Pattaya cracks down on beach chaos and homelessness
Pattaya City officials are stepping up efforts to bring order to the city’s beaches and tackle its growing homelessness problem.
A high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Mayor Wutthisak Rermkijakarn at City Hall focused on enforcing stricter regulations for beach umbrellas, deck chairs, and sunbathing areas while addressing mounting concerns over homelessness.
Officials discussed the need for designated sunbathing areas, ensuring that foreign tourists have clear and unobstructed spots on Pattaya’s beaches.
A major point of focus was the enforcement of mandatory rest days for beach operators, with the Health Department instructed to improve communication with vendors about their designated days off.
To streamline operations, relevant agencies will carry out a coordinated effort next week to manage beach chair and jet ski rentals.
Meanwhile, Pattaya continues its struggle with homelessness. Municipal officers and the Social Welfare Office have been patrolling the streets to detain homeless individuals but the process is hampered by logistical challenges.
Transferring individuals to the Chon Buri Provincial Homeless Protection Centre remains difficult, particularly at night, due to staff shortages, reported Pattaya Mail.
To tackle this issue, Wutthisak ordered closer collaboration between the Social Welfare Office and the Protection Centre to create sustainable solutions for handling homelessness, particularly outside standard working hours. The goal is to improve public safety, reduce citizen distress, and enhance Pattaya’s reputation as a clean and well-organised tourist destination.
In similar news, Pattaya police cracked down on a notorious drug hotspot in Soi Bongkot after frustrated residents complained about homeless addicts setting fires and endangering homes.
Led by Police Colonel Nawin Thirawit, officers launched an operation on February 6 following mounting concerns from locals. Residents reported that drug users were igniting trash piles, posing a serious fire risk. Police conducted an inspection, identifying several suspected users.
Urine tests confirmed drug use, with at least one individual testing positive. The suspect admitted to using drugs and was taken to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal action.
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