Well I’m the opposite. But I just think BKK is the hub you can venture south, north. North East etc in a pretty vanilla Thai atmosphere for a newcomer.
Some people prefer cities. Beaches bore the hell out of me. I lived in BKK for 20 years then moved to Cnx been there 7 years but still miss living in BKK.
If your thinking long term don’t stay in Pattaya straight away. Do BKK first then do a couple of trips to Pattaya to see if you like the vibe of the place. It’s not for everyone.
Sure it is horses for courses I didn’t say anything different. I just thought it’s an odd comparison in a forum very must full of Asiaphiles like myself. Mexico or South America in general I’m sure has many a wonderful beautiful place but really doesnt appeal to me. Maybe Peru…but on the whole S America never called to me.