Pattaya police continue beach inspections, but can name-taking alone solve the “coconut tree women” issue? PATTAYA, Thailand – As the sun sets over Pattaya Beach, another nightly scene plays out — groups of Thai women and transgender individuals, often referred to as “coconut tree women,” line the beachfront looking for foreign customers. This phenomenon is nothing new, but recent police activity raises a serious question: can Pattaya law enforcement truly manage this issue when their only tool appears to be jotting down names? On the night of May 19, Pattaya police launched yet another “crackdown” along a five-kilometer stretch from North to South Pattaya Beach. Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Siriwat Kachamat and Pol. Lt. Col. Suchart Dusadee under the direction of Pattaya Police Superintendent Col. Anek Srathongyoo, the operation aimed to “regulate” the presence of these individuals amid growing concerns about tourism-related crime and public image. This follows a recent altercation between a tourist and a transgender woman that went viral and sparked renewed scrutiny of Pattaya’s beachside nightlife. However, despite the dramatic optics of uniformed officers and flashing lights, the reality remains toothless: police are merely taking names and asking those present to report to the station to complete a basic identification record. No arrests, no fines, no legal actions — just a polite request for cooperation. When police approached, many individuals fled into side streets or across Beach Road, underscoring a lack of trust in the process and skepticism about its purpose. While some did cooperate and allowed their details to be recorded, the majority refused and quickly disappeared into the night. Authorities insist this is a “preventative measure” aimed at protecting tourists and upholding Pattaya’s image as a world-class destination. But critics argue that collecting names — without enforcement or social support — is an exercise in futility that fails to address the root causes, such as poverty, lack of employment, or exploitation. If Pattaya hopes to strike a balance between tourism appeal and public order, more than superficial name-taking will be needed. Until then, the beach will likely continue to host the same nightly scenes — watched over by police with notebooks instead of real solutions. Officers jot down IDs, but critics say the city needs more than paperwork to manage its nightlife image. Beachfront workers scatter as police approach—many still refuse cooperation during late-night checks.   Pattaya’s efforts to preserve its tourism image face scrutiny as enforcement remains largely symbolic.