

• Is Pattaya gearing up for a casino revolution?
• The ripple effect on tourism, magnified fivefold
• Pattaya's ascent to a global destination
• Soaring property prices on the horizon

This report delves into the realm of real estate in Pattaya against the backdrop of the tantalizing prospect of it becoming a casino hub.

For well over a decade, speculation has swirled around the possibility of a casino gracing the shores of Pattaya. 
Thailand, known as the Land of Smiles, strictly prohibits gambling beyond the state lottery. 

High rollers seeking their luck have had to journey to Macau, Singapore, or just cross the borders to Cambodia or Laos.

However, whispers in the wind suggest that the stringent gambling laws might soon see some relaxation, and casino licenses might find their way into Thailand. 
In this context, Pattaya shines brightly as a logical candidate. 
Already a beacon in the realm of global tourism, it has steadily transformed into a world-renowned destination. 
Ongoing and planned improvements could well pave its way to being the Las Vegas of Thailand.

Yet, let's not merely build a casino for the sake of it. 
Accessibility is key. 
The pleasures offered by a casino must be readily accessible from Bangkok, its affluent suburbs, and other parts of South East Asia, China, and beyond. 
A mere 15 years ago, the bustling resort town of Pattaya was a three-hour drive from the nearest airport. 
Now, thanks to trillions of Baht being poured into infrastructure, including roads, railways, and airports, Pattaya has shrunk the distance.

Suvarnabhumi International Airport and U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport are now a convenient 90 minutes and 45 minutes away from Pattaya by car, respectively. 
The high-speed rail network on the horizon could make Pattaya a regional hub, further enhancing its connectivity. 
Suggestions even float around for a monorail track to whisk passengers directly from the bullet train to the heart of Pattaya and Jomtien.

Revamping the Laem Chabang Cruise Port terminal opens the door to larger and more frequent Cruise Liners gracing Pattaya’s international port. 

These monumental steps forward in transport infrastructure would only boost Pattaya's case for potential casino licenses.

Pattaya City Hall, attuned to the changing tides, envisions the proposed railway link as a linchpin for their aspiration to elevate Pattaya into a 5-Star resort destination catering to families and the well-heeled.

But what would a casino mean for tourism, and more precisely, the Pattaya real estate market?

Consider this: the railway link alone could triple Pattaya's tourism influx. Now, factor in the allure of a casino. The result? A potential 5-fold or even a 10-fold surge in tourism. Such a surge could profoundly impact the economy and elevate Pattaya's real estate to the global stage, alongside glamorous destinations like Miami Beach.

Jet-setting gamblers may check in and out of newly built 5-Star hotels, yet once enchanted, they might yearn to own a piece of Pattaya real estate. 
The potential influx could absorb any excess in the Pattaya condo market, offering these newcomers an opportunity to partake in real estate alongside their gaming escapades.

Developers must tread cautiously, as demand could easily outstrip supply. 
The very idea of a casino lingers in the minds of these developers, ready to seize the moment when gambling laws ease.

Lands in the southern stretches of Pattaya, like Na Jomtien, or further, would evolve into prime real estate. Sukhumvit Road to the beach might shed its significance as prices skyrocket. These coveted plots could be sold freehold to high-rise condo developers or leased long-term to 5-Star international hotel chains.

Imagining globally branded 5-Star resorts offering limousine services to the casino becomes enticing. Real estate developers, both local and international, could craft luxury high-rise towers boasting unheard-of in-house amenities.

The demand for short-term luxury holiday accommodations could soar, with 10% ROIs within reach, driven by a constant influx of foreign casino-goers.

Once-inaccessible land could morph into gated residential communities featuring high-value pool villas, akin to American-style residential areas. Imagine country club-like facilities and private security complementing these communities.

The often stagnant resale property market for both condos and houses could witness an unprecedented awakening. Casino enthusiasts might be enticed to invest in Pattaya's condos, driven by the allure of living within arm's reach of the 24/7/365 casino.

In such a scenario, demand for all properties within Pattaya could skyrocket, pushing property prices to new heights. Could we bid adieu to the 4.5M THB pool villa? Could the average per square meter price of a Pattaya condo exceed 100,000 THB?

The time is ripe to chart your next real estate venture. Don't wait too long—bet on Pattaya real estate before the casino arrives!

© 2023, Robert D Watson