Thailand is different to China, the Thais can be very agressive and will actually carry out threats, unlike the Chinese who have no balls.
In Pattaya there is often violence, and I also know Thailand well, my ex-wife is from there and I have lived there.
Still, Pattaya is still a great place, good place for R&R, plenty of hot girls who will throw themselves at you, and cater to your every whim for a relatively cheap price. Unlike China, where the girls expect men to do everything and won't show any initiative.

Interesting. I have never visited, but it always strikes me as a dangerous, seedy place, but on the other hand, beautiful and tranquil.

You are right. In China, the girls do expect the men to take charge, but in some ways that can be good...what we say goes!!!