Original sentence: A growing community of foreign retirees live in Pattaya.One large group who arrived from a base in Korat on 29 June 1959 and rented houses from Phraya Sunthorn at the south end of the beach, on what is now known as the "Strip", are credited with recommending Pattaya, whose fame spread by word of mouth.Pattaya is attractive to many retirees from other countries not only because of its climate and lifestyle, but also because living costs are lower than in many countries.Tourism began during the Vietnam War, when American servicemen began arriving on R&R (rest and relaxation)
Edited sentence: Despite their short stay, the soldiers had a great time and raved about the place.One story, unverified by a reliable source, notes that it all started when a group of 500 American soldiers stationed at the military base in Korat were driven to Pattaya on 29 June 1959 for a week of R&R.Pattaya is attractive to many retirees from other countries not only because of its climate and exotic, easy lifestyle, but also because living costs are lower than in many countries.The word spread among other American soldiers stationed in the region and Pattaya quickly became a hot alternative to Bangkok.Then, during the Vietnam War, American servicemen stationed at nearby U-Tapao or other US bases in Thailand began visiting Pattaya.There is a fast-growing community of foreign retirees living in Pattaya.They rented several houses at the south end of the beach from a prominent Thai, Lord Sunthorn