As of this month, below are TripAdvisor’s top 10 restaurants in Pattaya out of more than 600 establishments registered in the travel site.

1. Café des Amis

Through dint of hard work, determination and fortitude, Blu and his wife Pia have made Café des Amis the enviable success that it is today. Rated as No.1 Pattaya restaurant on TripAdvisor, it manages to combine a comfortable, friendly vibe with the best of fine dining and bushy tailed but professional service.

In 2008 when Café des Amis flung open its doors the original menu was inspired by French bistro cuisine – hence the name. Through the years it has diversified into a fine international restaurant serving ingredient-led food from across the globe.

2. Royal Grill Room & Wine Cellar

This venue serves high-quality grilled imported meats and seafood. The magnificent Wine Cellar holds over 1,000 new- and old-world wine labels which have been carefully selected by the restaurant’s wine connoisseur. Royal Grill Room is the only restaurant in Thailand to have an underground wine cellar (the wine cavern). Guests can sample the wines and canapés in the wine cavern before dinner. There is also an outdoor terrace which provides spectacular views of the sea.

3. Moonlight Fine Dining

Moonlight is a bijou (only 35 covers), chic, little restaurant dressed in red, brown and gold with a classic motif adorning the walls and ceiling. The décor conveys luxury with a touch of theatrics Baroque-style. Compact this restaurant may be but that does not stop its chef from packing a big flavor punch.

4. Mantra Restaurant & Bar

Mantra Restaurant & Bar has set the benchmark for global cuisine since its opening in 2007. It consistently ranks in the top restaurants of the city and deserves its enviable reputation for serving unswerving quality in an ambiance of contemporary elegance. Chic, stylish and unique, it works hard to maintain its position in Pattaya’s culinary circles.

5. MAYs Urban Thai Dine – Pattaya

MAYs is an on-trend contemporary eatery that serves grownup Thai street food with a spin of “Royal Cuisine” onto the dishes which are liberally doused with healthy herbs. A see everything kitchen sports a trio of industrial pendants to illuminate the pass where some food is prepared and others checked before service. The tables are set with pots of herbs, a long center table displays the bottles of spirits, liquors and wines that are available, a wicker boat filled with natural ingredients welcomes at the entrance and the strains of up-beat world music fills the air.

6. Maggs Restaurant Pattaya

With its soaring statues of “Atlas-inspired” figures supporting this neoclassical designed restaurant, it is hard to miss this unique Romanesque building on Thepprasit Road. The décor at Magg’s is bodaciously kitch with a be-anything-you-want-me-to-be vibe. The food is home-cooked modern British, some of its fare is traditional and some of it contemporary with on-trend twists. So many reasons to visit this unique restaurant: pricing here is set in the medium range, that traditional English Sunday roast which spans the lunch/tea time spot plus of course their bargain daily set menu.

7. Mai Thai Cuisine

Mai Thai Cuisine reintroduces traditional Thai dishes, prepared with market fresh ingredients and in a European style of cooking. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts of excellent wines and exclusive Belgian beers.

8. Elements

Bright and comfortable, the restaurant offers indoor seating in a modern Thai style dining room appointed with teak features and wide windows that let in the sky, lush gardens and outdoor terrace seating which enjoys sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand. The menu selects original dishes from around the world with Western, Asian and specifically Thai cuisine the main areas of focus, so guests can always find something familiar or exotic, according to their taste. Emphasis is on top quality, fresh and authentic ingredients expertly prepared and complemented by excellent wine and beverage selections.

9. Bruno’s Restaurant and Wine Bar

Bruno’s Restaurant has been a favourite amongst local residents and holiday-makers since 1996. Bruno’s has a modern contemporary design with a relaxing yet bright interior. The restaurant offers a full international menu along with local Thai dishes so as to cater for all tastes.

10. Ruffino Restaurant & Lounge

Ruffino showcases the traditions of classic Italian cuisine with cutting-edge cooking. The concept is glossy minimalism in a monochrome set. The view from the window dramatically frames the illuminated Pattaya Park Tower. The wine cellar is splendidly displayed as a wall of shining bottles.

Thailand’s longest-running Boat Show, the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), will proudly host the 13th edition in 2016 at a time of momentous change in the marine industry. Taking place 7th to 10th January at Royal Phuket Marina, PIMEX organisers are at the forefront of that change.

I’ve been involved in Thailand’s marine industry for more than 30 years and over that time have observed many positive changes. Thirteen years ago the reduction of taxes on boat imports was a game-changer for the industry and at the same time, I launched the Phuket International Boat Show. Today, we are again on the verge of significant change and the Phuket International Boat Show is once again taking a leading role in that change, said Mr. Andrew Dowden, Managing Director of Andaman Marine Consultants, organiser of the Phuket International Boat Show.

Pre-2003 there would’ve been just a few hundred boats in Phuket. Today, Phuket is home to more than 2,000 boats and the Island’s four international-standard marinas are running at high occupancy year round and can accommodate boats upto 100m in length,” commented Dowden, adding “Phuket’s marine industry has grown more than 500% since 2003 and today is a 10 Billion Baht-a-year industry.

Thirteen years on and the industry is again at an important juncture. On the back of lobbying by members of Thailand’s marine industry, the Thai Government recently introduced a 12-month charter license for foreign-flagged yachts over 30m.

What this means for Phuket and Thailand is an increase in the number of international superyachts coming to the country. Seventy superyachts visited Phuket this last season and we can expect that number to rise above 100 annually in the near future with the potential for Phuket to more than double the number of superyacht arrivals within five years, added Dowden.

The Phuket International Boat Show has promoted Phuket and Thailand’s marine industry for 13 years, and has helped put Phuket on the map as the marine playground in South East Asia. As the industry evolves, PIMEX is evolving in tandem and working to support the needs of the industry and consumers.

The Phuket International Boat Show has averaged year-on-year growth of 11% over its history and through sales and leads generated from the Show contributed 6 Billion Baht to the industry in 2015, added Dowden.

For 2016, we have increased available in-water space and expect to have more than 3 Billion Baht of products on display in-the-water and in the Exhibition Hall. On the back of the government’s superyacht initiative we expect to see a bigger presence of yachts over 30m and to grow the Show 30% across the board.

The Phuket International Boat Show is Thailand’s largest consumer boating and lifestyle show, and the longest-running show of its kind in South East Asia, attracting over 5,000 visitors each year from more than 30 countries.

The 2016 Phuket International Boat Show can accommodate over 50 boats in-the-water upto 35m in length and more than 150 businesses in the air-conditioned Exhibition Hall. More than 70% of the in-water space is sold and the line-up of boats and businesses to date includes more than 70 different marine and luxury lifestyle brands.

The 13th Phuket International Boat Show is held 7th to 10th January at Royal Phuket Marina.

Our hearty congratulations to Khun Chanwut Tangmanchooon for a wonderful performance at the Makro HoReCa Challenge 2015 in the Professional Chef Battle. Khun Jack is our Sous Chef at Absolute Bangla Suites and won a silver medal at this year’s Challenge.

DESPITE Thailand’s political turmoil in 2014, Samui saw an increase in number of visitors in 1H2015, leading to a boost in the resort island’s occupancy, average room rate (ARR) and RevPAR, according to research by C9 Hotelworks.

This is in contrast with Phuket, which saw a similar increase in visitor numbers but did not record a surge in either room rates or RevPAR.

Spurred by increasing direct international airlift, Samui Airport saw 873 total international flights in 1H2015, amounting to a four percent year-on-year growth in overseas passenger arrivals during the same period.

With the exception of budget and economy hotels, all tiers logged improvements. Midscale hotels grew ARR by 25 per cent and occupancy by four per cent; the upscale segment grew ARR by 18 per cent and occupancy by four per cent; and luxury tallied in with a nine per cent growth in ARR and one per cent growth in occupancy.

Meanwhile, upscale and luxury tiers increased RevPAR significantly by 27 per cent and 12 per cent respectively. In contrast, the midscale segment retracted by two per cent.

According to the report, Samui plans to expand Samui Airport in 2015, although details have not been made public.

International tourist arrivals to Thailand posted an improvement of 30.93%, January to July, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ data.

Released late last week, the ministry’s data showed the country attracted 17,504,204 international visits during the first seven months of the year up from 13,368,979 visits during the same period last year.

Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said Thailand tourism industry is still on track to reach 28.8 million visits and THB2.2 trillion in revenue by year end, although tourism was shaken by the explosion at the Erawan Shrine on 17 August.

But officials are confident that the impact has been less than originally anticipated.

Last year, the Kingdom attracted 24.80 million visits down 6.54% from 26.54 visits in 2013. Tourism revenue generated THB1.17 trillion, last year, a decline of 2.85% from THB1.20 trillion in 2013. The May 2014 military coup was blamed for the poor performance.

Up until the 17 August bomb attack, the 2015 tourism performance was a different story, growing at an unprecedented rate when compared with 2014.

The minister said that despite the bomb attack that killed 20 people, tourism would make a fast comeback that would probably see the country reach its 28.8 million target year-end.

The minister cited: “We will tighten safety and security to protect people and have been discussing measures including tourist insurance.”

Thailand, unlike neighbouring Malaysia, does not scan fingerprints of visitors at immigration checkpoints. The scan allows Malaysia to check identities against an Interpol database and other terrorist-related records.

In July alone, foreign tourist visits reached 2,642,761, an increase of 39.38% when compared to 1,896,098 visits during the same month last year.

By regions, all markets recorded increases in the seventh month of the year.

The Middle East recorded the highest growth of 75.15% from 46,061 to 80,678 visits. The United Arab Emirates led the field with 19,951 visits increasing 97.44% from 10,105 visits.

Other main markets in the Middle East: Israel (13,648; +14.19%); Kuwait (9,698; +88.13%); Saudi Arabia (3,460; +245.65%); and Egypt (2,422; +65.89%).

East Asia (ASEAN included) reported an increase of 53.90% from 1,192,503 to 1,835,232 visits.

The markets that showed improvements were: China (+115.37%); Taiwan (+95.48%); Vietnam (+82.43%); Hong Kong (+65.39%); Brunei (+40.46%); South Korea (+36.23%); Malaysia (+30.12%); Indonesia (+28.17%); Japan (+16.58%); Singapore (+15.49%); Myanmar (+11.19%); and the Philippines (+5.32%).

Cambodia and Laos were the only markets that showed a decline of 19.12% and 4.10% respectively.

South Asia represented a 31.70% increase from 91,713 to 120,786 visits. India led the field supplying 90,034 visits growing 25.69% from 71,630 followed by Bangladesh (11,473; +63.22%), Pakistan (7,178; +62.58%), Sri Lanka (5,833; +41.13%), and Nepal (3,195; +77.80%).

The Americas posted a 21.13% increase from 79,103 to 95,821 visits. Argentina reported a 47.24% increase from 779 to 1,147.

The United States recorded the highest arrivals at 70,255 up 21.95% from 57,611 followed by Canada (15,991; +15.74%) and Brazil (2,869; +13.22%).

Europe showed an increase of 5.39% from 388,120 to 409,042 visits. Russia and Norway were the only two markets representing a slowdown of 35.74% and 5.44% respectively.

The markets that showed improvements were: Spain (+62.01%); Ireland (+21.21%); the Netherlands (+20.63%); Italy (+20.37%); Austria (+19.14%); Switzerland (+17.25%); Belgium (+16.49%); France (+13.40%); Germany (+10.61%); UK (+7.60%); East Europe (+7.59%); Denmark (+3.69%); Finland (+3.29%); and Sweden (+2.59%).

Africa recorded a growth of 4.83% from 12,426 to 13,026 visits. The main market South Africa decreased 1.40% from 6,271 to 6,183.

The Oceania gained an increase of 2.33% from 86,172 to 88,176 visits. The main market New Zealand improved 6.91% (12,605) and Australia increased 1.55% (75,368).

Top 10 source markets July 2015 

Top 10 source markets January to July 2015

A new public transport initiative was set into motion yesterday with the launch of 50-baht van rides from the Old Phuket Town bus station on Phang Nga Road to Patong Beach.

The 15 seat vans will stop at previously established bus stops at Phuket Provincial Hall, Phuket Prison, Satree Phuket School, Vachira Phuket Hospital, Bangkok Hospital, Tessaban Baan Samkong School and Samkong Tesco Lotus.

“The van is scheduled to go from Phuket Town to Patong Beach every hour from 7am to 6pm and from 6am to 5pm from Patong Beach to Phuket Town. There are six vans in service,” said Terayout Prasertphol, chief of the Phuket Land Transportation Office (PLTO).

It will cost 50 baht to go from Phuket Town to Patong or Patong to Phuket Town, and only 30 baht from Phuket Town to Samkong or Patong to Samkong. Students will be charged half price.

Destination stickers are displayed in both Thai and English.

“This is a cheap transportation option that we are proud to present to residents and tourists,” said Mr Terayout. “I want to see people supporting and using it, as we have put a lot of hard work into it.”

The PLTO will keep a close watch on the new initiative’s demands.

“If people seem to need more vans, we may change the schedule so that they leave every 30 minutes during peak hours. We hope to provide more public transportation on the island.”

Thailand’s junta said Tuesday the crucial tourist industry has been unaffected by last week’s deadly bomb attack, as police quizzed a taxi driver believed to have picked up the main suspect.

The bombing at Bangkok’s Erawan shrine killed 20 people including 14 foreigners and was Thailand’s worst single mass-casualty attack.

But eight days on, the trail appears to have gone cold, with police so far failing to track down a prime suspect captured on security cameras leaving a bag moments before the blast.

The majority of those killed were ethnic Chinese worshippers from across Asia, who flocked to the Hindu shrine in the belief that prayers there bring good fortune.

The 17 August attack, the first of its kind to kill large numbers of visitors to Thailand, has damaged its reputation as a welcoming and safe travel destination.

There have been no previous incidents of a tourist being killed during decades of political unrest, other than visiting journalists covering violent political clashes.

But the military government has been at pains to play down any suggestion visitors might be put off from visiting.

“The number of tourists in prominent tourist attractions both in Bangkok and other provinces is still high,” Colonel Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the junta, said Tuesday in a daily broadcast, without giving any numbers. He was quoting a Tourism Authority of Thailand situational report issued on Monday.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has further reported that the statistics of foreign tourists travelling into Thailand is at a normal level,” he added.

Authorities have yet to make an arrest or say which group was behind the blast.

Police believe the main suspect, a young man with shaggy hair and a yellow T-shirt who may have been in disguise, was part of a network and was likely foreign.

On Tuesday a taxi driver added weight to that theory when he described picking up the man he believes to be the suspect and taking him to Hua Lamphong, the city’s main train station, a few hours before the blast.

“He only said the word Hua Lamphong and it sounded like a foreigner speaking Thai,” the taxi driver, who declined to give his name, told reporters after being questioned by police.

A motorbike taxi driver who took the suspect away from the site of the blast has previously said he was convinced the man did not speak Thai.

Investigators say they are working round the clock to identify the man.

But on Monday the national police chief said his team was being hampered by broken CCTV cameras — with only one in four working in some sections of the city.

City authorities hit back Tuesday, with an official saying only four of the 107 security cameras in the area where the attack took place were not operational.

“There was no mass breakage or inefficiency as reported,” Major-General Wichai Sungprapai, adviser to Bangkok’s governor, told reporters.

Police are known to have used both public and private security cameras to track the suspect.

Investigators have said the attack was clearly aimed at damaging the tourism industry but insist that Chinese tourists — who visit Thailand in larger numbers than any other nationality — were not singled out.

“We are sure the target is not only Chinese,” national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri told reporters late Monday without elaborating.

Nonetheless, tour operators and hotels that cater to the Chinese have told AFP that some were cancelling trips.

However analysts say it is too soon to know whether tourism has taken a hit.

Tourism accounts for about 10% of Thailand’s economy and had until recently been one of its few bright spots amid flagging exports and low consumer confidence.

The incident occurred during what is traditionally a low season month. Travel picks up from long-haul markets such as North America and Europe in October.

However, the recent surge in travel from China and neighbouring countries has bolstered travel during the low travel months of August and September.

Last year, the country suffered a considerable dip in travel during September and August due to the aftermath of the military coup.

The total number of passengers arriving at Phuket International Airport last week has increased compared with the same period last year, President of Phuket Tourism Association Sathirapong Na Takuatung said at a meeting held yesterday to discuss the aftermath of the bombing in Bangkok.

“We are concerned about the number of tourists dropping, but the number of tour groups and hotel room cancellations thus far is quite normal,” he told the Phuket Gazette.

“However, we understand that many bookings were made before the bombing, so we will continue to monitor the number of arrivals and cancellations during the next few weeks.”

Neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Malaysia, have expressed their sadness over this week’s bombing, while other countries, like Australia, have encouraged their citizens to continue traveling in Thailand.

Members of the Phuket Tourism Association will be trained to maintain strict security measures and be vigilant of any suspicious behavior, noted Mr Sathirapong.

“At the meeting, we informed about 300 business owners to keep an eye on crowded areas, such as malls and restaurants and to report any suspicious people or items to authorities immediately,” Mr Sathirapong said.