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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Sponsored Digital nomading in Chiang Mai? What US$1,000 a month really gets you
Chiang Mai has become a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, rich culture, and active remote work community. The city offers affordable housing, tasty food, reliable internet, and many co-working spaces, making it a great...
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From TikToker to locktoker: British influencer jailed in Thailand
In a stunning reversal of fortune, a British influencer, once a millionaire and reality TV sensation, now finds herself languishing behind bars in Thailand. The 32 year old woman, originally from Bamber Bridge, Lancashire, is accused of overstaying her visa, casting a shadow over what was a sun-soaked, idyllic lifestyle. Ellis Matthews, who reportedly left England four years ago to…
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Police reopen British teacher’s chilling murder case from 2012
West Yorkshire Police detectives are once again on the hunt for clues connected to the brutal murder of a British teacher in Thailand 12 years after the chilling attack that ultimately claimed his life. Adam Pickles, a former head of English at the Regents International School in Pattaya, tragically died in West Yorkshire in January 2021. His demise followed a…
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Illegal foreign workers busted in Pattaya villa scam crackdown
Tourist Police in Pattaya arrested 25 foreign nationals working illegally at pool villa construction sites, exposing a growing network of illegal foreign-run property developments. The operation, led by Police Colonel Man Rotthong, targeted Chinese investors suspected of developing villa rentals that function as illegal hotels. Acting on a tip-off about 40 Chinese and Myanmar workers, officers raided four construction sites…
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Rent, steal, sell: Couple busted in Pattaya car theft scam
A couple accused of running an elaborate car theft scam were arrested in Pattaya after allegedly renting vehicles, disabling GPS trackers, and selling them on the black market. The operation spanned multiple provinces, with victims reporting losses in Chon Buri, Pattaya, Nonthaburi, and Kanchanaburi. On March 9, Chon Buri Highway Police arrested 48 year old Thanakrit and 29 year old…
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Puff and cuff: Pattaya Teen’s e-cigarette hustle goes up in smoke
A 19 year old girl’s online side hustle took a dramatic turn when she was caught red-handed selling illegal e-cigarettes in a police sting operation in Pattaya. Bang Lamung district chief Patcharapath Sritanyanon ordered a Special Operations Unit to take down online sellers of illegal vapes. Police set up a sting after discovering the young suspect had been advertising e-cigarettes…
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Pattaya punch-up: Teenage girl kicks off in wholesale showdown
A violent punch-up erupted at a wholesale store in Pattaya yesterday between local Thai shoppers when a teenager kicked off after she was blocked by another consumer. The fracas sparked at a store on Soi Khao Noi, East Pattaya, at 8pm yesterday, March 9. The drama exploded when a 19 year old woman flew into a fury over a shopping…
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AI-powered surveillance to boost tourist security in Pattaya
Pattaya City is set to enhance tourist security with artificial intelligence (AI) powered surveillance systems, allowing closer monitoring and response to incidents. This follows a meeting between the mayor and the city’s Tourist Police. Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet met with the newly appointed Pattaya Tourist Police Chief, Police Colonel Songwut Chueaplakij, and his team to discuss the initiative. The AI-integrated…
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Ring the changes! Muay Thai to save Pattaya’s reputation? (video)
Residents of Pattaya believe the introduction of a Muay Thai boxing ring on the city’s infamous Walking Street could tame the recent tide of street brawls among foreign tourists and reclaim some of the holiday resort’s lost charm. The call for change comes hot on the heels of a violent encounter near Pattaya Beach in late February that left two…
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New Don Mueang Airport shuttle links to Thailand hotspots
A brand-new feeder shuttle bus service, linking Don Mueang International Airport to the dazzling shores of Pattaya, is going to make it a whole lot easier for tourists to experience some of Thailand’ most iconic destinations. Launched on Saturday, March 8, under the watchful eye of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote, the service is set to transform transport connectivity, seamlessly…
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Nature calls: Italian man denies public masturbation in Pattaya, blames UTI
An Italian man denied masturbating in public in Pattaya, claiming that he only took his penis out to urinate because he was suffering from urinary incontinence, a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI). A Channel 8 female journalist sought help from Mueang Pattaya Police Station after she and her friend caught a foreign man masturbating on a beach near the…
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Bang Bang Lamung: Thai man shot near Pattaya car shop
A 37 year old Thai man was shot after finding himself in the crosshairs of a rival’s rage in Bang Lamung at the weekend. The shocking scene, unfolded on Saturday, March 8, when a petty feud exploded into chaos at a local auto shop in the typically quiet Khao Mai Kaew area of Chon Buri province. The drama began at…
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Pattaya police arrest suspects in chaotic drug raid at Jomtien Beach
Pattaya City Police conducted an unexpected drug raid at Jomtien Beach yesterday with the assistance of over 50 officers. The operation focused on Soi 2 and Soi 3, causing chaos as dealers and users attempted to flee, some even trying to climb walls to escape. The area was quickly secured by the police, who managed to apprehend all suspects involved,…
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Mongolian arrested for stealing goods worth 26,000 baht in Pattaya
A Mongolian man was detained by Pattaya City Police after allegedly stealing brand-name items from a mall near Pattaya Beach. The incident was reported by a security guard and a representative from the shopping centre. The 52 year old Mongolian national, Byamba, was found with 12 brand-name shirts and two bags, totalling 26,000 baht (US$770) in value. The security guard,…
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Pattaya traffic crackdown: Real reform or just for show?
Pattaya residents are divided over the city’s latest traffic enforcement efforts, questioning whether the recent crackdown by traffic police is a genuine attempt to tackle congestion or just a temporary publicity stunt during major events like the Pattaya Music Festival. While some appreciate the increased police presence, others argue that enforcement is inconsistent, with officers only taking action when the…
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Pattaya vendors clash with officials amid festival crackdown
Pattaya City officials have launched a crackdown on beachfront vendors during the Pattaya Music Festival aiming to clear footpaths for pedestrians and maintain order. However, the enforcement has sparked heated debate, with some supporting the move while others accuse officials of inconsistencies and unfair treatment. As festival-goers flock to the area, vendors have been forcibly removed from restricted zones, with…
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Ocean Marina Jomtien ranked 6th among world’s top marinas
Thailand’s Ocean Marina Jomtien has sailed into global recognition, securing the sixth spot in a prestigious ranking of the world’s top marinas by the South China Morning Post. Located near Pattaya, this stunning marina is Southeast Asia’s largest, boasting over 450 berths that can accommodate vessels up to 75 metres long. Its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location have made it…
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Splish splash splendour: Pattaya preps for a Wan Lai soaking (video)
Pattaya City is gearing up for a splash-tastic 2025 with its iconic Wan Lai Naklua and Wan Lai Pattaya festivals. Known for their thrilling water-pouring ceremonies, dazzling cultural performances, and energetic parades, these events promise a spectacle like no other. The vibrant preparations were discussed in a meeting led by Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Rermkijakarn at Pattaya City Hall. The festivals…
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Seoul searching! Tourist Police nab fake South Korean tour guide
A South Korean man found himself in hot water with the Tourist Police after allegedly masquerading as a tour guide without the necessary paperwork. Police clocked him on Wednesday, March 5, shepherding a group of international holidaymakers through a bustling local market, where he was seen snapping up tickets and handing out local information. But there was a catch: he…
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Lost and afraid: Chinese woman rescued from Pattaya woods
A Chinese woman suffering from mental health issues was found wandering in distress near a wooded area in Jomtien, prompting a swift rescue operation by Pattaya City officials. The alarm was raised when a concerned local spotted the woman looking lost and disoriented near a condominium complex and immediately alerted the police. Responding quickly, officials tracked her down in the…
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Mother and son confess to murder for inheritance in Chon Buri
A 46 year old woman in Chon Buri has confessed to collaborating with her 30 year old biological son in the murder of her husband, with the intent of seizing his assets. The victim’s body was found in a fertiliser sack in a forested area. The development comes after the body of 52 year old Wachara, a security guard from…
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Holy spirits: Pattaya toasts to temple tipple alcohol tweak
Pattaya officials and business moguls are toasting the National Alcohol Policy Committee’s bold decision to uncork alcohol sales at select venues on major religious holidays, a move set to pour life into the city’s tourism juggernaut. The clinking of glasses will be heard in hotels, entertainment hotspots, and international airports, while other public areas remain dry. Optimists predict the change…
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Firefighters turn up the heat in Pattaya condo blaze
Firefighters were hot on the scene yesterday in Pattaya’s Soi Kor Phai after a blaze broke out in a plush condominium, causing panic among holidaymakers. The Land Disaster Relief Center got the call, sending fire crews and valiant rescue volunteers racing to the flaming fiasco, at 3.06am, yesterday, March 5. On arrival, both Thai and foreign guests were seen scrambling…
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Cambodian slashed in Pattaya over cigarette smoke dispute (video)
A late-night altercation in Pattaya turned violent when a Chinese restaurant worker allegedly attacked a Cambodian man with a knife, leaving him seriously injured on the roadside. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation radio centre received a call at 2.19am today, March 5, about a knife attack near Soi Chaloem Phrakiat 4/1, North Pattaya, in Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province.…
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Hitting the right note: Security amped up for Pattaya Music Festival
Pattaya is gearing up for its biggest music festival of the year, with officials rolling out major security measures and road closures to keep crowds safe and traffic under control. With thousands expected to attend the Pattaya Music Festival 2025, police are leaving nothing to chance. Top officials gathered at Pattaya City Hall on Monday, March 3, to finalise security…
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2 Foreign men give Pattaya monks a lift and get blessings in return
Two foreign motorcyclists went viral on Thai social media after a TikTok video showed them offering a ride to two Thai monks in Pattaya. The monks rewarded them with gifts for their kindness. The TikTok user @tubs096 shared a video of himself and his friend giving the monks a lift. In the video, the TikToker could be heard saying, “Just…
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Pattaya Squid Fair draws massive crowds to Jomtien Beach
Pattaya’s vibrant charm was on full display as thousands of tourists packed Jomtien Beach for the final day of the Pattaya Squid Fair 2025, themed Pirates’ Treasure Under The Sea. Held on March 1 in front of The Now Hotel, the festival transformed the coastline into a seafood paradise, drawing visitors eager to indulge in the city’s famed beachside dining.…
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Pattaya cracks down on shady grabs and sinking streets
Pattaya officials are cracking down on illegal land grabs and worsening flood woes, with urgent measures underway to reclaim public property and overhaul drainage systems. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Bang Lamung District Chief Patcharaphat Sritanyanon chaired an emergency meeting to address these pressing concerns, focusing on two major crises: illegal encroachment at Sukhawadee House and persistent flooding in the city’s…
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Pregnant Lao woman killed, 3 injured in tragic Pattaya crash
A pregnant Lao woman tragically lost her life yesterday, while her husband and two young daughters suffered serious injuries after a six-wheel truck collided with their motorcycle on a road in Pattaya. A crowd of locals gathered at the tragic and horrifying accident scene on Highway 331 (Chachoengsao-Sattahip) in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya at around 4pm, yesterday, March…
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Gold jewellery worth 30,000 baht stolen from Pattaya apartment
A night out turned into a nightmare for a young Pattaya resident after her gold jewellery, worth over 30,000 baht, vanished in a brazen apartment break-in. Kawalin told reporters that the theft took place at her South Pattaya residence at around 10.30pm on Friday, February 28. Returning home the next morning, she was stunned to find her valuables missing, prompting…
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Boom to bust: Chinese investment in Thai property hits rock bottom
Once a beacon of opportunity, Thailand’s vibrant condo market for Chinese investors is now dimming, as economic clouds gather over China’s middle class. Stephen Yao, a former Chinese investments broker in Bangkok, and Pattaya, has seen his formerly bustling schedule dwindle. In 2017 and 2018, he made a staggering 32 trips from China’s Guangdong province to Thailand. But recent years…
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