Imagine the classic British pub: pool tables, dim lighting, and a menu boasting full English breakfasts and fish and chips. You'd naturally think of a UK branch of the ubiquitous JD Wetherspoon chain. But this particular establishment is a staggering 6,000 miles from Britain, nestled on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast in the bustling city of Pattaya.
A Sports Bar Sanctuary for British Holidaymakers
Named 'Witherspoons', this Pattaya venue is a sports bar that proudly offers a familiar taste of home for British tourists and expatriates. While the UK's Wetherspoons is famous for its refusal to screen live league football to avoid costly broadcast fees and rowdy crowds, its Thai counterpart enthusiastically embraces it. Here, patrons can bag a pint for just £2.34 while watching wall-to-wall sports coverage.
The venue is packed with 35 TVs, broadcasting events from every angle. Over a single recent weekend, the bar screened nine Premier League football matches, the Wales vs South Africa rugby clash, and the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix. It also shows American NFL games, creating a truly international sports hub.
Pattaya's Transformation and Tourist Appeal
The bar's success is tied to Pattaya's evolution from a quiet fishing village into a major tourist destination lined with resort hotels, high-rise condominiums, and 24-hour entertainment. English is commonly heard in its many bars and clubs. Official figures underscore the strong British connection: in the first half of 2025, the UK was a top source of foreign tourists for Thailand, with 674,640 arrivals, marking a 17.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Navigating Thailand's Changing Cannabis Laws
The report on this popular expat haunt comes as Thailand recalibrates its approach to cannabis. Decriminalised in 2022, the move led to a boom in dispensaries, especially in tourist areas like Pattaya. As of 2025, regulations state that tourists can only purchase and use cannabis for valid medical reasons with a prescription. However, sources indicate it remains popular with visitors, with many dispensaries operating in a 'grey area' by employing on-site doctors to issue immediate prescriptions.
For British travellers in Pattaya seeking the comforting ambiance of a UK pub without missing a moment of Premier League action, Witherspoons offers a unique—and cheaper—alternative to the experience back home.
