“You reserve, we remove!” Pattaya enforcers reclaim footpaths from bars, vendors, and illegal parking. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya officials are intensifying efforts to reclaim public space from private encroachment, targeting pickup bars, tour agents, taxi stands, and food vendors who’ve spilled their signs, chairs, and merchandise onto public footpaths and streets. This ongoing campaign, led by municipal officers—such as the Jomtien enforcement team—is aimed at restoring order and accessibility across the city’s busy tourist areas. A recurring slogan shared by city workers captures the essence of the campaign: “You reserve, we remove. Respect your rights, but don’t violate others’.” That message was reinforced recently when officers in Jomtien were seen collecting cones, chairs, and signs used to illegally reserve public parking spots in front of bars and food shops. “We’ve done it, we’re doing it, and we’ll keep doing it,” the team stated, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal land grabs on public space. Online, the public has responded with a mix of praise and practical suggestions. One commenter encouraged authorities to “check out Soi Noen from Sukhumvit to the railway bridge—vendors are already spilling past the light poles.” Another applauded the move, saying: “Well done. I see this selfish behavior far too often. It’s time to give public space back to the people.” Public space is public again: Jomtien officials crack down on sidewalk clutter and selfish encroachment. In Jomtien, some local shop owners voiced frustration, not at the clean-up effort—but at unchecked offenders. One food vendor said: “Please deal with the push-cart vendors across from our shop on the beachfront. They park all over and now we can’t sell our products. It’s getting out of hand.” Requests for enforcement poured in from all corners of Pattaya and surrounding districts: “Don’t forget Pattaya Post Office alley—no room to walk anymore.” “What about the market roads in Naklua? When will the same standards apply there?” “Come to Soi Lengkee—signs from bars and restaurants are spilling right into the street.” “Look at behind The Avenue mall. Delivery trucks are blocking half the road every day.” Locals cheer as Pattaya targets illegal signs, chairs, and carts—“Make it citywide!” they urge. Locals are also asking about jurisdiction. One resident wrote: “Has Thepprasit Housing Estate road officially come under Pattaya’s responsibility yet?” Others expressed hope for consistency: “It’s great, but please apply the same rules everywhere—not just in central Pattaya.” Some even joked about the regional contrast: “Pattaya enforces. Si Racha doesn’t. Why the double standard?” Ultimately, the campaign is being welcomed as a way to improve Pattaya’s image for both tourists and residents. One commenter put it simply: “Beautiful work. This is how we create a positive image for Pattaya tourism.” From beach bars to back alleys: Pattaya vows continuous action to restore order on city walkways.

Pattaya Opens the Door to Higher Education – Over 1,500 students join free university guidance fair to plan for a digital future. PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presided over the opening ceremony of the “University Guidance and Open-Door Education Fair”, held at the Pattaya Indoor Athletics Building in Chonburi, June 6-7. The event was attended by city executives, government officials, teachers, and a large number of students. Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat delivered the keynote briefing, outlining the objectives of the initiative. Organized by the Pattaya Education Office, the annual fair is part of the 2025 city budget and aims to prepare students for higher education and career pathways through Thailand’s TCAS university admission system. The event also encourages future planning skills in Thailand’s fast-evolving Digital 4.0 era. More than 1,500 students are expected to participate in the event, which features booths from leading universities across the country. Activities include career guidance sessions, discussion panels, and hands-on workshops, all designed to spark inspiration and provide practical information for students planning their next academic steps. Mayor Poramet expressed his gratitude to all public and private sector partners who contributed to making this opportunity possible for Pattaya’s youth. He emphasized that this project aligns with the city’s “Better Pattaya” policy, which seeks to improve quality of life by advancing technology and reforming education — building a better future for the city’s next generation. “Learning is Power” – Pattaya’s two-day education fair connects youth with top universities nationwide. From Pattaya to University – City hosts career and education expo to inspire the next generation.   Better Pattaya Begins with Education – Mayor backs student guidance event as part of long-term quality-of-life vision.  

Pattaya City weighs new LED lighting design to boost safety and visual appeal on Walking Street—tourists say the flashy signs promise fun, just watch out for the potholes on the way. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is lighting up again—literally. Tourists strolling down Walking Street are greeted with dazzling LED signs, multilingual banners, and bright “Welcome” messages splashed across popular areas of the city. From Bali Hai Pier to Beach Road, Pattaya is making it clear: visitors are wanted and warmly invited. On Walking Street in particular, the spectacle is unmistakable. Neon arches, light displays, and digital billboards pulse with energy, offering the kind of nightlife dazzle that made Pattaya famous worldwide. For tourists, especially first-time visitors, it feels like the city is in top form. It’s clear the local authorities and tourism promoters are going all out to show hospitality. New selfie-friendly installations have popped up near Bali Hai Pier, and Walking Street looks more like Times Square than ever before—at least at night. For short-stay tourists, it gives a sparkling impression: the city is alive, welcoming, and ready for business. But for long-term foreign residents—those who live here year-round—the glitter doesn’t distract from deeper concerns. “Walking Street looks like Vegas now, but try navigating it after a rainstorm,” one British expat commented. “The drainage still can’t handle a 20-minute shower. You’re wading through puddles and dodging potholes in flip-flops.” Others point out the cracked and uneven sidewalks, not just in the nightlife zone but throughout Pattaya. Slick tiles, missing paving bricks, and loosely covered drains have long been a safety hazard. The problem isn’t new—but with so much investment going into the city’s image, some are wondering why it hasn’t been solved. “I appreciate the welcome signs,” said a retiree living in Pratumnak. “But instead of flashing lights, how about flashing warning signs near broken footpaths? That would be more useful.” So while the effort to boost tourism is in full swing, the question lingers: Have they finally fixed the pavements and drainage, especially on busy streets and across Pattaya? Or is it just more sparkle over the same old cracks? Rainy season will answer that question soon enough. In the meantime, don’t forget to watch your step—no matter how brightly the city smiles.

Expats say baht buses now cut corners, overfill seats, and drive erratically — no wonder many skip them entirely. PATTAYA, Thailand – For long-term visitors in Pattaya, the romance of jumping onto a baht bus for 10 baht fades quickly once reality kicks in. Expats who’ve been around long enough say that while the fare hasn’t changed — officially — the experience certainly has. “The route fare has not changed and is 10 baht as set by the government from Jomtien to Naklua,” says one long-stayer. “Same as the old sign that used to be in every bus.” But many now argue that the signs might as well be decoration. “I remember when they put route signs on all the baht buses — nobody even followed them,” another rider added. It’s not just about the detours. Some complain that the buses frequently “clip the route,” forcing riders to cross dangerous intersections to transfer, often with no warning. “On Jomtien Beach Road, you never know where they’ll kick you off if you want to go into Pattaya,” says another regular. “They’ve found ways to squeeze more money out of passengers instead of pushing for a fare adjustment through the proper channels.” Overfilling is another sore spot. “They stuff the buses heading to Jomtien so full, nobody else can get on mid-route,” one rider shared. “Same problem on the way back — it’s already full before it even reaches you.” The unpredictability has made ride-hailing apps like Bolt an increasingly attractive alternative. “You don’t need that many people before Bolt becomes the same price,” one user noted. But it’s not just the fares or routes that raise eyebrows — it’s the driving. Some riders say a minority of baht bus drivers treat Pattaya’s roads like a racetrack. “Excessive speed, running red lights, swerving in and out of traffic… Second Road is chaos,” one regular rider observed. “I’d happily pay 20 baht for a safe, respectful ride. Authorities should send inspectors to ride in the back and actually see what it’s like.” Add to that the sense among some foreign riders that they’re easy targets when it comes to traffic enforcement. “Some say police let Thai offenders off because they claim ‘Thai offenders have no money,’” said one local. Still, others defend the police approach. “Don’t break the law, and you’ve got nothing to worry about — whining farang,” one commenter wrote bluntly. Others take a more pragmatic approach. “Use a helmet and have a Thai driving license. Never had a problem,” says one experienced expat. “Thankfully, I’m a legs, songtaew, or Bolt man.” In a city where the streets never really sleep, navigating public transport in Pattaya isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s a daily test of patience, street smarts, and adaptability. And while the price might still say 10 baht, the true cost of the ride is learning how to survive it.

From budget paradise to overpriced letdown — is Pattaya losing its charm for long-time travelers? PATTAYA, Thailand – Once touted as a budget-friendly paradise, Pattaya is facing growing criticism from longtime tourists and returning visitors who say it’s just not cheap anymore. Amid rising costs, fluctuating exchange rates, and what many label as “greedy pricing,” online comment sections are buzzing with heated debate. “Not a cheap holiday anymore — especially with the dual pricing & their GREED,” one frustrated commenter wrote. Dual pricing — where foreigners are charged more than locals — has long been a sore point. Some tourists have only recently caught on. “Sorry, what do you mean by dual pricing?” asked one confused traveler, only to be met with a quick response: “Thai prices and farang prices are not always the same. They think farangs are all millionaires.” From ‘cheap Charlie’ to value-conscious traveler Not everyone agrees on what counts as “expensive.” “What?? Try buying a meal in London and Thailand. Tell me what is expensive. YOU’RE the greedy one wanting ASDA price!” “What’s wrong with ASDA price? I wish I was a millionaire like you.” For some, the falling value of foreign currencies is the bigger issue — especially for Australian travelers. “Ahhhhhhhh Australian dollar is crap now.” “Yep. Changed $100 at Bangkok airport — got 1,990 baht.” “You should’ve changed it outside the airport. In Pattaya, only use TT Currency Exchange. In Bangkok, go to the booths in Soi Arab near Soi 4 Nana.” Others argue that Thailand, like anywhere, is “as cheap or expensive as you make it.” “I love Thailand. I live like a local, always eat local food. I don’t drink alcohol…” “Most of the stuff (except ladies) is cheaper in Australia,” someone else quipped. Why some say the Pattaya dream is fading But it’s not just about prices. Some say the real decline started even before pandemic — and it’s about much more than money. “I first visited Pattaya in 2011. The exchange rate was 46 baht to the pound. Bars were busy. Restaurants were full. That’s not the case anymore.” Here’s what some believe has gone wrong: Hiked drink prices: “Inflation is everywhere, but Pattaya bars raised prices far beyond inflation.” Changing nightlife: “Gogos are now the biggest scam. Most bars? TikTok soundtracks, fake chins, dyed hair, girls on their phones, no effort.” Safety concerns: “Too many tough guys mixing weed and alcohol — violence is up, and it’s all on social media.” Loss of Thai charm: “Now we have Russian, Arab, and Indian zones. Intimidation, corruption, scams. Thai police allow it in exchange for bribes.” Chinese tourists: “They only visit Chinese-owned places — hotels, restaurants, shops. Money doesn’t even stay in Thailand.” One particularly fed-up visitor added: “It’s a bad business model. A slow but unmistakable decline.” A shift to alternatives? Not surprisingly, many are eyeing other destinations. “Vietnam — half the price!” “Cambodia here I come. Bye bye, Thailand.” “You won’t be missed,” a defender shot back. So, is Pattaya still worth it? Despite the backlash, some are quick to defend Pattaya: “It’s still cheap. It’s people like you they don’t want here. Cheap Charlies.” But that view is no longer unanimous. The new reality — inflated prices, perceived exploitation, and social decay — is harder to ignore. “Hotels, landlords, bars, nightclubs — super greedy…” “Even $50 now only gets you 990 baht.” For many, it’s not just the baht that’s lost its value — it’s the entire Pattaya experience.

The Thai government reiterated that this is not a complete closure of all border checkpoints. PATTAYA, Thailand – Updates on the opening and closure of four Thai-Cambodian Border Checkpoints under the new directive, starting from June: Chong An Ma Trade Facilitation Point, Soeng Subdistrict, Nam Yuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Open on Thursdays, 09:00 – 12:00 hr Cross-border movement is limited to market zones with ID card or official document exchange No vehicles allowed to pass Humanitarian assistance must be approved by the First Area Border Coordination Unit Chong Sai Taku Trade Facilitation Point, Chanthop Phet Subdistrict, Ban Kruat District, Buriram Province Open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 09:00 – 12:00 hr Cross-border movement is limited to market zones with ID card or official document exchange No vehicle crossings allowed Humanitarian assistance must be approved by the Second Area Border Coordination Unit Chong Sa Ngam Permanent Border Checkpoint, Phrai Phatthana Subdistrict, Phu Sing District, Sisaket Province Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 08:00 – 15:00 hr Travel is allowed with passports or border passes only Vehicle crossings permitted under existing regulations Construction material exports (e.g., cement, steel bars) are prohibited Humanitarian assistance must be approved by the First Area Border Coordination Unit Chong Chom Permanent Border Checkpoint, Dan Subdistrict, Kap Choeng District, Surin Province Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 08:00 – 15:00 hr Travel is allowed with passports or border passes only Vehicles may cross per existing regulations Construction material exports (e.g., cement, steel bars) are prohibited Humanitarian assistance must be approved by the Third Area Border Coordination Unit The Thai government reiterated that this is not a complete closure of all border checkpoints. Officials will consider the specific needs of each area when implementing these measures. Time restrictions have been established to ensure Thailand can maintain adequate security for its people, with each measure tailored to specific characteristics of each checkpoint. (PRD)

Thailand’s ambitious 3 Airports High-Speed Rail project nears contract finalization amid post-pandemic infrastructure revival. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC) is closely monitoring the progress as the Office of the Attorney General reviews the revised contract for the 224-billion-baht high-speed rail project connecting three airports — Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao. The review is expected to be completed by mid-June, after which the draft contract will be submitted for consideration by the EEC Policy Committee. It is anticipated that the Cabinet will give final approval to sign the amended contract by August 2025, ending a delay of more than five years. Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the EEC Office, said that the project has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which stalled many infrastructure investments, including this high-speed rail project owned by the State Railway of Thailand and concessioned to Asia Era One Company Limited (CP Group) for 50 years. In parallel, the EEC Policy Committee has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Office of the Higher Education Commission, Science, Research and Innovation to develop an investment ecosystem and build a skilled workforce for targeted industries within the EEC. This effort supports investments in advanced technology, innovation, and strengthens research and development networks within Thailand. The EEC Secretary-General noted that the focus on developing a high-competency workforce meets the needs of manufacturing and service sectors including biofuel and biochemical, aviation and logistics, digital, comprehensive medical, and robotics industries. So far, these initiatives have generated more than 10,684 new jobs and trained 445,967 people through 1,205 courses. (TNA)

Crowds Surge at Cambodia’s Poipet Border – Travelers wait to cross into Thailand amid new restrictions. PHNOM PENH – Cambodian media published images showing large crowds of Cambodians and foreign nationals gathered at the Poipet permanent border checkpoint Sunday morning, waiting to cross into Thailand following newly enforced Thai restrictions on land border crossings between the two countries. The Khmer Times website shared a photo series from Fresh News, a Cambodian online outlet, depicting the situation at the Poipet checkpoint in Banteay Meanchey province, which borders Ban Khlong Luek in Sa Kaeo province, Thailand. According to Cambodian authorities, the area was heavily congested this morning, partly due to recent changes in the opening hours of the border gate. Despite the crowding, border officials from both sides were seen cooperating and facilitating the movement of people across the checkpoint. Khmer Times reported that Thailand had unilaterally changed the border operating hours. All international checkpoints have now been set to open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Additionally, all bilateral checkpoints that were previously in use have been closed. (TNA)

Airports tighten screening as Thailand blocks ‘grey capital’ groups shifting from land to air entry. PATTAYA, Thailand – In a move to tighten national security and immigration controls, Thailand is reinforcing its border management policies by extending heightened scrutiny to international airports, following a crackdown at key land border crossings. The Royal Thai Government recently empowered the First and Second Army Regions to strictly control entry and exit at land borders, particularly in Chanthaburi and Sa Kaeo provinces. These border points have long been transit routes for foreign nationals moving between Thailand and Cambodia. The intensified land controls, effective June 7, have raised concerns that suspicious foreign groups might now attempt to enter Thailand via air routes instead. In response, Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron Rimpadee, Commander of Immigration Division 2, announced that immigration units at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are on high alert. This follows instructions from National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kitirath Phanphet and Immigration Bureau commissioner Pol. Lt. Gen. Panumas Boonyalak to prioritize national security. Authorities are particularly focused on screening foreign nationals suspected of abusing Thailand’s visa-free policies, especially those linked to online gambling, call center scams, and other forms of transnational crime. Many of these groups are believed to be operating out of neighboring countries and may use Thailand as a base for money laundering or other illicit activities. Immigration at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang boosts vigilance to intercept foreign criminals exploiting visa loopholes. “Closing the land borders may push some of these actors to shift their entry point to international airports,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron. “We are prepared to intercept them.” Immigration officers have been instructed to increase scrutiny on passengers from neighboring countries, especially those suspected of engaging in visa runs or using fraudulently obtained passports—some of which are reportedly traded on black markets to conceal identities. Despite the strict measures, authorities stress that legitimate tourists will not be affected. The campaign follows the “Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out” policy framework aimed at preserving national security while continuing to welcome travelers who contribute positively to the Thai economy. “We want to reassure the public and visitors that these measures are targeted and will not disrupt the tourism atmosphere,” said Pol. Maj. Gen. Choengron. (TNA) Thailand ramps up border control nationwide: land routes sealed, airports now on high alert for shady entries.   ‘Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out’: Immigration police act on intel to stop visa runners and money launderers at airports.

Once iconic, now optional — many Pattaya veterans say Walking Street is no longer worth the hype. PATTAYA, Thailand – Once the beating heart of Pattaya nightlife, Walking Street is starting to lose its grip on long-stayers and seasoned tourists. While still a magnet for first-time visitors dazzled by neon lights and ear-splitting bass, many say the scene has changed—and not for the better. “Europeans in Pattaya don’t need Walking Street to enjoy life—too loud, too pricey, too much Bollywood,” said one frequent visitor. It’s a sentiment that echoes across online forums and barstool conversations, especially among older expats who remember a very different era. “Twenty years ago, I spent every night in Walking Street. It was a fantastic place,” recalled one nostalgic expat. “Elephants walking up and down the street all night, great beer bars, and agogos with beautiful young girls without tattoos or silicone who didn’t think they were supermodels. Nowadays, I never go.” Many now gravitate toward more laid-back, affordable zones like Soi Buakhao, Tree Town, and the Metro complex—areas that still offer the classic Pattaya vibe without the overhyped chaos. “Metro, Tree Town, and Buakhao are better,” said one expat. “Certainly the closest you’ll get to what Walking Street once was.” As Pattaya expands and diversifies, some say it’s time to stop treating Walking Street as a must-see. You may not need to go there at all—unless, of course, you’re still chasing the ghosts of the past.