Pattaya News

Pattaya news, politics, business, tourism, and nightlife—stay updated with breaking stories, events, and expat updates from Thailand’s coastal entertainment hub. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted Pattaya news source.

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    Why long-term expats in Thailand say insurance is worth every baht

    Thailand’s warm weather, low cost of living, and good healthcare attract many long-term expats, including retirees and remote workers. Life here feels easy and affordable, but medical costs can be high if something goes wrong. Private hospitals are popular because...

  • Pattaya minibus driver escapes after fatal motorbike crash | Thaiger

    Pattaya minibus driver escapes after fatal motorbike crash

    A tragic accident occurred when a motorbike crashed into the rear of a minibus parked on the road, leading to the death of the rider’s father. The incident took place at 5.36am yesterday on Sukhumvit Road, heading towards Pattaya, in Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. Police officer Aphiwan Sritongrungthip received the report and, along with volunteers, arrived at the scene to…

  • Two fishermen rescued after boat capsizes off Jomtien Beach | Thaiger

    Two fishermen rescued after boat capsizes off Jomtien Beach

    Two fishermen were rescued after their small fishing boat capsized off Jomtien Beach amid strong waves and winds. One of the fishermen was seriously injured. The incident occurred around 7.06am today. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation received a call about a boat capsizing and two people falling into the water and sustaining injuries. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue…

  • Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill | Thaiger

    Deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya inspires with dedication and skill

    A deaf shoeshiner in Pattaya has captured the admiration of netizens for his perseverance and dedication. Known as Kai, his story surfaced online after a local journalist saw him cleaning a tourist’s shoes on Pattaya Beach. Kai earns his living by offering shoe cleaning services to tourists. Despite being deaf and mute, he communicates with customers using a sign that…

  • Australian man arrested in Pattaya for multiple offenses and mafia connections | Thaiger

    Australian man arrested in Pattaya for multiple offenses and mafia connections

    Immigration Bureau officers arrested an Australian man in Pattaya for multiple offences in his home country and his connection to a foreign mafia gang in Phuket. Officers arrested the Australian, identified only as Grey, at his luxury home in Pattaya after discovering his connection to the mafia gang. However, officers did not provide full details about the group. The Immigration…

  • Motorcycle U-turn causes serious collision in Pattaya | Thaiger

    Motorcycle U-turn causes serious collision in Pattaya

    A sudden U-turn by a motorcycle led to a severe collision with a car, resulting in significant injuries and substantial vehicle damage. The accident occurred on Sukhumvit Road near the Nong Nuch Garden traffic light, heading towards Pattaya, Chon Buri. Police Lieutenant Ratchapol Srisaeng from Na Jomtien Police Station received a report of the accident and promptly arrived at the…

  • German tourist’s fatal fall from Pattaya hotel sends shockwaves | Thaiger

    German tourist’s fatal fall from Pattaya hotel sends shockwaves

    Another tragic incident at a luxury hotel in Pattaya has left tourists reeling after a German national fell to his death. Police are now working to uncover the true motive behind this unfortunate event. This morning, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Pattaya Rescue Radio Centre received reports of a man falling from a height at a five-star hotel near Pattaya Beach,…

  • Shooting at Chon Buri restaurant leaves patrons in panic | Thaiger

    Shooting at Chon Buri restaurant leaves patrons in panic

    A shooting incident at a restaurant in Chon Buri sent patrons and staff into a chaotic scramble for safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the assailant remains at large as police intensify their manhunt. Police Major Sila Sajai of Sattahip Police Station received a report of a shooting at a restaurant near a Bangchak petrol station at kilometre 5,…

  • Fishing boat capsies near Laem Chabang, one missing | Thaiger

    Fishing boat capsies near Laem Chabang, one missing

    A fishing umbrella boat capsized near Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, yesterday, leaving one crew member missing, feared drowned. The incident occurred around 1.2 nautical miles from the mouth of the Banglamung Canal. The vessel, carrying two people, encountered trouble due to a leak and was overturned by strong waves. Onboard were 23 year old Chiang from…

  • Aussie man sues Thai ex after Danish affair & money swindle | Thaiger

    Aussie man sues Thai ex after Danish affair & money swindle

    An Australian man is taking legal action against his Thai ex-girlfriend after she reportedly had an affair with a Danish man and swindled his money. The accused Thai woman, on the other hand, is also seeking justice, claiming the Thai police sided with her ex-husband and treated her unfairly. Paralee Saemalakor, the 48 year old accused, approached the superintendent of…

  • Pattaya bars raided for operating beyond legal hours, illegal alcohol | Thaiger

    Pattaya bars raided for operating beyond legal hours, illegal alcohol

    Police in Pattaya raided four bars across the city yesterday after receiving complaints about these venues operating beyond legal hours, with some establishments selling alcohol without licences. The raid targeted establishments on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road, and Pattaya Third Road. Authorities discovered that these venues, one of which was a host bar, continued operations well past the permitted…

  • American tourist a suspected suicide victim at Pattaya hotel | Thaiger

    American tourist a suspected suicide victim at Pattaya hotel

    An American tourist was discovered dead this morning in a suspected suicide after a fatal fall from the seventh floor of a hotel in Pattaya. Pattaya police received the report at around 6.06am and quickly dispatched officers and rescue workers to the scene. The incident occurred at an unidentified hotel on Soi Thappraya 15, where the deceased, identified as Michael…

  • Swedish man caught stealing 2 motorcycles in Pattaya (video) | Thaiger

    Swedish man caught stealing 2 motorcycles in Pattaya (video)

    Police arrested an injured Swedish man outside a hotel in the Na Jomtien neighbourhood of Pattaya on Sunday after he stole two motorcycles from a taxi driver and a local. Security camera footage from a kratom shop at the crime scene captured the first theft at midnight on June 2. The shop owner shared the video on social media. “Pattaya…

  • Thailand sees 60% rise in Indian tourists with new visa-free policy | Thaiger

    Thailand sees 60% rise in Indian tourists with new visa-free policy

    Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the success of a visa-free policy for Indian tourists, effective from May 11 to November 11. This initiative aims to boost tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy. Bookings by Indian tourists surged by 60% between 2022 and last year, according to Airbnb. Searches for accommodations in Thailand by Indian tourists increased by over 200% during…

  • Free zoo entry for children in Thailand for Queen Suthida’s birthday | Thaiger

    Free zoo entry for children in Thailand for Queen Suthida’s birthday

    Zoos across Thailand are offering free admission for children under 12 years old today in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday. This initiative, announced by the director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPO), Attapon Srihayrun, will include several prominent zoos, such as Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai Zoo, Songkhla Zoo, Khon Kaen Zoo,…

  • Body of foreign man found on Pattaya beach | Thaiger

    Body of foreign man found on Pattaya beach

    A foreign man was discovered dead and washed ashore in Pattaya around noon yesterday, sparking a police investigation. Police arrived at the beach opposite Soi Pattaya 3 Road to find the body of a white man with distinctive tattoos: a flower on his left arm and a bird on his right arm. The man was dressed in black shoes and…

  • Pattaya mayor takes action to prevent parasailing accidents | Thaiger

    Pattaya mayor takes action to prevent parasailing accidents

    Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has called for urgent action following a worrying increase in accidents related to parasailing and other water activities. In a decisive meeting held on Friday, May 31, the mayor sat down with city and tourist police to discuss tightening regulations for parasailing operators. Currently, these operators offer an array of activities: from thrilling jet ski…

  • Thai man falls from six-story Pattaya hotel | Thaiger

    Thai man falls from six-story Pattaya hotel

    A tragic incident occurred yesterday morning when a 23 year old Thai man fell from a six-story hotel in Soi Pattaya 5, Banglamung, Chon Buri. The incident took place at 9.36am yesterday, prompting an immediate response from Pattaya City police and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Sahatsawat’s body in the hotel parking lot, causing panic…

  • Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok | Thaiger

    Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok

    Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…

  • British granny’s pension nightmare in Thailand | Thaiger

    British granny’s pension nightmare in Thailand

    An 87 year old British woman regrets her move to Thailand to be closer to family, as she struggles to survive on a frozen UK state pension of just £300 (approximately 14,000 baht) a month. Christine Gloria Fox, who lives near Pattaya on Thailand’s east coast, laments her decision to relocate to what she describes as an expensive area where…

  • Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate | Thaiger

    Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate

    In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents. Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done…

  • Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future | Thaiger

    Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future

    Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches led a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Thai National Tree Day, held as part of a wider initiative to move Pattaya towards a low-carbon city. The event, held yesterday, May 30, was a city-wide affair, consisting of attendees from members of the Pattaya City Council, citizens, and volunteers. The city announced that Pattaya has been chosen by…

  • Thai man found dead in Sattahip pond | Thaiger

    Thai man found dead in Sattahip pond

    The Royal Thai Police discovered the body of a Thai man in a pond in Sattahip district, Chon Buri on Wednesday. Sattahip police, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanatham Sathan Foundation, responded to the report around noon, on May 29. At the scene, officials identified the deceased as 48 year old Pongthep Thongho, who was found lying face…

  • Pattaya: Outrage as iconic Dolphin Fountain left high and dry | Thaiger

    Pattaya: Outrage as iconic Dolphin Fountain left high and dry

    In a fiery city council meeting, Pattaya City Councillor Jidapha Suwathaphon spotlighted a troubling oversight: the Dolphin Roundabout fountain on North Pattaya Road remains an unsightly eyesore. “The dolphins have been motionless and dry since I assumed office.” Jidapha reminded the council that funds had already been approved to replace the fountain’s pumps. Despite this, no action has been taken.…

  • Pattaya: Drunken Scotsman hit by car after bar brawl gone wrong | Thaiger

    Pattaya: Drunken Scotsman hit by car after bar brawl gone wrong

    A chaotic scene unfolded in Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya on Tuesday, as an unidentified Scotsman became the unfortunate victim of a bizarre accident. Leaving a bar in a heavily intoxicated state, the 60 year old found himself struck by a car and suffering a serious head injury. The night took a dramatic turn when police officers discovered the man sprawled on…

  • Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy | Thaiger

    Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy

    A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…

  • Indian guests find a ‘Thai’-light in Airbnb bookings surge | Thaiger

    Indian guests find a ‘Thai’-light in Airbnb bookings surge

    New data from Airbnb reveals a significant rise in bookings by Indian guests in Thailand between 2022 and 2023. The statistics show an impressive increase of over 60% year-on-year, with notable peaks during the recent long holiday weekends. During these periods, searches by Indian guests for stays in Thailand surged by more than 200%. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism…

  • Ex-con Brit arrested for fatal punch to Russian in Thailand | Thaiger

    Ex-con Brit arrested for fatal punch to Russian in Thailand

    The British man who punched a Russian businessman, resulting in his death, over sexual advances on his teenage daughter had been previously imprisoned for drug offences. He has recently been arrested for the fatal assault. The businessman allegedly propositioned the Welshman’s 15 year old daughter during a pool party in Pattaya. The 34 year old Welshman, known locally as Flash…

  • Exotic pet trainer attacks South Korean in Pattaya ‘coin-troversy’ | Thaiger

    Exotic pet trainer attacks South Korean in Pattaya ‘coin-troversy’

    An exotic pet trainer attacked a South Korean man at a night market in Pattaya, accusing the victim of insulting him by throwing money at him during a performance. The South Korean victim, 38 year old Munsu Park, along with his Thai girlfriend and older brother, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at 2am today, May 30. The…

  • British man found dead in Sattahip condo, suspected suicide | Thaiger

    British man found dead in Sattahip condo, suspected suicide

    A 58 year old British man was found dead in his condo bathroom in Sattahip, Chon Buri on May 27. Sattahip police responded to a report of a suspected suicide at a luxury condominium behind Bang Saray Market. Upon entering the third-floor room, police discovered the man, identified by police as Michael Devalle, dead in the bathroom. He appeared to…

  • Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife | Thaiger

    Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife

    The private tourism sector in Pattaya convened a workshop yesterday to discuss strategies for repositioning the city as a comprehensive travel destination, aiming to shift its reputation beyond just a nightlife and entertainment hub. Representatives from eight tourism associations, four tourism clubs, and major tour operators within Pattaya City and Chon Buri province attended the event. Government officials from the…