Pattaya tourism slowdown linked to seasonal trends, not border conflict, as visitors with diverse preferences—from nightlife lovers to poolside relaxers—continue to choose the city. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — As political commentators and news outlets keep one eye on simmering tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border, the reality on Pattaya’s ground-level sands is far more mundane — and far more telling. In hotel pools, beach loungers, and late-night bars, what tourists are really weighing isn’t geopolitical headlines but vibes — who they’re mingling with, how welcome they feel, and whether the scene matches the fantasy. Despite a minor dip in visitor numbers during this typical slow season, Pattaya’s tourism leaders say the downturn has more to do with rain clouds and currency woes than border disputes hundreds of kilometers away. “This time of year always slows down,” said a representative of the Pattaya Business & Tourism Association. “People aren’t staying away because of the border. They’re just watching their spending — or waiting for sunnier skies.” Inflation, exchange rates, and broader economic uncertainty have placed limits on vacation budgets. But for many long-term visitors and repeat tourists, it’s not just about money or media — it’s about atmosphere. Some regulars report that the people you see and socialize with in Pattaya these days — or don’t see — are the real weather vane of the city’s tourism mood. “At the end of the day, it’s who’s in the pool with you,” said one long-time European visitor, sipping a cocktail at a beachfront resort. “You don’t come here for political commentary — you come here because of the crowd, the energy, the company. That’s what makes it worth the flight.” And that company has diversified. From TikTok-savvy Gen Z solo travelers to remote-working digital nomads, from Indian honeymooners to Gulf State friend groups — Pattaya’s tourist scene continues to evolve. The faces may be changing, but the city’s appeal remains broad. Local hotels report steady interest for the upcoming high season, especially from domestic tourists and travelers looking for budget-friendly seaside escapes. “We’re getting more inquiries for November and December,” said a hotel manager in North Pattaya. “Guests aren’t asking about the border—they’re interested in promotions, beach access, and nightlife, especially as Thai parents plan their kids’ school breaks in October.” In short – when it comes to choosing a destination like Pattaya, people don’t follow conflict maps. They follow each other.

Canvas chair, or cash trap? Pattaya’s 50-baht beach chair policy welcomed — but many say they’re still being charged double. PATTAYA, Thailand — In an effort to bring order and fairness to its popular beaches, Pattaya authorities recently reaffirmed standard pricing for beach facilities: 50 baht for a canvas beach chair and 100 baht for a sunbed at swimming pools. But while tourists and locals largely welcome the announcement, many question whether the new rates will truly be respected. Officials from the Public Health and Environment Division, together with Pattaya City’s complaint-handling unit, visited beachfront operators to post official stall numbers (001–118), list standard prices, and provide information on how to report overcharging. The move aims to ensure transparency and improve the visitor experience. Despite the effort, social media is buzzing with skepticism. “I’ve never seen 50 baht. It’s always 100. Sometimes even 150 if you look like a foreigner,” one frequent visitor posted. Others say they’ve been charged more for being out-of-towners or tourists. “They charged me 500 baht for five chairs — we barely sat down,” another complained. Still, some praised the pricing as fair. “50 baht is nothing, especially compared to a 150-baht coffee,” said a Thai visitor who frequents the beach. Others noted that prices in Jomtien Beach have been consistent with the new standard, with most operators complying. Critics say better signage and stricter enforcement are still needed. “Just put the prices clearly on a sign. If they overcharge, fine them and suspend them for seven days — simple,” one commenter suggested. Standard rates posted, skepticism remains: Tourists say beach prices often soar during festivals despite official limits. Some visitors also questioned the fairness of allowing businesses to earn private income from public beaches, asking whether others can apply for the same opportunity. While beach vendors argue that higher prices reflect costs and demand, Pattaya’s regulars say clear and consistent pricing is essential, especially in a fragile economic climate. Many also expressed disappointment at being charged 100 or even 200 baht per chair during major festivals like the fireworks event or Songkran. Worse still, some reported being forced to rent all the chairs and a table in a set, with no option to hire just one or two. Live music events on the beach — while a popular attraction — were also cited as times when prices mysteriously surged, leaving some feeling taken advantage of. Some visitors said they were even discouraged or stopped from laying down their own mats in front of the chair zones, further limiting free beach use. With tourism still rebounding, many believe fair and flexible rates will make the city more attractive — and avoid souring the beach experience.

Singaporean tourist’s Pattaya drone flight ends in cuffsLegacyA tourist’s late-night drone flight over Pattaya’s Walking Street landed him in handcuffs for breaking aviation laws. At around 12.19am today, August 7, a Singaporean man was arrested for illegally operating a drone in Pattaya’s busy nightlife district, despite a nationwide ban currently in place. Pattaya City Special Affairs officers caught 44 year old Goh Chia Hsien piloting a drone above Walking Street in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district. The popular area, bustling with tourists and nightlife venues, is under strict airspace regulations, especially during national security alerts. Goh was quickly detained and handed over to Police Lieutenant Colonel Amorntep Petchtim, deputy inspector at Pattaya City Police Station. An interpreter was present during questioning. The suspect reportedly told officers he was unaware of the legal restrictions and was merely enjoying the high-angle view for photography purposes, adding that he is a drone enthusiast and avid traveller. However, Goh failed to produce a drone-flying permit as required by Thai law. Under the Aviation Act of 1954, Section 78, flying a drone without authorisation is a criminal offence. Police seized the following items as evidence: One small drone with a lithium battery Two spare lithium batteries One black remote control Drone control glasses with a red-black head strap One black shoulder bag Officers formally recorded the arrest and filed charges against Goh. Amarin TV reported that during the legal process, Pol. Lt. Col. Amorntep ordered the media to leave the interrogation room, stating the case needed to be reported to senior police officials and the Royal Thai Police. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has currently imposed a nationwide ban on all drone activity from July 30 to August 15, or until further notice. The temporary regulation was introduced to bolster national security and ensure public safety during an ongoing security operation. Foreign nationals visiting Thailand are reminded that drone usage requires both CAAT approval and insurance. Violators may face fines, confiscation of equipment, or even jail time. The story Singaporean tourist’s Pattaya drone flight ends in cuffs as seen on Thaiger News.

Cops bust Pattaya kratom shop in drug den raidLegacyA Pattaya kratom shop turned out to be a front for a drug den—with methamphetamine (meth), ketamine, and ecstasy uncovered during a late-night raid. At around 10.30pm yesterday, August 6, Bang Lamung district officials and police launched a coordinated operation at a suspicious kratom shop in Soi Naklua, following repeated complaints from residents about dodgy gatherings and suspected drug activity. The operation was led by Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharapat Srithanyanon, accompanied by officers Wanchai Wannaprom, Kamphrai Laosaen, Natthaphop Yomjinda, Natthawat Sophonsewatsilp, Tharit Jancharoon, as well as others from Bang Lamung Police Station. On entering the shop, officers found a group of youths loitering inside. A search of the premises revealed more than just herbal tea. A 30 year old man identified only as Arthawit was found in possession of a small stash of illegal drugs, including: 48 meth pills in a zip-lock bag 12.23 grammes of crystal ketamine One ketamine vape cartridge Two ecstasy pills Further inspection of the property uncovered even more substances stashed throughout the shop: Eight more orange ecstasy pills Three additional ketamine vape cartridges Numerous zip-lock bags used for distribution All present were subjected to urine drug tests. Six tested positive for narcotic substances and were detained for mandatory rehabilitation procedures. The suspect, Arthawit, was immediately arrested and transferred to Bang Lamung Police Station for further legal action. He now faces multiple drug possession and trafficking-related charges. The Pattaya News reported that residents had long suspected the kratom shop was a cover for more serious activities, citing frequent gatherings of youths and late-night disturbances. Officers say the raid is part of a broader crackdown on illegal drug distribution networks operating under the guise of legal herbal businesses. “We’re committed to shutting down these operations before they spread further into the community.” Police confirmed that more surprise inspections are planned in the area, warning businesses that enable drug activity will face swift legal consequences. The story Cops bust Pattaya kratom shop in drug den raid as seen on Thaiger News.

BCCT Multi-Chamber Connecting Eastern Economic Corridor. BCCT, in collaboration with AMCHAM, AustCham, BeluThai, DanCham, GTCC, NTCC, and SATCC, cordially invites you to join the upcoming Multi-Chamber Connecting Eastern Economic Corridor event. Date: Friday 15th August 2025 Time: 6-9 PM Venue: Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya on Pattaya Sai 2 Entry: THB 1,100 for BCCT and partner chamber members. Price includes buffet food, wine, beer and soft drinks. Menu Booking: online please click here or  email [email protected] for booking assistance Non-members who would like to join this event should email – [email protected] Payment: Online Payment options are available when confirming your booking (recommended). Online payment when you book is the simplest way to do this. Bank transfer is also available to Kasikorn Bank 709-2-36464-4 and email [email protected] to verify a receipt. Accommodation: Siam@Siam Design Hotel Pattaya is offering special room rates for Friday, 28th February 2025: Deluxe Room: THB 3,200 net and Studio: THB 4,500 net. Rates include breakfast. RSVP: [email protected] Cancellation policy: Advance payment is required to confirm your registration and if payment is not made 24 hours before event, your place will be passed on to the waiting list. No walk-ins. Cancellations received less than 24 hours (1 day) and no-shows are NOT able to receive neither a refund nor credit. Payment is required at the time of booking. At any other time will incur a higher fee Event policy: by registering for this event, you are providing consent for your details to be shared with our partners for this event. Event Behaviour Statement: please click here *Special thanks to our event sponsor ZENSIRI Residences Estate Jomtien, ZENSIRI Lakeside Jomtien by ESS Developments and Supporting Sponsor Formichella & Sritawat – Attorneys at Law หอการค้าอังกฤษ – ไทย British Chamber of Commerce Thailand Two Pacific Place, 18th Floor, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110 Tel: +66 (0) 2651-5350-1 Email: [email protected] Location Map: Thai/English

Chinese Tourist robbed after night with Pattaya bar girlLegacyA Chinese tourist’s night out in Pattaya turned sour after he woke up alone in his hotel room to discover that 8,000 baht had vanished, along with the woman he had brought back from a local beer bar. At around 11.06pm yesterday, August 6, Jiang Peng, a 38 year old Chinese national, filed a complaint with Police Sub-Lieutenant Kittipong Thalaengkan of Pattaya City Police Station. Jiang reported that he had been the victim of theft at a daily-rent accommodation near Pattaya Beach in Nong Prue sub-district, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri. According to Jiang, speaking through an interpreter, he had visited a beer bar in Soi Pattaya Beach 6 the previous night. There, he met an attractive woman, and the two hit it off quickly. After spending some time together, he invited her back to his room to continue their evening. However, when Jiang awoke later that afternoon, the woman was gone without a trace. Initially, he didn’t suspect anything unusual. Picture courtesy of ค้นข่าวnews Facebook But upon checking his belongings, he realised 8,000 baht (US$250) in cash had disappeared. Convinced that the woman had taken the money, he headed straight to the police station to file an official complaint. Pol. Sub-Lt. Kittipong conducted a detailed interview and forwarded the case to Police Colonel Anake Srathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya Police. Investigators have been dispatched to the area to gather evidence and identify the woman in question. She will be called in for questioning to ensure a fair and transparent investigation for all parties involved, reported KhaoSod. In similar news, Na Jomtien police scored a win after arresting a 40 year old Thai man accused of stealing a Russian tourist’s belongings right under his nose. The incident unfolded as 45 year old A, a Russian national, was enjoying a swim near a resort in Na Jomtien, Sattahip, Chon Buri. He had left his valuables, including a Google Pixel 8 smartphone, driver’s licence, two credit cards, and his hotel key card, on a nearby table, assuming they’d be safe while he relaxed in the water. The story Chinese Tourist robbed after night with Pattaya bar girl as seen on Thaiger News.

Tourist thrown into palm tree in Pattaya bike crashLegacyA high-speed motorbike crash in Pattaya left a foreign tourist critically injured after being flung into a palm tree during a shocking late-night collision. The incident occurred at around 10pm on Tuesday, August 5, on Jomtien Second Road, prompting an emergency response from the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Unit. At the scene, emergency personnel discovered a red-black Yamaha Finn overturned near the median. Its rider, 23 year old Jesadaporn Tonnoy, a Bolt mobile app taxi driver, was found lying injured on the road. His passenger, a Russian woman, suffered multiple injuries, including bruising, chest discomfort, and back pain. Roughly 300 metres away, rescuers located a Triumph Trident 660cc motorcycle lying damaged with its foreign rider severely injured. His identity and nationality have not yet been released. According to eyewitnesses, Jesadaporn had attempted an abrupt and illegal U-turn across a zebra crossing, directly into oncoming traffic. The area is marked for pedestrian use and has visible traffic signals. The reckless turn sent the Yamaha into the path of the high-powered Triumph, triggering a devastating impact. The foreign rider was reportedly catapulted into a palm tree on the central reservation, sustaining critical injuries. Conflicting reports have emerged over whether the big bike was speeding at the time of the collision. Rescue teams administered first aid on-site before rushing all three victims to the hospital. The current conditions of the riders have not yet been confirmed by hospital staff. Deputy Inspector Chaynaret Phengkaen of Pattaya City Police Station is heading the investigation. Officers have documented the crash site and will review CCTV footage from nearby cameras to determine the exact sequence of events. “We are gathering all available evidence to understand what led to this serious accident. CCTV footage will be crucial in determining liability.” Police have confirmed that legal proceedings are expected once all parties’ statements are collected and the footage analysed, The Pattaya News reported. The accident has once again raised concerns about reckless driving and illegal U-turns in high-traffic areas of Pattaya, particularly by app-based taxi riders who operate under time pressure. The story Tourist thrown into palm tree in Pattaya bike crash as seen on Thaiger News.

ตร.ทท.จับมือ สถานฑูตเกาหลี ตม.ชลบุรี บุกทลายเครือข่ายคอลเซ็นเตอร์ เกาหลี-จีน ของกลางเพียบ พื้นที่ห้วยใหญ่ และนาจอมเทียน  เมื่อเวลา 23.06 น.วันที่ 6 สิงหาคม 2568 พล.ต.ท.ศักย์ศิรา เผือกอ่ำ ผบช.ทท. พ.ต.อ.ทรงวุฒิ เชื้อพลากิจ ผกก.2 บก.ทท.1 พ.ต.อ.นภัสพงษ์โฆษิตสุริยมณี ผกก.ตม.จว.ชลบุรี ได้สั่งการให้ พ.ต.ท.ต่อลาภ ตินะมาตร สวญ.ส.ทท.4 กก.2 บก.ทท.1 พ.ต.ท.ศุภรัตน์ มีปรีชา สว.ส.ทท.4 กก.2 บก. ทท.1 พ.ต.ต.อภิชาติ จารุรักษ์ สว.ส.ทท.4 กก.2 บก.ทท.1 พ.ต.ต.สมชนก ชัยประเสริฐสกุล สว.กก.2 บก.ทท.1 เจ้าหน้าที่ตำรวจตรวจคนเข้าเมืองจังหวัดชลบุรี เจ้าหน้าที่สถานฑูตเกาหลี ร่วมกันตรวจสอบที่พัก ในพื้นที่ห้วยใหญ่ และนาจอมเทียน หลังรับแจ้งขอความช่วยเหลือจาก MR. HYUNSUB อายุ 31 ปี […]

Busted: Korean-Chinese call centre gang raided in Chon BuriLegacyA South Korean man’s report of assault led officers to uncover an alleged Korean-Chinese call centre operation in Chon Buri, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of electronic equipment. In a late-night operation yesterday, August 6 at 11.06pm, Thai Tourist Police, Chon Buri Immigration, and the South Korean Embassy launched a coordinated raid targeting a cross-border call centre scam network in Chon Buri’s Huai Yai and Na Jomtien areas. The sting was triggered by a distress report from 31 year old South Korean national Hyunsub An, who told police he had been assaulted and feared for his life. Officers tracked him down to a single-storey house in Na Jomtien, where he was found battered and bruised with injuries to his face, head, and neck. Leading the swift response were Tourist Police Commander Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuak-am, Deputy Commander of Tourist Police Division 1, Police Colonel Songwut Chueplakij, and Chon Buri Immigration Superintendent Pol. Col. Napassapong Kosit Suriyamanee. Investigators soon uncovered that Hyunsub An had previous links to a similar scam busted on June 21, where 22 South Koreans were arrested at a pool villa in Bang Lamung for running a loan-sharking and scam operation. The follow-up investigation led authorities to two houses in a Bang Lamung estate. At one location, police arrested two South Korean men, one Chinese man, and a South Korean woman. The second house held four more South Korean men. All eight confessed to operating a call centre scam out of a commercial building in Huai Yai. The building was rigged with 10 glass-partitioned rooms. Two served as “government office” sets used to deceive victims, while a large central room acted as the control hub, reported The Pattaya News. Seized during the raid were: 17 laptops and desktop computers 15 mobile phones Multiple internet routers The eight suspects were identified as Chinese national 23 year old Linhao Tian, 24 year old Damsik Lee (all South Koreans from here), 36 year old Joon Mo Ye, 25 year old Jiyoung Lee, 34 year old Sungeun Lee, 26 year old Soonbum Park, 31 year old Jindong Lim, and 21 year old Sangwoo Park. All were handed over to Chon Buri Immigration for visa cancellation and legal action. The seized evidence was transferred to Huai Yai Police Station. Police are still hunting for additional suspects believed to have fled before the raid. More to follow. The story Busted: Korean-Chinese call centre gang raided in Chon Buri as seen on Thaiger News.

บุกจับร้านน้ำกระท่อม พบกลุ่มวัยรุ่นมั่วสุม ยึดยาบ้า ยาเค ยาอี อื้อ