Chemical tanker overturns on Highway 36 near Pattaya, causing 10-km traffic jam — no leaks reported as drums were empty. PATTAYA, Thailand – A potentially disastrous incident was narrowly avoided when an 18-wheel chemical tanker overturned on Highway 36 near the entrance to Wat Ban Khlong Yai in Pong Subdistrict, Banglamung District. The accident, which occurred on the inbound side toward Rayong, caused traffic to grind to a halt for nearly 10 kilometers. The Sawang Boriboon Rescue Radio Center in Pattaya received an emergency report in the early morning, July 4, about the overturned tanker, which was believed to be carrying corrosive materials. Rescue personnel, including vehicle extrication teams, ambulances, and related authorities, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, responders found a white Hino 18-wheeler lying on its side across all lanes of traffic. The truck had been hauling empty chemical drums labeled for corrosive substances. Some of the drums had been thrown from the truck during the crash, but fortunately, none of them contained any active chemicals at the time — preventing a hazardous leak or environmental crisis. The vehicle completely blocked the inbound lanes to Rayong, rendering the entire section impassable for all types of vehicles and leading to a traffic backup stretching 6 to 10 kilometers. Driver survives with minor injuries after falling asleep at the wheel; overturned truck blocks all lanes to Rayong. The driver, identified as 43-year-old Mr. Den, had miraculously climbed out of the cabin with only minor abrasions on his face and body. He told police that he was en route to a chemical plant in Rayong to pick up a load when he briefly dozed off at the wheel. When he awoke, the truck had already lost control and overturned. Police Lieutenant Colonel Prakasit Paladet, an investigator with Huai Yai Police Station, arrived at the scene to document the incident. Authorities also coordinated with crane services to remove the overturned truck as quickly as possible to relieve the severe congestion. Although initial investigations point to driver fatigue as the likely cause, police will conduct a full inquiry to determine all contributing factors. The incident has once again highlighted the risks of long-haul driving and the need for vigilance when transporting potentially dangerous materials — even when containers are empty. Drums thrown from chemical tanker in crash — luckily empty, avoiding toxic spill.

Thai travelers still need visas for Europe as ETIAS system not yet applied to Thailand — stay informed before you fly. PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Thai nationals are still required to obtain a visa for entry into Schengen countries, countering recent online claims suggesting otherwise. The ministry, citing information from the Royal Thai Embassy in Brussels, issued four key points: Thai passport holders must continue applying for Schengen visas through normal procedures, as Thailand has not been granted visa-free status by the European Union. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) — an upcoming online pre-travel screening system — applies only to nationals of countries already exempt from Schengen visas, which does not include Thailand. The EU is currently preparing to launch a related system called EES (Entry/Exit System) in October 2025, which will record biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, replacing traditional passport stamps for short-stay non-EU travelers. ETIAS will only come into effect after the EES is fully implemented. Travelers are advised to check directly with the embassy or consulate of the EU country they plan to enter first to confirm the latest entry requirements. The Ministry emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate information before traveling, especially as Europe transitions to new border control technologies. Ministry stresses need for accurate travel info as Europe updates border controls.

Vulnerable road users in Pattaya ask: If Singapore can protect its pedestrians, why can’t we? PATTAYA, Thailand – As Singapore enforces tough penalties on sidewalk riders — including fines up to 50,000 baht and jail terms of up to three months — Pattaya residents are asking a familiar question: Where’s our version of traffic discipline? Beginning July 1, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority officially enacted tough penalties for those who ride bicycles, e-scooters, or any motorized personal vehicle on designated pedestrian-only pavements. The move, aimed at protecting vulnerable footpath users like the elderly and children, comes after years of rising accidents and near-misses involving high-speed scooters and careless riders. Under the new rules, offenders face fines of up to S$2,000 (about 50,000 baht), jail time of up to three months, or both—especially for reckless behavior or speeding. The law applies specifically to pavements marked as “footpaths only,” adjacent to bicycle lanes, and excludes all but pedestrians and those using mobility aids like wheelchairs or canes. Meanwhile, in Pattaya — a city infamous for its traffic chaos — enforcement remains patchy at best. Motorbikes on sidewalks are still a common sight. Sidewalk vendors block pedestrian routes. Zebra crossings are often ignored. And just navigating a footpath without stepping into traffic feels like an obstacle course. While Singapore fines and jails offenders, Pattaya’s sidewalks remain shared battlegrounds. Despite repeated campaigns by City Hall and the Traffic Police to enforce order — including no-parking zones and designated crossing points — results have been inconsistent. Residents frequently voice frustration on social media over double-parked vehicles, speeding delivery bikes, and even the absence of clear signage in some areas. If Singapore’s swift and serious response sets the benchmark, then Pattaya might have to do more than repaint crosswalks and post polite notices. Real deterrence comes from enforcement with teeth. And with tourism returning, especially from safety-conscious regional markets, a well-ordered cityscape might be more than just a public safety issue — it could be a competitive advantage. Sidewalks in Pattaya remain a free-for-all, even as neighboring nations tighten enforcement.   Pedestrians in Pattaya jump for safety — while Singapore makes sidewalk riding a jailable offense.

Soi 6 in 2025: Affordable to some, overpriced to others — Pattaya’s infamous strip divides opinion. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — For decades, Soi 6 has stood as one of Pattaya’s most infamous and intriguing nightlife streets — a tightly packed strip of neon, bars, and bold characters where the curious and the seasoned return again and again in search of something unforgettable. But while first-time tourists still pour in, many longtime visitors are saying the old charm has worn thin — and that Soi 6 is increasingly known less for value and more for inflated expectations. “Pattaya’s Soi 6 keeps its spark alive with affordable drinks and attractive faces, despite baht swings,” reads one travel blog headline — prompting sharp reactions across online forums. One commenter quipped, “Affordable? Has the commentator been hiding in a cave?” while another countered, “Fine, room, gear — all for 400 baht. Hard to beat that. There are still some outstanding girls if you look around carefully.” But it’s the pricing that’s stirred the loudest debate. “210 baht for a lady drink, 145 for a San Miguel, and a 2,500–3,000 baht barfine? With a required 10 drinks before she can even go?” one user wrote. Others chimed in with disbelief, pointing out that “most GoGos in LK are cheaper than that,” and “those prices are absurd.” Some suggested alternatives, noting that the only realistically cheaper places left are Soi Bongkot or Pothole — though “it’s hard to find a looker” there, as one commenter put it. Still, not everyone has written off the infamous soi. A few experienced visitors claim there’s still value to be found — but you have to know where to look. One comment summed it up: “Deals can still be made. The key is knowing which places push their luck and which are fair.” Another user remarked on the talent pool: “The hot looking 8s and 9s know their worth, but sometimes it’s the 6s and 7s who surprise you with charm and better company.” The frustrations go beyond pricing. Some lamented the street’s declining atmosphere. “Soi 6 is far from the natural, laid-back vibes it used to have. It feels like a giant ATM now,” one said. Others complained of being hassled too aggressively, poor traffic flow, and even unfriendly altercations with vendors. “I nearly got clipped by a sidecar bike while just walking. It’s not the friendly place it once was,” someone wrote. There’s no denying that Soi 6 still attracts curious newcomers — drawn in by reputation, Instagram lore, and sheer spectacle. But the experience now varies wildly, with the nostalgic feeling of yesteryear giving way to mixed reviews. For some, it’s still worth the walk. For others, it’s just not what it used to be. Whether Soi 6’s reinvention is part of Pattaya’s evolution — or a sign of it losing touch — depends on who you ask. But one thing is clear: even in the ever-changing world of nightlife, some streets never fully dim. You just have to decide if the light still shines for you.

Tourists warn Pattaya risks losing its charm without tougher law enforcement and fair penalties. PATTAYA, Thailand — Tensions have escalated in Pattaya following a recent violent street brawl that left one person hospitalized and many tourists and locals shaken. Visitors are now calling for stricter enforcement and fair punishment to deter the rising incidents of violence in the city. The incident, which unfolded late last week near a popular tourist area, began with a heated confrontation that quickly spiraled out of control. Eyewitnesses reported that the lone victim fought back valiantly before local residents intervened to break up the assault. The chaotic scene left many questioning safety and security in a city once known primarily for its vibrant nightlife and friendly atmosphere. According to a dashcam video widely shared on social media, the brawl occurred on June 28 near Soi Mab Yai Lia 18/4 (Nern Plub Wan) in East Pattaya. The footage shows two young men chasing and repeatedly assaulting another man in the middle of the street using their fists and even a hoe, before passersby stepped in. The victim, a 31-year-old nightclub security guard, suffered a dislocated shoulder and multiple bruises. Speaking to reporters, he recounted the unprovoked attack and called for justice, echoing growing concerns about law enforcement’s ability to control street violence in Pattaya. “Just one wrong look can now land someone in a hospital — or worse,” commented one concerned visitor. Another added, “I see bar security guards beating up cheap Euros almost every night.” While others challenged this claim, asking “What bars?”, the growing perception of unchecked violence has become undeniable. Many locals and tourists alike lamented the city’s “low punishment” policies. “Nobody thinks about consequences before getting violent,” one commenter observed. “Because low punishment or just some fines to get away with.” Another bluntly stated, “Different species, no impulse control,” reflecting frustration at repeated violence with little deterrent. Some noted a disturbing trend: “Now, they come back with friends because you insulted me, fired me because I’m lazy, caused an accident, played loud music, etc.” This pattern of retaliations and street fights is reported so frequently that it “makes the news 3 or 4 times a month, times ten or a hundred for the times nobody hears about it,” said one concerned resident. A harsh truth echoed by several voices is that “It will get worse… there is no punishment in Pattaya.” One commenter pointed out, “The police issue you a few thousand baht fine (if you’re a foreigner) and off you go to cause more trouble.” They warned that without tougher enforcement, “Pattaya is going to end up with the dregs of society unless Thailand gets a proper grip of all this and starts being more firm with these types of people.” Others sympathized, saying, “Sounds no different to a lot of countries really… including mine,” signaling that this is a widespread urban issue, but one Pattaya’s tourism-dependent economy cannot afford to ignore. Tourism officials have acknowledged the growing concern, promising to work with local police and community groups to enhance safety measures. However, many visitors are calling for swift and visible justice to restore confidence in Pattaya as a safe destination. As one tourist put it: “Enough is enough. We want fair punishment, not just fines that let offenders keep coming back.” To help improve safety in Pattaya, witnesses of violence or anyone with relevant information should contact the police at 191 or 082-7999-111 without delay.

Regional travelers from Malaysia, China, and India — not Europeans — are now driving Pattaya’s tourism recovery in 2025. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — While Pattaya’s image as a European holiday haven still lingers in the local imagination, hard data from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports shows a different reality. The city’s tourism survival in 2025 is increasingly thanks to its Asian neighbors—not long-haul European visitors. During the first half of 2025, from January 1 to June 30, a total of 16,685,466 international tourists entered Thailand. That figure marks a 4.66 percent decline compared to the same period last year. Tourism revenue also dipped slightly, falling by 2.31 percent to just over 771 billion baht. In June alone, the situation worsened, with foreign arrivals dropping 15.24 percent year-on-year to 2,322,772. The top 10 countries sending tourists to Thailand during the first six months of the year underscore the shift: Malaysia led the way with more than 2.29 million visitors, followed closely by China with 2.26 million. India came in third with 1.18 million, ahead of Russia’s 1.03 million and South Korea’s 772,000. The UK and the US followed with 572,000 and 551,000 tourists respectively, while Japan, Taiwan, and Laos rounded out the top ten. For the month of June specifically, Malaysia again held the top spot with nearly 400,000 arrivals, followed by China at 306,000 and India at just over 205,000. Singapore contributed 107,000 visitors, edging out South Korea with 98,000. The United States saw 81,000 entries, while Laos, Russia, Indonesia, and Taiwan all clustered closely behind with between 68,000 and 79,000 visitors each. As Asian tourists dominate the first half of 2025, Pattaya businesses shift focus while European travelers take a back seat. In Pattaya, this data reflects a visible shift on the streets. Western tourists—once the city’s economic backbone—now play a supporting role, while short-haul regional travelers from countries like Malaysia and India dominate beachside cafes, water sport rentals, shopping malls, and entertainment zones. Local entrepreneurs report that while these visitors may not stay for months like the Europeans of old, they arrive in greater numbers and continue to spend. Hotels are adapting by hiring multilingual staff and catering more to Indian, Chinese, and Malay tourists. Tour operators now offer customized excursions for family groups and young professionals traveling on short but active itineraries. Even restaurant menus and signage are evolving to include more Asian languages, reflecting a long-overdue recognition of who’s truly keeping the city afloat. Though many business owners in Pattaya still hope for a return of the golden-age European market, the numbers suggest the city’s future lies elsewhere. Southeast Asia’s proximity-driven travel culture has proven far more resilient amid global economic instability, aging Western populations, and shifting travel preferences. And while European tourists remain valuable in long-stay niches like real estate, retirement, and wellness, they are no longer the city’s core traffic. The reality is clear: it’s time for Pattaya to stop romanticizing the past and begin building smartly around the new demographics already here. Still, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is actively working to diversify and equalize the market — with renewed campaigns in Europe aimed at restoring balance between short-haul growth and long-haul potential.

Thai nationals continue crossing back from Cambodia amid daily 400-baht overstay fines. SA KAEO, Thailand – At the Ban Khlong Luek border checkpoint in Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaeo province, Thai nationals have been steadily crossing back into Thailand following the implementation of hefty overstay fines in Cambodia. Since the border operating hours were shortened to the 25th day of the month, many Thai workers and residents have chosen to return home, fearing escalating tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border. On the morning of July 1, the checkpoint saw a steady flow of Thai nationals re-entering the country. Thailand maintains opening hours for students crossing from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m., allowing Cambodian nationals to return home starting at 9:00 a.m. when the Cambodian side opens. One returning worker, “Nong Mam,” shared that she had been legally working for an online gambling website in Poipet, Cambodia, with a two-month permit. However, due to the current uncertain and unfriendly atmosphere toward Thai people in Cambodia, including hostile behavior, she chose to return to Thailand after only one week. Additionally, reports from returning Thai nationals revealed that Cambodian authorities are imposing fines of 400 baht per day on those overstaying their permitted duration. Some have paid fines ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 baht. Meanwhile, Thai authorities have not imposed overstay fines on Cambodian nationals residing in Thailand. Tensions rise at the Thai-Cambodian border as workers return due to hefty fines and hostile behavior. Cambodia enforces strict overstay penalties, prompting many Thais to head home early.   Nong Mam returns to Thailand early, citing unfriendly treatment in Cambodia and steep overstay fines as reasons for her decision.

Pattaya feels the impact as World Bank projects just 1.8% GDP growth for Thailand in 2025. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — As Pattaya grapples with a slow tourist season and uncertainty in its local business scene, the city is also confronting the broader economic challenges facing Thailand. According to a recent World Bank report, the Thai economy’s potential growth has been declining steadily over the past decade — a reality that now weighs heavily on regional hubs like Pattaya. Dr. Kiattipong Ariyaprachya, Senior Economist at the World Bank, shared at the launch of the Thailand Economic Monitor on July 3, 2025, that Thailand’s GDP growth is projected to be a modest 1.8% this year and 1.7% next year. These figures reflect both short-term shocks and longer-term structural issues. “The Thai economy faces multiple challenges, from trade policy uncertainties affecting exports — a key engine of growth — to deep-seated structural problems like aging demographics, technological gaps, and shrinking fiscal space,” Dr. Kiattipong explained. Thailand’s growth potential — or the maximum sustainable economic output without triggering inflation — has fallen from around 3% a decade ago to approximately 2.6-2.7% today. This slowdown presents a sobering backdrop for cities like Pattaya, whose tourism-driven economy depends on steady national and global growth. Locally, businesses and tourism operators feel this pressure. Reduced international arrivals and cautious consumer spending are reflections of the broader economic malaise, leaving Pattaya’s hopes pinned on upcoming government stimulus programs and future high-profile events. Dr. Kiattipong added that while current growth is limited, targeted investments in digital infrastructure, human capital, new trade partnerships, and deregulation of key sectors could lift Thailand’s growth potential back up to 3.4% in the years ahead. However, political uncertainty remains a looming concern. Although the World Bank’s latest analysis did not factor in political volatility, historical experience suggests such instability can delay government spending and new projects, impacting economic momentum — especially around the passing of the 2026 national budget. “The budget for 2026 is expected to pass on schedule, allowing ongoing projects to continue uninterrupted,” Dr. Kiattipong said. “But any new initiatives that have not yet begun may face delays due to political uncertainty.” For Pattaya, this means navigating a complex economic landscape: short-term tourist fluctuations amid long-term structural and political factors affecting Thailand’s overall economic health. The city’s resilience will depend not only on seasonal visitor numbers but also on how effectively national reforms and investments boost the country’s underlying growth potential.

Without advance reservations, many Pattaya operators are left struggling through the low season with little relief in sight. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — The monsoon season has cast a long shadow over Pattaya’s tourism sector, with many businesses facing a sharp dip in visitors and revenue. While some operators remain stable thanks to advance bookings, others are left scrambling to stay afloat as day-to-day tourist traffic slows to a crawl. “This time of year is always quieter, but 2025’s low season feels especially tough,” said a hotel manager near Jomtien Beach. “We’re lucky to have some European guests booked in for a few months. Without them, we’d be in serious trouble.” Businesses with confirmed reservations — often secured months in advance — are managing to weather the slump, particularly those catering to long-stay travelers and repeat visitors. But for many smaller hotels, tour operators, and beachfront vendors, the slowdown has been punishing. Walk-in guests are fewer and spending less. With skies frequently overcast and rains cutting short outdoor plans, tourism-reliant shops and service providers have seen foot traffic dry up. Taxi drivers, beach massage therapists, and restaurant owners alike describe the past few weeks as “dead quiet.” Operators say the real divide this season is between those who built booking pipelines through overseas agents or loyal client networks, and those still relying on last-minute guests or spontaneous tourist flow. While some Pattaya hotels rely on long-stay visitors to survive the slump, others face mounting pressure with empty rooms and no bookings. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) “Bookings are lifelines,” said the owner of a mid-size guesthouse on Soi Buakhao. “Without them, you’re just waiting, hoping someone walks in — and most days, no one does.” Some relief is expected from the Thai government’s domestic tourism push, including campaigns like ‘Let’s Go Halves’ which aim to stimulate local travel with subsidies. While participation is moderate in coastal areas like Pattaya, the program offers a shot of activity, especially during weekends. Still, local sentiment remains cautious. Many in the hospitality industry believe the real recovery won’t begin until the final quarter of the year, when weather improves and international events return to the calendar. Hopes are pinned on high-season arrivals and speculation about large-scale festivals and concerts making their way to the eastern seaboard. Until then, Pattaya’s tourism engine is running on low gear — and for operators without forward bookings, every day of rain brings a tougher road ahead.

Foreign worker crackdown: 17 nabbed in Chon Buri street job stingLegacyIt was a morning of raids, arrests and shocked shopfronts as Thai police swooped in on street vendors and salons suspected of illegally employing foreign workers. The Chon Buri Employment Office, led by Phuwakorn Toshingkhon, teamed up with the Provincial Labour Office under Chalermphon Niamsakul and the Internal Security Operations Command yesterday, July 4, to launch a sweeping inspection operation across Bang Lamung and Sattahip districts. Their mission? To tackle growing complaints that foreign nationals were filling jobs strictly reserved for Thai citizens. These occupations included selling chicken kebabs, cheese and ice cream from kerbside stalls, along with offering beauty services such as hairdressing and manicures. Over the course of the operation, officials targeted six locations identified through tip-offs and previous monitoring. The raids proved fruitful: 17 foreign workers were detained for violating employment regulations. Among those arrested were seven Laotian women, eight Cambodian nationals—six men and two women—and two Myanmar citizens, one man and one woman. Officers escorted the group to local police stations for processing and further legal action. Six were taken to Bang Lamung Police Station, four to Nongprue Police Station, and the remaining seven to Plutaluang Police Station. “These individuals are facing charges under Section 8 of the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree 2017, along with penalties outlined in Section 101. They were either working without valid permits or carrying out duties beyond the scope of their authorisation,” a spokesperson said. But the workers themselves aren’t the only ones in trouble. Employers who engaged them are also being charged under Section 9, which carries strict penalties under Section 102 of the same law. Investigators confirmed that legal proceedings against these business owners have already began, reported The Pattaya News. Officials emphasised that the crackdown is part of an ongoing effort to protect jobs legally reserved for Thai nationals and to enforce compliance among businesses that rely on migrant labour. “The public is encouraged to report any suspected illegal employment so we can continue to uphold the law and ensure fair opportunities for Thai workers,” the Employment Office said in a statement. As enforcement ramps up, businesses in Chon Buri are urged to double-check paperwork and ensure all staff have the correct permissions before putting them to work—or risk facing steep fines and criminal charges. The story Foreign worker crackdown: 17 nabbed in Chon Buri street job sting as seen on Thaiger News.