Wrong note: Thai man criticised for singing in middle of Pattaya roadLegacyA Thai man sparked safety concerns and drew online criticism after singing in the middle of an intersection in Pattaya on Monday, July 14. The witness, Ittinat Terdsaran, shared a video in a Facebook group named พัทยา (Pattaya), showing the singer dressed in elephant-themed clothing singing on a public road. In the caption, he wrote, “Pattaya, what are you doing at the intersection?” In the video, the man was seen walking along the road with a microphone in his hand. At one point, he stepped into the middle of the intersection while continuing to sing, as motorcycles and cars passed behind him. According to Channel 7, the incident occurred at the Khao Talo Intersection in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya. A night market located near the intersection reportedly offers karaoke services for visitors, and the man is believed to have been a patron. The video’s comment section quickly filled with criticism from netizens. “You can have fun, but you must be aware of your surroundings.” “If he were to get hit and killed, who would take responsibility?” “Beware of your microphone wire. It could catch on a motorcycle and cause a crash.” “I feel sorry for the rescue team who would have to deal with the consequences of this behaviour.” “Can you come up with something more creative for your video content?” Photo via Channel 7 The man in the video later replied in the comments. “I just woke up. I’m shocked to see this! I’m confused whether you truly care about my safety or are cursing me. Thank you for your concern. This is my job, and it was just a performance. I’m sorry if my actions upset anyone. Every job has its process. If you’d like to know more, contact me via LINE ID.“ Photo via Channel 7 The man clarified that he was not a visitor to the market but worked as a singer there. He performed that night and tried to entertain audiences by singing on the road. However, some netizens remained unimpressed by his explanation, accusing him of disregarding public safety, particularly that of motorists, and speculating that he may have been intoxicated rather than working. Photo via Channel 7 In a follow-up comment, the man clarified why he sang. “Calm down, everyone. I sang on the road at about 12.30am. Before recording the video, my team and I checked carefully to ensure there were very few vehicles on the road, and we waited until most cars stopped at a red light. We ensured our safety before proceeding. Thank you for your warnings. Also, I was not drunk in the video. I never drink.” Despite his explanations, some social media users urged officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to investigate and consider whether legal action is warranted. As of now, police have not issued a response. The story Wrong note: Thai man criticised for singing in middle of Pattaya road as seen on Thaiger News.

ตำรวจพัทยาร่วมฝ่ายปกครอง ตั้งด่านสกัดแว๊นอาหรับ ยึดรถ 14 คัน

Something smells fishy: Locals kick up stink over reservoir pollution fearsLegacyResidents of Nong Prue subdistrict in Chon Buri expressed their concerns about the suspected illegal wastewater discharge into Mabprachan Reservoir, an essential water source for locals. The issue emerged yesterday, July 15, near the reservoir’s exercise area, opposite a popular restaurant near the Hot Two Point intersection on Phonpraphanimit Road 34. Upon receiving the complaints, reporters visited the location and noticed a drainage pipe discharging water into the reservoir. At the pipe’s outlet, notable amounts of oil and grease were observed on the water’s surface, accompanied by an unpleasant smell, which strongly suggested wastewater contamination. It is suspected that this grease might be originating from nearby restaurants, which could be releasing untreated wastewater into the public water supply through the pipe. Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News Residents voiced their worries that, if left unresolved, this issue could deteriorate the water quality in Mabprachan Reservoir, posing potential risks to the environment and public health, reported The Pattaya News. The community is urgently appealing to relevant officials to identify the source of the wastewater, take immediate corrective action, and prevent any further contamination of public water resources. In similar news, in Chachoengsao province, concerns have been raised over the illegal burial of over 1,000 litres of industrial waste discovered in 2022, with no legal action taken since. The Ministry of Industry pledged to launch a retrospective investigation into the incident. On June 22, the EARTH Foundation revealed the presence of this liquid industrial waste at an unauthorised dumping site in Mueang 11, Hua Samrong subdistrict, Plaeng Yao district. Despite officials detecting the contamination last year, no cleanup or prosecution has been carried out. Dr Manaswee Hengsuwan, a geologist from the Department of Groundwater Resources, described how machinery recently uncovered black liquid seeping from the soil at the location. On June 21, the Department of Groundwater Resources began digging a well on private property to monitor pollution linked to illegal waste dumping and nearby factories. The story Something smells fishy: Locals kick up stink over reservoir pollution fears as seen on Thaiger News.

Pattaya woman flees after forced cannabis gummy intake by South Korean manLegacyA Thai woman escaped from a South Korean man in the early hours of this morning and sought help from locals in Pattaya after being forced to consume cannabis gummies. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to a convenience store on Pattaya Sai Song Road at 3.36am today, July 16, to assist the 25 year old woman, identified only as Bew. She was visibly intoxicated, prompting concern from members of the public who encountered her. Police stated that Bew was not a resident of Pattaya. She had moved from her home province of Songkhla, in southern Thailand, to work at an entertainment venue in Pattaya. According to officers, Bew was trembling and unable to communicate clearly. Locals and police provided her with an inhaler and encouraged her to wash her face with clean water. She rested outside the shop for a while before regaining the ability to recount what had happened. Bew explained that she had accompanied a South Korean client to a nearby condominium. The man encouraged her to smoke cannabis, which she did three or four times. He then gave her cannabis gummies, which caused her to feel unwell. Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวสารชลบุรี She said she became dizzy and vomited. Realising she was losing control over herself, she asked the man to let her go home. When he refused, she fled the room and sought help from people along the roadside. Police transported Bew to a hospital for a medical examination before sending her home. No legal action has yet been taken against the South Korean man. Officers advised Bew to return to the police station the following day if she wished to pursue legal charges. Photo via Facebook/ ข่าวสารชลบุรี In a related story, a two year old girl in the northern province of Chiang Mai fell into a coma after mistaking cannabis gummies for sweets and consuming more than ten of them. She is now at risk of suffering long-term brain damage as a result. The girl’s family vowed to take legal action against the owner of the cannabis gummies, who reportedly left the products behind at the family’s home following a birthday party for the girl’s uncle. Thai netizens also called for legal action against the manufacturer of the gummies, criticising the company for producing bear-shaped edibles that closely resemble children’s snacks, contributing to the tragic mistake. The story Pattaya woman flees after forced cannabis gummy intake by South Korean man as seen on Thaiger News.

Pattaya races to finish mega drainage project before next delugeLegacyPattaya City officials are scrambling to beat the clock as they push to complete a massive drainage overhaul aimed at finally taming the floods that turn roads into rivers every rainy season. The ambitious project, centred along the railway parallel road, will link a giant new pipeline directly to the Huai Yai municipal canal. Once operational, the system is expected to dramatically improve flood management and slash the time water lingers after torrential downpours. For years, Pattaya’s residents have endured knee-deep flooding across dozens of sois, with unplanned construction and clogged drains making each rainy season a logistical nightmare. Even minor storms have been enough to swamp low-lying neighbourhoods, forcing businesses to shut and traffic to grind to a halt. City Hall says the latest drainage upgrade is a key part of its long-running fight to protect the city’s infrastructure, property and tourism from seasonal chaos. “While flood prevention is an ongoing challenge, we are committed to investing in better systems and responding quickly to protect everyone in Pattaya,” an official said. Officials have already seen some improvements, noting that recent efforts have helped water recede faster compared to previous years. However, officials warn that without continued upgrades, short-term but disruptive flooding will remain a reality for many areas. The eastern side of Pattaya has been hit hardest in recent seasons, as heavy runoff overwhelms outdated pipes. The new large-diameter pipeline is designed to carry stormwater away more efficiently, easing pressure on the existing drainage network. Residents are urged to play their part by reporting flooding and blocked drains as soon as possible. “Timely reports help our crews respond faster and coordinate relief efforts,” a spokesperson said, adding that the Pattaya City Hotline—1337—is available 24 hours a day. With peak monsoon months looming, officials are working around the clock to get the project wrapped up before the worst storms hit. Locals are cautiously optimistic that this latest initiative could finally bring relief after years of waterlogged frustration, reported Pattaya Mail. Still, as one longtime resident put it: “We’ve heard promises before. Let’s hope this time, it really works.” Whether this multi-million baht investment will end Pattaya’s flooding woes or simply buy more time remains to be seen—but for now, all eyes are on the race to finish before the next downpour. The story Pattaya races to finish mega drainage project before next deluge as seen on Thaiger News.

Udder chaos as milk van collides with drunk driver in Pattaya crashLegacyA drunk driver, a milk truck, and a dodgy U-turn, left three people injured in a spectacular smash at a notorious Pattaya junction, just days after another horror crash left a pedestrian fighting for his life. Pattaya’s streets turned chaotic yet again after two pickup trucks collided in a violent early morning crash at the Match Factory intersection on the Sattahip route in Na Kluea. The smash happened at 5.06am yesterday, July 16, and saw both vehicles written off and three people rushed to hospital. Rescue volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Unit were on the scene in minutes. A white Toyota Revo pickup, modified with a refrigerated milk delivery box, slammed into the pavement, its front crumpled from the force of the impact. Inside was 31 year old driver Amnuay Phawandi, who suffered minor injuries, and his wife, who sustained head wounds and bruising. Nearby, a green Toyota Mighty-X with towering iron railings was sprawled across the right lane near the central reservation and so was its reportedly sloshed driver. “He was shouting and totally out of it,” one witness said of 35 year old Damrong, who had suffered head injuries and was said to be uncooperative and clearly intoxicated. Pictures courtesy of Pattaya News Amnuay told police he had been driving straight in the right lane towards Pattaya when the Mighty-X suddenly pulled a wild U-turn directly in front of him. “I couldn’t brake in time because my truck was heavy,” he explained. “Next thing I knew, we’d both gone flying.” Realising the other driver was hammered, Amnuay immediately alerted police. All three were taken to hospital, with Damrong now under investigation. Officers plan to test his blood alcohol levels and are trawling CCTV footage to determine exactly what happened, Pattaya News reported. The crash comes just days after a pedestrian, glued to his phone, was left in critical condition after stepping in front of a truck in another nasty Pattaya smash. That collision took place at 5.06pm on July 10, along Highway 331 near the Sattahip-Khao Hin Son stretch. The 41-year-old truck driver, Apirat Rattanapha, had pulled over after the horrific incident and waited for officers to arrive. Local authorities are urging both drivers and pedestrians to stay alert, as Pattaya’s roads continue to witness a surge in serious accidents. The story Udder chaos as milk van collides with drunk driver in Pattaya crash as seen on Thaiger News.

Disabled foreign tourist robbed after trusting local companions at Pattaya beachside; victim reports theft promptly as police launch investigation using hotel CCTV and suspect IDs. PATTAYA, Thailand – A disturbing incident has shaken Pattaya’s reputation as a welcoming destination for travelers, as a disabled foreign tourist was reportedly robbed after seeking companionship at a beachside location shortly after midnight on July 16. The man, unable to speak and reliant on a wheelchair, engaged the company of two Thai women and one transgender companion at the beach. After returning to his hotel room hoping to ease his loneliness, he went to take a shower. When he came out expecting to enjoy the moment, he found all three had left the room. Upon checking, he discovered that 6,000 baht and 150 pounds (approximately 6,500 baht) were missing. The victim promptly reported the theft to the police. Local police quickly recorded the complaint and launched an investigation, using CCTV footage and identification left by the suspects at the hotel to track down the perpetrators. Authorities have promised to pursue the case vigorously. Adding to public alarm, a recent incident on July 15 involved an American tourist who was attacked and robbed of 3,000 baht during an early-morning stroll along Soi Pattaya Beach 6/1 by two provocatively dressed transgender individuals who had offered companionship. The tourist also suffered a head wound in the assault, underscoring growing concerns about safety for visitors in popular nightlife and beachfront areas. The incidents have sparked a wave of raw, heartfelt responses from Pattaya residents. One commenter lamented the lack of kindness and mercy in the city, noting rampant theft and exploitation. This person demanded public shaming of thieves as a deterrent to crime. Another expressed sorrow over the complete lack of empathy shown by the perpetrators who targeted a disabled visitor, pleading with police to swiftly apprehend the criminals and return the stolen money. “He came all the way here to enjoy his trip—show some mercy to the disabled,” they wrote, urging the wrongdoers either to leave Pattaya’s beaches or, better yet, be put in jail. Two Thai women and one transgender companion vanish with nearly 13,000 baht in cash, sparking community outrage and calls for stronger law enforcement to protect vulnerable visitors. Other locals voiced faith in karmic justice, confident the perpetrators will soon face consequences for their actions. Yet many also expressed frustration over longstanding illegal activities and unauthorized businesses that have persisted for decades, undermining Pattaya’s image as a safe, tourist-friendly city. Comments noted how such opportunistic acts betray visitors’ trust and harm the entire community’s reputation. A growing number of news readers have begun to notice a troubling pattern — the same patrol and investigative officers frequently appearing in similar incident reports, often handling nearly identical theft cases involving tourists in the same beachfront areas and nightlife zones. Rather than blaming the police, many in the public have expressed sympathy for the frontline officers, who are clearly overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cases and the repeat nature of these crimes. There is growing recognition that the issue may lie not in effort, but in capacity — with too few detectives stretched across too many incidents — and in the limitations of the legal system itself. Even when suspects are caught, vague and weak laws often result in only minor penalties, failing to deter repeat offenders or dismantle larger criminal networks. This has led to renewed calls for stronger legal tools, better inter-agency coordination, and more resources to support overburdened officers. Locals agree that without a tougher and clearer legal framework, even the most dedicated efforts may fall short. To truly restore Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming destination, sustained crackdowns must be matched with serious reforms.

Pattaya police rescued a stranded Russian couple after their motorbike broke down—offering a lift in their truck while personally escorting the vehicle back. PATTAYA, Thailand – “Work is life… but the people around us are strength.” That message rang loud and clear on the morning of July 16, when officers from Pattaya’s Na Jomtien Police Station stepped in to assist a stranded Russian couple whose motorcycle battery had died in the middle of Sukhumvit Road. It was around 9:40 AM when Police Lieutenant Thanyawisit Saengpho, Deputy Inspector of Patrol, along with Sergeant Major Yuranan Prasertsang and the motorcycle patrol unit, spotted the couple in distress. No roadside assistance in sight, traffic whizzing past, and no Thai language skills to ask for help—the moment could’ve easily unraveled into anxiety and frustration. But instead, uniformed kindness showed up. The officers immediately stepped in to help. While the Russian couple was safely transferred back to their accommodation in the police pickup truck, one officer climbed onto the stranded motorcycle while another—riding a patrol bike with the engine running—used his foot to push the disabled bike along the road. It was a display of practical teamwork and quiet heroism that didn’t go unnoticed. In Pattaya, duty often comes with heart. “Keeping people safe is more than our duty—it’s our mission from the heart,” said one officer. “And the smiles we receive in return? That’s the best reward.” As Pattaya continues to welcome tourists from around the world, moments like this remind us that what visitors remember isn’t just the beach—but the kindness of those who wear the badge. One officer rode the dead bike while another pushed it along the road using his patrol motorcycle, ensuring nothing was left behind. Moments That Matter: In the heart of Pattaya traffic, a quiet act of help becomes a powerful reminder of real service.   With smiles and gratitude, a Russian couple experienced a different side of Pattaya—where genuine care still rides alongside tourism.

Locals and coworkers apprehend motorcycle thief after high-speed crash in Soi Khao Talo, showcasing growing public frustration with rising thefts. PATTAYA, Thailand – Motorcycle theft in Pattaya has become so rampant that locals are increasingly taking matters into their own hands to catch thieves. One recent incident highlights the risks and community determination to fight back. On the night of July 15, police at Nongprue station received an urgent call about a motorcycle thief who had crashed during a high-speed escape attempt in Soi 9, Khao Talo. The suspect, 26-year-old Nopparat, was caught by locals and workers from the nearby “79 Show” shop after losing control and flipping his stolen purple-and-white Yamaha Fino motorcycle in the middle of the street. Nopparat suffered multiple injuries and was quickly given first aid by rescue teams before police took him into custody. The bike’s owner, a 42-year-old man identified only as Mr. A, arrived at the scene with surveillance footage proving that his motorcycle had been stolen from the parking lot in front of his workplace on Thepprasit Road. According to eyewitnesses, coworkers immediately pursued the thief upon discovering the theft. They eventually found Nopparat riding the stolen motorcycle in Soi Ko Phai. During the chase, the thief made dangerous moves, attempting to ram pursuers and even appearing to reach for a weapon, prompting the group to keep a safe distance. The pursuit ended when Nopparat lost control and crashed in Soi Khao Talo. After his capture, he admitted to using a “ghost key” to unlock the motorcycle and fled as soon as the ignition turned on. Thief caught using a “ghost key” to steal a motorcycle in Pattaya, but crashes while fleeing—highlighting the growing menace of skilled bike thieves in the city. In a remarkable show of community action and frustration with rising motorcycle thefts, the victim and his coworkers lined up to pose with the caught thief as if at a police press conference — a symbolic moment that underlines the public’s impatience with the crime wave. This case is just one of many in Pattaya, where stolen motorcycles and repeated thefts have become a daily problem. With police stretched thin and many thefts going unresolved, residents are increasingly taking a hands-on approach, chasing suspects and aiding law enforcement to keep their neighborhoods safe. Pattaya’s motorcycle theft epidemic continues to fuel calls for stronger enforcement, better security measures, and greater community cooperation to protect property and restore confidence among locals and visitors alike, while police urge the public to safeguard their valuables diligently and not rely solely on officials, as resources remain limited. Motorcycle thefts remain rampant in Pattaya, pushing residents to take safety and crime-fighting into their own hands.

Jomtien municipal officers intercept unauthorized sign installation on utility poles, responding to growing concerns over pedestrian safety. PATTAYA, Thailand – In a city that depends on its international reputation, even the clutter on electric poles can spark outrage. This week in Jomtien, municipal officers caught a truck team mid-installation of large advertising banners on roadside power poles — without city permission. The crew was ordered to stop immediately, and the case was forwarded to the Jomtien municipal office where fines are expected under national cleanliness laws. While the incident may seem routine, it speaks to a larger frustration boiling over in Pattaya. Residents and expats say the city’s streets — particularly in high-traffic tourist zones — have become increasingly chaotic with unauthorized signage plastered on every visible surface. Many of these banners advertise condos, spas, restaurants, or special offers. But they’re not just eyesores — they pose real risks. Locals who commute daily through Thepprasit Road and Jomtien Beach areas say the signs are often mounted at awkward heights, block line of sight at intersections, and in some cases, have even fallen onto pedestrians during storms. One retired security guard recounted how a European tourist was struck in the face by a falling banner near his post during high winds. “She had just arrived with her group — that was their first experience in Pattaya. Blood on her forehead. Not a good memory,” he said. Online, the tone has been even sharper. One driver wrote, “Try pulling out of a soi with ten banners in the way. You can’t see a motorbike until it’s too late.” Another said the worst offenders target intersections and lamp posts near busy hotels, adding, “It’s the same signs, same companies, same chaos. And no consequences.” Some citizens urged stronger enforcement. “They should’ve let the guys finish hanging them all, then fine them for every single one,” one Pattaya resident commented with sarcasm. Others asked why the city doesn’t deputize citizens to help with clean-up. “Give us a ladder, we’ll clear them. At least something will get done.” Locals and tourists voice frustration as unlicensed banners continue to block views and endanger road visibility across Pattaya. A few shared personal stories of trying — and failing — to stop repeat offenders. One café owner on Jomtien Soi 5 said she’s removed the same illegal condo ad four times. “They sneak up at night. I take it down in the morning. I’m not their billboard, but it’s right in front of my shop.” Though Pattaya law does allow for fines of up to 5,000 baht for unauthorized signage, many believe the penalties are rarely enforced. Some worry that authorities act only after incidents go viral or get picked up by the media. Others argue it’s time for Pattaya to get serious if it wants to remain a credible international destination. Jomtien residents have also raised concerns about signs blocking pedestrian paths and crosswalk views. “One day it’s an ad. The next day it’s someone in the hospital. That’s what we’re risking here,” a longtime expat remarked. Still, not all feedback was bitter. One commenter thanked city officers for taking action, offering, “Next time I see you out there, I’ll buy you a cold drink. Thank you.” But the consensus is clear: the status quo isn’t working. Pattaya can’t afford to overlook the details that affect daily safety and its visual reputation. As one expat summed it up: “If the city can light fireworks on the beach, surely it can keep the electric poles clean and the tourists safe.” And as another post sarcastically put it: “Welcome to Pattaya — please duck before you walk under a pole.” After catching a truck mid-installation, Pattaya authorities stress that unauthorized signage won’t be tolerated in the city’s clean-up campaign.