Indian tourists in Pattaya: Seen at night, invisible by day. Locals are starting to ask why. (Photo – Pattaya Holi Festival on the beach in March) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand navigates its off-peak season, long-term visitors and expats in Pattaya have begun sharing more unfiltered thoughts—some curious, others critical—about the changing tourist landscape. One recurring question lately? What do Indian tourists actually do during the day in Pattaya? Unlike Chinese tour groups heading to temples, or Russian visitors seen at cafes, beaches, and markets, some expats say they rarely spot Indian tourists at popular sightseeing locations, cultural sites, or local attractions. The observation has sparked an ongoing, somewhat baffled conversation in local forums and social media. One long-term resident wrote: “What do Indians do during the day? I never see them in any place, or visiting sights in or out the city. Russians, like them or not, go places, Chinese visit temples, but Indians? No idea. To me it seems they come to Thailand to phone everyone they know in India that they are in Thailand, and that might occupy their days. But if any Indian reads this, tell me… Better not.” The comments reflect more confusion than hostility, but they reveal a wider issue: a lack of cultural connection and communication between groups who share the same space but live in very different rhythms. Some suggest that Indian visitors tend to move in private tour groups or stick to accommodations, local eateries, and nightlife spots less frequented by the typical sightseeing crowd. Chinese visit temples, Russians explore the city… but what do Indian tourists do all day in Pattaya? (Photo – Pattaya Beach in May) Others raise geopolitical concerns, adding to the uncertainty: “Could be a dangerous time for Indian people to come to Thailand with what is happening in India and Pakistan.” But while curiosity and speculation run wild, others are quick to ground the discussion. As one commenter noted: “It’s low season!! Did we forget? … It happens every year. Maybe work on infrastructure, reducing the visa exemption debacle and safety before thinking of a substitute to boost. High Season will be here soon.” The debate is not really about one nationality. It points to a larger conversation Pattaya needs to have: about inclusivity, mutual understanding, and improving the tourism experience for everyone. Whether it’s infrastructure, cultural engagement, or simply making the city function more smoothly year-round, there’s work to be done—especially if Pattaya wants to remain a destination, not a puzzle.

Too many tourists, not enough planning — Pattaya is bursting at the seams as the beach town nears a breaking point. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya has long been known as one of Thailand’s busiest and most accessible beach destinations—a magnet for tourists from all walks of life. But as international arrivals surge post-pandemic, not everyone is celebrating. A growing number of expats are expressing frustration, not just at the volume of tourists, but at the strain their presence is placing on local infrastructure, public order, and quality of life. For years, foreign retirees and long-term residents have made Pattaya their home, drawn by its affordability, tropical charm, and once-laid-back pace. But many now say that the sheer intensity of short-term tourism has transformed the city into something nearly unlivable. One expat summed it up bluntly: “Let them go! Pattaya is full of tourists, driving is hell, and every day there is violence because of tourists’ behavior. If you want more tourists, you need to improve the infrastructure. People are getting tired of being blocked in the traffic jam, having overcrowded places and broken roads. Vietnam offers a much better experience at the moment. Pray that they do not implement a retired visa, because then you will see half of the foreigners leaving.” These frustrations aren’t unfounded. Traffic congestion in central Pattaya is near-constant, especially during peak season. Road maintenance struggles to keep up with the pace of development. Popular beaches and nightlife areas are overcrowded, and incidents involving unruly tourist behavior—from street fights to reckless driving—regularly make headlines. While Thailand continues to market itself as a dream destination, some long-term residents say the dream is fading. They argue that mass tourism is being prioritized over quality tourism, and local authorities are failing to invest in infrastructure and public safety at the level needed to support this growth. Without better planning and enforcement, they fear the city will collapse under the weight of its own success. Some expats now encourage short-term holidaymakers—especially those drawn to Pattaya solely for cheap parties or beach selfies—to consider other destinations like Vietnam, where tourism growth has been paired with rapid improvements in transport, public amenities, and urban planning. The message from this group isn’t about gatekeeping—it’s about balance. Tourism and expat communities can coexist, but only if the city’s growth is managed sustainably. Until then, the tension will continue to simmer, and Pattaya’s reputation as a place to stay, not just visit, may be in jeopardy.

Charged more, served less — Thailand’s dual pricing and sanitized streets are driving tourists away. PATTAYA, Thailand – As Thailand continues to promote itself as a global tourism hub, the bitter truth behind the smiles is becoming harder to ignore—there’s no national standard for pricing, and both tourists and locals are paying the price. In places like Pattaya, where tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy, frustrations are mounting. Visitors often find themselves paying two to three times more than locals for entry into parks, national attractions, temples, and even cultural events. While tiered pricing is not unique to Thailand, the lack of transparency and consistency makes it feel more like exploitation than policy. This is compounded by recent crackdowns on street vendors—those same street food stalls that once defined Thailand’s global culinary appeal. In Pattaya, authorities have increasingly pushed vendors out of popular tourist zones under the guise of urban order, replacing them with sanitized shopping zones and pricey franchise outlets. What’s left is a city that feels less like the authentic Thailand travelers came to see and more like a tourist trap built on contradictions. As one frustrated commenter put it: “Wait so you take away the street food vendors, charge tourists a different price than locals to get into parks, events, temples. And you get upset that tourists don’t come to your country.” This sentiment resonates widely across travel forums and social media. Tourists, especially long-term visitors and returning guests, are increasingly disillusioned. Many remember a Thailand that was welcoming, affordable, and proud of its cultural authenticity. Now, they feel nickel-and-dimed at every corner, from dual pricing schemes to inflated taxi fares and arbitrary “foreigner fees.” Locals aren’t spared from this bitterness either. While they benefit from local rates, they also face rising living costs and shrinking public access as spaces are commercialized for tourism. The perception grows that Thailand’s tourist economy serves a privileged few while burdening many. If Thailand wants to remain competitive and appealing in a post-pandemic tourism landscape, it must confront these hard truths. That means implementing transparent pricing standards, protecting street-level culture, and ensuring that the hospitality it promotes abroad is reflected in how it treats its guests at home. Otherwise, the question won’t just be why tourists aren’t coming back—it’ll be why they ever left their hearts in Thailand in the first place.

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.