Pattaya clubs defend transgender bans amid reports of petty crime and occasional bloodshed in the nightlife scene. (Photo – Pattaya transgender individual assaults tourist, using a high-heeled shoe to strike the foreign tourist’s head, leaving them covered in blood on Walking Street.) PATTAYA, Thailand – In Pattaya, believe it or not, some night entertainment venues have started banning transgender patrons — a move that has sparked debate over safety, reputation, and fairness. While the decision may seem controversial, some venue operators point to underlying reasons for taking this step. Primarily, venue owners express concerns about safety and security. Reports of occasional criminal incidents—such as theft, harassment, and scams—linked to a small number of transgender individuals have made some business owners wary. These incidents can disrupt the atmosphere, make other customers feel unsafe, and potentially damage the venue’s reputation. Several widely reported cases provide context. For example, transgender suspects have been arrested for robbing tourists of gold and valuables along Beach Road and Walking Street. One British tourist was famously pickpocketed in a viral video, while another violent incident involving a transgender woman assaulting a foreigner shocked onlookers and drew media attention. While these cases involve only a minority, they have contributed to some operators enforcing blanket restrictions. Additionally, some venues have faced challenges in managing crowd behavior when certain individuals engage in aggressive or disruptive conduct. Operators argue that limiting access can be a preventive measure to maintain order and protect all patrons. It is important to note that the vast majority of transgender people in Pattaya are law-abiding, hardworking, and contribute positively to the city’s culture and economy. However, the actions of a few bad actors have led some venue owners to make difficult decisions in an effort to safeguard their businesses and clientele. This complex situation highlights the need for continued dialogue, fair enforcement of laws, and community efforts to balance safety concerns with respect and inclusivity in Pattaya’s nightlife. Venue owners walk a fine line between protecting patrons and avoiding discriminatory practices. (Photo – Pattaya transgender woman assaults Italian tourist with a cutter in Soi Buakhao after he rejects her advance; victim suffers facial injuries and is hospitalized.)

Tourists caught at sea as rough waves slam Pattaya Bay — dramatic footage captured as Marine Department raises red flags citywide. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Pattaya Regional Marine Office has ordered red warning flags to be raised at all beaches and piers across the area on Monday, following strong winds and high waves caused by the passing tropical storm system Wipha over the Gulf of Thailand. Originating near southern China, Wipha is moving rapidly westward toward northern Vietnam and is expected to make landfall on the morning of July 22. Although the storm is forecasted to weaken before reaching Thailand, its outer bands have already brought turbulent seas and gusty winds to coastal areas, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings and temporarily restrict marine activities to protect residents and tourists. Tourists visiting Pattaya captured dramatic video clips on Sunday while out at sea, showing powerful waves rolling across the bay and crashing toward the shore. Several boats were seen swaying unsteadily in the rough waters as wind gusts intensified and conditions grew choppy. Red flags fly across Pattaya as tropical storm triggers dangerous sea conditions, halting all boat services. Officials responded by issuing an urgent weather advisory and temporarily suspending all boat departures, including the popular Pattaya–Koh Larn ferry route. All marine activities have been ordered to halt until conditions improve. “The red flag indicates dangerous conditions at sea. All types of boat departures are now prohibited,” the Marine Department said in a statement. “Operators, especially those running services to Koh Larn and offering marine activities, must strictly follow safety protocols to protect tourists and crew.” As the storm continues to pass through the Gulf, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and warn that resuming services prematurely could put lives at risk. Tourists are advised to avoid sea travel until further notice. Despite rough seas, tourists continue to enjoy Pattaya’s beaches, embracing the fresh sea breeze and lively atmosphere — though some may be disappointed by restricted access to nearby islands.   Pattaya–Koh Larn ferry suspended as powerful winds pound coastline; safety warning issued to all operators.

City crews clear mud and garbage from Sukhumvit Road drains as Pattaya braces for heavy rains. PATTAYA, Thailand – As Pattaya enters the peak of the rainy season, city officials are ramping up storm preparation efforts by cleaning out the underground drainage system. The Drainage Maintenance Division under the Sanitation Engineering Department has been working to remove accumulated debris—garbage, sediment, mud, and sand—from key drainage pipes, especially along Sukhumvit Road between Thepprasit and Chaiyapruek. With tropical storm Wipha already testing the region’s resilience, many believe it’s just the beginning of a volatile monsoon stretch. Pattaya residents, who know all too well where the city’s “soft spots” are—those low-lying zones that flood first—have welcomed the proactive response. Locals have voiced their appreciation for the daily work, with some saying, “Thank you so much to the staff!” while others add, “It would be great if this happened every day.” Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has emphasized that the city is working tirelessly to ensure both locals and visitors feel safe and welcome, stating that Pattaya is committed to becoming the most inviting destination for tourism and investment. Authorities also remind the public that anyone noticing flooding, drainage blockages, or other weather-related hazards can contact the city’s 24-hour hotline at 1337 to report issues and request assistance. From Thepprasit to Chaiyapruek, drainage pipes are being unclogged daily to prevent flooding.   Residents praise the effort—“Thank you so much!”—but call for routine cleanups beyond storm season. With Wipha just the beginning, Pattaya activates hotline 1337 and assures safety for locals and tourists.

Pattaya clears large fallen tree blocking Khao Pratumnak road amid storm Wipha preparations. PATTAYA, Thailand – A large tree that fell and blocked the road on the way up Khao Pratumnak Hill, near Naval Radio Station (Khao Sor Tor Ror 5), has been successfully cleared by Pattaya City authorities as part of ongoing preparations for the rainy season and tropical storm Wipha. Residents reported the obstruction to the Pattaya City Complaint Response Unit under the City Clerk’s Office, which promptly inspected the area. The Botanical Division of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment then carried out the removal to restore safe and smooth passage for motorists and pedestrians. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet emphasized the city’s commitment to ensuring safety for both locals and visitors during this stormy season. Residents and tourists are encouraged to report flooding, fallen trees, or other hazards immediately through Pattaya’s 24-hour hotline at 1337 for quick assistance. City crews respond quickly to resident reports, removing debris to keep roads safe. Mayor Poramet stresses safety and urges public to use hotline 1337 for emergencies. Pattaya’s ongoing efforts to protect locals and tourists as rainy season intensifies.

Tourists find the stormy seas refreshing and alive, while beach vendors quietly hope for calmer weather to welcome more visitors. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – For the third straight day, the skies above Pattaya remain stubbornly grey, with Tropical Storm Wipha casting a long shadow over the region despite being hundreds of kilometers away. Though the storm is still centered near Zhanjiang City in southern China and moving rapidly toward northern Vietnam, its effects are clearly visible here: pounding surf, fierce winds, and a coastline that feels far more wild than welcoming. Along Jomtien and Pattaya beaches, whitecaps curl and crash into the sand, kicking up sea spray and stirring the waters into shades of iron and slate. Red warning flags flap violently in the wind as beach guards patrol the shorelines, urging swimmers to stay out of the turbulent waters. The forecast suggests that these conditions could persist through July 25, with small boats advised to remain docked and marine operators warned to expect hazardous travel at sea. Yet not everyone is discouraged. Some residents and visitors have embraced the scene, calling it a refreshing change from the sun-soaked routine. “It’s alive,” said a European tourist, standing barefoot at Dongtan Beach with his arms outstretched as the wind howled. “The ocean has a mood this week. I like it better than flat and boring.” But others—especially local vendors, beachfront businesses, and families on holiday—wish the stormy weather would pass more quickly. “This wind keeps people away,” said a beach chair vendor near Pattaya Soi 13. “Even when there’s no rain, they look at the waves and just turn around.” The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has confirmed that Tropical Storm Wipha is expected to make landfall in Vietnam on the morning of July 22 before weakening into a low-pressure system. Although it will not directly strike Thailand, the country is still bracing for side effects. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in northern and upper northeastern provinces between July 22–24, with warnings of flash floods and localized inundation in already saturated areas. Pattaya, being farther south, is not expected to receive extreme rainfall—but strong winds and coastal turbulence are forecast to continue. City authorities have urged caution for those living near flood-prone zones and warned beachgoers to stay informed through official weather bulletins. In the meantime, daily life in Pattaya continues—but with fewer parasols on the beach, more umbrellas in hand, and an unmistakable edge in the wind that has made even the palm trees sway with urgency. Some say the storm adds character. Others just want their blue skies back. Many face the strong winds head-on, feeling renewed and ready to push forward despite the storm’s challenge. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) Tropical Storm Wipha moves swiftly along China’s southern coast, expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam before gradually weakening inland.

Retirees rethink love and life: from Pattaya’s busy beaches to quiet northeastern villages where buffaloes roam—and wallets aren’t checked every hour. PATTAYA, Thailand – For many foreign retirees in Pattaya, the dream of companionship in their golden years remains strong — but it’s increasingly tied to the realities of currency exchange rates, shifting expectations, and economic pressures. A heavy pension is no longer just a comfort; it’s becoming a necessity to enjoy the social life and relationships that make retirement here fulfilling. Thailand’s baht opened slightly weaker at 32.40 per U.S. dollar on Monday, continuing a sideways drift that saw minimal change from last week’s close at 32.38. Analysts suggest this gentle fluctuation reflects global uncertainty and a rebound in the U.S. dollar after improved consumer sentiment data. Meanwhile, the euro and pound have shown similar cautious movements against the baht, adding complexity for retirees receiving income in these currencies. For retirees dependent on foreign income, such as pensions or savings in USD, euro, or pound, a weaker baht might seem like welcome news — but only just. “Go with the flow,” one retiree muttered over a cold beer in Jomtien, “but the flow feels more like a slow leak lately.” The baht is projected to move within a narrow range of 32.10–32.80 this week. While that’s hardly a crash, it’s also not the dramatic depreciation some long-timers hope for to stretch their dollars further. With costs in Pattaya continuing to creep up — from rents and utilities to restaurant prices and even the classic “cheap companionship” myth — many older foreigners are reevaluating their retirement math. “Retiring in Pattaya isn’t what it used to be,” admitted another longtime visitor. “The girls have sick buffaloes, yes, but now they also have TikTok and better options.” There’s also increasing talk of “going northeast” — not just geographically but romantically. The notion of building a quieter life with someone in a rural village, maybe on a modest farm with a few buffaloes, appeals to those tired of the city’s hustle. “At least out there,” said one man half-jokingly, “they cook better and don’t check your wallet every hour.” Still, that’s not everyone’s cup of curry. The new wave of Indian restaurants and tourism is reshaping Pattaya’s cultural landscape, and some expats are thriving in the mix. But others feel left behind, grumbling that “Pattaya is done to death” and vowing not to return — if they ever leave. Yet not all is lost. There remains something deeply human in the pursuit of love and comfort, even in the most transactional corners of paradise. For some, companionship is worth the cost — be it meals, gifts, or the occasional trip to Immigration. Polite voices in the community remind us: “There’s nothing wrong with retiring in Pattaya — just don’t expect a free lunch.” Indeed, love may still live here, sun-tanned and hopeful. But these days, it prefers dollars over daydreams.

Pattaya counts on its loyal year-round Chinese visitors to help local businesses bounce back stronger. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya, Thailand’s bustling tourist city long dependent on Chinese visitors, faced a severe shock in early 2025 as Chinese tourist arrivals plunged by nearly 50% in Q2 compared to the previous year. This dramatic decline was part of a broader three-month slump in foreign tourists entering Thailand, threatening to derail the city’s vital tourism economy. According to official data, Chinese arrivals to Thailand dropped sharply from February to April 2025: 44.9% in February, 48.2% in March, and 47% in April. April, typically a peak season due to Songkran and other holidays, saw a significant decline, highlighting the deep erosion of confidence among Chinese travelers. Factors such as the global economic slowdown, unresolved trade tensions, and damaging social media narratives around safety—exacerbated by scam cases and crime reports—have all contributed to this sharp downturn. For Pattaya, which historically welcomed millions of Chinese visitors and relied heavily on their spending throughout the year—not just seasonally—this translated into empty hotels, shuttered businesses, and a tourism sector under intense pressure. Restaurants, bus operators, island tour companies, and many more local enterprises are now on the edge of collapse as they cannot rely solely on Thai domestic tourists or even Western visitors, whose numbers and spending habits remain insufficient to fill the gap left by the Chinese market. Thai tourists tend to crowd Pattaya mainly during long weekends or at the end of the month, providing only brief bursts of business, while Western visitors often seek different experiences, making them less likely to fill the steady demand that many local businesses depend on year-round. The Chinese market shrank from 11.13 million visitors in 2019 to just 6.7 million in 2024, making up only 19% of all foreign tourists, down from 28%. This structural decline has had a devastating ripple effect across Pattaya’s entire tourism ecosystem. Although there has been growth in visitors from India, their spending behaviors are unique and generally not as dependable or consistent as those of Chinese tourists, making it difficult to fully offset the loss. Thai tourists boost Pattaya during long weekends, but steady year-round business relies on diverse visitors—something Westerners and locals alone can’t fully provide. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) However, after months of steep declines, recent developments offer a cautious glimmer of hope. In July 2025, the Thai government and Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) launched a series of targeted initiatives to revive Chinese tourism, including high-level government-to-government talks, the “Sawasdee Ni Hao” mega fam trip inviting 500 Chinese tour operators, media, and influencers, and incentives supporting charter flights with a focus on maintaining high passenger loads. Preliminary data from July shows signs of recovery. Chinese arrivals have begun to increase, helped by easing travel restrictions in China and growing confidence from joint promotional efforts. While the rebound is modest, this uptick is the first positive shift after a sustained decline that threatened to sink Pattaya’s tourism industry. Still, challenges remain. Competing regional destinations, lingering safety concerns, and global economic uncertainties mean that Pattaya’s recovery will require sustained effort. The city must continue to improve its safety image, diversify its tourism offerings, and attract a broader mix of visitors beyond China. Experts caution that while the rebound in July is encouraging, Pattaya’s tourism sector remains fragile. The city’s economic survival depends heavily on whether it can build on this momentum and fully restore confidence among Chinese travelers in the months ahead.

Bar fines too high, taxis too greedy, and smiles that don’t feel real — is Pattaya pricing itself out of the game? (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — As Thailand’s premier beach city continues its post-pandemic transformation, tourists and long-term visitors are growing increasingly clear about what they want — and what’s pushing them away. Their demands aren’t complicated: cheaper bar fines, fair taxi meters, a sense of value, and above all, a little more respect. What’s driving dissatisfaction today isn’t isolated bad experiences — it’s a growing perception that Pattaya no longer offers a fair deal, either financially or culturally. Among nightlife patrons, many say costs have spiraled upward without any real improvement in service or atmosphere. Bar fines have become disproportionately expensive, often paired with inflated drink prices and added expectations for compensation that leave patrons feeling gouged. What used to be a casual night out can now easily stretch into several thousand baht — without delivering the kind of experience that used to come standard. In some establishments, a “lady drink” may cost as much as two hundred baht — even when it’s just a bottle of water. There’s a sense among some visitors that prices are no longer consistent, and instead are quoted based on how desirable or wealthy a customer appears. Rates for companionship are also often inflated arbitrarily. For some, this reflects simple opportunism. While a few accept it as part of the game, many are quietly opting out — and increasingly, heading elsewhere. This feeling of being overcharged or undervalued stretches beyond nightlife. For many, getting around Pattaya remains a daily frustration. Despite years of complaints, traditional taxis still resist using meters. As a result, most visitors have turned to ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Grab — not just for lower fares, but for basic transparency and fairness. Local drivers may blame these platforms for lost business, but many tourists view it as a self-inflicted wound — one that could be solved overnight if meters were simply switched on. Visitors say simple changes — like fair taxi fares and reasonable nightlife prices — could restore Pattaya’s reputation as a fun, affordable destination. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) First-time visitors often face these challenges from the moment they land. Airport taxis have been known to run tampered meters, quote inflated “flat rates,” or worse, switch off the meter entirely and name a “happy fare” upon arrival. The result is a poor first impression — and the lingering sense that being scammed is part of the welcome. Frustrations around transport and pricing tie into a broader feeling that Pattaya is drifting away from the kind of hospitality that built its global reputation. Long-time visitors describe a city that once felt warm and laid-back, but now seems more focused on short-term profit. Rather than building loyalty, this approach is pushing travelers toward alternatives like Vietnam or Cambodia — destinations perceived as more affordable, relaxed, and respectful of tourists’ wallets. Safety has also emerged as a quiet concern among returning visitors. While Pattaya remains, overall, a safe and enjoyable city, some tourists say nightlife has become more unpredictable. Late-night disturbances and the occasional street fight around bars and clubs have made a few travelers more cautious about staying out after dark. These incidents are still the exception, not the rule, but the perception matters — and many believe greater crowd control and police visibility could help keep the city’s fun reputation intact. Adding to the complexity is a shift in Pattaya’s tourist demographic. As more visitors now come from South Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, some veteran travelers are expressing discomfort — sometimes unfairly, sometimes tinged with prejudice. But beneath the rhetoric are genuine questions about how Pattaya can balance its traditional markets with emerging ones. Many believe that trying to cater to everyone has led to a decline in overall quality and a loss of the easygoing charm that once defined the town. It’s not too late — fair prices, honest service, and mutual respect could still bring back the Pattaya so many once loved. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) Beneath it all is a deeper disappointment. Tourists aren’t just complaining about prices — they’re mourning a perceived loss of value. Whether it’s a 400-baht T-shirt marked up for foreigners, dual pricing at attractions, or a general sense of being treated impersonally, there’s a growing feeling that Pattaya is no longer trying to offer a fair deal — just a fast one. Yet despite all this, most visitors aren’t turning their backs. They’re not calling for boycotts — they just want better terms. The suggestions are practical: bring back 90-day visa-on-arrival policies, eliminate the cumbersome digital arrival card, enforce basic consumer protections, and address scams more seriously. More than anything, tourists want to feel welcome again — not just tolerated for their spending. In the end, the message is simple: Pattaya doesn’t need to reinvent itself entirely. But if it wants to remain a destination worth returning to, it must take these voices seriously. A fairer, more respectful experience — with reasonable prices and honest dealings — might be the only thing standing between recovery and slow decline.

Zoom and gloom as woman biker slams van at red light in PattayaLegacy Thailand’s roads turned deadly again as a young woman was left fighting for her life after ploughing her motorbike into the back of a stationary van in Pattaya in the early hours of yesterday morning. The horror smash happened at 3.30am yesterday, July 21 on Sukhumvit Road near Soi Siam Country Club, when 24 year old Chanaphon Huadsi crashed her white Honda Zoomer-X straight into a Toyota Commuter van waiting at a red light. The rear windscreen of the van was blown out and the mangled bike was found wedged into the back of the vehicle. The van’s 56 year old driver, Ram Si Khao, told Pattaya police that he’d stopped at the red light when he heard a huge bang. “I looked back and saw the motorbike jammed into the back of the van. I called the police straight away.” Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan and medics from Bangkok Pattaya Hospital rushed to the scene and gave the rider emergency treatment before speeding her to Pattaya Hospital in a critical condition, Pattaya News reported. Police say they are now combing through CCTV and evidence from the scene to establish exactly what happened. Investigations are ongoing. Pictures courtesy of Pattaya News Meanwhile, Pattaya’s infamously chaotic streets saw yet another pile-up just after 5am on July 16, when a milk truck, a dodgy U-turn and a drunk driver collided in a spectacular crash at the Match Factory intersection on the Sattahip route in Na Kluea. The crash involved two pickup trucks, left both motors completely written off, and resulted in three people being rushed to hospital. It came just days after another horror smash at the same junction, which left a pedestrian in critical condition. Volunteers from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Unit were on the scene within minutes to help the injured and clear the wreckage. Police are now calling for urgent safety improvements at what locals are calling a “death trap” crossing. The story Zoom and gloom as woman biker slams van at red light in Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.

British consul Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin with shortly incoming Pattaya honorary consul George Barrie. PATTAYA, Thailand – Joanne Finnamore-Crorkin, the Bangkok-based consul in charge of consular cases, hosted a reception for Pattaya-based British expats and Thai authorities at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel. She began by introducing George Barry, the incoming honorary consul in Pattaya currently awaiting official confirmation, who will assist the British embassy in dealing with distressed nationals. In her report, Joanne stressed that the number of welfare cases in Thailand was rising even as the average age of British expats continued to rise. She urged those based here to register for updated travel advice and to make proper provision for their families by making a will in good order. Traffic accidents, mostly involving motorbikes, were increasing and the lack of comprehensive, valid insurance was of increasing concern. Pattaya Mail owner Pratheep Malhotra, left, with long-established businessman Jack Levy. She also touched on the rise in the number of holiday Brits accused of trying to export cannabis from Thailand. Those arrested in Thailand faced charges of lacking an export licence as cannabis was still a “controlled herb”. But those arrested in other countries, usually at airports, could face very long prison sentences. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office was frequently reminding British visitors to Thailand of the dangers in becoming a drugs carrier. Jeff Mitchell, left, international director of AMAR funeral services, and musical legend Barry Upton. Joanne pointed out that there was no single government department in Thailand dealing with road traffic accidents. Thus it was necessary for the embassy to liaise with multiple agencies including the police, immigration, the tourist authorities, hospitals, provincial administrators and governors amongst other stakeholders. She also thanked local Brits who assisted the embassy including servicemen’s organizations and local businesses. Joanne, right, and consular team members Sathita Weerakultewan (vice consul), Sirisak Laisong (pro consul) and Pavika Chaowachotchuang (consular assistant). The consul concluded by noting that 2025 was the 170th anniversary of Anglo-Thai diplomatic relations which were established with the signing of the Bowring treaty in 1855. The anniversary is a recognition of the enduring friendship between the UK and Thailand, built on royal connections, trade, investment, education and tourism. The relationship also extends to include cooperation in security and prosperity.