Mayor Poramet pushes for safety, style, and international charm in Walking Street makeover. PATTAYA, Thailand – The city of Pattaya is pushing forward with a bold plan to transform its iconic Walking Street into a vibrant, all-inclusive landmark that reflects its global spirit and digital ambitions. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, along with his team, held a Zoom meeting on June 27 with leading LED signage designers to finalize the plan for upgrading the street’s iconic gateway sign. The redesign will feature cutting-edge 3D animation, including a charming dolphin mascot that reflects Pattaya’s coastal identity. By day, the dolphin playfully leaps from the sea; by night, it dons a tuxedo and hat, inviting tourists to join the city’s colorful nightlife. The LED display will greet visitors in six languages — Thai, Hindi, Russian, Korean, German, and Japanese — signaling a warm welcome to international travelers and reinforcing Pattaya’s image as a city for everyone. Mayor Poramet emphasized the need to balance visual appeal with public safety, instructing designers to manage light intensity to avoid glare and distraction, and ensure the screen content is dynamic, multi-lingual, and informative. The project falls under the broader vision of “Enjoy Pattaya Every Day – All Lifestyles, No Limits”, and aims to make Walking Street not just a nightlife hub, but a true digital-age landmark that’s inclusive and inspiring. With this upgrade, Pattaya is not only enhancing its infrastructure but also reinforcing its message: Walking Street is for everyone — vibrant, safe, and proudly international. Dolphins meet digital: Pattaya revamps Walking Street sign with 3D animations and multilingual greetings New LED landmark to turn Walking Street into a digital-age symbol of inclusivity and fun

Chiang Mai Airport increases patrols and inspections to ensure traveler safety after suspicious device found in Phuket. PATTAYA, Thailand – Travelers visiting popular tourist destinations such as Pattaya can feel confident about their safety as Thai authorities ramp up security measures, particularly at airports, following recent bomb threats in Phuket. In response to the discovery of a suspicious motorcycle containing an explosive device at Phuket Airport on June 24, Chiang Mai Airport has implemented enhanced security protocols to protect passengers and maintain public confidence. Wing Commander Ronakorn Chalermsanyakorn, Director of Chiang Mai Airport, revealed that patrols around the airport have increased from five to seven rounds per day. Additionally, inspections of suspicious items and forgotten belongings inside passenger terminals and public spaces have been stepped up from ten to fourteen rounds daily. Security personnel now conduct more thorough screenings of individuals, vehicles, and belongings entering restricted and controlled zones within the airport. Airport officials have also urged owners of long-abandoned motorcycles to present registration papers and identification to retrieve their vehicles, ensuring orderly management and minimizing potential security threats. These proactive steps by authorities underscore Thailand’s commitment to safeguarding both tourists and locals, helping maintain the country’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. Pattaya, known for its vibrant tourism industry, stands to benefit as security reinforcements extend throughout key transit points nationwide. Tourists are encouraged to remain vigilant but assured that extensive measures are in place to ensure their safety while traveling in Thailand. Authorities urge public cooperation in securing airports to maintain Thailand’s reputation as a safe tourist destination. Enhanced security measures reassure visitors in Pattaya and beyond amid recent regional threats.   Pattaya tourists can travel with confidence as airport security tightens nationwide following Phuket bomb threat.

Cambodian laborer arrested in Pattaya for trafficking methamphetamine and crystal meth to local workers. PATTAYA, Thailand – Chonburi Immigration officers have arrested a 30-year-old Cambodian national who used his construction job in Pattaya as a front to deal drugs to both Thai and foreign laborers. Acting on intelligence and aerial surveillance via drone, police tracked the suspect to a workers’ camp in Moo 9, Huai Yai, East Pattaya, Banglamung District. Officers apprehended him after he returned to the camp on a blue Honda MSX motorcycle. A search uncovered 57 methamphetamine pills and four packets of crystal meth totaling 3.17 grams, hidden inside a metal-roofed shelter. The suspect confessed to working in Thailand legally for over two years before being introduced to the drug trade by a former co-worker. He said he sold yaba pills for 50–60 baht each and crystal meth for 500 baht per gram, and used meth daily to maintain energy for physical labor. Despite having a legal work permit, his criminal activity now disqualifies him from remaining in Thailand. After legal proceedings, he will be deported and permanently banned from re-entering the country. As part of wider safety upgrades in Pattaya, authorities have intensified surveillance and law enforcement targeting illegal drug distribution and undocumented workers. Drone-assisted patrols, coordinated raids, and intelligence-sharing among immigration, narcotics, and local police units are all being ramped up in response to growing public concerns over crime and community safety—especially as tourism rebounds post-pandemic. Officials have vowed to ensure that Pattaya remains a safe and welcoming destination for both tourists and legal migrant workers. Drug suspect in Pattaya confesses to using construction job as cover for illegal sales; faces lifetime ban from Thailand. Pattaya’s enhanced security efforts target drug networks with tech-backed raids and swift legal action.

What happens at the border doesn’t stay at the border — Pattaya’s trade, tourism, and labor flow all stand to lose. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The economic shockwaves from the sudden tightening of Thai-Cambodian border controls are reverberating far beyond the provincial checkpoints — with consequences now rippling toward coastal cities like Pattaya that rely heavily on logistics, trade, and cross-border labor. At a high-level meeting chaired by Governor Natthapong Sanguanjit on June 26 at Trat Provincial Hall, customs officials revealed stark numbers: the closure of the permanent Haad Lek checkpoint is costing the economy an estimated 80 million baht per day. That’s not just lost local trade — it includes stalled imports critical to Thailand’s wider industrial and tourism supply chains. For instance, pre-assembled electrical wiring kits used in Thai automobile manufacturing remain stuck on the Cambodian side, with potential to disrupt downstream industries if the shutdown drags on. The issue has already prompted concern among border traders, although most reportedly understand the national security-driven context. While Trat’s fruit exports are mostly unaffected due to seasonal timing and alternate routes, the broader commercial fallout is beginning to weigh on other regions — particularly tourism-reliant Pattaya. Though over 300 km away from the border, Pattaya depends on seamless regional logistics and free movement of goods and seasonal workers — many of whom transit through eastern border routes like Trat. The restriction threatens to disrupt supply chains for hotels, restaurants, and construction projects, while raising business costs and delivery delays. Moreover, a prolonged shutdown could aggravate labor shortages in Pattaya, where migrant workers from Cambodia fill essential roles in hospitality, cleaning services, and food production. Business operators say any slowdown in worker flow will directly impact service quality during a time when Pattaya is still rebounding from low-season challenges. Trat’s border closure bleeds 80 million baht daily — and the ripple effects are now lapping at Pattaya’s shores. Authorities in Trat have set up a relief coordination center under the provincial commerce office and are working with SME D Bank to offer financial support for affected businesses. However, no such compensatory mechanism exists yet for downstream destinations like Pattaya that may face secondhand consequences. As the Ministry of Interior’s Border Situation Command prepares its next steps, local leaders are urging a balanced approach — one that doesn’t sacrifice the economic lifeline of communities that may not sit directly on the border but are very much dependent on its flow. Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), acknowledged that the recent closure of border checkpoints between Thailand and Cambodia has impacted cross-border tourism, particularly from Cambodian visitors. Since the June 7 shutdown, the number of Cambodian tourists entering Thailand has dropped by 43% compared to the previous week. From January to May 2025, Thailand received 197,658 Cambodian visitors—a 14% decrease from the same period last year. While the overall impact on Thai tourism has been minimal, Ms. Thapanee noted that specific destinations such as the Phu Prasat ruins in Ubon Ratchathani—located near the Thai-Cambodian border—have seen reduced domestic travel due to safety concerns. She added that Sa Kaeo province has also experienced a slight drop in hotel occupancy in Aranyaprathet, a popular transit point for travelers heading into Cambodia. Many of these visitors, including Indonesians who typically stay overnight before crossing the border, have postponed their trips. Despite these declines, Ms. Thapanee emphasized that tourism sentiment is beginning to recover in affected areas, as most travelers from nearby provinces are familiar with the local dynamics. TAT regional offices covering Ubon Ratchathani, Surin, Sa Kaeo, and Trat have not reported the need for any extraordinary security measures at this stage. TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool confirms Cambodian tourist numbers dropped 43% after border closures, but says recovery is already underway in key provinces.

No more smoky gray zones — Pattaya welcomes clearer cannabis rules. PATTAYA, Thailand – For a city long balancing its reputation as a tourist playground with efforts to appear more orderly and family-friendly, the recent reclassification of cannabis flower as a controlled substance might just be the deep breath of fresh air Pattaya needs. The boom in cannabis shops over the past two years — many of them loud, loosely regulated, and aggressively targeting tourists — turned parts of the city into a haze of uncertainty. What began as a progressive step toward medical use quickly spiraled into a free-for-all, with neon-lit dispensaries lining Walking Street, open-air joints on the beach, and tourists puffing away with little thought for rules or repercussions. Locals and long-term residents have been divided. Some welcomed the economic activity, while others raised concerns about the city’s image, enforcement chaos, and the unclear message sent to young Thais and foreign visitors alike. Now, with cannabis flower officially returned to the list of controlled substances — and with stricter rules in place about possession, sale, and use — Pattaya can start regaining some control. Tourists without a legitimate Thai medical prescription are no longer allowed to smoke, carry, or buy cannabis flower. Street-side “smoke bars” may soon vanish, and authorities appear ready to crack down on businesses operating in legal grey zones. For Pattaya, which thrives on a delicate balance of freedom and structure, this shift is a chance to restore that equilibrium. Cannabis isn’t gone, nor banned outright — but it’s finally being placed back in the box where it belongs: regulated, responsible, and away from reckless display. Whether you’re a tourist here for sun and sea or a local trying to make a living, a clearer set of rules benefits everyone. And in a city often clouded by contradiction, clarity — and a bit of clean air — is something worth inhaling. Pattaya breathes easier as cannabis crackdown puts flower back under control.

Pattaya weathers the rainy season well — quick afternoon showers give way to island adventures and sunny escapes. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While much of Thailand braces for sporadic heavy rain and thunderstorms, Pattaya continues to offer tourists a window of sunshine and seaside escapes. Despite being in the rainy season, the downpours rarely last all day, allowing beachgoers and island-hoppers to still make the most of their trips. According to the Thai Meteorological Department’s 24-hour forecast, upper Thailand is experiencing isolated heavy rainfall, while parts of the South — including some coastal provinces — are facing scattered thunderstorms. Bangkok and its surrounding areas are forecast to have a 60% chance of rain today. For Pattaya and the eastern region, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms (around 60%), especially in provinces like Chonburi, Chanthaburi, and Trat. However, weather patterns typically follow a predictable rhythm: sunshine in the morning, brief showers in the afternoon, and clearing skies by evening — a pattern familiar to regular visitors. The moderate southwest monsoon continues to affect the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, causing waves of about 1 meter in height — reaching over 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Authorities have advised small boats to proceed with caution and avoid stormy areas, but no widespread cancellations of marine tours or beach closures have been reported in Pattaya. Tourists can still enjoy popular destinations like Koh Larn and Jomtien Beach, especially in the mornings. Local tour operators remain open, and umbrellas are part of the packing list, not a reason to cancel plans. So, while Pattaya does get wet — it certainly doesn’t get washed out. Whether it’s a beachfront lunch, a scenic boat ride, or a relaxing massage under cover, the city remains very much open for travel. Thailand’s forecast warns of scattered storms, but in Pattaya, the beaches are still calling — and tourists are still answering. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)

“Still Dreaming of 44” – European visitors in Pattaya reminisce about better exchange rates and fairer pricing. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – In Pattaya’s busy beachside streets, where tourists once spent freely in bars, markets, and massage shops, a quieter mood has taken hold among European visitors. Many are still enjoying the city’s offerings — but with a closer eye on prices. The common refrain is one of comparison: a longing for the days when the euro traded at 44 baht or higher. With the current rate hovering around 38, travelers report feeling the pinch. While the atmosphere remains friendly, the financial comfort zone has narrowed, prompting more cautious spending and a rising sensitivity to value and fairness. “Back in 2019, you could get a great meal, a cold beer, and even a foot massage for less than 10 euro— no questions asked,” recalls a retired German tourist who’s been wintering in Pattaya for over a decade. “Today? It’s all creeping up. The euro’s weak, and the prices feel Thai on the surface but Western underneath.” Pattaya may still be more affordable than much of Europe, but perceptions are shifting. From inflated drink prices in tourist bars to the quiet murmur about dual pricing at attractions and clinics, many European visitors say it’s not just about the exchange rate anymore — it’s about value and fairness. “The cost of paradise has gone up. My pension hasn’t — it’s the exchange rate that decides whether I stay or go,” said one Scandinavian visitor candidly. “When you feel your spending power shrink and the prices rise, the dream loses some of its shine.” For long-termers and repeat tourists, the magic number remains 44 baht. It’s a symbolic sweet spot — not just for currency math but for what it represents: a time when European pensioners felt like kings, when Pattaya’s appeal was built on affordability and hospitality, not just tropical sun and neon lights. But there are signs of change. Some beachside businesses have begun offering “local prices” to repeat guests. Others have introduced loyalty discounts or value meal combos aimed at budget-conscious tourists. Still, those gestures remain the exception, not the rule. “What we want isn’t freebies. It’s transparency,” said a French regular who visits Pattaya twice a year. “If something is 300 baht, fine. But don’t charge me 500 just because I don’t look Thai.” As Pattaya continues its post-pandemic rebound and reinvention, the city may need to look beyond sheer visitor numbers. Ensuring that longtime European visitors feel welcome — and not taken for granted — could be key to retaining a loyal base. Until then, many still sip their 60-baht small-bottle beers slowly, watching exchange rates on their phones and dreaming of the day the euro climbs again — not just to 38, but maybe, just maybe, back to 44.

ปปช. ลงพื้นที่ ติดตามคืบหน้าสนามกีฬาภาคตะวันออก

ปกครองบางละมุง บุกทลายแหล่งมั่วสุมยาเสพติดพื้นที่เขาไม้แก้ว คุมตัวขี้ยา 12 ราย เมื่อเวลา 17.00 น.วันที่ 27 มิถุนายน 2568 นายพัชรพัชร์ ศรีธัญญนนท์ นายอำเภอบางละมุง สั่งการให้นายวันชาติ วรรณพราม หัวหน้ากลุ่มบริหารงานปกครองอำเภอบางละมุง นายณฐาภพ ยมจินดา ปลัดอำเภอหัวหน้าฝ่ายความมั่นคง นายคำไพร เหลาแสน (เจ้าพนักงานปกครองปฏิบัติการ) พร้อมสมาชิกกองอาสารักษาดินแดนอำเภอบางละมุง นำกำลังบุกตรวขค้นเขตพื้นหมู่ 1 ตำบลเขาไม้แก้ว อ.บางละมุง จ.ชลบุรี เพื่อป้องปรามการลักลอบจำหน่ายยาเสพติด และเสพยาเสพติด สืบเนื่องมาจากชาวบ้านแจ้งเบาะแสว่ามีกลุ่มวัยรุ่นลักลอบเสพยาเสพติด ทางเจ้าหน้าที่จึงได้วางแผน นำกำลังบุกจู่โจมเข้าค้นบ้าน ตามเป้าหมายสามจุด ซึ่งสงสัยว่าเป็นแหล่งมั่วสุมยาเสพติด โดยจุดแรกบริเวณภายในป่าไผ่ เป็นบ้านลักษณะปลูกเป็นเพิงสังกะสีจำนวนห้าหลัง เจ้าหน้าที่จึงกระจายกำลังตรวจค้น ซึ่งสามารถควบคุมผู้เสพยาเสพติดได้จำนวน 4 ราย ภายในบ้านพักพบอุปกรณ์การเสพเป็นจำนวนมาก จุดที่สองได้นำกำลังบุกตรวจค้นภายในซอยหมู่บ้านทองเมือง เมื่อทางเจ้าหน้าที่นำกำลังไปถึง กลุ่มผู้เสพ เมื่อเห็นเจ้าหน้าที่ ก็พากันวิ่งหลบหนีไปคนละทิศทาง เจ้าหน้าที่วิ่งไล่ติดตามจนสามารถควบคุมตัวผู้เสพยาเสพติดได้จำนวน 8 ราย ตรวจค้นในบ้านเจออุปกรณ์การเสพยาเสพติด ซองซิปพลาสติกแบบปิดเปิด และไฟแช็ก รวมถึงคราบสารเสพติดตกอยู่ในซองซิปใสแบบปิดเปิด […]

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