Tourism in Thailand: A 100-meter Ferris Wheel Launched in Pattaya

Photo: Travel and Tour World

A new 100-meter Ferris wheel has opened in Pattaya. The View Pattaya operates inside the Runway The Market entertainment complex on Pattaya Second Road. The attraction is expected to become one of the most appealing landmarks of the resort city, reports Travel and Tour World.

A Giant Attraction

The project is comparable to major Ferris wheels in global capitals. The attraction is located in one of the city’s most visited areas, surrounded by shops, cafés and entertainment venues. Visitors can choose standard six-person gondolas or a VIP option with a glass floor and upgraded seating. Tickets cost 280 baht ($8.7) for Thai residents and 480 baht ($15) for foreign visitors. A VIP ride costs 600 baht ($18.7). The Ferris wheel operates daily from 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., offering views of Pattaya in daylight, at sunset and at night.

Investment in the project exceeded 200 million baht ($6.24 million). Phairawan Suko-in, Managing Director of The View Pattaya Co., Ltd., notes that the wheel will become a new landmark comparable to similar attractions in other major cities. It is expected to increase tourist traffic, create jobs, support local businesses and contribute to the economic development of the area.

New Tourist Entry Fee

On one hand, Thailand is developing new measures to attract visitors; on the other, it is tightening rules and expanding its system of fees. The government has already confirmed plans to introduce an entry tax for foreign travelers. The idea had been discussed for several years, and the new cabinet has now included it in its priority program, aiming to finalize details including insurance coverage.

For air travelers, the fee will be 300 baht ($9.36) per entry. The same rate will apply when crossing the border by land or sea, although in those cases a multiple-entry option for 30–60 days is being considered. A lower rate of 150 baht was discussed earlier but was rejected.

Economic Background

Tourism accounts for around 20% of Thailand’s GDP. After a period of declining demand, the situation improved over the first nine months of 2025. The country welcomed 23.9 million foreign visitors, generating 1.11 trillion baht ($34.63 billion). The largest flows came from Malaysia, China, India, Russia and South Korea.

The introduction of the fee could generate considerable revenue: with 39.9 million visits, income may reach 11.97 billion baht ($373.9 million). Although the amount is small for most travelers, experts caution that in the context of rising travel costs and competition in the region, even an extra 300 baht may influence travelers’ decisions.

Tightening of Visa Rules

Rules for foreigners are being strengthened in other areas as well. Thailand has stepped up its crackdown on visa runs — regular trips to the border to renew tourist status. After two such trips, entry to the country will be denied. The measures are linked to the rise of fraudulent schemes and illegal work concealed under “tourism.”

The visa-run practice allowed foreigners to stay in the country almost indefinitely, and an entire industry grew around it. Now, foreigners will be required to obtain visas corresponding to their real purpose of stay. The restrictions apply to those who have lived in the country long-term without an appropriate status; regular tourists are not affected. Almost 2,900 foreigners violating immigration rules have already been denied entry this year, and large-scale inspections were carried out across the country.

Climate Risks

Climate-related threats are also affecting the tourism sector. In late November, southern regions of Thailand found themselves under the impact of a powerful cyclone that moved across the Indian Ocean for a week, triggering prolonged rains and paralysing several countries in South and Southeast Asia.

Thailand recorded severe damage: large areas in the south were flooded, more than 1.5 million households and around 3.9 million people were affected. According to the government, cleanup operations continue in affected areas, along with restoration of electricity and water systems. Travelers are advised to monitor forecasts and plan routes more carefully.