Despite countless shutdowns, some Pattaya venues reopen within days, prompting near-nightly raids by authorities. PATTAYA, Thailand – In recent weeks, nearly nightly raids by police and district officers on Pattaya’s entertainment venues have become routine. Yet for many observers and residents, the question is not why so many raids — but why they’re still needed at all. The latest incident involved a joint raid on an unlicensed host bar in Pattaya where chaos erupted after one group of customers attacked another. The authorities not only found the venue operating illegally, but also uncovered drugs and signs of drug use. Eighteen people tested positive for narcotics — despite the venue having been busted “countless times” before. Public frustration over the cycle of raids and reopenings is evident on social media, where users express a mix of sarcasm and exasperation. One comment captures the recurring pattern: “Here we go again. No license. Drugs. Violence. Next week they’ll reopen and get raided again.” Others highlight the widespread nature of the problem, noting, “There are tons of illegal pubs in Soi Kor Phai already. This is just one of many,” while some emphasize the blatant disregard for the law, saying, “They don’t even hide it — these are full-on outlaw joints.” Concern also arises over enforcement timing, with one user asking, “Anyone bringing drugs into a club deserves the consequences. But where is the enforcement before things get violent?” The recurring pattern — unlicensed pub opens, gets raided, reopens under a new name or management — has exposed deeper flaws in the enforcement system. Many of these venues have long operated in legal gray zones or outright defiance of regulations, often without proper business licenses, safety permits, or adherence to operating hours. As new rogue pubs pop up across town, residents question whether enforcement is solving or recycling the problem. Some locals believe the problem goes beyond weak enforcement to structural complicity. “You can’t raid the same place ten times and pretend the system works,” said one local bartender. “It’s not broken — it’s working exactly as intended for the people making money off it.” Indeed, Pattaya’s nightlife economy is vast, profitable, and often operates on the edge of regulation. But the city’s reputation — especially as it tries to promote itself as a family-friendly, world-class tourism hub — is continually undermined by headlines of violence, drugs, and rogue venues. Officials insist the raids will continue. Pattaya police and Banglamung district officers say they are under orders to clean up “shadow businesses” and prevent further incidents like last week’s brawl. Yet few believe the nightly crackdowns alone will be enough to solve the underlying problems. For now, each raid seems to highlight a cycle that never ends — unlicensed venues pop up, trouble follows, the authorities sweep in, and everyone braces for the next round. Officers found drugs and unlicensed operations — the venue had previously been raided multiple times.   Locals Ask: “How many raids before the system works?” Recurring busts reveal deeper cracks in Pattaya’s nightlife enforcement and licensing oversight.