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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  • Pattaya’s sunny side: Hotel industry shines amid European gloom

    Pattaya’s sunny side: Hotel industry shines amid European gloom

    Despite Europe’s deteriorating economic forecast, Pattaya’s hotel industry remains robust, backed primarily by Asian and domestic tourists, says the Managing Director of LH Mall and Hotel (LHMH). Pattaya, traditionally known for its nightlife, has successfully rebranded itself as a family and business-friendly destination. As the European Commission revises the Eurozone’s growth outlook and Germany faces a potential recession this year,…

  • Japanese fugitive Yagi arrested in Pattaya after embezzlement, dramatic escape

    Japanese fugitive Yagi arrested in Pattaya after embezzlement, dramatic escape

    Pattaya was the scene of a dramatic arrest yesterday, as its police apprehended a 35 year old Japanese tourist. Yuki Yagi was not only wanted back home in Japan for an embezzlement case involving over 20 million yen (4.8 million baht), but he was also on the run after escaping the custody of Bangkok police by stealing a police car…

  • Stray dog sanctuary’s ‘leash’ of hope in jeopardy as land lease nears end

    Stray dog sanctuary’s ‘leash’ of hope in jeopardy as land lease nears end

    In an unexpected turn of events, Hope for Strays Foundation, a registered non-profit organisation, is facing a critical situation. Located in Nongprue, to the east of Pattaya, the Foundation is a sanctuary for over 300 dogs. However, the impending end of the land lease in March of next year has put the existence of the shelter in jeopardy. A new…

  • Thailand cracks down on illicit artefact racket: Trio arrested with trove of history

    Thailand cracks down on illicit artefact racket: Trio arrested with trove of history

    A significant victory was recorded in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural artefacts in Thailand with the apprehension of three individuals suspected to be key figures in the racket. The police, in conjunction with the Fine Arts Department, successfully conducted an operation which led to the arrest of these suspects and the recovery of about 1,000 historical artefacts.…

  • Bangkok bamboozle: Thai woman held in 100 million baht real estate swindle

    Bangkok bamboozle: Thai woman held in 100 million baht real estate swindle

    A Thai woman was taken into custody in Bangkok on Saturday over her alleged involvement in an elaborate real estate swindle. The magnitude of the financial misrepresentation balloons to over 100 million baht, according to the Royal Thai Police (RTP). The apprehension of the suspect was carried out on the basis of a Pattaya court’s arrest warrant issued on December…

  • Dead fish boom caused by sudden plankton bloom in Sri Racha

    Dead fish boom caused by sudden plankton bloom in Sri Racha

    , A beach in Sri Racha was transformed into a macabre spectacle as a vast number of dead fish washed ashore on Friday, September 8. The sight at Bang Phra Beach was both surprising and concerning, with the sheer volume of dead fish proving too substantial for an accurate estimate. Locals, familiar with the ebb and flow of the seaside…

  • Pattaya hosts educational E-Sports tournament for high schoolers

    Pattaya hosts educational E-Sports tournament for high schoolers

    An electrifying E-Sports tournament for high school students took place yesterday in Pattaya City. The event was a collaborative endeavour by the Department of Cultural Promotion, Sripatum University, and the city itself. The competition, hosted at Mueang Pattaya 11 School, brought together the excitement of competitive video gaming, otherwise known as E-Sports, with the thrill of competition. As the digital…

  • Local official surrenders in police investigation of highway patrolman murder

    Local official surrenders in police investigation of highway patrolman murder

    In Nakhon Pathom, a high-ranking local government official, commonly known as Kamnan, submitted himself to the local law enforcement authorities following the murder of a highway patrol officer. This unfolding complex story involves 34 year old Praween ‘Nok’ Janklai fondly referred to as ‘Kamnan Nok’ within his community. The sub-district headman willingly turned himself in to the authorities at the…

  • Pattaya floating market in hot water: Fire disaster causes millions in losses

    Pattaya floating market in hot water: Fire disaster causes millions in losses

    Pattaya’s Four Regions Floating Market succumbed to a fierce inferno, causing extensive damage and leaving a financial toll of at least 50 million baht. The fire, said to have ignited at a wooden restroom building, was reported at 8.30pm yesterday, with no significant injuries or fatalities reported as of yet. Located on Sukhumvit Road, the Four Regions Floating Market was…

  • Tuk-tuk tiff takes a toll: Driver’s wallet lighter after spat with Indian tourists

    Tuk-tuk tiff takes a toll: Driver’s wallet lighter after spat with Indian tourists

    An incident in Patong involving an altercation between a tuk tuk taxi driver and his Indian passengers concluded with the driver being fined 500 baht. This news comes from the Patong Police, who shared with the Phuket Express that a dashcam video capturing the disagreement had circulated on social media platforms earlier this week. The video seemingly depicts a group…

  • Jomtien Beach fishing frenzy: Pattaya’s untidy shoreline sparks concerns

    Jomtien Beach fishing frenzy: Pattaya’s untidy shoreline sparks concerns

    Jomtien Beach in Pattaya has been a subject of concern recently due to the cluttered state of its local fishing section. The area, specifically near the Chaiyapreuk intersection, has been criticised by citizens for being untidy and disorganised, potentially harming the city’s tourism image. This area serves as a docking and temporary seafood market spot for local fishermen. Locals have…

  • Pattaya shipyard owner perishes in tragic beach tractor accident

    Pattaya shipyard owner perishes in tragic beach tractor accident

    A grim scene unfolded on Pattaya’s Jomtien Beach earlier today when a Thai shipyard owner tragically lost his life in an accident involving his tractor. The incident occurred around 7am, near Jomtien Soi 11, a boat ramp where the shipyard owner was attempting to pull his speedboat from the sea using his tractor. Pattaya Police and rescue teams rushed to…

  • Ex-Pattaya mayor faces arrest over decade-old condo scandal

    Ex-Pattaya mayor faces arrest over decade-old condo scandal

    The former Pattaya mayor and culture minister faces an arrest warrant after failing to appear for his arraignment over charges from a decade-old condo development scandal in Pattaya. Itthiphol Kunplome’s current location remains undisclosed. Neither his house nor his political faction’s office in the Bang Lamung district of Chon Buri saw any sign of him yesterday. The properties were markedly…

  • Singer files complaint against man for unwanted kiss at Pattaya bar

    Singer files complaint against man for unwanted kiss at Pattaya bar

    A Thai singer recently filed a formal complaint against a man who reportedly sexually harassed her at an entertainment venue in Pattaya. The victim, Toey, shared a video of the incident from a security camera on Facebook to seek justice and expose the unacceptable behaviour of the alleged perpetrator. The singer revealed in the caption… “I did not slap him…

  • Former Pattaya mayor faces arrest, 10 years in jail for illegal building permit

    Former Pattaya mayor faces arrest, 10 years in jail for illegal building permit

    An arrest warrant was issued yesterday for Itthipol Khunpluem, a former Culture Minister and ex-mayor of Pattaya, by the Corruption and Misconduct Case Court (Region 2) in Rayong. Itthipol is accused of misconduct related to granting a building permit to a company on September 10, 2008, for the Waterfront project near the hill of the royal palace in Pattaya, Chon…

  • Pattaya Central Tunnel to install CCTV to deter motorcycle riders

    Pattaya Central Tunnel to install CCTV to deter motorcycle riders

    Pattaya’s Central Tunnel, a vital shortcut for local commuters, has been the centre of a heated debate involving the city’s Mayor, Poramase Ngampiches, and the persistent motorcycle riders who choose to ignore established safety regulations. Despite a standing prohibition, an estimated 5,000 motorcycles continue to navigate the tunnel every month, leading to the proposal of a new deterrent – the…

  • Teenager severely burnt in Molotov cocktail attack in Pattaya

    Teenager severely burnt in Molotov cocktail attack in Pattaya

    In a sudden and brutal attack, a 16 year old teenager in Pattaya was the victim of a Molotov cocktail assault. The incident occurred in the wee hours of today, resulting in severe burns for the young boy. The location of the attack was Soi Khao Noi, situated in the Nong Prue sub-district, Banglamung district, within the province of Chon…

  • Teenage symphony disrupted: Sattahip police operation strikes a chord, arrests 52 and seizes drugs

    Teenage symphony disrupted: Sattahip police operation strikes a chord, arrests 52 and seizes drugs

    Sattahip was the scene of a police operation that resulted in the arrest of 52 teenagers and the seizure of illicit drugs. The operation was initiated following complaints from residents about loud music and an abundance of parked vehicles disrupting the tranquillity and traffic flow in the area. The inconsiderate parking had even blocked some residents’ driveways, leading to heightened…

  • Pattaya’s iconic tamarind tree stirs public outcry over trimming concerns

    Pattaya’s iconic tamarind tree stirs public outcry over trimming concerns

    In the heart of South Pattaya, on the bustling Walking Street, stands a majestic tamarind tree. Over 80 years old, the tree holds a significant place in Pattaya’s local heritage and has been a part of the landscape since the early days of Walking Street in the 70s and 80s. The tree, however, recently came under the spotlight when some…

  • 13 Vietnamese men arrested in Pattaya for operating gambling website

    13 Vietnamese men arrested in Pattaya for operating gambling website

    The Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (IDMB) arrested 13 Vietnamese suspects operating a gambling website based in Pattaya. The gang was circulating 300,000 baht daily within their illicit operations. This arrest came in the wake of a theft incident involving a Vietnamese victim on August 21. IDMB officers diligently traced the Vietnamese suspects, ultimately revealing their involvement in…

  • Thailand’s September sizzle: Festivals, art, sports, and much more

    Thailand’s September sizzle: Festivals, art, sports, and much more

    A vibrant array of festivals and events await visitors in Thailand this September. The calendar is packed with religious festivities, art and craft exhibitions, and a variety of sports events. Among these, the Tenth Lunar Month Festival, Ko Lae Boat Racing, Long-boat Racing, Cross-Region Travel Fair, and several marathons and half marathons stand out as key events, promising an exciting…

  • Dine, dash, and deceive: Crafty customer feasts and flees without paying the bill at Pattaya eatery

    Dine, dash, and deceive: Crafty customer feasts and flees without paying the bill at Pattaya eatery

    A deceitful customer dined and dashed from a local Pattaya restaurant without paying after ordering an abundance of food and three bottles of beer. The man left behind a mobile phone and cigarette, claiming he needed to pick up a friend. It was later revealed that the phone was a decoy, and the same individual had previously impersonated an assistant…

  • Pattaya’s perfect crime: Fake cops fleece shop owners in cunning scam

    Pattaya’s perfect crime: Fake cops fleece shop owners in cunning scam

    The bustling city of Pattaya recently fell prey to a scam that saw numerous shop owners tricked into parting with large sums of money by a group of fraudsters, cunningly disguised as fake cops. The fake police officers coerced their unsuspecting victims in Pattaya into paying substantial amounts to avoid what was falsely presented as an impending arrest. The scammers…

  • Ring of legends: Buakaw and Saenchai to face off in unique BKFC Thai boxing match

    Ring of legends: Buakaw and Saenchai to face off in unique BKFC Thai boxing match

    Legendary Thai boxers and best friends Sombat “Buakaw” Banchamek and Supachai “Saenchai” Saepong are set to step into the ring under a special rule for the 5th Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) Thailand – Legend of Siam. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 4, at Royal Cliff Hotel Group in Pattaya. BKFC ASIA officially announced that…

  • Foul play: Noxious scent unveils grim discovery of dead Finnish man in Pattaya

    Foul play: Noxious scent unveils grim discovery of dead Finnish man in Pattaya

    An unpleasant odour seeping from a residence in the Bang Lamung district of Pattaya has led to the discovery of the dead body of a Finnish man inside. According to SiamRath, residents in Pattaya detected a foul smell from the house of a foreign man. In response, they enlisted the aid of a rescue team at the stroke of midnight…

  • Youth gang clash turns Pattaya beach into battleground: One shot, one stabbed

    Youth gang clash turns Pattaya beach into battleground: One shot, one stabbed

    A chaotic brawl erupted on Pattaya beach as two rival youth gangs clashed, resulting in one teenager being shot in the leg and another stabbed multiple times. The incident, which occurred late last night, left tourists fleeing in panic, as officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station rushed to the scene. The beachfront, located approximately 100 metres from the Mueang Pattaya…

  • Brawl over boat pricing to Koh Larn erupts at Laem Bali Hai pier

    Brawl over boat pricing to Koh Larn erupts at Laem Bali Hai pier

    Tourists were left in shock as a group of people herding guests aboard a boat to Koh Larn erupted into a brawl over pricing at the Laem Bali Hai pier in Chon Buri province. The video clip of the incident, which transpired yesterday, was released a day later and showed the two groups engaged in a heated and violent confrontation.…

  • Prominent politician’s alleged son causes chaos at Pattaya rental villa

    Prominent politician’s alleged son causes chaos at Pattaya rental villa

    A teenager, purporting to be the offspring of a prominent local politician, and his associates stand accused of wreaking havoc on a rental villa in Nongprue, Banglamung. They are said to have threatened the villa’s owner. The villa is situated in a residential complex in M.12. Cattleya Jularat, who is 44 years old rented out her villa through an agency…

  • 18-wheeler truck overturns and catches fire on Sri Racha motorway

    18-wheeler truck overturns and catches fire on Sri Racha motorway

    In the early hours of Tuesday morning, an 18-wheeler lorry dramatically overturned on a motorway in Sri Racha, Chon Buri province. The incident took place around 7.30am on August 22. The driver, a Thai national, reportedly dozed off at the wheel, causing the truck to crash and subsequently burst into flames. Emergency services were immediately alerted and dispatched to the scene…

  • Pattaya’s Walking Street gets facelift with removal of power poles

    Pattaya’s Walking Street gets facelift with removal of power poles

    The renowned Walking Street in Pattaya has been given a contemporary makeover as unsightly power poles have been removed. The inspection of the upgraded tourist attraction was conducted by Mayor Poramase Ngampiches yesterday. Along with him, other city officials marked the successful completion of the major project, which involved the dismantling of utility poles on the street. Over the past…