It shows how low tourist numbers are in Patong as a Big C and Central (as in Central Festival Pattaya) are closed.

Just curious to think what people think of infrastructure in Thailand when comparing it to neighbouring countries like Malaysia and Vietnam? Bangkok is one hell of a city, but when Vietnam has Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh (two super cities), Da Nang, Hue etc. Malaysia has Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, Penang etc which are all major developed cities. Seeing some of Thailand it looks like a lot of focus is pushed into Bangkok rather than elsewhere in the country. Anyone’s experience and thoughts on it?