Pattaya News
Welcome to The Thaiger’s Pattaya news page, your one-stop destination for the latest happenings in Thailand’s coastal town, AKA Sin City of the East! Our dedicated team delivers up-to-the-minute news, in-depth analysis, and exclusive stories from Pattaya, covering everything from local politics and business to entertainment and lifestyle. Stay informed about the city’s thriving tourism industry, expat community, and vibrant nightlife, as well as updates on events, attractions, and transportation.
The Thaiger is your essential guide to navigating Pattaya’s dynamic landscape. To stay connected with the most trusted news source in town, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.
-
Sponsored Why is Bangkok's air quality so bad?
Imagine waking up early in Bangkok and you see all the beautiful morning fog from your balcony, but as you sip your coffee you realise it's just Bangkok's air pollution that's making the sun rise aesthetic. Ranked as the 36th...
-
Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer
Thailand’s holiday celebrations are giving Lapland a run for its money with elephants donning Santa suits, flower-studded gardens, and dazzling star parades lighting up the nation. At Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya, Christmas cheer came with a floral twist as tens of thousands of blossoms transformed the space into a vibrant winter wonderland. Sacred figures like Ganesha and Guan…
-
Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider
A Christmas Eve motorcycle mishap turned menacing in Pattaya, leaving a 60 year old Australian tourist terrified after a motorbike taxi driver allegedly threatened him with a knife. Ivica, an Australian holidaymaker, filed a formal complaint with Pattaya police yesterday, December 24 at 11.46pm, claiming he had been menaced by a knife-wielding motorbike taxi driver following a minor collision. The…
-
Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
-
Foreign couple’s passionate encounter leads to damage at Pattaya hotel
A foreign couple refused to pay compensation after their sexual activity damaged furniture and Christmas decorations at a hotel in Pattaya last night, December 24. Chaos broke out at a hotel in Pattaya Soi 8 on Christmas Eve as hotel workers and officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were reportedly chasing a foreign woman wearing a white mini-dress. The foreign…
-
Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day
In stark contrast to the festive spirits, a Belgian man suffered serious injuries after a group of six thieves brutally attacked him with a knife and robbed him in Pattaya earlier today, December 25, just as he was returning from a Christmas party. A 38 year old Thai woman named Phonthip alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the…
-
Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha
Si Racha police have intensified their efforts against illegal imports, seizing more than 47,000 e-cigarettes valued at 10 million baht. The significant seizure took place yesterday, December 24, at Laem Chabang Port, located in the Si Racha district of Chon Buri province. This decisive action is part of a broader campaign initiated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra aimed at curbing…
-
Teeing off diplomacy: Thailand celebrates 50 years with China
Thailand rolled out the green carpet in Pattaya for over 300 Chinese golf enthusiasts, blending sport and diplomacy in a high-profile event. The Amazing Thailand Golf Paradise 2024, held on December 19 at Siam Country Club Waterside and Rolling Hills, marked the 50th anniversary of Thai-China diplomatic relations with a swing and a celebration. Under Thailand’s specialised golf package tours,…
-
Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation
Police in Pattaya have executed a large-scale operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals as part of a concerted effort to combat drug use and criminal activity in the Jomtien area. The operation, named Parasite Clean-up Part 2, was led by Police Major General Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, and took place in the early…
-
Pattaya Beach bags world-class glory with safety and eco awards
Pattaya has officially cemented its place as a top-tier beach destination after snagging three prestigious certifications for safety, cleanliness, and eco-friendliness. The big announcement was made by Pattaya Mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, who proudly declared, “This certification is a proud achievement for Pattaya and its people.” The accolades come after a rigorous evaluation process under the ISO 13009 standard—a globally recognised…
-
Pattaya guesthouse horror: Foreign man found with decomposing body
A troubling discovery unfolded in Pattaya as a foreign man was found living in a guesthouse with his partner’s decomposing body for over three days. Police were alerted to the situation when police were called shortly after 11.30am on December 22. The grim find was made in a room on the fifth floor of a guesthouse located at Soi Somprasong…
-
Russian tourist’s gold necklace stolen by trans duo in Pattaya
A Russian visitor in Pattaya reported a theft involving his gold necklace, allegedly stolen by two transgender individuals. The incident unfolded in the early hours of December 22, when police received a report at 3.19am about a tourist being pickpocketed in a hotel parking lot on Soi Wong Amat, Pattaya-Naklua Road. Upon reaching the location, officers encountered Andrei, a tourist…
-
Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences
A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. The operation was spearheaded by Tawatchai Jindakawornsanong, the Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander. The operation involved a massive deployment of over 900…
-
Foreign women begging in Pattaya raise concerns over enforcement
Foreign women accompanied by young children were witnessed begging on the bustling streets of Pattaya, reigniting concerns about the city’s reputation and the effectiveness of law enforcement. These women, previously apprehended and deported for similar offences, were observed once again soliciting donations from passersby, highlighting a persistent issue that locals believe requires more stringent measures. Yesterday, December 21, at 8.06pm,…
-
Intoxicated tourist with knife causes uproar in Pattaya condominium
Police in Pattaya took swift action after receiving reports of a foreign tourist causing a disturbance at a condominium on Jomtien Second Road yesterday, December 21. At 1am, officers responded to residents’ calls regarding a man armed with a knife, creating a scene by knocking on doors. Residents, clearly alarmed, recounted how the man, wearing a black T-shirt and black…
-
Shirtless tourist swallows traffic ticket in Pattaya police standoff
A peculiar scene unfolded in Pattaya when a foreign visitor was apprehended after an unusual attempt to dispose of a traffic ticket. This muscular traveller, who was riding a motorcycle shirtless and without a helmet, was stopped by police at a checkpoint situated in front of the Pattaya police station. Upon being asked to present his driving licence, the visitor…
-
Hong Kong man arrested in Pattaya for illegal e-cigarette trade
A Hong Kong man has been apprehended in a luxury hotel in Central Pattaya for producing and selling electronic cigarettes. A significant haul of e-cigarette components was seized, including empty e-cigarette pods and e-liquid. The arrest took place yesterday when police officers, led by Navin Teerawit, Pattaya City Police Station Superintendent, and his team, detained 28 year old Hing Ping…
-
Three sentenced to death for German’s murder in Pattaya
The Pattaya Provincial Court has delivered a verdict in a high-profile murder case, sentencing three people to death for the murder and dismemberment of Hans Peter Ralter Mack, a 62 year old German real estate businessman. The crime, which took place in Pattaya on July 5 last year, shocked the local and international communities due to its gruesome nature. Police…
-
Homeless woman sent to rehab after using drugs on Pattaya Beach
A Thai journalist yesterday visited Pattaya Beach for a photoshoot but ended up witnessing a more dramatic scene when a homeless woman was arrested for drug use on the beach. Channel 3 reported that the journalist, whose identity remains undisclosed, arrived at Pattaya Beach yesterday afternoon, December 19, and saw a group of lifeguards gathered around a homeless woman. The…
-
Pattaya bar girl scams 10 million baht from South Korean man
A South Korean man lost more than 10 million baht to a Thai woman he met in Pattaya. The woman even claimed that she died of cancer to scam the foreigner out of his money. The South Korean victim, identified only as Danny, appeared on the Thai news programme ถกไม่เถียง (translated as Discussing, Not Arguing) on Channel 7 yesterday, December…
-
Transwoman drama leaves Pattaya taxi driver with egg on his face
A confrontation unfolded on Pattaya Beach early yesterday between a motorcycle taxi driver and a transgender woman, resulting in injuries for the driver and egg on his face. Pattaya police received reports of a violent altercation at around 3.06am, yesterday, December 19, prompting immediate response to the scene. On arrival, they encountered Chayut, a 34 year old motorcycle taxi driver,…
-
Thai woman accepts laced drink at Pattaya nightclub, hospitalised
A night out in Pattaya took a dangerous turn for a woman after accepting a drink from a Chinese tourist, leading to severe health issues. The incident occurred when the Thai woman was celebrating her sibling’s birthday at a club on Walking Street, Pattaya, Chon Buri. The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted her ordeal, which included passing out…
-
2 million baht in valuables stolen from secure apartment in Pattaya
A shocking burglary took place yesterday at an apartment in Pattaya, leaving a woman stunned as thieves managed to infiltrate her room and break into a safe hidden within a storage cabinet. The thieves made off with nearly 2 million baht worth of valuables, including gold jewellery and cash. There were no signs of forced entry into the room, leading…
-
Thai woman critically injured in Pattaya sidecar and car collision
A serious accident involving a motorcycle sidecar and a car near Pattaya left a 54 year old woman critically injured. The Sawaeng Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Center was alerted to an accident on Huay Yai Road yesterday, December 18 at 6.16am. Rescue workers, in coordination with Huay Yai police, quickly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they discovered a white Honda…
-
Call centre bust: 5 Japanese scammers nabbed in Thailand
Thai immigration police arrested five Japanese nationals accused of running a fraudulent call centre in Pattaya that conned elderly Japanese citizens out of a staggering 5 million baht daily. Police Major General Panumat Boonyalak, acting commissioner, revealed that the bust followed a tip-off from the Japanese embassy. The gang had allegedly duped victims with promises of refunds for past medical…
-
Squid vendor’s bribery allegation shakes Pattaya officials
Pattaya’s image-polishing efforts took a dramatic turn after a street vendor’s explosive accusations exposed alleged corruption among city officers. During a crackdown on illegal street vending near Walking Street, police arrested Nicha, a grilled squid vendor, who unleashed a fiery claim that certain officers had been extorting her for free food and bribes while turning a blind eye to her…
-
Death penalty sought for Korean murderer in Pattaya, Thailand
Prosecutors in South Korea are demanding the death penalty for two men accused of the chilling murder of a Korean tourist in Thailand, an act described as both premeditated and brutal. Court officials confirmed the request today, as grisly details of the crime emerged. The suspects, 39 year old Kim Hyeong Gwon and a 27 year old surnamed Lee, face…
-
Cambodian begging gang busted in Pattaya, 19 arrested
Thai police apprehended 19 Cambodian nationals, including nine children, for allegedly begging illegally in Pattaya. The Chon Buri Immigration Office conducted the raid on Monday, December 16 in the Wat Tham Samakkhi area of South Pattaya, targeting what is believed to be a hideout for a Cambodian begging gang. During the operation, officers arrested 10 adults, consisting of both men…
-
Russian driver on Santa’s naughty list for Xmas-lit car in Pattaya
In a merry mix-up fitting for the festive season, a Russian driver found himself in trouble with the law after transforming his sedan into a mobile Christmas light show in Pattaya. Eager to embrace the holiday spirit, the Russian, Ivanov, decked out his grey sedan with a dazzling array of multi-coloured lights, only to be stopped in his tracks by…
-
Panic in Pattaya: Apartment blaze sparks late-night chaos
Chaos erupted late last night in Pattaya as a fire broke out in a four-storey apartment building, sending thick smoke billowing into the air that was seen from miles around. Despite the panic, no injuries were reported in the incident, which could have ended far worse. The Pattaya City Land Disaster Relief Department received the emergency call at 11.46pm yesterday,…
-
American expat gifts helmets to Pattaya residents to boost safety
An American expat residing in Pattaya gained widespread admiration for his charitable efforts directed at enhancing children’s safety. Along with other generous donors and with the support of local restaurant Cajun Life Cafe and compassionate Pattaya police officers, the American distributed helmets to children and some adults in need on Pratumnak Soi 5. The expat, 57 year old Rick Brown…
Don't forget to check out some other things to do in Thailand - get help starting a business or finding a job in Thailand, buy Thailand property, rent a yacht or book a medical procedure worldwide.