Chonburi province, situated on the 'eastern seaboard' of the Gulf of Thailand just 80 km southeast of Bangkok, is home to Pattaya, one of the most notorious resort destinations in the world. Pattaya is better known for its riotous nightlife than for its less than pristine beaches, but in recent years city leaders have tried to clean up both. Commercial sex industry workers (female, male and undetermined) are now segregated in the south beach area, and a new sewage treatment plant is planned which will make it safer to swim in the water. Pattaya has some of Thailand's best equipped dive shops and is the jumping off point for trips to a number of islands, reefs, wrecks and other dive spots. It also offers just about every other form of sport or recreation imaginable.

Recent archaeological digs prove that humans have lived in the Chonburi area for at least 4,500 years, and probably much longer, no doubt attracted by the abundant marine resources. The last two or three decades have seen the province's traditional reliance on fishing and farming largely displaced by rapid industrialization. The Thai government has designated the province a "Zone 2" development district, and in coastal areas factories, packing plants and bulk cargo facilities have radically changed the landscape. Chonburi's proximity to Bangkok and its excellent transportation infrastructure, including superb roads and a deep water port, continue to encourage fundamental restructuring of the provincial economy.

'Globalization' notwithstanding, the people of the province somehow retain their distinctive culture, their national pride, their respect for and devotion to His Majesty the King, and their adherence to the gentle teachings of the Buddha.

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