Mayor Poramet condemns AI-generated fake news harming the city’s reputation and urges the public to report false content. PATTAYA, Thailand — A viral image allegedly showing Indian men lying amidst piles of trash on Pattaya Beach — with the iconic “PATTAYA” sign visible in the background — has sparked public outrage and renewed concern about Thailand’s international image. However, Pattaya City officials are now calling the image entirely fake, claiming it was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a disinformation campaign. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated on the official Facebook pages ‘PRPATTAYA’ and ‘Mayor Beer’s Direct Line’ that the image circulating online is not based in reality. He explained that it was created using AI tools and published by a YouTube channel named “Carl Reed,” which is allegedly operated by a Cambodian national posing as a Western foreigner. The mayor warned that the channel’s intent appears to be the deliberate spread of negative and false narratives about Thailand designed to damage the country’s reputation. The incident has drawn further attention after the well-known Facebook page CSI LA, which focuses on political, social, and crime investigations, posted a warning to the public. With over 1.4 million followers, CSI LA identified the “Carl Reed” YouTube channel as a major source of misleading content, stating that the channel uses AI-generated voiceovers and visuals to create fake news stories targeting Thailand. They urged users to report the account to YouTube so that it can be investigated and removed. Mayor Poramet emphasized that content like this undermines efforts to promote Pattaya and causes real harm to the city’s global image. He urged the public not to believe or spread such content, and to help in reporting any clearly falsified material. YouTube channel “Carl Reed” accused of spreading AI-synthesized misinformation targeting Thailand’s tourism industry. Online, many Thai citizens expressed frustration. Some questioned how such videos could go unchecked for months, while others suggested launching a 24-hour Pattaya live stream to show the beach’s true condition. One commenter, who walks that stretch every morning, confirmed the image was entirely fake. Several others pointed out the obvious AI manipulation and emphasized that the real Pattaya beach looks nothing like the fabricated scene. Adding a touch of local humor and skepticism, another comment quipped, “This is fake. The real scene is usually some deal-making with Thai girls under the trees on the sidewalk. They don’t waste time sleeping on the beach like that.” Officials continue to stress that the video and photo are not based on real events and are part of a growing trend of AI-driven fake news targeting tourist destinations. Authorities are asking the public to remain alert, avoid spreading such misinformation, and report the YouTube channel in question to prevent further reputational harm to Thailand and its tourism sector. Authorities urge public vigilance against misinformation and ask everyone to report the fake YouTube channel to help protect Thailand’s image and tourism industry. For reports, call hotline 1337.

Over 100 container trucks jam Trat port as Cambodia delays border reopening. PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite Thailand’s recent easing of restrictions and a proposal to reopen all border crossings during normal hours (6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), Cambodia has yet to reciprocate, leaving trade operations at a standstill along key border areas, particularly at the permanent Had Lek checkpoint in Khlong Yai District, Trat province. As of 8:00 a.m. on July 19, Thai authorities — including the 182nd Marine Corps unit stationed at Had Lek — had reopened the checkpoint to allow container trucks to cross into Cambodia. However, the Cambodian side at the Cham Yeam checkpoint in Mondul Seima District, Koh Kong Province, remains closed to Thai cargo, awaiting further orders from Phnom Penh’s central government. One Cambodian border trader said, “Even though the Thai side has relaxed controls, Cambodia wants all checkpoints along the border to reopen at the same time and resume the original 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. schedule. Without that, cross-border trade will continue to suffer.” The ongoing closure has led to a significant slowdown in activity at the once-bustling Had Lek market, with several shops — including well-known cafés — shuttered. Local passenger vans on the Had Lek–Trat route have also suspended operations. With land transport to Cambodia effectively stalled, container trucks are now diverting to the Khlong Yai port in Trat, the only current gateway for Thai exports to Cambodia. More than 30 trucks are reportedly backed up at the Khlong Yai Customs Office awaiting export documentation and cargo inspection. Delays have stretched shipping times from the usual 6–7 hours via road to 2–3 days by sea, cutting drivers’ income significantly. Exporters lose income, drivers face long waits, and businesses at Had Lek remain shuttered. Phanupong, a container truck driver transporting goods from Laem Chabang, Chonburi, said, “While it’s good that temporary easing allows us to ship by sea, it’s far less efficient. What used to be a quick trip now means losing half my income due to longer wait times and the 10% commission deduction per delivery.” At the Sor Kritawan Port in Had Lek, Khlong Yai, over 100 container trucks are currently waiting to offload cargo onto just seven shipping vessels, each capable of carrying 16–24 containers. This capacity shortfall has created a severe bottleneck. Piyawut Prasitwet, son of the port owner, Samran Prasitwet, said, “More than 120–150 containers are coming in now, mostly from China. Sea freight is slower due to recent storms, and with high demand after weeks of trade delays, we just can’t move goods fast enough.” Nirot Nirangkun, chief of the Khlong Yai Customs Post, noted that since the sea route opened seven days ago, daily export values have exceeded 10 million baht. However, he added that only the Khlong Yai port has permanent customs staff on site, while other ports require temporary approvals — another factor slowing down cross-border trade. Until Cambodia issues new guidance, container traffic through the region is likely to remain congested, with economic losses mounting for drivers and exporters on both sides of the border. Traders demand synchronized reopening to restore vital flow of goods and income.

Mayor Poramet Ngampichet highlights city’s full preparations for safety and support as Pattaya Marathon enters its 32nd year. PATTAYA, Thailand – The 32nd annual Pattaya Marathon officially began on Saturday with a grand opening ceremony held at the plaza in front of Terminal 21 Pattaya shopping mall. Presiding over the event was Sorawong Thienthong, Minister of Tourism and Sports, who welcomed a packed gathering of distinguished guests including Poramet Ngampichet, Mayor of Pattaya, Pongthasit Pichnan, Deputy Governor of Chonburi Province, Pattaya city officials, the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and marathon runners from around the world. The Pattaya Marathon has long been one of the city’s premier international sporting events, celebrated not only as a competitive race for health and personal achievement but also as a festival of friendship, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange. Mayor Poramet emphasized that Pattaya, as the host city, has prepared thoroughly on all fronts — including the race routes, safety measures, facilities, and supplementary activities — to ensure all participants, whether athletes, government officials, private sector representatives, volunteers, or sponsors, enjoy the best possible experience. On July 19, athletes participated in the 10 km Mini Marathon and the 5 km Family Run. The competition continues on July 20 with the highly anticipated Half Marathon (21 km) and Full Marathon (42 km), marking the grand finale of this year’s event. The public is warmly invited to come out and cheer on the runners as they strive to cross the finish line with pride. For detailed information on race categories, routes, service points, and essential runner information, visit the official page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CaJJ8QrFA/ Pattaya Marathon 2025 kicks off with grand opening ceremony at Terminal 21 — runners from around the world gather to compete and celebrate international friendship. Half and full marathon races set for July 20, promising thrilling competition and proud finishes at Pattaya’s biggest annual running event. Join the excitement and cheer on athletes pushing their limits at the Pattaya Marathon 2025 — a celebration of sport, culture, and community.

House specialties like juicy roasting pig, German sausages, pasta and steaks are paired with tropical salads and Thai favourites, making the Oasis Restaurant’s international buffet a weekly culinary highlight. PATTAYA, Thailand – At 599 baht – children half-price – the Thai Garden Resort’s Saturday evening buffet can’t be surpassed. Held in the ground floor Oasis restaurant and adjoining poolside, there’s a huge selection of tasty international and piquant Thai dishes with a rotating general theme: German, Italian, Seafood, BBQ etc. The house specialties, such as succulent roasting pig or German sausages or Italian pasta or barbeque steaks, depend on the particular theme. But they are backed by tropical salads, hot soups and a wide choice of hot dishes including a versatile Thai selection. There’s also a tempting dessert section plus ice cream choices which are always popular with the kids. At just 599 Baht – with children half-price – guests at the Thai Garden Resort enjoy a lavish Saturday evening buffet by the pool, featuring an ever-changing theme from German to Italian, Seafood, BBQ and more. Thai Garden Resort, more or less opposite Terminal 21 in north Pattaya, has been serving the public since 1984. It has developed a reputation for scrupulously-clean accommodation, warm hospitality and high-quality service which, this year, earned it the Booking.com Traveller Review Award. This is based on positive reviews of at least 80 percent approval rates on Booking’s own website and is a widely-sought accolade in Thailand and worldwide. The hotel caters for a truly international clientele, including Thai vacationers, and has played an important role in the diversification of Pattaya’s attractions. For example, the hotel is an important stakeholder in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) which have been a priority for all Thai governments since 2012. Micro-tourism, one or two night stopovers by visitors from Bangkok, is another emerging market which Thai Garden Resort is satisfying because of consistent quality and convenient location.