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.
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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...
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Fool’s gold: Chinese conman nabbed in Pattaya pawn shop scam
A daring con artist met his match in Pattaya, where Tourist Police arrested a 29 year old Chinese national for duping pawn shops with counterfeit gold jewellery. The dramatic bust unfolded yesterday, Christmas Day, along Pattaya Third Road in Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district. Officers swooped in after the Chinese suspect, Deng Huanyou allegedly pawned a fake gold bracelet weighing 3.5…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Khao Kheow Open Zoo showers animals with Christmas gifts
Khao Kheow Open Zoo is spreading festive cheer with its Christmas and new year celebrations, delighting visitors and animals alike. The zoo’s director, Narongwit Chodchoi, alongside the management team, has organised a special event to bring joy to the park’s wildlife. This initiative is part of a larger festive programme welcoming tourists as 2024 makes way for 2025. The zoo…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Foreign man assaults Pattaya transwoman over noise dispute
A foreign man physically assaulted a Thai transwoman on Sunday, December 22, following an alleged dispute over a loud noise caused by the victim in an apartment in Pattaya. A group of Thai transwomen alerted officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station to the apartment on Pattaya Sai 3 Road, Banglamung district after one of their friends was assaulted. Police arrived…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya
An Irishman denied any knowledge of his Thai girlfriend’s death after reportedly staying with her body for three days in an apartment in Pattaya before other residents noticed the unpleasant odour. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to the five-storey apartment in Banglamung district, Pattaya, to investigate the mysterious death of 45 year old Thai woman Duangta. Police, accompanied…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Motorcyclist killed in Pattaya crash with minivan and pickup truck
A tragic accident occurred in Pattaya yesterday, December 20, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist following a collision involving a minivan and a pickup truck. Bang Lamung police, accompanied by rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation, arrived at the scene of a fatal road accident at 11.30am yesterday on Sukhumvit Road near the Ban Suan U-turn in Naklua.…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Woman cheats death in Pattaya pole crash, credits spirit
A 21 year old woman miraculously walked away with minor injuries after her car was obliterated in a high-speed crash near Pattaya. The driver credited her survival to a guardian spirit she prays to before every journey. The accident occurred at 1.16am today, December 19. The Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Centre rushed to the scene on a motorway heading into…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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BB gun vendors spark shootout on Pattaya Walking Street (video)
More than 20 police officers intervened in a violent clash between two BB gun vendors on Pattaya Walking Street yesterday, December 17. Fortunately, no innocent people were injured in the incident. Officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were called to Pattaya Walking Street on the night of December 16 after a 43 year old BB gun vendor, Chart “Job” Sukboondaeng, punched…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Catfight chaos: ‘Coconut tree girls’ brawl shocks Pattaya tourists
Tourists in Pattaya were left stunned in the early hours of yesterday as a group of women engaged in a public brawl outside the Pattaya City Police Station, just steps away from the beach. Dubbed the “Coconut tree girls” due to their notorious hangouts under the beachfront palms, these provocatively dressed women put on a shocking spectacle that police say…
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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,…
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