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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    How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?

    Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....

  • South Korean gambling suspect arrested in Pattaya luxury condo

    South Korean gambling suspect arrested in Pattaya luxury condo

    A South Korean national, sought for his alleged involvement in a significant illegal gambling operation, was apprehended in a luxurious condominium in Pattaya. Thai immigration officials executed the arrest yesterday, December 25, identifying the suspect as 33 year old Jung. The arrest occurred at a high-end condo in Pattaya, where he was found with passports from South Korea and Vanuatu.…

  • Fool’s gold: Chinese conman nabbed in Pattaya pawn shop scam

    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…

  • Thailand brings out its elephants to add Christmas cheer

    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…

  • Knives out in Pattaya: Aussie tourist threatened by moto-taxi rider

    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…

  • Foreign couple’s passionate encounter leads to damage at Pattaya hotel

    Foreign couple’s passionate encounter leads to damage at Pattaya hotel

    A foreign couple refused to pay compensation after their sexual activity damaged furniture and Christmas decorations at a hotel in Pattaya last night, December 24. Chaos broke out at a hotel in Pattaya Soi 8 on Christmas Eve as hotel workers and officers from Mueang Pattaya Police Station were reportedly chasing a foreign woman wearing a white mini-dress. The foreign…

  • Khao Kheow Open Zoo showers animals with Christmas gifts

    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…

  • Belgian man brutally attacked and robbed in Pattaya on Christmas Day

    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…

  • Smoky bust: E-cigarettes worth 10 million baht seized in Si Racha

    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…

  • Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation

    Pattaya crackdown: over 50 arrested in major anti-drug operation

    Police in Pattaya have executed a large-scale operation resulting in the arrest of over 50 individuals as part of a concerted effort to combat drug use and criminal activity in the Jomtien area. The operation, named Parasite Clean-up Part 2, was led by Police Major General Thawatchakrit Jindakwanasong, Chief of Chon Buri Provincial Police, and took place in the early…

  • Foreign man assaults Pattaya transwoman over noise dispute

    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…

  • Pattaya Beach bags world-class glory with safety and eco awards

    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…

  • Pattaya guesthouse horror: Foreign man found with decomposing body

    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…

  • Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences

    Crackdown in Jomtien, Pattaya, nabs over 50 for drug offences

    A major crackdown operation dubbed Purge the Parasites Part 2 was conducted in Jomtien, Pattaya, targeting crime and drug-related offences. Over 50 individuals involved in drug possession and consumption were apprehended during the raid, which took place yesterday, December 22. The operation was spearheaded by Tawatchai Jindakawornsanong, the Chon Buri Provincial Police Commander. The operation involved a massive deployment of over 900…

  • Irishman denies involvement in Thai girlfriend’s death in Pattaya

    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…

  • Foreign women begging in Pattaya raise concerns over enforcement

    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,…

  • Intoxicated tourist with knife causes uproar in Pattaya condominium

    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…

  • Hong Kong man arrested in Pattaya for illegal e-cigarette trade

    Hong Kong man arrested in Pattaya for illegal e-cigarette trade

    A Hong Kong man has been apprehended in a luxury hotel in Central Pattaya for producing and selling electronic cigarettes. A significant haul of e-cigarette components was seized, including empty e-cigarette pods and e-liquid. The arrest took place yesterday when police officers, led by Navin Teerawit, Pattaya City Police Station Superintendent, and his team, detained 28 year old Hing Ping…

  • Motorcyclist killed in Pattaya crash with minivan and pickup truck

    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.…

  • Three sentenced to death for German’s murder in Pattaya

    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…

  • Homeless woman sent to rehab after using drugs on Pattaya Beach

    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…

  • Transwoman drama leaves Pattaya taxi driver with egg on his face

    Transwoman drama leaves Pattaya taxi driver with egg on his face

    A confrontation unfolded on Pattaya Beach early yesterday between a motorcycle taxi driver and a transgender woman, resulting in injuries for the driver and egg on his face. Pattaya police received reports of a violent altercation at around 3.06am, yesterday, December 19, prompting immediate response to the scene. On arrival, they encountered Chayut, a 34 year old motorcycle taxi driver,…

  • Woman cheats death in Pattaya pole crash, credits spirit

    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…

  • Thai woman accepts laced drink at Pattaya nightclub, hospitalised

    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…

  • 2 million baht in valuables stolen from secure apartment in Pattaya

    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…

  • Call centre bust: 5 Japanese scammers nabbed in Thailand

    Call centre bust: 5 Japanese scammers nabbed in Thailand

    Thai immigration police arrested five Japanese nationals accused of running a fraudulent call centre in Pattaya that conned elderly Japanese citizens out of a staggering 5 million baht daily. Police Major General Panumat Boonyalak, acting commissioner, revealed that the bust followed a tip-off from the Japanese embassy. The gang had allegedly duped victims with promises of refunds for past medical…

  • BB gun vendors spark shootout on Pattaya Walking Street (video)

    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…

  • Squid vendor’s bribery allegation shakes Pattaya officials

    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…

  • Death penalty sought for Korean murderer in Pattaya, Thailand

    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…

  • Russian driver on Santa’s naughty list for Xmas-lit car in Pattaya

    Russian driver on Santa’s naughty list for Xmas-lit car in Pattaya

    In a merry mix-up fitting for the festive season, a Russian driver found himself in trouble with the law after transforming his sedan into a mobile Christmas light show in Pattaya. Eager to embrace the holiday spirit, the Russian, Ivanov, decked out his grey sedan with a dazzling array of multi-coloured lights, only to be stopped in his tracks by…

  • Catfight chaos: ‘Coconut tree girls’ brawl shocks Pattaya tourists

    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…