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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  • Phuket FC take on Pattaya in Surakul showdown

    Phuket FC take on Pattaya in Surakul showdown

    PHUKET FC will be looking for all three points from their match against the Pattaya Dolphins at Surakul Stadium tomorrow in the hopes of delivering a double blow to their Yamaha League One rivals. Both teams are tied with seven points on the league table, and only goal difference separating the two sides. Pattaya is currently on top in seventh…

  • Hua Hin offers lessons for Phuket’s developing property market

    Hua Hin offers lessons for Phuket’s developing property market

    PHUKET: For Thais, there is little doubt that Hua Hin remains a keen object of desire, be it for a holiday, or a property purchase. Call it legacy, or location, but the magnetic draw of the beach town continues to be a key driver of demand. A few weeks ago I visited the destination and found the extreme makeover movement…

  • Decree for lifting martial law sent for royal command | Thaiger

    Decree for lifting martial law sent for royal command

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Decree for lifting martial law sent for royal command: Prayut The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today confirmed that that he has submitted a draft royal decree for His Majesty the King to sign to lift the martial law. He said…

  • Phuket’s Kingdom crew fly high at Platu TransWorld

    Phuket’s Kingdom crew fly high at Platu TransWorld

    PHUKET: Phuket-based yachtsman Scott Duncanson and his crew Trent Pedersen, Alfie Rowson, Tony Harman and Paul Burke on Kingdom Property have won second place in the inaugural Platu TransWorld Invitational. The four-day international competition based at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya featured crews from Sweden, Russia, Singapore, Japan, Holland, the United Kingdom and Australia, but was ultimately won…

  • Temple assets should be publicly revealed: panel | Thaiger

    Temple assets should be publicly revealed: panel

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Temple assets should be publicly revealed: panel The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Paiboon Nittawan, chairman of the National Reform Council’s committee on protecting Buddhism, said yesterday the NRC would consider the committee’s reform proposals tomorrow. The committee studied the current state of Buddhism affairs and…

  • Woman held over court attack may be key operative

    Woman held over court attack may be key operative

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Woman held over court attack may be key operative The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police believe a suspect arrested for her alleged role in the March 7 hand-grenade attack on the Criminal Court is a key operative coordinating with a high-profile US-based suspect who has…

  • Iranian arrested as DSI busts fake-passport syndicate

    Iranian arrested as DSI busts fake-passport syndicate

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Iranian arrested as DSI busts fake-passport syndicate The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) yesterday arrested an Iranian as it cracked down on a syndicate engaged in making fake passports, and possibly linked to international human trafficking. S Rafil Bonda, a…

  • Missing temple cleric charged over court grenade attack

    Missing temple cleric charged over court grenade attack

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Missing temple cleric charged over court grenade attack The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Police yesterday took custody of a key suspect – accused of involvement in the grenade attack on the Criminal Court – from the military. The woman was then charged with terrorism and…

  • Making safe property investments in Phuket

    Making safe property investments in Phuket

    PHUKET: At a time of year when many property sales are taking place in hotspot investment destinations, such as Phuket, it seems now is an appropriate time to recap the types of legitimate investment for foreigners interested in property in Thailand, and to note that there are some very straightforward methods of avoiding complicated and cumbersome transactions. Aside from land…

  • Phuket a top choice for inaugural Thailand yacht show

    Phuket a top choice for inaugural Thailand yacht show

    PHUKET: Phuket has been named as a top choice for the launch of a Thailand Yacht Show, to be organized by the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS). The location for the yacht show, planned for the end of this year, has been narrowed down to Phuket and Pattaya, explained Deputy Minister of Transport Akom Termpittayapisit…

  • Phuket charity drive for world record attempt crosses B1mn mark

    Phuket charity drive for world record attempt crosses B1mn mark

    PHUKET: Graham Haslam and Mark Cameron have already raised more than 1 million baht for a local charity without having driven their electric golf cart a single meter in a Guinness World Record attempt. Dubbed “The Longest Drive” the duo plan to drive the golf cart from Pattaya to Phuket, about 1,400km, as the raise funds for the Phuket Has…

  • Travel agency suspected of breaching FBA with nominee | Thaiger

    Travel agency suspected of breaching FBA with nominee

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Travel agency suspected of breaching FBA with nominee The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: A Bangkok travel firm is suspected of breaching the Foreign Business Act by having a Thai nominee to hold a majority share in the company, according to the Business Development Department. Pongpun…

  • PM woos private sector to build high-speed trains

    PM woos private sector to build high-speed trains

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community PM woos private sector to build high-speed trains The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has invited the private sector to build short-distance, high-speed trains to attractive sites near Bangkok in order to facilitate tourism. The government will provide support in terms…

  • Police raid bags nigh B3mn in counterfeit goods

    Police raid bags nigh B3mn in counterfeit goods

    PHUKET: Fake brand-name products valued at nearly 3 million baht were seized on Tuesday in police raids on shops in Patong. The early evening raid, led by officers of Economic Crime Division 4 (ECD 4), resulted in the seizure of more than 2,200 counterfeit items masquerading as luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Channel, Prada, Nike, Adidas, Calvin Klein and Billabong,…

  • Singapore officials consider Phuket consulate

    Singapore officials consider Phuket consulate

    PHUKET: Phuket is one of several popular tourist destinations in Thailand being considered as the location for a consulate for the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore. Gabriel Liow, a counsellor from the Singapore Embassy, visited Phuket on Wednesday to wish the island’s officials a happy eew year and discuss issues that concern Singaporean tourists and expats in Phuket. “Mr…

  • Phuket Pads: The island’s chalk and cheese

    Phuket Pads: The island’s chalk and cheese

    PHUKET: Phuket is, in many ways, becoming similar to Pattaya, with more and more cheap condos popping up in Patong, Kathu and other areas of the island. One-bedroom units from 1-3 million baht are becoming the norm to cater to the once-a-year tourist, and Thai investors are becoming eager to make an investment in Phuket’s booming property market. CHALK AND…

  • Russian economic crisis hits Phuket, Pattaya

    Russian economic crisis hits Phuket, Pattaya

    PHUKET: Russia’s economic crisis is expected to squeeze the hotel and tourism business in Thailand – especially in Pattaya and Phuket – through the current high season and first quarter of next year. “Pattaya has been like a second home for Russian tourists and long-stay guests for many years. They have been contributing huge income to the country’s economy. But…

  • Phuket sailors head for Platu Trans World Invitational

    Phuket sailors head for Platu Trans World Invitational

    PHUKET: Fresh from his team’s 2014 Platu One Design Championship victory, Kingdom Property helmsman Scott Duncanson has announced his intention to compete in the Platu Trans World Invitational. Held from March 18-22 out of the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya, up to 20 crews will compete for the internationally recognized trophy. Five European teams have entered, including current world…

  • Asian Beach Games: China makes its move

    Asian Beach Games: China makes its move

    PHUKET: Thailand were given a scare yesterday when their grip on the Asian Beach Games crown was loosened by a strong surge from reigning champions China, who scooped nine golds to leapfrog into second. At press time, the hosts lead the medal charge with 34 gold, 25 silver and 28 bronze medals, with China on 14 golds. Thai athletes enjoyed…

  • Swingers tee up record golf cart drive from Pattaya to Phuket

    Swingers tee up record golf cart drive from Pattaya to Phuket

    PHUKET: Golfers Graham Haslam and Mark Cameron are preparing to set a world record by driving an electric golf cart from Pattaya to Phuket to raise funds for local children’s education charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us. The “standard” electric golf cart selected for the record-breaking undertaking, to begin in March next year, will include some modifications, namely solar…

  • Phuket Opinion: Tourism meets toilet humor

    Phuket Opinion: Tourism meets toilet humor

    PHUKET: Efforts by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to clean up corruption in Phuket have had some dramatic results, steering the island toward sustainability – at least for the time being. Unfortunately, some smaller destinations, including the Phi Phi Island chain, continue to suffer from unregulated development and mass tourism on a scale that has led to…

  • Buakaw Under Fire: Fighter flees the ring in championship fight

    Buakaw Under Fire: Fighter flees the ring in championship fight

    PHUKET: Once famous for his exhilarating K-1 boxing style, controversial Buakaw Banchamek’s tarnished reputation has suffered yet another setback with his latest antics in the ring, opting to flee the arena and shocking the crowd before the end of his fight. Rising to stardom as one of the most acclaimed K-1 fighters, who drew plaudits with countless captivating fights, Buakaw’s…

  • Phuket property rental platform aspires to clear muddied waters

    Phuket property rental platform aspires to clear muddied waters

    PHUKET: Being an entrepreneur can be daunting at times. It often entails subjecting oneself – and one’s bank account – to an unknown level of risk and necessitates taking a blind step into the unknown. There are usually no guarantees and failure is a common, yet unwelcome, outcome. “Five months ago we said ‘we are going to come out to…

  • Boating: Peeking behind Phuket’s Boatshed

    Boating: Peeking behind Phuket’s Boatshed

    PHUKET: Alan Giles from the UK initially came to Phuket 14 years ago to be a sailing instructor for Sunsail. As the years passed, he finally made the move to become a permanent island resident, and to open Phuket’s own Boatshed brokerage. Testament to the name on the door is the assortment of boating goodies in the office at the…

  • German ‘beggar’ to be deported

    German ‘beggar’ to be deported

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community German ‘beggar’ to be deported The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: The Immigration Bureau will begin the process of deporting a German who was found enjoying the nightlife in Pattaya after begging for money on Bangkok streets. Benjamin Holse, 29, claimed his passport and cash were…

  • German beggar faces deportation for charity-paid partying in Pattaya

    German beggar faces deportation for charity-paid partying in Pattaya

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community German beggar faces deportation for charity-paid partying in Pattaya The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: After attracting sympathy and donations from Thais in Bangkok, a German with an excessively swollen leg was seen enjoying drinks and the nightlife in Pattaya on Wednesday night. Tourist police have…

  • Vietnamese men arrested for kidnap, extortion and torture

    Vietnamese men arrested for kidnap, extortion and torture

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community Vietnamese men arrested for kidnap, extortion and torture The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: Three Vietnamese men are in police detention for allegedly kidnapping and chopping off their victim’s finger in an unsuccessful attempt to extort Bt1.5 million from his family. The victim, who is also…

  • Soccer Schools Tournament to kick off at Thanyapura

    Soccer Schools Tournament to kick off at Thanyapura

    PHUKET: Phuket Soccer Schools (PSS) is bringing the National Youth Tournament back to the island, with over 320 players competing in four age divisions. This year’s tournament, to be held on September 27 and 28 at Thanyapura, will see clubs flying in from various parts of Thailand, including Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui, as well as local Phuket teams. To…

  • PM Prayuth targets jet-ski outlaws

    PM Prayuth targets jet-ski outlaws

    PHUKET MEDIA WATCH – Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community PM Prayuth targets jet-ski outlaws The Nation / Phuket Gazette PHUKET: While Thailand is attracting tourists because of its beautiful beaches and wide variety of water sports, the country’s jet-ski rental businesses have become notorious after it emerged some operators were extorting money from tourists. Prime…

  • Phuket sailors top Thailand Platu 25 National Championship

    Phuket sailors top Thailand Platu 25 National Championship

    PHUKET: Local sailors Scott Duncanson and Alfie Rowson have won the open division of the 2014 Platu 25 National Championship held off Jomtien, Pattaya. The championships, raced over August 16-17, saw nine teams compete in the identical class of Platu yachts, known elsewhere in the world as Farr 25s, after their designer Bruce Farr. Day one started in light winds…