7-on-1 in Pattaya: Gang beating sparks fears over city’s safety vacuum. PATTAYA, Thailand – Another brutal late-night gang attack in Pattaya has left residents and tourists questioning not just the lack of safety in the city’s nightlife zones — but the absence of any meaningful police presence. The recent savage beating of a security guard by a group of seven men, all reportedly Thai, has sparked fierce debate online, with many arguing that tourists and workers alike “don’t have much choice but to watch over themselves.” “This was seven on one,” commented one frustrated expat online. “Yeah… usual Thai bravery by the gang.” Others pointed out that the incident wasn’t random. “These guys went there looking for him. This was planned. Revenge or money collection,” wrote a long-term visitor, who added, “The only Thai males in that area are security staff, DJs, motorbike taxi drivers and the odd food vendor. Thai lads don’t hang around there.” While the attack involved only Thai nationals, many in the tourist community are feeling more uneasy — especially as violent altercations become a more common sight, often fueled by the cocktail of cheap liquor, easily available weed, and in some cases, yaba (methamphetamine). “It’s the mix of alcohol and weed,” one local said. “Drop a few pills and the holidaymakers think they are boss.” Another put it bluntly: “Violence is the result of reduced income due to high greed prices of drinks and… well, everything.” The scene unfolded in one of Pattaya’s party zones, yet observers noted an alarming lack of any police response. “This seems to be happening more and more. Where’s the police? On permanent leave?” one user asked. Another suggested authorities either reduce nightlife hours or concentrate enforcement in fewer, controlled areas. “It seems to be spreading everywhere now.” Where are the police? Tourists say they’re on their own after savage nightlife attack. Online reactions also revealed a broader distrust in law enforcement. “If they get caught, they’ll simply wai (Thai way of paying respect or apologies) for a photo and that’ll be the end of it,” one user mocked, referencing how some suspects in Thailand pose with police during arrests in staged press photos. Another added, “It’s OK for security guys to beat the crap outta someone, but when it happens to them it’s suddenly a public safety debate.” Many believe the police are simply overwhelmed — or uninterested. “Police on Beach Road are just stopping tourists to issue tickets and collect fines for no helmets. They don’t care about anything else,” said one longtime resident. “Yesterday, I saw a traffic cop riding against traffic on Beach Road. Today, I saw a group of motorcyclists on the pedestrian crossing on Pattaya Klang, some without helmets. A cop steps out of his booth, calmly tells them to move, then just walks back in.” And while these incidents dominate nightlife districts, similar patterns persist in rural Thailand too. “Alcohol, yaba-fueled chaos is common everywhere,” a commenter noted. “And the whole world has alcohol-fueled idiots — with the same result.” But beneath the satire lies genuine concern. “Wolf pack mentality,” said one commenter. “Hope these cowards get caught soon.” Yet hope alone may not be enough. Until law enforcement steps up — beyond issuing speeding tickets to foreigners and selectively enforcing helmet laws — Pattaya’s tourists, workers, and residents may have no option but to rely on their own vigilance. Because in the so-called “city that never sleeps,” it appears the police already have.