I don't like to generalise based on race. Having flown JQ to HKT (It's a direct flight, QF no longer flys there, and we eat in the QF F Lounge) I can safely say that the type of tourist HKT and Patong attracts are those seeking a cheap drunken/drug taking/sex tourism vacation.

We went to see Simon's cabaret one night and as we got to Patong the Westin's driver asked us if we wanted to walk around. I opened the car window, saw people being tattooed in the open markets which I consider disgustingly unhygienic, and lots of bogans of many nationalities. I closed the window and politely said no.

I think the HR Phuket, Westin and other hotels that are from the "action" are more likely to attract a higher class/upscale tourist.

We are returning to HKT in February, and we are never really the couple to just stay on property, but that's precisely what we do when we come. We tend to add one or two Asian capital cities to the vacation as well.