Jomtien officials attempt to speak with a foreign man reported to be acting aggressively but he suddenly flees mid-conversation. PATTAYA, Thailand – Jomtien municipal officers were dispatched to investigate reports of a foreign man behaving erratically on Jomtien Second Road. Initially, the situation seemed manageable, with the man engaging in brief conversation. However, without warning, he abruptly fled the scene, prompting further concern. Authorities have pledged to continue monitoring the case closely to ensure public safety, as residents have begun expressing growing fear over the man’s unpredictable actions. One local recalled riding past him talking to himself in the morning, while another claimed he had previously seen the man chasing a dog with apparent intent to harm. Some residents allege this is not the first such incident involving the individual, urging authorities to take decisive action, including potential deportation. Public comments online reflect rising anxiety, with citizens demanding stricter visa screenings and more serious enforcement against foreign nationals who pose safety risks. Locals say the man has been involved in multiple alarming incidents, including chasing dogs and talking to himself in public. Concerned residents call for serious action and possible deportation, citing safety risks and poor foreigner screening.

Rattanathibet Police Station struggles with half its intended staff, pushing the remaining officers beyond their limits. PATTAYA, Thailand – A junior officer at Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi revealed a deepening internal crisis: a critical shortage of personnel paired with overwhelming workloads is pushing staff—especially investigators—into mental health decline. The station, which officially has a personnel quota of 300 officers, currently operates with only around 150. This shortage is felt across all departments, but the investigative unit is the hardest hit, with fewer than 10 officers rotating around the clock to handle an immense volume of cases. Rattanathibet Station is located in a densely populated urban area near major roads, making it a hub for public complaints and legal filings. Officers in the investigative division report having to manage multiple complex cases daily under tight deadlines, causing severe stress and eventual burnout. Many investigators began experiencing symptoms of depression without realizing it. A recent mental health evaluation conducted by psychiatrists at the station showed alarming results: out of 11 investigators, four were diagnosed with clinical depression requiring medication. One officer, whose condition had become severe and unresponsive to maximum medication, was advised by psychiatrists to resign from the force for his own safety. Others showing early signs of depression have requested transfers to different departments in hopes of easing their mental burden. The situation at Rattanathibet Police Station serves as a stark warning to other high-pressure law enforcement hubs, including stations in fast-paced cities like Pattaya. With similarly high volumes of public interactions, legal filings, and tourist-related incidents, Pattaya’s police force could soon face comparable mental health challenges if staffing levels and workloads are not properly balanced. Authorities are urged to take proactive steps—such as increasing personnel, providing mental health support, and restructuring case management—to prevent a similar crisis from unfolding in one of Thailand’s busiest tourist cities. Mental health evaluations reveal 4 out of 11 investigators suffer from clinical depression—one urged to resign for his own wellbeing.

Mayor Poramet leads debrief on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and presents the proceeds to the Father Ray Foundation. PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presided over a meeting to review the outcomes of the 12th St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 and presented the event’s proceeds (1,544,467 baht) to the Father Ray Foundation on April 30. The meeting, held at Pattaya City Hall, included participation from government officials, public and private sector agencies, and event staff. Father Korkiat Deesri, President of the Father Ray Foundation, also attended with his team. The event, jointly organized by Pattaya City and the Father Ray Foundation, was held on March 17 along the Dusit Curve on Pattaya Beach Road. It celebrated St. Patrick’s Day while fostering relationships between government, private organizations, and local communities, and aimed to promote tourism in Pattaya. During the meeting, the organizing team presented a summary of the event’s results, including key issues encountered and suggestions for improving future parades. Organizers also expressed gratitude to all supporting agencies and formally handed over the event’s revenue to the Father Ray Foundation. Mayor Poramet thanked the event organizers and all involved sectors, affirming Pattaya’s continued support for inclusive events that appeal to tourists of all lifestyles. He emphasized that such activities align with the city’s “Better Pattaya” policy, which seeks to promote sustainable tourism through innovative and community-driven initiatives. Mayor Poramet emphasizes that such activities align with the city’s “Better Pattaya” policy, which seeks to promote sustainable tourism through innovative and community-driven initiatives. Mayor Poramet thanks the event organizers and all involved sectors, affirming Pattaya’s continued support for inclusive events that appeal to tourists of all lifestyles.

Pattaya City urges residents to stop posting signs and scribbling on public property to maintain urban cleanliness and order. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City is calling on the public to cooperate by refraining from attaching signs or writing on public property, including electrical poles and other infrastructure. The campaign aims to preserve the city’s cleanliness, orderliness, and overall visual appeal. Authorities have warned that anyone who violates these guidelines will face legal action. The announcement has sparked reactions from local residents online. Many expressed agreement and shared personal concerns, particularly about election campaign signs that obstruct views and create hazards. One resident commented that a large sign nearly caused a traffic accident, while others demanded consistent enforcement, including for political advertisements. Some said all unauthorized signs should be removed and offenders fined without exception. Pattaya officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing these regulations fairly and firmly, ensuring public spaces remain neat, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Locals voice support, citing safety concerns and calling for stricter enforcement—especially on obstructive election signs.

Belgian man, 25, causes a scene at a Pattaya convenience store after drinking heavily. PATTAYA, Thailand – A drunken outburst by a 25-year-old Belgian man caused chaos inside a convenience store in Soi Naklua 16, Pattaya-Naklua Road. The incident ended with police intervention and a hefty fine. The tourist, later identified as Mr. Mustafa, was reportedly intoxicated when he entered the store and began behaving erratically. He knocked over more than ten bottles of wine, smashing them, and bizarrely poured soft drinks over his own head. Startled staff and customers called local authorities for help. Police quickly arrived at the scene and took Mr. Mustafa into custody to sober up. He was charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Once sober, Mr. Mustafa agreed to fully compensate the store for the damages, paying a total of 35,000 baht. The store owner accepted the payment and declined to pursue further legal action. Both parties parted ways peacefully following the settlement. Over 10 bottles of wine shattered as the tourist knocks them off the shelves inside a convenience store in Soi Naklua 16. In bizarre act, the man pours soft drinks over his own head during the rampage. Police detain the suspect, who later pays 35,000 baht in damages to avoid prosecution.

Six-wheeled truck crashes into pole after brake failure in Nongprue. PATTAYA, Thailand – A dramatic accident was narrowly averted in Pattaya when a six-wheeled water delivery truck suffered sudden brake failure and the quick-thinking driver made a split-second decision to crash into a utility pole rather than endanger others. The incident occurred at the entrance of Soi Sukhumvit 89 (also known as Soi Thung Klom Tanman), Nongprue, East Pattaya. The Isuzu truck, loaded with water and weighing four tons, lost control and slammed into a high-voltage power pole. The front of the vehicle was completely wrecked. Inside the truck, 35-year-old driver Thanapon was found with only minor injuries. He remained at the scene and cooperated fully with police. Nearby, a road sign was knocked over, a CCTV pole was damaged, and an electrical control box was hit. The accident happened during a heavy traffic period. Local police and rescue officials worked quickly to manage traffic congestion while investigating the crash. Thanapon explained that he had just delivered water to a customer and was exiting Sukhumvit 89 when the brakes failed. With cars stopped ahead of him, he had two choices: crash into them or divert. He chose to steer into the utility pole to prevent a serious accident on the main Sukhumvit Road. “If I hadn’t swerved, I could have plowed into traffic on Sukhumvit and seriously injured someone,” he said. Police from Nongprue Station are now reviewing CCTV footage from the scene to finalize the accident report. Driver hailed for heroic decision to avoid hitting traffic on Sukhumvit Road. Traffic sign, CCTV pole, and control box damaged in the incident.   Police reviewing surveillance footage to complete accident investigation.

A tourist brawl turns violent near Pattaya Beach, adding to growing safety concerns among expats and visitors. PATTAYA, Thailand – A surge in daily violent incidents in Pattaya is casting a long shadow over the city’s once-carefree image, prompting alarm among expat residents and forcing many to reconsider their long-term plans in the region. What was once a haven of sun, sand, and nightlife is now increasingly associated with altercations, assaults, and late-night chaos. From bar brawls involving intoxicated tourists to petty disputes escalating into violent confrontations, the frequency of these incidents is unsettling both locals and foreigners alike. The recent case of a Hungarian tourist who was injured after allegedly refusing to pay for drinks and entertainment at a cannabis bar is just the latest in a string of concerning headlines. “The daily violence has made tourists double think where they want to go on holiday,” said one long-term resident who has lived in Pattaya for seven years. “The uptake in daily violence has had me double think why I am staying amongst violent tourists. I live outside the city to be safe.” For many expats, particularly those who once embraced Pattaya’s blend of affordability and tropical lifestyle, the shift in the city’s atmosphere is pushing them to seek more peaceful alternatives—either by relocating to quieter nearby towns like Rayong or Hua Hin, or by returning to their home countries altogether. While local authorities continue to emphasize security measures and tourist policing, many believe deeper societal and regulatory reforms are needed to restore a sense of safety. Until then, the growing number of unsettling incidents is likely to keep Pattaya under critical scrutiny—not just from visitors, but from the very community that helped shape its international appeal. Emergency responders assist a foreign man injured in an altercation, one of several violent incidents reported this month. Popular nightlife zones in Pattaya, once bustling with carefree visitors, are now scenes of increasing tension and public disorder. Some expats now live outside the city limits, citing fears of growing violence and the unpredictability of tourist behavior.

Hungarian tourist assaulted in Pattaya after refusing to pay bar bill and entertainer fee PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Police Station received a report of an assault at a cannabis and cocktail shop near Soi Pattaya Beach 12 at 12:16 a.m. on April 30 At the location, Mr. Imre Vig, a 53-year-old Hungarian national, was found injured with a torn and bleeding left ear. Rescue personnel administered first aid before transporting him to the hospital. The assailant had fled before authorities arrived. Meanwhile, staff at the cannabis and cocktail shop expressed frustration over the incident and presented an unpaid bill totaling 1,570 baht to the police as evidence. According to staff, the tourist had consumed both alcoholic beverages and cannabis at the venue before inviting a transgender woman from the beach to entertain him. When the shop was about to close, the tourist refused to pay the bill and the entertainer’s fee, leading to an argument. The entertainer reportedly called friends to help resolve the dispute, but the situation escalated into a physical altercation. Staff intervened to prevent more serious injury. After receiving medical treatment, Mr. Vig will be taken in for questioning by investigators to settle the unpaid bill, as he claimed he intended to pay but had issues with his phone. If he chooses to press charges for the assault, investigators will search for the suspects and proceed with legal action. Injured man taken to hospital with a torn ear following late-night bar dispute. Staff reveal tourist smoked and drank heavily, then refused to settle the 1,570 baht bill. Transgender entertainer called friends after tourist declined to pay — fight broke out.

Tourists and locals alike question whether the government’s visa policy rethink unfairly blames one city for the nation’s issues. PATTAYA, Thailand – A growing wave of criticism is targeting the Thai government’s recent move to revise or possibly reverse its visa-free entry policy for several nationalities, with Pattaya once again finding itself in the eye of the storm. Officials have hinted that concerns about rising crime and social disorder — much of it allegedly linked to foreign nationals in tourist hotspots like Pattaya — are pushing authorities to reconsider the leniency granted to short-term visitors. The policy adjustment, which could impact travelers from countries that recently enjoyed visa-free access, has sparked outrage from both Thais and long-term visitors alike. Many feel the government is unfairly scapegoating the city of Pattaya and the broader foreign community. A widely shared comment reads: “It should read ‘Is Thailand punishing everyone because of Pattaya..?’” — a sentiment that captures the growing frustration among those who say it’s easier for authorities to blame foreign tourists than to address systemic issues. Critics argue that the real problem lies not just with tourists, but with enforcement and accountability within Thailand itself. One commentator bluntly stated: “Here’s a thought: Why not police your own people?” Critics say Thailand’s crime problems aren’t just about foreigners — and point fingers at poor enforcement and deeper local issues. The perception that Pattaya is a haven for criminal activity has long been a talking point in national discussions — yet many argue that this narrative ignores deeper issues. Another pointed comment reflects this frustration: “If there’s any threat to Thailand’s (World Class) image and financial national security, 99.9% of that is on Thai people themselves.” They continued: “Look at all the crap we see in the news that Thai people do. I don’t need to list it because we all know what I’m talking about. It’s no wonder some foreigners come here and have no respect for much of anything, period.” While it’s undeniable that foreign involvement in crime exists, critics of the new visa rethink are calling for a more balanced approach — one that recognizes local complicity and strengthens law enforcement without punishing genuine visitors or damaging the tourism-dependent economy. The debate continues to highlight Thailand’s complex relationship with its tourism industry, where places like Pattaya simultaneously drive economic growth and draw scrutiny. As authorities move forward with any policy changes, many are asking whether the focus should shift from reactionary visa policies to deeper reforms in policing, immigration controls, and local governance. As visa rules tighten, frustrated voices call out the double standard in how crime and image are managed in Thailand.   Debate erupts as officials link Pattaya to national security threats — but many say the real problem lies within.

Authorities in Pattaya assist six homeless individuals, offering shelter and care under Thai social protection laws. PATTAYA, Thailand – Authorities in Pattaya have continued efforts to address homelessness and public order by assisting individuals in need, regardless of nationality or legal status. Acting on official orders, local peacekeeping officers, in coordination with the Chonburi Provincial Social Development Office and the Homeless Protection Center, conducted inspections across Pattaya to manage the issue of homelessness in public areas. During the operation, six individuals identified as homeless voluntarily accepted support and were transported to the Rong Po Homeless Shelter for care. Officials emphasized that all individuals, regardless of their status, are entitled to legal protection and social assistance under Thai law. The initiative has prompted a wave of online discussion, with some residents expressing concern over the growing presence of homeless individuals in tourist areas, particularly in the early mornings. Several comments raised the issue of intoxicated individuals seen sleeping along the beach, questioning how some of them—believed to be undocumented migrants—entered the country. There was frustration expressed about foreigners allegedly taking jobs from locals, and concern about children being involved in street vending instead of attending school or getting adequate rest. Others supported the idea of offering aid to struggling Thai citizens but called for stricter action against non-Thais without legal status. While the authorities did not confirm the nationalities of those taken into care, they reaffirmed their commitment to acting in accordance with Thai law and upholding basic human rights, while acknowledging public concerns about social order, tourism image, and immigration enforcement. All individuals, regardless of status, are entitled to protection — officials reaffirm human rights in ongoing city cleanup. Six people voluntarily accept help and are transferred to the Rong Po Homeless Shelter following a city inspection.   Online reactions mixed: some support the aid efforts, others question the presence of undocumented foreigners. Public concerns grow over intoxicated individuals and street children seen along Pattaya Beach in the early morning. Officials vow continued action, balancing social support with maintaining public order and city image.