Children take off in a sack race during the morning games at the first HHN Games event. PATTAYA, Thailand – The HHN Foundation for Thai Children held its inaugural HHN Games at the Child Protection and Development Center (CPDC) in Huai Yai. The event was presided over by Ms. Ratchada Chomchinda, Director of the HHN Foundation, alongside Deputy Director Mr. Siromet Akarapongpanich, staff, teachers, and children under the foundation’s care. Four teams—Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue—competed in a variety of games aimed at promoting physical health, mental well-being, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The morning began with an opening ceremony, followed by cultural performances from students of the ASEAN Learning Center and CPDC children. Traditional games such as obstacle eating contests, sack races, and tug-of-war added excitement to the festivities. During the lunch break, staff and children shared a meal together before the afternoon highlight: 7-a-side football matches. This team sport helped enhance both physical and social development by fostering communication, cooperation, and unity. In the boys’ football category, the Red team took first place, followed by Blue, Green, and Yellow. In the girls’ category, the Blue team claimed victory, with Red in second, Yellow third, and Green fourth. The overall championship was awarded to the Red team, with Blue, Green, and Yellow finishing second through fourth respectively. The event left lasting joy and cherished memories for both children and staff, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to provide holistic care and development opportunities for all youth under its guidance. Students from the ASEAN Learning Center perform for the crowd before the competitions begin. The highlight of the day: 7-a-side football matches that built unity, resilience, and team spirit.   The Red team celebrates their overall championship win, capping off a day of laughter and sportsmanship.  

As crime rises in Pattaya, many are asking: Could AI Police Cyborgs offer a bias-free, corruption-resistant solution to support human officers in keeping the city safe? PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s Walking Street, Soi Buakhao, and beachside nightlife zones—popular hubs for entertainment and tourism—are now also emerging as hotspots for rising crime, including late-night brawls, drug trafficking, theft, and public disturbances. These growing safety concerns have intensified pressure on Pattaya’s police force, already stretched thin by the city’s booming visitor numbers and 24-hour economy. In light of these challenges, the question arises: Could Pattaya benefit from the deployment of AI-powered police robots, like the recently introduced AI Police Cyborg 1.0 in Nakhon Pathom? The humanoid robot has already demonstrated impressive results in crime prevention and suspect identification using real-time surveillance, facial recognition, and behavioral analysis. It contributed to the arrest of 14 individuals with outstanding warrants in just a few weeks. The appeal of such technology in Pattaya is strong—not only due to its 24/7 vigilance and precision, but also because AI systems operate without human bias or susceptibility to bribes. In a city where corruption and selective law enforcement have occasionally been public concerns, introducing AI-based policing could represent a move toward more transparent, accountable law enforcement. Furthermore, AI robots can integrate with CCTV networks and drones across high-risk zones such as Walking Street, Bali Hai Pier, and nightlife districts, helping identify and de-escalate incidents before they spiral out of control. Their presence could serve both as a deterrent and a practical tool in areas overwhelmed during major festivals and tourism surges. While no technology can fully replace human judgment and community engagement, AI police robots may be a valuable support system—providing neutrality, consistency, and rapid data analysis that conventional officers alone cannot match. If successfully implemented, they could help Pattaya not only manage crime more effectively but also rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

Upper Thailand, including Pattaya, remains at risk of dust and haze, though recent rainfall helps keep levels moderate. PATTAYA, Thailand – While Pattaya remains under mostly hot and humid conditions with occasional isolated thunderstorms, the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather warning for southern Thailand, cautioning residents to prepare for potential flash floods and landslides due to heavy rain. In Pattaya and other parts of upper Thailand, daytime temperatures continue to soar under intense heat, especially during midday hours. Scattered thunderstorms and gusty winds may develop in the afternoon, driven by southeasterly winds bringing moisture into the region. Locals and tourists are advised to stay hydrated, seek shade, and be cautious of sudden changes in weather conditions. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned the South to brace for heavy downpours, especially in areas along foothills and river basins. Accumulated rainfall could lead to flash floods and runoff in vulnerable regions. This is due to an easterly wind wave moving across the Gulf of Thailand, the South, and the Andaman Sea, while a northwesterly wind continues to dominate the Andaman area. Waves in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea are expected to reach up to 1 meter, and over 2 meters in stormy areas. Fishermen and small boat operators are urged to avoid maritime activity where thunderstorms are present. In the North, Northeast, and Central regions – including Bangkok and surrounding provinces – hot weather persists with some isolated thunderstorms and strong winds. The TMD warns that residents in these areas should be cautious of sudden storms and maintain their health during this period of fluctuating weather. The southern and southeasterly winds transporting moisture across upper Thailand are responsible for this weather pattern. The department also noted that air quality in upper Thailand remains within a slight to moderate level of dust and haze accumulation, thanks to ongoing scattered rain in the region, which helps reduce particulate concentration.

Michael Cunich shares his experience with prostate cancer and his positive outlook on life post-surgery. PATTAYA, Thailand – On April 30, 2025, the Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) welcomed 2 speakers.  Michael Cunich shared his experience with prostate cancer. Eric Jordan gave an update on the activities of the British Overseas Voter Forum. Michael shared his personal story about prostate cancer, including his journey to ED (erectile dysfunction) and the decision to get a penile implant.  He started experiencing symptoms at the age of 62, including frequent nighttime urination, lack of sleep, and a general feeling of being unwell. After undergoing various tests, Michael was diagnosed with stage two prostate cancer. He opted for robotic surgery to remove his prostate, which led to complications with his sexual health. After unsuccessful attempts with medication and injections, Michael decided to get a penile implant. He described the process and the positive impact it had on his quality of life. Michael emphasized the importance of regular check-ups and being proactive about one’s health. He also highlighted that ED can be caused by various factors, not just cancer. Michael shared his positive outlook on life post-surgery and encouraged others to seek medical advice and treatment if needed. Eric began by apologizing for the UK-centric nature of the presentation but mentioned that it touches on democratic practices in other countries as well. He explained that the British Overseas Voters Forum (BOVF) was established at the beginning of last year and is still very promising in accomplishing its goals. Eric recalled that in February last year, the chairman of BOVF gave a presentation, and this current presentation serves as both a recap and an update due to several events that have occurred since then, including a general election in the UK. He mentioned the following problems facing British expats: (1) More than 40% of British pensioners living overseas have their pensions frozen, meaning they don’t receive cost-of-living allowances; (2) UK banks are arbitrarily closing accounts of customers living overseas due to compliance issues; (3) Income requirements for bringing a foreign spouse to the UK have significantly increased; and (4)  British citizens living overseas face high tertiary education fees when applying to UK universities. Eric highlighted the mission of the BOVF, which is to help British citizens living overseas engage with the UK democratic process, advocate for change to address key issues negatively impacting British citizens living overseas, and introduce better ideas for electoral reform. He emphasized that the BOVF is not aiming to be a trade union to campaign on everything people overseas want but rather to focus on areas of unfairness and engage with UK elected representatives. Eric also discussed the flaws in the voting mechanism for overseas British citizens, mentioning that the voting options are limited to postal or proxy voting, which is severely flawed. He advocated for overseas constituencies and mentioned that BOVF is teaming up with other organizations to push for the introduction of MPs for overseas UK parliamentary constituencies. In addition, the morning saw the debut of what is to become a regular feature at the PCEC: interview of members. This is to enable members to get to know each other much better and share the often-fascinating stories of how life led them to Thailand. Eric Jordan gives an update on the activities of the British Overseas Voter Forum and encourages British Expats to get involved. For this introductory interview, Club Member Amy Falken introduced Liz Warner. Liz is a new member of the PCEC and upon moving to Thailand, she has been following the club’s activities through its weekly Newsletter and YouTube videos of presentations. She moved to Thailand after her husband passed away and now lives with her son and his Thai lady. Liz’s said her son chose Thailand as the best place to move to and after joining him, she has found great resources and support in the PCEC. Amy asked Liz about her career before coming to Thailand. Liz has had a diverse career, starting as a secretary manager and later becoming a flight attendant at the age of 40. She worked for TWA and later became an instructor, teaching emergency procedures for flight attendants. Liz emphasized that being a flight attendant involves more than just serving beverages and food; it includes handling emergencies and providing various types of support. She shared that flight attendants undergo recurrent training to stay prepared for emergencies. Liz also shared her experiences with bad passenger behavior and how it has changed over the years. Liz also mentioned that she also worked for charter airlines and in the Las Vegas convention industry and shared some of her involvement in conventions and trade shows; highlighting some memorable events. After the presentations, MC Ren Lexander updated everyone on some upcoming events. This was followed by the Open Forum where the audience can ask questions or make comments about expat living in Thailand, especially Pattaya.  For more information about the PCEC, visit their website at https://pcec.club. To view videos of the presentations on the PCEC’s YouTube Channel, visit https://www.youtube.com/@pcecclub6255/videos. Amy Falken (left) debuts a new feature at the PCEC as she interviews new member Liz Warner (right) about her background and how she came to be an Expat in Thailand.

With long-distance arrivals from Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East surging, Thailand embraces new markets to power through the low season. PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand enters the traditionally quieter low season, tourism authorities are shifting focus to new and long-distance markets to maintain momentum in international arrivals. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the country welcomed 11,350,463 international tourists between January 1 and April 21, 2025—a figure that reflects strong year-on-year growth, particularly from long-haul destinations. The most notable surges include Israel (+97.43%), Italy (+28.6%), France (+22.65%), the UK (+20.61%), and Australia (+16.85%). Other standout markets include Russia, the U.S.A., Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Saudi Arabia, all recording double-digit growth. These trends underscore Thailand’s successful outreach to high-value, long-distance travelers seeking more than just beach vacations. To capitalize on this growth, the TAT is diversifying its promotional strategy to emphasize health and wellness, sports and entertainment tourism, yachting, digital nomad-friendly workations, and sustainable travel. These niches are expected to attract affluent and experience-driven visitors, helping Thailand reach its 2025 target of 39 million international tourists and 2.23 trillion baht in revenue. Pattaya, long recognized for its dynamic nightlife and seaside entertainment, is rebranding itself to better suit the tastes of these emerging markets. The city is increasingly promoting luxury spa retreats, international sporting events, health-focused getaways, and co-working hubs to appeal to digital nomads and professionals on “workation.” For adventure-seekers and wellness tourists, Pattaya offers everything from yachting, golfing at world-class courses, to Muay Thai camps and holistic wellness centers. Meanwhile, cultural tourists can enjoy attractions like the Sanctuary of Truth, local art galleries, and culinary experiences blending Thai and international flavors. Efforts are also underway to improve infrastructure, cleanliness, and safety, enhancing the city’s appeal to families, solo travelers, and older tourists from high-spending nations. With direct connections to Bangkok and proximity to U-Tapao International Airport, Pattaya is well-placed as a gateway for long-haul visitors looking to experience Thailand beyond the usual tourist trail. As Thailand diversifies its tourism portfolio, Pattaya is primed to welcome a new wave of international travelers—with offerings that align with the desires of the modern, discerning tourist.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most iconic beach destinations, continues to draw millions of tourists annually. But as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) pushes to position the country for high-value and sustainable tourism growth, some long-time visitors and industry observers are asking tough questions about whether Pattaya is ready to evolve — or if it’s falling behind. From January 1 to April 21, 2025, Thailand welcomed over 11.35 million international arrivals, according to the TAT. While short-haul markets like China and Malaysia remain important, it’s the long-distance markets showing remarkable year-on-year growth: France (+22.65%), Italy (+28.6%), Israel (+97.43%), the U.K. (+20.61%), and the U.S.A. (+12.83%). These are the very travelers TAT is targeting with experiences in wellness, yachting, digital nomadism, and luxury leisure. Yet in Pattaya, the reality on the ground may not match the vision on paper. Despite years of booming construction, many long-time residents say infrastructure has not kept pace. “Overbuilt for years in Pattaya with no improvement to infrastructure, no parking, no widening of roads, no maintenance of sidewalks… it is becoming overrun,” said one frequent visitor, who added that Indian tourism has surged but public services haven’t kept up. Another expat, who lived in Pattaya before relocating to rural Thailand, said he now dreads returning for his quarterly visa runs. “I cringe at the thought of driving in Pattaya. The road infrastructure is pathetic. I book a hotel with parking because you can’t find parking on the street,” he explained. Others complain of declining aesthetics and overcrowding in certain areas, particularly South Pattaya, which has become heavily commercialized with a blend of Thai and Indian businesses. While some locals see the rise in Indian tourism as economically beneficial, others express unease — at times, harshly — over the city’s changing character. There is also dissatisfaction with how some policies are perceived as unfriendly to long-term holidaymakers. The lack of an easy, cost-free visa extension for long-stay tourists continues to irk many. “They do not appreciate long holiday tourists? The Thai travel industry needs to use its brain and do everything for free travel, comfort, safety, and perfect service,” said another online commentator. Yet responses remain divided. “If you don’t like it, why don’t you fly back to where you came from?” snapped one Pattaya resident in response to critical comments online — a remark reflecting growing tension between different segments of the city’s international community. To truly attract the kind of high-value travelers that Thailand is targeting — those seeking wellness retreats, luxury resorts, digital workspaces, and cultural immersion — Pattaya must address its weaknesses. Better transportation infrastructure, aesthetic urban design, parking solutions, pedestrian-friendly areas, and a stronger emphasis on safety and cleanliness will all be essential. The city has a lot to offer: world-class beachfront resorts, a growing café and co-working culture, golf, yachting, and access to medical tourism. But unless infrastructure and policy evolve to match the needs of discerning travelers, Pattaya risks being overlooked by the very audience Thailand hopes to attract. “There’s still time for Pattaya to adapt,” said one local hotelier, “but it needs to start treating tourism as a long-term investment, not just a short-term transaction.”

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