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 Thai women and two Indian men nursing injuries.
The fracas reportedly erupted when the men attempted to chat up the women, spiralling into a melee that attempted peacemaker also fell victim to.
Similar chaos unfolded in November 2024, when conflict between two factions of Uzbek nationals on Pattaya Beach Road left tourists reeling and the police scrambling to restore order.
Such incidents have sparked concern among locals and returning visitors, said Somchai, who bemoans the city’s evolving identity.
“Walking Street is ruined. It’s lost its Thai essence.”
The Thai resident also lamented the modern and Westernised atmosphere replacing Pattaya’s traditional Thai vibe.
Another resident, Suthipong, said there should be a push for designated adult zones, free from family attractions.
“It should be an adults’ area, not mixed with family-friendly zones.”
Adding to the discontent is a prevailing view that the city’s open-door visa policies are partly to blame, added another disgruntled Thai local, Nattapong.
“Letting anyone in because of free visas has led to chaos.”
He suggested that current regulations attract those who might not respect local traditions.
A broader pattern of alcohol-fuelled violence looms over not just Pattaya but other tourist hotspots like Bangkok, where a potential nightclub showdown was defused by swift security intervention, reported Pattaya Mail.
It’s this booze culture, say critics, rather than cannabis, that fuels much of the disorder, said Ekachai.
“It’s all to do with alcohol, not weed.”
To reclaim Pattaya’s allure, some suggest stricter controls on alcohol and drugs. One resident called for a return to cultural roots and Muay Thai boxing.
“Bring back the Muay Thai boxing ring on Walking Street and guide the crowd there. Not only could this move curb impromptu street skirmishes but it would also offer tourists a taste of genuine Thai culture.”
As Pattaya grapples with its identity crisis, the question remains: Can a boxing ring really pack a punch in reshaping the city’s future? Time will tell.
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