Tourism leaders in Pattaya welcome easing border tensions, seeing stable borders and domestic stimulus as crucial pillars for sustained recovery and renewed confidence. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The recently agreed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia is being welcomed by tourism and business leaders as a positive step toward restoring confidence in border trade and safeguarding Thailand’s image as a safe and reliable destination — especially in key tourism hubs like Pattaya. The ceasefire, announced on July 28 during ASEAN-hosted talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, is set to take effect at midnight and includes plans for military-level coordination and reopening dialogue channels between the two countries. Business leaders and tourism operators see this as an encouraging sign for regional stability. While the border tensions sparked concern earlier this month, Mr. Chai Arunanonchai, Chairman of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), said the incident has had minimal impact on international tourism in core destinations such as Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. “This conflict is localized and short-term,” Mr. Chai said, “and we believe affected areas will recover quickly. The broader tourism ecosystem remains strong.” In Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most visited seaside destinations, hotels and local businesses report steady tourist flows despite recent rains and regional news. The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts scattered showers this week but nothing severe enough to disrupt beach visits or nightlife. Local sentiment remains upbeat, with business owners expressing optimism that the ceasefire could lead to the reopening of key border crossings, revitalizing cross-border commerce and tourism packages that were previously halted due to safety concerns. Mr. Chai also urged media to communicate a balanced, fact-based picture of Thailand to global audiences, warning that misinformation or exaggerated headlines could hurt the country’s tourism reputation. TCT Chairman, Chai Arunanonchai, emphasizes the importance of restraint, regional cooperation, and sustained dialogue following the Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire agreement, urging all sides to stay committed to peaceful resolution and ASEAN unity. Despite earlier concerns — including a drop in Chinese visitors linked to safety rumors and global economic slowdowns — Thailand has welcomed over 18 million foreign tourists in the first half of 2025, nearly matching last year’s numbers. “Confidence remains high in core markets,” said Mr. Jirayut Jarukittiworakan, Secretary-General of the TCT, noting that while some regions have seen dips, other markets are helping offset the losses. “The Chinese market is stabilizing, and we expect a surge during China’s National Day holiday.” However, the TCT reports that overall business confidence among tourism operators dropped sharply in Q2/2025, falling to 70 from 83 in Q1. Revenue also declined, with operators calling for renewed stimulus efforts, including a revival of the popular “Khon La Khrueng” (Half-Half) co-payment campaign. A proposed domestic tourism campaign — “Thai Travel Thai” — is in the works to boost off-season demand, especially in regional areas. Border Trade and Tourism Await Next Moves With military leaders from both countries set to meet on July 29 and a General Border Committee meeting planned for August 4, business communities in Sa Kaeo, Surin, and other eastern provinces are watching closely. The hope is that improved coordination will lead to the safe reopening of key border checkpoints — a crucial channel for day-trippers, shoppers, and cross-border tour groups. “Stability means confidence — and confidence is everything in tourism,” Mr. Chai emphasized. As tensions ease and regional cooperation resumes, industry leaders believe Thailand can maintain momentum — even through the rainy season — with Pattaya, Bangkok, and other top destinations continuing to shine.

Rain on the Radar — but scattered showers can’t dampen Pattaya or Bangkok’s buzz. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While upper Thailand braces for heavy rain and flash flooding, Pattaya is seeing only scattered showers over the next couple of days — enough to darken the skies but not the city’s famously lively spirit. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, intense rainfall continues across northern and northeastern provinces such as Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Udon Thani, and Nakhon Phanom. Residents in those areas are being warned to watch for flash floods, runoff, and river overflows, particularly near foothills and waterways. The downpour is being driven by a monsoon trough and a low-pressure system over upper Vietnam, coupled with a moderate southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. In the East — including Pattaya — about 70% of the area is expected to experience thunderstorms, with isolated heavy rain possible. Wave heights in the upper Gulf could reach 2 meters or more during storms, and small boats are urged to stay ashore during thunderstorms. Pattaya’s temperatures will hover between 27–32°C, with high humidity making it feel even warmer. Meanwhile in Bangkok, 60% of the metropolitan area is forecast to see rain, with some areas likely to experience heavy downpours. The capital remains hot and humid in between showers, with temperatures peaking around 34°C. Commuters are advised to plan ahead as sudden rainfall could affect traffic flow and low-lying roads. Despite the scattered rain, both Pattaya and Bangkok continue to buzz with life. In Pattaya, tourists still flock to the beach, night markets, and malls, while in Bangkok, temples, cafés, and shopping centers remain busy. Raincoats, umbrellas, and backup plans are all part of the seasonal rhythm — but neither city seems ready to slow down. As the skies shift, Thailand’s favorite urban and seaside playgrounds carry on — resilient, rain-slicked, and as vibrant as ever.

Russian woman robbed in Pattaya, police launch manhuntLegacyA 29 year old Russian woman was left shaken after a brazen bag snatching in the heart of Pattaya today, July 29. Police Lieutenant Anirut Jehroh of Pattaya City Police Station responded to a report of a street robbery in Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 14, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. At the scene, officers found Smirnova CMNPHOBA visibly shaken and distressed. She told police that while she was walking along the roadside to exchange currency, a young man on a motorbike pulled up beside her and snatched her shoulder bag before speeding away. The stolen bag reportedly contained 100 US dollars in foreign currency and 1,100 baht (US$35) in cash, with a total estimated value of around 5,000 baht (US$155). Picture courtesy of หนังสือพิมพ์รายวัน.สยามประชา Facebook Following the incident, the victim sought help from nearby locals who promptly contacted the police. Lieutenant Anirut reported the case to Pattaya City Police Chief Colonel Anek Srathongyu, who immediately ordered a radio alert and set up roadblocks along potential escape routes. However, the suspect has not yet been apprehended. Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding area and are conducting field inquiries in a bid to gather leads and swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice, reported Ch 7. In similar news, on June 26, a 26 year old Russian journalist named David reportedly escaped from a hotel on Jomtien Soi 14 in Pattaya while still in handcuffs. He claimed he had been assaulted by a group of Russian nationals who placed a black bag over his head, physically attacked him, and recorded a threatening video that was sent to his girlfriend. David was allegedly forced to transfer cryptocurrency and robbed of a luxury watch valued at over 2 million baht (US$61,350). He eventually managed to flee the scene and alerted police. Police have since arrested 26 year old Russian national Anton Lokotkov, an acquaintance of the victim who is believed to have lured him to Pattaya. Despite CCTV evidence, Lokotkov denies any involvement. The story Russian woman robbed in Pattaya, police launch manhunt as seen on Thaiger News.