Bright transformation – Soi Praisani is now brightly lit with new LED streetlights, enhancing safety and visibility. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Council members led an initiative to enhance community safety by upgrading streetlights in Soi Praisani (Post Office Alley) with energy-efficient LED bulbs. The campaign, under the theme “Bright Communities for a Safer Pattaya,” aims to improve lighting while reducing electricity costs by more than 50%. LED lights offer numerous benefits, including brighter and more consistent illumination, lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, reduced maintenance, and enhanced safety due to less heat emission. The installation is part of a broader effort to modernize Pattaya’s public infrastructure. Residents expressed their satisfaction online, commenting on the improved visibility. Some joked, “It’s so bright I thought I walked into the wrong alley!” Others praised the city for taking action but also used the opportunity to request similar upgrades in darker neighborhoods such as Soi Khao Talo 1, Chalermphrakiat Soi 8, and Chaiyaphruek Road near railway junctions. Despite the positive feedback, residents in areas like South Pattaya, Nongprue, Chaiyapornvithi in Naklua, and along Sukhumvit Road in Banglamung continue to raise concerns about poor lighting and delayed government action. Many call for faster responses and clearer jurisdiction between municipal and national road authorities. Energy-saving technology – The LED fixtures save over 50% in electricity while providing more consistent lighting. Public praise and concern – Residents applaud improvements but call for expanded upgrades in other neglected areas. Calls for wider reform – Citizens urge clearer responsibility between city and national authorities for unlit roads. Many also call for faster responses and clearer jurisdiction between municipal and national road authorities.

Emergency inspection team at Bali Hai Pier investigates damage to automated parking structure. PATTAYA, Thailand – Social media reports of a suspected earthquake in Pattaya quickly gained traction after a large hole appeared in the wall of the Bali Hai Pier’s automatic parking building on May 7. However, city officials have confirmed that the damage was not caused by seismic activity but by a malfunction in the automated parking system due to a power surge. Pattaya City administrators were promptly dispatched to investigate the incident on-site. According to building maintenance staff, the issue stemmed from an internal power fluctuation and surge, which caused the robotic vehicle management system to issue incorrect commands. As a result, a robotic platform misfired and collided with an upper-level wall, creating a large breach. Fortunately, no customer vehicles were damaged, and no injuries were reported. Repairs are now underway by professional technicians, and the building’s management has pledged to enhance electrical inspections and enforce stricter safety measures for the automated system to prevent similar incidents in the future. Large hole in upper-level wall caused by robotic system malfunction following power surge. Officials confirm no vehicles were damaged and no injuries occurred in the incident.   Technicians begin repairs as city vows tighter safety checks on electrical and robotic systems.

The tourist’s controversial comment, made during the incident, is seen as disrespectful by many, amplifying the backlash online. PATTAYA, Thailand – A heated online controversy has erupted after a female Israeli tourist refused to follow a cultural custom in a café in Phuket, leading to widespread anger and calls for stronger regulations on tourist behavior. The incident occurred when the café staff requested that the tourist remove her shoes before entering, a common practice in many places in Thailand. However, the tourist, visibly upset, refused and shouted, “My money built your country,” a comment that many perceived as disrespectful to the local culture. A video of the incident was shared widely on social media, where it quickly went viral. The video shows the woman raising her hand angrily and using language that many felt insulted the host country. This sparked immediate criticism from Thai social media users, who expressed their displeasure and called for legal action. Many were also concerned that such incidents could harm Thailand’s reputation as a tourist destination. Many Thai users, particularly, demanded that authorities take steps to regulate tourists’ behavior, ensuring that they show respect for local traditions and customs. Some voiced frustration over what they saw as an increasing lack of cultural sensitivity from foreign visitors. On the other hand, some Israeli citizens expressed apologies on behalf of the tourist, with one widely shared comment saying, “I’m from Israel and I want to apologize for the behavior of that woman. She does not represent us at all. We don’t think like she does, and I’m ashamed of what she did. It was really disgusting.” The tourist’s controversial comment, made during the incident, is seen as disrespectful by many, amplifying the backlash online locally and internationally. As the story gained attention, many were concerned that this incident could negatively impact Thailand’s image as a top tourist destination. The tourist, in response to the backlash, issued a statement on her personal Instagram, explaining that she intended for Israeli tourism to contribute positively to Thailand’s economy, though the damage to her personal reputation and the situation in Thailand’s tourism industry was already done. The incident has ignited a fiery debate on Thai social media about the clash of cultural norms between visitors and locals. In Thailand, it is customary to remove shoes before entering homes, certain businesses, and temples, as a sign of respect for the space and the culture. This practice is deeply ingrained in Thai society and viewed as a gesture of politeness. However, for many foreign tourists, the customs in Thailand may be unfamiliar or inconvenient, leading to misunderstandings and, in some cases, confrontations like the one in Phuket. While it’s important to respect local traditions, the situation raises the question: Should Thailand be more lenient toward such unfamiliar habits, or is it crucial to uphold cultural expectations for the sake of preserving national identity?

Lions Club of Pattaya President, Lion Chotika Udomyart, presides over the meeting to discuss plans for the upcoming Lions Yacht Charity event on June 7. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Lions Club of Pattaya, led by President Lion Chotika Udomyart, held its 10th meeting of the 2024-2025 year at the Asia Pattaya Hotel. The meeting was attended by a group of members, where they discussed and finalized plans for the upcoming Lions Yacht Charity event scheduled for June 7, 2025. The charity event aims to raise funds to support various public welfare initiatives aligned with the Lions Club’s mission, which focuses on five key areas: assisting the underprivileged with financial support and medical supplies for bedridden patients, providing scholarships to youth, supporting environmental activities such as mangrove planting and coral reef restoration, contributing to healthcare through cataract surgeries and diabetes screenings, and providing aid for childhood cancer patients. The event will feature a yacht cruise from Ocean Marina Pier to Koh Larn, offering guests an opportunity to enjoy stunning sunset views, cocktails, and a relaxed social atmosphere. Attendees are encouraged to dress in white and blue, with the entire event lasting four hours on a luxurious yacht. Tickets are priced at 3,500 THB per person, and the Lions Club is also seeking additional support for the event. For further details, interested parties can contact 062-3594642. Lions Club members unanimously approve the charity event aimed at supporting various public welfare initiatives, including scholarships, healthcare, and environmental projects. The Lions Yacht Charity event will feature a luxurious yacht cruise offering breathtaking sunset views from Ocean Marina Pier to Koh Larn.   Tickets for the Lions Yacht Charity event are priced at 3,500 THB per person, with proceeds supporting the Lions Club’s ongoing public welfare activities.

Blaming the free-visa policy alone misses the bigger picture—Pattaya attracts a certain kind of tourist, and it’s not always the best. (Photo – Drunken foreigner claims bar overcharged him despite drinking little — foreign man insists he was scammed, ignoring staff’s explanation in Pattaya beer bar incident, April ‘24.) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand continues to attract millions of tourists each year, a recurring topic of debate has been the behavior of some foreign visitors—especially in destinations like Pattaya. While some have pointed fingers at the visa-free policy for exacerbating the situation, the truth is far more complex than a simple blame game. Pattaya: A Low-End Destination? Pattaya, often considered a low-end tourist destination, caters to a certain type of traveler—one that doesn’t always align with the expectations of upscale tourism. It’s true that the city draws a mix of tourists, some of whom indulge in less-than-ideal behaviors. In fact, some people claim that Pattaya attracts a certain caliber of tourists, with comments ranging from the city being “a horrible, disgusting place that smells like sewage” to calling it a haven for “low life’s and career criminals.” While these views may be harsh, they are often voiced by individuals who expect more from their travel experiences. The fact remains that Pattaya’s reputation as a party town makes it attractive to a different crowd compared to places like Chiang Mai or Phuket. Visa-Free Policy: Not the Root Cause While the Thai government has considered scrapping the extended visa-free period and has been vocal about it through various channels, the solution may not be as simple as just limiting easy access. Many critics point to countries like South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam, which also have visa-free policies, yet don’t seem to face the same volume of problematic tourists. The real issue lies not in the visa policy itself, but in how Thailand manages the flow of tourists, the behavior of certain visitors, and enforcement of local laws. If a tourist is determined to misbehave, they will likely find a way into the country, whether through a visa or not. Tourism in Pattaya brings both opportunity and challenges—stronger enforcement, not just visa policies, is the real solution. (Photo – Drunken foreigner grabs bar beer staff’s head in Pattaya after refusing to pay, claiming he was scammed, April ‘24.) The Changing Landscape of Tourism There are also arguments suggesting that the situation has worsened with new developments, like the recent legalization of cannabis in certain parts of Thailand. While it’s hard to pinpoint whether the policy change has had a direct impact on tourist behavior, some believe it has contributed to the rise in unruly tourists—especially in tourist-centric locations like Pattaya. But even before these policy shifts, Pattaya had always been associated with a “certain crowd.” The Bigger Picture Tourism is a vital part of Thailand’s economy, contributing approximately USD 90 billion annually. However, with this economic boon comes a downside—misbehaving tourists. This issue isn’t unique to Thailand. Many popular tourist destinations across the globe deal with unruly behavior, from public drunkenness to antisocial actions. The solution isn’t to lay blame on visa policies, but to implement stronger enforcement measures. Some suggest a zero-tolerance approach for “low-quality” tourists and antisocial behavior, including heavy fines, mandatory jail time, deportation, and permanent bans for offenders. Over time, these measures could send a strong message to potential troublemakers. As some argue, “Nothing’s changed. People just have cameras now to detail everything”—it’s always been a problem, but now it’s more visible. While it may be tempting to blame the free-visa policy for the rise in bad behavior, the reality is that it’s only a small piece of a much larger puzzle. Pattaya’s nature as a budget-friendly, party-centric destination will always attract a particular kind of tourist. If Thailand wants to tackle the issue of unruly behavior, it needs a multi-faceted approach that involves more stringent law enforcement, better infrastructure, and a focus on high-quality tourism experiences. And let’s not forget—tourism, both good and bad, is an integral part of Thailand’s vibrant economy.

Despite challenges in other parts of Thailand, Pattaya continues to offer a sunny oasis for tourists. PATTAYA, Thailand – While some parts of Thailand are bracing for stormy weather, Pattaya continues to shine as a reliable and inviting destination for foreign tourists—thanks in large part to its consistently warm, beach-perfect conditions. According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the southern region of Thailand is currently facing heavy rain in some areas, raising concerns about flash floods and runoff, particularly in low-lying and mountainous regions. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are experiencing generally hot weather with about a 30% chance of thunderstorms. The north is also seeing scattered storms and strong winds, with extreme heat in some zones. Despite these warnings, Pattaya—situated on the eastern Gulf coast—remains largely shielded from the most severe conditions affecting the south and the Andaman coast. Here, the weather is typically hot, dry, and breezy during this time of year, creating an ideal atmosphere for beachgoers, sunset lovers, and festival seekers. Even amid concerns like flight delays, occasional scams, or overly crowded streets, many visitors find Pattaya’s alluring coastal climate reason enough to let those worries slip away. Whether it’s lounging by the sea, enjoying an open-air seafood dinner, or attending vibrant cultural events, the city’s sun-soaked charm often outweighs the inconveniences. Add to that the relatively low dust and smog levels in the region—thanks to scattered rainfall across upper Thailand—and it’s no wonder tourists still flock to Pattaya when much of the country is either drenched or choking under the heat.

Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to PattayaLegacyA 17 year old Thai girl has gone missing in the central province of Chachoengsao while taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya. Today marks one week since her disappearance. The family of the missing teenager, Naphatsorn “Namtan” Plerphukiao, took to social media to gather information about her whereabouts. Namtan left her dormitory in the Rangsit area of Pathum Thani province at 12.06am on May 1 and has been missing since. Due to a lack of information, Namtan’s father, Boonlert Plerphukiao, travelled from Udon Thani province in the Isaan region to Bangkok to seek assistance from Channel 7 yesterday, May 7. Boonlert explained that his daughter was living in Pathum Thani for an internship. On May 1, CCTV footage from her dormitory showed her entering an orange taxi that she booked through a mobile application. She reportedly travelled from her dormitory to the Rama 3 area of Bangkok, though the purpose of her trip remains unknown. Namtan left her accommodation on the orange taxi. | Photo via Facebook/ หนองวัวซอ อัปเดต ธีระแก๊ส The teenager did not take any personal belongings with her, leaving behind her ID card, student card, and other valuables. She brought only her mobile phone. Boonlert said he repeatedly attempted to call his daughter, but she did not answer. Namtan’s father | Photo via Channel 7 He then contacted the ride-hailing app company to request information regarding her journey. According to the app, Namtan had booked another trip from Rama 3 to Pattaya Walking Street, but the driver cancelled the ride halfway through. It is believed that she may have gone missing in Chachoengsao province. Photo via Facebook/ ปภัสสร ฯ. The family filed a missing person report at Chulalongkorn Pratunam Police Station in Pathum Thani. Her father urged anyone who has seen Namtan or has any information regarding her whereabouts to contact him on 098-359-5216, her grandmother on 062-375-9349, or her older sister via Facebook account ปภัสสร ฯ.. Some netizens asked the family whether any previous conflict might have caused Namtan to cut contact, but no further details were disclosed. Photo via Facebook/ ปภัสสร ฯ. In a related case in November last year, a Thai mother was reunited with her 16 year old daughter, Bew, at a bar on Pattaya Walking Street. Bew was reportedly missing from home for three months and was later found working in a bar. The mother, torn between joy and frustration, engaged in a heated argument with the bar owner for employing her daughter as a bar girl despite her being underage. No further developments were reported, though it was believed the girl was brought home and encouraged to continue her education. The story Teenage Thai girl missing after taxi ride from Bangkok to Pattaya as seen on Thaiger News.

Robot smashes hole in Pattaya car park wallLegacyTourists and locals were left stunned after a large hole mysteriously appeared in the side of Pattaya City’s automated parking garage near Bali Hai Pier, triggering concerns over the safety of the city’s high-tech car park. The incident unfolded at around 12.30pm yesterday, May 7, when a mechanical lift arm inside the facility smashed through a wall during what should have been a routine car retrieval. The damage was visible from the outside, near the pier’s iconic clock tower, catching the attention of passersby and raising eyebrows among tourists. The manager of the parking facility, 53 year old Chukiat Wiwatthanakulthorn, confirmed the cause of the incident. “A lift arm was in the process of manoeuvring a customer’s vehicle when it accidentally struck the wall. The wall, made from concrete blocks, gave way but thankfully no cars were damaged and the lift halted immediately.” Chukiat reassured the public that the automated system is designed with multiple safety features, including an emergency stop function. When the impact occurred, the machinery immediately ceased operation, preventing further damage or potential injury. “The lift system stopped instantly, and no other equipment or vehicles were affected,” he added. The garage continues to operate as normal, with all software, mechanical systems, and vehicle lifts functioning correctly. No one was injured in the mishap, and no additional property damage was reported. The damage is confined to a section of the outer wall. Repair crews are expected to replaster the affected area using reinforced concrete blocks to restore its original appearance. Despite the unsettling sight of a crumbled wall in one of Pattaya’s most high-profile infrastructure projects, city officials have confirmed the incident poses no ongoing risk to the public, reported The Pattaya News. Still, some onlookers questioned the reliability of the automated facility. “Imagine if this had happened with a car inside,” one concerned tourist commented. “I’m not sure I’d trust a robot with my wheels after seeing that.” The Pattaya City automated parking garage, one of the first of its kind in the area, remains open to the public while repairs are underway. The story Robot smashes hole in Pattaya car park wall as seen on Thaiger News.

Pattaya air con blaze sparks high-rise chaosLegacyPanic swept through a Pattaya high-rise last night as a fire erupted on the 19th floor, forcing a frantic evacuation of terrified residents and tourists. The blaze broke out just after 8pm yesterday, May 7, at a 29-storey condominium located in Soi Chaiyapruek 3. According to the Pattaya City Disaster Relief Centre, flames were first spotted in Room 1911, with thick black smoke pouring from the rear of the unit and engulfing the upper floors. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phuttharak Sonkhamhan, Deputy Inspector of Pattaya City Police Station, rushed to the scene alongside emergency crews and disaster response personnel. The team quickly deployed water and chemical agents to suppress the fire, bringing the situation under control before it spread further. The chaos unfolded as residents were hurriedly ushered out of the building. Many were caught off guard, still dressed in pyjamas or mid-dinner, as fire alarms rang out across the complex. “I saw the fire and heard people shouting about it,” said one witness, who was filming the Pattaya skyline when he spotted the flames. “I immediately called the emergency services, and people evacuated the building.” Initial findings suggest the fire started due to an electrical short circuit in the air conditioning unit. The room’s occupant, an unnamed foreign tourist, told police he had left the air con running while heading out for errands. Upon hearing of the fire, he rushed back to the scene. The air conditioning compressor was found heavily damaged, supporting suspicions that a mechanical fault sparked the blaze. Despite the dramatic scenes and extensive smoke damage, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Police Lieutenant Colonel Phuttharak confirmed that the site has been secured and evidence collected for further investigation, reported The Pattaya News. With high-rise developments on the rise in Pattaya, questions are now being raised over building safety standards and the risks posed by ageing electrical equipment. The story Pattaya air con blaze sparks high-rise chaos as seen on Thaiger News.

Pattaya babe steals disabled Aussie man’s cash while he showersLegacyA disabled Aussie man hoping for a bit of holiday romance in Pattaya was left red-faced and out of pocket, after a beachside beauty vanished with his cash while he was in the shower. Adding insult to injury, the victim’s wheelchair had “Quickie” emblazoned on the back, a name that turned out to be more prophecy than brand, as the woman made a lightning-fast getaway. Keith Williams, had rolled along Pattaya Beach at about 1am today, May 8, when he got chatting to a Thai woman. The pair hit it off, and he invited her back to his hotel in Central Pattaya. But just minutes later, the sweet talk soured. While the 65 year old freshened up in the bathroom, the mystery woman pocketed US$350 and around 3,500 baht, then did a disappearing act. “We got along really well. I didn’t think anything was wrong. But when I got out, she was gone and so was the cash from my trouser pocket.” Shocked and seething, Williams wheeled himself back onto the street and began searching for the thief. He was spotted by Civil Defence Volunteer Officers (CDF Pattaya), who said he was “shouting and yelling” for help after spotting someone who looked suspiciously familiar, KhaoSod reported. Sure enough, he clocked the same woman on the beach, now in a different outfit, clearly trying to throw him off the scent. But the Aussie wasn’t having it. He alerted nearby police officers, but before they could pounce, she bolted once again and melted into the night. Picture of Keith Williams in a wheelchair courtesy of KhaoSod The robbery was officially reported to Police Lieutenant Akkraphong Saenputawong, Deputy Inspector at Pattaya City Police Station. Officers have now launched a full investigation and are reviewing CCTV in the area in hopes of tracking down the elusive suspect, said Pol. Lt. Akkraphong. “We have recorded the victim’s statement and are working with our investigation team to locate the suspect. We aim to ensure justice is served fairly for all parties.” The story Pattaya babe steals disabled Aussie man’s cash while he showers as seen on Thaiger News.