Mayor Poramet condemns AI-generated fake news harming the city’s reputation and urges the public to report false content. PATTAYA, Thailand — A viral image allegedly showing Indian men lying amidst piles of trash on Pattaya Beach — with the iconic “PATTAYA” sign visible in the background — has sparked public outrage and renewed concern about Thailand’s international image. However, Pattaya City officials are now calling the image entirely fake, claiming it was generated using artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a disinformation campaign. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated on the official Facebook pages ‘PRPATTAYA’ and ‘Mayor Beer’s Direct Line’ that the image circulating online is not based in reality. He explained that it was created using AI tools and published by a YouTube channel named “Carl Reed,” which is allegedly operated by a Cambodian national posing as a Western foreigner. The mayor warned that the channel’s intent appears to be the deliberate spread of negative and false narratives about Thailand designed to damage the country’s reputation. The incident has drawn further attention after the well-known Facebook page CSI LA, which focuses on political, social, and crime investigations, posted a warning to the public. With over 1.4 million followers, CSI LA identified the “Carl Reed” YouTube channel as a major source of misleading content, stating that the channel uses AI-generated voiceovers and visuals to create fake news stories targeting Thailand. They urged users to report the account to YouTube so that it can be investigated and removed. Mayor Poramet emphasized that content like this undermines efforts to promote Pattaya and causes real harm to the city’s global image. He urged the public not to believe or spread such content, and to help in reporting any clearly falsified material. YouTube channel “Carl Reed” accused of spreading AI-synthesized misinformation targeting Thailand’s tourism industry. Online, many Thai citizens expressed frustration. Some questioned how such videos could go unchecked for months, while others suggested launching a 24-hour Pattaya live stream to show the beach’s true condition. One commenter, who walks that stretch every morning, confirmed the image was entirely fake. Several others pointed out the obvious AI manipulation and emphasized that the real Pattaya beach looks nothing like the fabricated scene. Adding a touch of local humor and skepticism, another comment quipped, “This is fake. The real scene is usually some deal-making with Thai girls under the trees on the sidewalk. They don’t waste time sleeping on the beach like that.” Officials continue to stress that the video and photo are not based on real events and are part of a growing trend of AI-driven fake news targeting tourist destinations. Authorities are asking the public to remain alert, avoid spreading such misinformation, and report the YouTube channel in question to prevent further reputational harm to Thailand and its tourism sector. Authorities urge public vigilance against misinformation and ask everyone to report the fake YouTube channel to help protect Thailand’s image and tourism industry. For reports, call hotline 1337.