I was last there in Nov 2019 for the 10th year. You don't realize as you walk along the mile long heart thumping phenomenon that the waterfront is behind the wall to wall bars on the West side. But a Russian led conglomerate of developers did not miss it, and the city was quick to agree on the concept of creating a prestigious development of department stores, landscaped areas and high end restaurants.
Go Go bars will pop up again somewhere in the city, but the sheer density of so much life going on in such a concentrated area can not be replicated
The city claims most of the buildings do not conform to local restrictions, having been built back in the day when you just built what you want, as was the case all over the World if you go back far enough. But their entertainment licenses will not be renewed. So ends an awesome era.
The city will come back to (World) normal over the years, competing with thousands of other cities all over the the World, claiming to be the "perfect vacation spot" But Pattaya will never come back to the (unique) Pattaya normal so many of us loved.
I consider myself privileged to have embraced this extraordinary phenomenon during it's 25 year affront to normal society. R.I.P Walking St. We will miss you.