Mayor Poramet pledges full support as Pattaya and PEA gear up for July 24 cable management kickoff, organizing 1.4 km of overhead lines from Sukhumvit to Naklua to boost safety and city image. PATTAYA, Thailand – The City of Pattaya is taking a significant step toward improving urban safety and aesthetics through a collaborative project with the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) Pattaya branch to systematically organize overhead communication cables along Sawangfa Road. The initiative, covering approximately 1.4 kilometers from the Sukhumvit intersection to the Naklua intersection, seeks to enhance the safety of residents and visitors while promoting a cleaner, more orderly city environment. The cable reorganization project aims to eliminate the tangled mass of communication lines that have long cluttered Sawangfa Road, posing risks to public safety and detracting from the city’s visual appeal. This effort reflects Pattaya’s broader commitment to upgrading infrastructure, boosting urban safety standards, and creating a more inviting atmosphere for both residents and tourists. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet emphasized the city’s support for the initiative, stating, “Pattaya welcomes this cooperation with PEA to improve the safety and orderliness of our streets. We will provide full assistance within our authority and coordinate with all relevant agencies to ensure the project’s smooth execution.” He appointed Assistant Secretary Sakchai Charoenyukongrod as the city’s liaison officer to facilitate communications and project coordination. The project’s kickoff ceremony is scheduled for July 24, 2025, at 9:30 AM, to be held at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation meeting room in Naklua. The event will mark the official launch of the cable organization work, expected to proceed with minimal disruption to traffic and daily life. Looking ahead, this cable management project aligns with Pattaya’s vision of creating a safer, more beautiful urban landscape that supports economic growth and enhances quality of life. Mayor Poramet is fully aware of the daily troubles and dangers faced by residents due to tangled and unsafe overhead cables. He acknowledges that meaningful change cannot happen by his team alone and stresses the importance of cooperation among all relevant agencies and the community to achieve lasting improvements. By tackling infrastructure challenges and improving public safety, Pattaya continues its transformation into a modern city that balances tourism development with sustainable urban living. As overhead cables become neater and safer, residents and visitors alike will enjoy improved streetscapes that reflect Pattaya’s ongoing evolution into a world-class destination.

CCTV captures brutal Banglamung collision as drunk steel-frame pickup driver cuts across traffic, injuring three. “Same place, same habit, same silence,” said one Pattaya driver, fed up with the daily risks of red lights ignored. PATTAYA, Thailand — For drivers across Pattaya, it’s not just traffic they navigate — it’s chaos. Repeatedly, they find themselves risking their lives at the city’s most notorious intersections, where drunk drivers, red-light runners, and reckless turning have become routine rather than exception. One of the worst offenders: the Rong Mai Keed intersection in Banglamung, north of Pattaya, long known for dangerous collisions — and now, the site of yet another serious crash. In the latest incident, at 4.52 AM on July 16, CCTV footage captured a violent collision between a green steel-frame pickup truck and a dairy delivery van. The pickup, reportedly running the red light, cut across the path of the van and was struck with full force. Three people were injured, and emergency responders confirmed the pickup driver was under the influence of alcohol. Locals weren’t surprised. In fact, they were angry — and exhausted. One former security guard who used to work near the intersection recalled an eerily similar tragedy involving a housekeeper he once knew. She died instantly at the same spot, her body thrown from her grey motorbike all the way to the bus stop. “I was sitting right at the village gate that morning,” he said. “I still remember.” Social media lit up with frustration and firsthand observations from longtime residents. Many noted that the box truck clearly ran the red light just as the turn signal had turned green. Others lamented the fact that cars frequently begin turning before arrows even appear. Drivers familiar with the area said they no longer trust the signals and have made a habit of checking both sides of the road even when the light is in their favor. One person observed that even after braking hard, it wasn’t enough to avoid a near miss — and without that reflex, things would’ve been much worse. The debate over fault quickly gave way to a more urgent consensus: reckless behavior and poor enforcement are a deadly combination, especially at intersections without physical dividers or functioning surveillance systems. The green pickup in question may have moved before the arrow appeared, but others suggested the dairy truck was rushing the yellow light. Still, no one denied the intersection’s long-standing dangers. Repeat crashes at Rong Mai Keed Intersection raise serious concerns over drunk driving and red-light violations, with locals warning it’s one of Pattaya’s most dangerous junctions. Several residents shared how terrifying the crossing has become. It’s no longer a place where pedestrians feel safe, let alone drivers. They described a culture of indifference — where drivers casually ignore red lights, make illegal turns without warning, and even blind oncoming traffic with high beams, all while showing no concern for the consequences. Perhaps the most painful part, some said, is that the ones responsible often escape with little or no accountability. In many cases, the offending vehicle disappears or receives only a minor penalty. Meanwhile, the victims — and the community — are left to deal with the trauma and rising fear. A local taxi driver near Soi Siam Country Club summed it up best: “It’s the same places, the same habits, the same silence.” As Pattaya pushes to revive its economy and welcome more tourists, many locals worry that the city’s deeply rooted road safety problems remain dangerously overlooked. Flashy developments and festival promotions may grab headlines, but what residents truly want are intersection redesigns, stronger enforcement, and real deterrents to drunk and reckless driving. Until that happens, most drivers in Pattaya will keep doing what they’ve learned out of necessity — glance both ways, even on green, and hope they make it through the day in one piece.

Thailand’s 2026 tourism plan emphasizes quality and sustainability, but skepticism lingers in Pattaya and Phuket as businesses await Chinese group tourists to revive local revenue. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled its ambitious Action Plan 2026, pledging a future of “value over volume” and “meaningful experiences” for tourists. But while the glossy PowerPoint promises and strategic buzzwords may please policymakers in Bangkok, a very different narrative plays out daily on the ground — especially in tourist-dependent hubs like Pattaya and Phuket. Here, where bar owners speak more Mandarin and Russian than Thai, and street vendors can count the low season’s sales on one hand, the idea of “quality over quantity” sounds less like strategy and more like a polite excuse for stagnation. As one Western retiree sitting in a quiet Jomtien café put it, “When you can’t create volume, you just say your plan is not to create volume. Brilliant.” His sarcasm echoes online sentiment, where expats, tourists, and even some locals view these strategies as vague wish-lists filled with corporate catchphrases but short on real action. To be fair, the Thai government is not entirely idle. In a move to stimulate the inbound Chinese market, TAT recently partnered with Beijing Eagle Fly Aviation Service to launch charter flights between Changsha and Bangkok. The Airbus A320 flights, operating four times a week, had an 87% load factor on their inaugural journey — a sign, TAT insists, that confidence is returning. But as those flights land in Suvarnabhumi, it’s Pattaya’s beachfront businesses that are holding their breath. Tour buses are lined up, jet skis idle, and vendors hawking fresh coconuts peer hopefully at the horizon. “Pattaya has always been adaptable,” said a beach hotel owner. “But we don’t survive on digital strategies. We survive when Chinese families fill up beach benches, hire jet skis, and eat at our night markets.” Under Action Plan 2026, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool laid out five strategic pillars: Fascinating Experiences, Optimistic Thailand, Circular Economy, Ultimate People, and Satisfying Customer. It all sounds good — on paper. But on forums and comment threads, skepticism is rising. “I see only phrases, not one exact measure,” wrote one commenter. “Looks like a wish list for Christmas.” Others are more direct: “The clown show goes on.” The term “Satisfying Customer” especially raised eyebrows, given persistent complaints about dual pricing at national parks. “I was not satisfied,” one expat wrote, “paying 300 baht while Thai-looking Chinese tourists got in for 40.” While defenders argue that pricing reflects different levels of national income and supports domestic tourism, the inconsistency and selective enforcement continue to erode trust. As one long-term resident put it, “It’s not racism — it’s randomness.” Among the many sharp-edged insights was a clear cry for authenticity: Don’t try to be Singapore or Japan or Dubai. Be Thailand. That means focusing less on high-end shopping malls and more on what actually draws people: local life, honest street food, and simple beachside bungalows. “Most people in the world would be happy to get a cheap bungalow by the sea and eat khao pad at a market,” one comment read. “They don’t need another luxury mall with empty stores.” Another sticking point is immigration — not policy headlines, but lived experience. Visa runs, agency fees, and changing rules have created confusion and resentment. “There’s an official rule that you can do a visa run twice a year,” said one expat. “But without an agency you can’t go. Immigration is in on it.” Others called out scams, inconsistencies, and the apparent lack of alignment between tourism and immigration policies — a strange contradiction in a country so dependent on foreign arrivals. Critically, some argue that Thailand’s tourism economy — especially in Pattaya and Phuket — is still powered less by temples or ecotourism, and more by nightlife. Bars, clubs, massage shops, and entertainment venues remain the backbone of daily cashflow in many areas, even if they rarely make the brochures. “Thailand is the land of smiles,” one person joked, “but it’s also the land of plastic surgery and neon lights. Let’s not pretend.” Thailand’s attempt to pivot toward sustainability, experience-driven travel, and high-spending tourists is admirable. But for many on the ground — locals, expats, and repeat tourists — the policy still feels like a reality show that hasn’t quite figured out its script. There’s optimism, yes. But also confusion, contradictions, and growing competition from Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Until the details match the vision, the cameras keep rolling — and Thailand’s tourism, especially in Pattaya and Phuket, remains caught between the show and the street.

Pattaya remains hopeful for the return of Chinese mass tourism as TAT and Eagle Fly Aviation launch Changsha-Bangkok charter flights, boosting business confidence and traveler momentum. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand continues rebuilding its tourism economy, Pattaya is holding firm on one of its most critical markets: Chinese mass tourism. Despite a slower-than-hoped recovery in group arrivals, local businesses—from hotels and restaurants to entertainment venues—remain optimistic and ready to welcome large-scale Chinese tour groups, which have historically fueled high-volume revenue during peak seasons. In a boost to those hopes, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), in partnership with Beijing Eagle Fly Aviation Service, has officially launched charter flights between Changsha and Bangkok. Operating four times a week—on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—via Airbus A320 aircraft with 179 seats, the inaugural flight carried 156 passengers, reflecting a promising 87% load factor. The launch garnered coverage from major media outlets in Hunan Province, including Hunan TV, Xiaoxiang Morning Post, Tencent Hunan, and China Tourism News. Although the new route lands in Bangkok, it serves as a crucial entry point to key Thai destinations, including Pattaya. Tourism operators in the coastal city are already aligning their offerings to cater to this renewed wave of Chinese tourists, especially as July and August are positioned for aggressive marketing pushes. TAT and Eagle Fly Aviation will jointly promote Thailand to family groups and younger travelers from southern China with a focus on amusement parks, cultural experiences, wellness tourism, creative workshops, and shopping. With an 87% load factor on the inaugural flight, Thailand sees renewed momentum from southern China as Pattaya businesses prepare with Mandarin signage, family packages, and cultural activities to welcome group tourists this summer. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) “Pattaya has always been adaptable, but we can’t deny the economic weight that Chinese tour groups bring,” said a local hotel manager along Second Road. “We’ve seen some pickup from independent travelers, but what local businesses really need is volume. We’re waiting—and ready.” Chinese tour groups are also known for their enthusiasm for seaside leisure. On Pattaya and Jomtien beaches, they can easily fill up beach benches, sip on fresh coconut juice, and rent jet skis or banana boats—activities that ripple revenue across the entire coastal tourism ecosystem. While independent Chinese travelers have been returning in moderate numbers since early 2024, the group travel sector remains below pre-pandemic levels due to regulatory delays, shifting travel preferences, and geopolitical complexities. However, Thai officials and Pattaya stakeholders agree: the return of mass Chinese tourism is not a matter of if—but when. For now, Pattaya isn’t giving up. The hotels are staffed, the tour buses stand ready, and the welcome signs—in Mandarin—are already hung.

Pattaya weathers the storm with mostly stable conditions, while fishermen in the Andaman Sea are advised to navigate carefully as heavy rain warnings persist in northern and eastern provinces and waves reach up to 2 meters amid stormy weather. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is managing to get by with relatively stable weather conditions, despite heavy rainfall warnings issued for several northern and eastern provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain in areas including Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Loei, Nong Khai, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Residents in these regions are advised to be cautious of flash floods and sudden water runoff, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas. The weather system is influenced by a low-pressure area covering parts of Laos and northern Vietnam, combined with a weakening southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Sea conditions in the upper Andaman Sea show moderate waves about 2 meters high, while the lower Andaman Sea has waves between 1-2 meters, increasing over 2 meters in stormy areas. Fishermen and boat operators are urged to exercise caution and avoid sailing in stormy conditions. In Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area, there is a 60% chance of thunderstorms with some heavy rain expected in localized areas. Temperatures range from a low of 26-27°C to a high of 33-36°C. Meanwhile, Pattaya itself is experiencing comparatively moderate weather, allowing daily activities and tourism to continue with minimal disruption. Visitors and residents are encouraged to stay updated with local forecasts but can expect mostly manageable conditions despite the broader regional weather warnings.

Pattaya Marathon 2025 charges into final stretch as city braces for 50,000 runners and global spotlight PATTAYA, Thailand — The 32nd Pattaya Marathon is heading into its final curve as city officials and all relevant agencies enter full preparation mode for one of Thailand’s biggest sporting events. Set to take place on 19–20 July 2025, the internationally accredited race is expected to draw over 50,000 runners from across the globe, marking a major milestone in Pattaya’s ongoing mission to become a leading sports tourism hub in Southeast Asia. Chaired by Mr. Krissana Boonsawat, Deputy Mayor of Pattaya, a high-level coordination meeting brought together representatives from Chonburi Province, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and multiple agencies tasked with logistics, security, medical response, traffic management, and event promotion. The Pattaya Marathon 2025 has earned the World Athletics Road Race Label and is officially listed in the World Athletics international calendar, ensuring that the event adheres to the highest global standards for route measurement, timing systems, and safety protocols. Organizers are aiming to showcase Pattaya as a vibrant, world-class destination for both runners and spectators, while driving significant economic impact through tourism. “Everything is coming together now,” said Deputy Mayor Krissana. “We’ve planned out route closures, emergency medical coverage, and logistics to accommodate both athletes and the large influx of visitors. It’s more than a race—it’s a showcase of Pattaya’s ability to host world-class events with precision and energy.” Deputy Mayor Krissana Boonsawat, alongside Pattaya Police Chief, leads final coordination efforts as Pattaya Marathon 2025 hits the home stretch, with all systems go to welcome runners from around the world. Key highlights of the final meeting included the finalization of race routes and road closure maps, which are now available for public download, as well as the coordination of emergency medical teams stationed along the entire route. Organizers also confirmed the setup of souvenir pick-up zones and pre-race activities. Additionally, a public traffic workshop will be held to help locals understand detours and road access during the race. The race will feature multiple distances—full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and fun runs—with scenic routes winding along Pattaya’s beachfront and iconic city landmarks. To ensure runner safety, major roads along the race routes will be temporarily closed from midnight until late morning, with detailed detour maps now available to the public. Live entertainment, sponsor booths, and community activities will run alongside the competition, turning the weekend into a festival-like experience for residents and tourists alike. Interested runners, media, and the general public can access full details, including traffic plans, route maps, and official announcements via the Pattaya Marathon 2025 Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16LcLZZvUN/ As Pattaya heads into the final days before the big event, anticipation is high. The city stands ready—not just for the starting gun—but to prove, once again, that it’s more than a beach town; it’s a rising global sports destination. Key city routes will be off-limits from midnight through late morning as runners take to the streets in the 32nd Pattaya Marathon. Detour maps are now available to help residents and tourists plan ahead.

Fried and conned! Chancer nicks nosh from Pattaya food vendorLegacyA kind-hearted Pattaya food vendor was left gutted after a fast-talking freeloader made off with five takeaway meals, without handing over a single baht. The victim, Aranya, who runs a humble roadside food stall on Soi Nern Plub Wan, is fuming after being duped by a customer who vanished with a bellyful of grub worth nearly 500 baht. The cheeky chancer pulled the stunt around 7.30pm on July 15, spinning a sob story and playing the friendly customer routine, before scarpering with a hefty order and leaving the 28 year old Aranya high and dry. “The economy is already bad, business is slow, and now I’ve been tricked into making food for free,” she wrote on social media, sharing CCTV footage and a plea for the man to return and pay his bill. Speaking to Pattaya News reporters at her stall, Aranya described how the slick scammer, a Thai man aged around 30 to 35, rocked up on a bronze Honda Wave, asking about prices for regular and “special” dishes. He ordered two large portions of pork basil fried rice with fried eggs, supposedly for himself and a mate working at a nearby garage. While she cooked, he kept chatting casually, putting her at ease. But then came the twist, the man asked for three more “special” side dishes, claiming three more friends would be arriving shortly for a proper sit-down meal. The extras included stir-fried basil with canned fish, crispy pork with kale, and an omelette. Pictures courtesy of Pattaya News Trusting his word, Aranya handed over the rice boxes without taking payment, planning to settle up once the full group arrived. But after walking off with the food, the man never came back. “I waited more than two hours,” Aranya said. “I even prepared the side dishes he ordered. But he never showed up. It’s not a huge amount, but to someone like me, it’s a real blow.” She added that with her dishes costing just 50 to 60 baht each, every sale counts in the current economy. The incident was caught on her stall’s CCTV cameras, showing the man chatting away and then subtly pulling up a cloth to hide his face once he noticed the surveillance. Seconds later, he grabbed the food and bolted. Aranya plans to file a police report using the footage and hopes the man will come clean. “If he sees my post, I just want him to do the right thing and pay what he owes.” Locals have rallied around in support, slamming the man’s behaviour as shameful. One commenter wrote: “Scamming a struggling street vendor? That’s about as low as it gets.” The story Fried and conned! Chancer nicks nosh from Pattaya food vendor as seen on Thaiger News.

Blazing squad! Foreigner’s 4×4 goes up in smoke on Pattaya streetLegacyA startled foreign driver was left red-faced, and nearly well-done, after his SUV burst into flames on a busy Pattaya road at lunchtime, triggering a dramatic roadside rescue. Emergency crews and volunteers raced to Thai Udom Road in Naklua just after midday, yesterday, July 16, responding to reports of a car fire at the intersection with Phothisan Road. When they arrived, firefighters from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, backed up by a water truck and local volunteers, found a blue-grey Mitsubishi Pajero billowing smoke from the engine bay, its bonnet scorched and smouldering. But thanks to lightning-fast action from nearby residents, the fire was already under control. Bystanders had grabbed a chemical extinguisher and put out the flames before they could engulf the entire vehicle. Firefighters gave the engine a final blast of water to stop the blaze reigniting, and the scorched SUV was later towed off to a local garage. Pattaya News reported that the driver, described as a foreigner with limited Thai, told rescuers he had just filled up at a Bangchak petrol station, made a quick stop at Makro, and was heading back to his accommodation when he noticed smoke rising from the engine. “I pulled over and popped the hood,” he reportedly told officials. “That’s when nearby residents jumped into action, stopping a potential fireball in its tracks.” No injuries were reported and the exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation. Pictures courtesy of Pattaya News Meanwhile, Thailand’s roads are seeing more than their fair share of automotive infernos. On June 27, a Bangkok rush hour turned into a traffic inferno after a silver Toyota sedan erupted in flames on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Soi 22, paralysing traffic as fire crews battled the blaze. And on July 6, during the final day of the Bangsaen Grand Prix, TikTok clips surfaced of a flame-spitting sedan casually cruising along a pedestrian footpath beside Bang Saen Beach, engine bay sparking like a stunt show as stunned bystanders watched on. One local fumed: “This isn’t Fast and Furious, it’s just bloody stupid!” The driver of the so-called “fire-breathing sedan” is reportedly facing a hefty fine. The story Blazing squad! Foreigner’s 4×4 goes up in smoke on Pattaya street as seen on Thaiger News.

Thailand’s DTV attracts fans and detractors in equal measure. Introduced in July 2024, DTV parades love and hate in Thailand’s elaborate menu of choices.  According to the South China Morning Post this week , quoting alleged official figures of delight, over 35,000 have already been granted.  Basically, DTV offers a five-year, multiple entry option for a maximum period of six months before leaving the country and repeating. Supporters say the visa is cost-effective: the inclusive fee is around US$250 but requires an initial Thai or foreign bank account bond of about US$15,000.  In particular,  DTV has enabled digital nomads working for overseas companies to enjoy here a flexible, vibrant lifestyle.  Neighboring countries either don’t have such a specific visa, for example Cambodia and Laos, or restrict validity to one or two years, as in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. DTV can also be accessed by a soft-power route, such as learning Thai boxing or cookery or becoming a medical or wellness tourist, even though the commitment may last only  one year or even less.  Thai Visa Center, one of several agencies based in the Pattaya area, has already offered advice in almost 100 successful cases.  Managing director and attorney Jessataporn Bunnag said, “All applicants must register their application in a Thai embassy abroad, but we recommend going to Vientiane in Laos as the officers are usually quicker but always require an in-person interview.” Integrity Legal’s founder Benjamin Hart in several videos has drawn attention to DTV weaknesses.  It was promulgated by the tourist ministry alone and never had the active support of the Thai immigration service.  The initial if hazy promise that, after six months, DTV could be extended by domestic immigration for a further 180 days proved very largely a fiction.  “I’m not saying DTV was a bad idea for everyone, but it hasn’t worked out as promised a year ago.” Enjoying the beach life is a plus for many DTV holders. The biggest single problem is DTV’s classification as a tourist visa which means that opening or even maintaining a Thai bank account is a real headache.  Bob Silverton, a DTV holder, told Pattaya Mail, “My account was frozen by Bangkok Bank and I had to go to the branch with a pile of documents to reopen it.”  They told me that some DTV holders were using their accounts to move crypto currency around or to work illegally without the necessary permit.” But others are managing without a Thai bank account.  Chris Berry said, “I used my UK account to show the original 500,000 baht (US$15,000) bond in Vientiane and live satisfactorily in Thailand by mobile banking, international cards, QR codes and cash.”  A digital nomad working for Disney Abroad, Chris said he liked Thailand because of the good internet connectivity, co-working spaces in many cities and the abundance of relaxed cafe society.  Chris concluded “Whether DTV is a good idea or not depends on who you are and why you are here.”

Teenage tycoon’s stolen motorbike empire gets punctured in PattayaLegacyHe styled himself the “Little Tycoon” and ran a lucrative racket flogging stolen motorbikes but this teenage crime boss’s empire in Pattaya came crashing down in a cassava field after a dramatic police sting. Thai police busted a notorious motorcycle theft gang in a remote Bang Lamung plantation, arresting two suspects including a 17 year old ringleader nicknamed “Little Tycoon” and recovering six stolen bikes. The sting, launched at 2.30pm, yesterday, July 16, saw officers from Bang Lamung and Nong Kham police stations swoop on a cassava plantation in Soi Takhian Tia, after learning the gang was preparing to smuggle hot bikes to Laos. Two suspects, 20 year old Paween Behkhee, and the teenage kingpin known only as Aom, were arrested at the scene after attempting to flee. A third man, 21 year old Wann, managed to escape into nearby forest and is still on the run. Pattaya News reported that police recovered three stolen motorcycles being loaded into a bronze Toyota van, plus another three bikes already hidden inside the vehicle, believed to be en route to clients. The op was led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Suphawat Lathapreecha and Pol. Lt. Col. Ritthikrai Karakol, who had been tracking the gang following a string of thefts across Chon Buri worth over one million baht. Aom, the teenage mastermind, is no stranger to the law. He was previously shot during a confrontation with police in Bangsaen after allegedly pulling a gun while fleeing arrest. After recovering in just five months, he allegedly returned to crime, earning the nickname Little Tycoon thanks to the riches he amassed shifting stolen bikes. Police say the gang used online apps to coordinate delivery runs. During the bust, the van driver, 52 year old Thongkham, received a call from a client instructing him to head to Nakhon Ratchasima to collect another bike, before abruptly hanging up. Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News Thongkham told officers he was hired via an app by someone using the alias “Enough to Fix, Airline,” and was paid 3,500 baht per bike to transport them to an abandoned chicken coop in Ubon Ratchathani. He claimed he had no idea the bikes were stolen, saying: “I usually check the documents, but I got suspicious when they told me to collect them from a forest.” Police are now hunting the remaining suspects and working to trace buyers on the other end of the chain. All seized vehicles are being held as evidence. “This is a major breakthrough in dismantling a regional bike theft ring,” said a senior officer. “We won’t stop until every link in this chain is brought to justice.” The story Teenage tycoon’s stolen motorbike empire gets punctured in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.