We lived in Bangkok from 61-63. Pattaya was a small beach town that was highly-favored by my high school classmates and me. I drove there on my motorcycle several dozen times, I think. Five bucks would get you a cottage for 2-3 days and nights.
Occasionally, we worked with Thais, who were very pleasant and easygoing.
Monsoon cold rain coming down in waves, sticky mud up to my knees, and the Thais were just smiling along...
“Five bucks would get you a cottage for 2-3 days and nights.”
Just the cottage...?