Pattaya: Woman openly uses illegal drugs on Soi Buakhao

A woman in Pattaya has been seen openly using illegal drugs on the bustling Soi Buakhao, raising concerns among locals and tourists.

A Facebook user recently shared images of the woman, who appears to be homeless, sitting by the roadside with drug paraphernalia in one hand and a lighter in the other. The images show numerous Thai and foreign tourists witnessing the troubling sight.

Local reporters investigated the situation on Wednesday, September 18, and found the woman still occupying the same spot, picking at sores on her body and surrounded by a heap of belongings. Some foreign tourists were seen offering her money out of sympathy, while others looked on with pity.

A local reported that despite previous complaints to the police, the woman returned to her spot within two days, bringing even more belongings. She is frequently seen using drugs under a yellow umbrella and has reportedly urinated and defecated near drainage pipes, which locals believe is tarnishing Pattaya’s tourism image.

Attempts by locals to warn the woman about her drug use have often been met with angry outbursts. On several occasions, she has been seen playing with fire, raising fears that she might accidentally ignite a nearby shop.

Residents are calling on local police to intervene, as the woman’s ongoing drug use and erratic behaviour continue to damage Pattaya’s reputation as a tourist destination, reported Pattaya News.

In related news, Bang Lamung police investigators arrested a drug suspect on September 13 in the Takhian Tia area of Bang Lamung, Chon Buri. The suspect, identified as Anan, was found with 72 methamphetamine pills and 13.81 grammes of crystal methamphetamine in his possession.

In other news, a pregnant Cambodian woman sought help from the Foundation Campaigning to Reclaim Social Justice after her Thai ex-husband abandoned her and disappeared with 1 million baht in cash they had earned together.