Pattaya City, located in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, is one of Thailand's two special administrative zones, alongside Bangkok. Established under the Pattaya City Administrative Act of 1978, it is a world-renowned tourist destination with beaches along the eastern Gulf of Thailand, about 140 km southeast of Bangkok. The city is divided into four main areas: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Jomtien Beach. Covering 208.10 square kilometers, Pattaya consists of 53.84 square kilometers of land and 154.66 square kilometers of water, including Koh Larn, a key offshore island.

Pattaya is a major hub for film production, hosting over 300 projects annually, and is currently being considered for UNESCO's "City of Film" designation. The city's economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing 90% of its income. Poramet Ngampichet was elected mayor in 2022 following the city's local elections.

Geography and Administration:

  • Borders:
    • North: Bang Lamung and Nong Pla Lai subdistricts.
    • East: Nong Pla Lai and Nong Prue subdistricts.
    • South: Huai Yai and Na Jomtien subdistricts (Sattahip District).
    • West: Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Larn and smaller islands.
  • Political Structure:
    Pattaya’s administration includes a City Council with 24 members elected for four-year terms and a mayor directly elected by residents. However, post-2014 political changes allowed temporary appointments to fill these positions under the National Council for Peace and Order directives.
  • Community Divisions:
    Pattaya encompasses parts of four subdistricts (Nong Prue, Huai Yai, Nong Pla Lai, and Na Kluea) and 17 villages, including Koh Larn.