📣 Important Advice for Anyone Planning to Rent a Property in Pattaya This High Season

As the high season approaches, Pattaya is once again preparing to welcome thousands of visitors from across the world. The period from November to March, especially Christmas and New Year, is always the busiest time of the year. But with rising demand comes an increase in risks—especially for those trying to secure accommodation remotely.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve already seen numerous posts on Facebook from people who transferred money to someone claiming to have an available condo, only to discover later that the “agent” had disappeared. Sadly, these situations give Pattaya a bad reputation, even though the issue isn’t the city itself—it’s often the naivety of trusting offers that look “too good to be true.”

To help protect visitors and expats, we want to offer clear guidance based on real market conditions and many years of experience.

🏢 1. Understand the Real Availability in Pattaya

Many people arriving for a 2–4 week stay believe they will easily find a short-term rental at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, this is rarely possible—especially in the most popular areas.

Condo buildings in the heart of the entertainment zones, such as:

• Grand Avenue Residence

• Centara Avenue Residence

have been consistently 80–90% occupied with long-term tenants for the last 2–3 years. This means:

➡️ Units are almost never available for just 1–2 months
➡️ Very few owners are willing to break long-term leases
➡️ Short-term, high-season rentals are extremely limited

So when you see a Facebook post offering a “luxury condo in a prime Central Pattaya location for just 20,000–35,000 THB per month,” it is almost certainly not real — and should be treated as a major 'red flag'.

🛎️ 2. Why Most Reputable Agencies Do NOT Offer Monthly Rentals

Professional real estate agencies in Pattaya—including the most established and trusted ones—typically do not offer 1-month rentals for private condos.

🤔Why❓

• Condominiums are not legally licensed as hotels, meaning they must follow minimum rental laws and regulations. This typically requires contracts of at least one month, and many buildings can restrict access by disabling key cards for rooms, elevators, or common areas, or simply refuse entry altogether.

• Hotels, not condos, are designed for nightly/weekly stays

• 90% of condo owners do not allow short-term contracts, or even need to offer it

• Monthly rentals create high wear-and-tear and higher costs for owners

• Legal requirements and building management rules apply

This gap unfortunately creates an opportunity for Facebook “freelancers”—people with no office, no license, no track record, and no accountability.

These individuals operate purely online and often disappear if something goes wrong. Unlike professional agencies, they do not provide:

✔️ Written contracts
✔️ Receipts
✔️ Verified listings
✔️ Proper identity
✔️ Reliable after-service

For holidaymakers desperate to find accommodation—and frustrated after being told by real agents that nothing is available—it can be tempting to use Facebook as a last resort.

But this is exactly where scams occur.

🚨 3. Avoiding Scammers: The Steps You MUST Follow

If you still choose to book remotely through a private individual or freelancer, we strongly recommend following these essential checks:

🔐 Before sending a single Baht:

1️⃣ Request the agent’s identification
— Passport or Thai ID card.
— Ask for photos, not edited screenshots.

2️⃣ Verify identity via live video call
— The agent must show their face AND ID in real time.
— Communication must not be limited to Facebook only.
— Ask for their phone number, LINE ID, and WhatsApp.

3️⃣ Request a live online viewing of the unit
— A real agent can walk you through the condo via video.
— Pre-recorded videos are NOT enough.

4️⃣ Check bank details carefully
— Full name must match the ID shown.
— Only transfer money to the same person you are speaking with.
— Prefer Thai bank accounts—international transfers are harder to recover.
— If they ask you to transfer to “a friend” or “a partner,” stop immediately.

🚩 ANY refusal to provide these details is a red flag.

If they avoid a video call, refuse to show ID, or insist on urgency—do not proceed.

🏡 4. If You Want Safety and Peace of Mind: Use Reputable Agencies

Established agencies operate differently from random Facebook individuals:

✔️ They work from an office with full-time staff
✔️ They offer transparent contracts
✔️ They show real available properties
✔️ They are accountable if anything goes wrong
✔️ They operate under their brand reputation

Even though professional agents may tell you “We have nothing available for monthly rentals,” this honesty is exactly what distinguishes a real agency from a scammer.

Remember:
It is better to receive the truth than to lose your money.

🧳 5. Practical Advice for Upcoming Visitors

If you are planning to visit Pattaya during high season:

• Book hotels or serviced apartments for short stays

• Avoid Facebook listings that seem too cheap

• Be prepared that condo availability is limited

• Contact reputable agencies early if you need a long stay

• Don’t rely on last-minute Facebook offers

Pattaya remains an amazing destination for both tourists and long-term visitors. The goal is to ensure you enjoy your stay without financial loss, stress, or disappointment caused by online scams.

❤️ Let’s Keep Pattaya’s Reputation Positive

The city doesn’t deserve the bad press caused by a few dishonest individuals. By staying aware, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can protect yourself—and ensure Pattaya remains known for the amazing experiences it truly offers.

If you need guidance, honest advice, or help verifying a listing, the team at Cornerstone Real Estate is always here to support you.

📞 CONTACT DETAILS

📞 +66 (0)38 411250
📧 info@cornerstone.co.th 
📲 WhatsApp: +66807945904
💬 LINE: @cornerstonepattaya
🌐 www.cornerstone.co.th

🏆 Proudly awarded “Best Pattaya Real Estate Experience 2025” by Nestopa Thailand