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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    Do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?

    Thailand’s healthcare system is well-regarded across Southeast Asia, with options ranging from public hospitals to world-class private facilities. But when it comes to foreign residents or tourists, healthcare access isn’t as straightforward. So, do foreigners get free healthcare in Thailand?...

  • Fishing boat capsies near Laem Chabang, one missing

    Fishing boat capsies near Laem Chabang, one missing

    A fishing umbrella boat capsized near Laem Chabang Port in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, yesterday, leaving one crew member missing, feared drowned. The incident occurred around 1.2 nautical miles from the mouth of the Banglamung Canal. The vessel, carrying two people, encountered trouble due to a leak and was overturned by strong waves. Onboard were 23 year old Chiang from…

  • CCTV captures gang stealing two motorcycles near Pattaya

    CCTV captures gang stealing two motorcycles near Pattaya

    A gang of motorcycle thieves has been captured on CCTV stealing two motorcycles in one night near Pattaya. The incident occurred on June 3 at a building in the Pong sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The first victim, Paweena Hongsithong, reported the theft of her white and blue Honda Wave 125i motorcycle with a red license plate from the…

  • Aussie man sues Thai ex after Danish affair & money swindle

    Aussie man sues Thai ex after Danish affair & money swindle

    An Australian man is taking legal action against his Thai ex-girlfriend after she reportedly had an affair with a Danish man and swindled his money. The accused Thai woman, on the other hand, is also seeking justice, claiming the Thai police sided with her ex-husband and treated her unfairly. Paralee Saemalakor, the 48 year old accused, approached the superintendent of…

  • Pattaya bars raided for operating beyond legal hours, illegal alcohol

    Pattaya bars raided for operating beyond legal hours, illegal alcohol

    Police in Pattaya raided four bars across the city yesterday after receiving complaints about these venues operating beyond legal hours, with some establishments selling alcohol without licences. The raid targeted establishments on Soi Kho Phai, South Pattaya Road, and Pattaya Third Road. Authorities discovered that these venues, one of which was a host bar, continued operations well past the permitted…

  • Swedish man caught stealing 2 motorcycles in Pattaya (video)

    Swedish man caught stealing 2 motorcycles in Pattaya (video)

    Police arrested an injured Swedish man outside a hotel in the Na Jomtien neighbourhood of Pattaya on Sunday after he stole two motorcycles from a taxi driver and a local. Security camera footage from a kratom shop at the crime scene captured the first theft at midnight on June 2. The shop owner shared the video on social media. “Pattaya…

  • Mario Kleff bags top honour at the 2024 International Property Awards Asia Pacific

    Mario Kleff bags top honour at the 2024 International Property Awards Asia Pacific

    Architect extraordinaire Mario Kleff has done it again! He’s just been celebrated at the 2024 International Property Awards Asia Pacific, walking away with the prestigious accolade for Best Single Residence Thailand. This nod comes thanks to his stellar work on the Majestic Residence Signature Villa, a true gem in Pattaya’s architectural crown. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Bangkok on…

  • Thailand sees 60% rise in Indian tourists with new visa-free policy

    Thailand sees 60% rise in Indian tourists with new visa-free policy

    Thai Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong announced the success of a visa-free policy for Indian tourists, effective from May 11 to November 11. This initiative aims to boost tourism and stimulate Thailand’s economy. Bookings by Indian tourists surged by 60% between 2022 and last year, according to Airbnb. Searches for accommodations in Thailand by Indian tourists increased by over 200% during…

  • Free zoo entry for children in Thailand for Queen Suthida’s birthday

    Free zoo entry for children in Thailand for Queen Suthida’s birthday

    Zoos across Thailand are offering free admission for children under 12 years old today in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday. This initiative, announced by the director of the Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand (ZPO), Attapon Srihayrun, will include several prominent zoos, such as Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Chiang Mai Zoo, Songkhla Zoo, Khon Kaen Zoo,…

  • Pattaya mayor takes action to prevent parasailing accidents

    Pattaya mayor takes action to prevent parasailing accidents

    Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet has called for urgent action following a worrying increase in accidents related to parasailing and other water activities. In a decisive meeting held on Friday, May 31, the mayor sat down with city and tourist police to discuss tightening regulations for parasailing operators. Currently, these operators offer an array of activities: from thrilling jet ski…

  • Pattaya’s persistent peddlers: Foreign flower sellers annoy tourists

    Pattaya’s persistent peddlers: Foreign flower sellers annoy tourists

    Reports have emerged once more on May 26 of a troublesome trend in Pattaya: foreigners with young children in tow, struggling to speak Thai, are pestering tourists by aggressively hawking flowers and candies. Despite polite refusals, these persistent peddlers continue to follow potential customers, even tugging at their arms, creating a significant nuisance for holidaymakers. Witnesses have also reported groups…

  • Thai man falls from six-story Pattaya hotel

    Thai man falls from six-story Pattaya hotel

    A tragic incident occurred yesterday morning when a 23 year old Thai man fell from a six-story hotel in Soi Pattaya 5, Banglamung, Chon Buri. The incident took place at 9.36am yesterday, prompting an immediate response from Pattaya City police and the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Rescue Foundation. Upon arrival, authorities discovered Sahatsawat’s body in the hotel parking lot, causing panic…

  • Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok

    Chadchart signs MOU on renewable energy projects in Bangkok

    Bangkok has taken a significant step towards becoming a smart city, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) Governor Wilas Chaloeysat. The agreement, formalised yesterday, aims to advance smart city development and renewable energy projects in Thailand’s bustling capital. Chadchart stressed the importance of sustainable energy and efficiency,…

  • Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate

    Motorbike mayhem: Pattaya’s underpass crackdown sparks debate

    In a recent traffic enforcement blitz, the Pattaya City Peacekeeping Division, alongside the Pattaya City Police Traffic Division, brought the contentious issue of motorbikes using the underpass into the limelight. The crackdown, resulting in numerous prosecutions, has ignited a fiery debate among residents. Many locals have thrown their weight behind the operation. “Good deeds should be appreciated. This should be done…

  • Pickup truck crashes into streetlight in Pattaya, driver injured

    Pickup truck crashes into streetlight in Pattaya, driver injured

    A pickup truck crashed into a streetlight in Pattaya early yesterday morning, leaving the driver seriously injured. The accident took place at 2.20am on Sukhumvit Road in the Banglamung district of Chon Buri province. Emergency responders and local news teams quickly arrived at the scene following reports of the incident. Upon arrival, rescue workers discovered a white Nissan Navara pickup…

  • Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future

    Pattaya mayor gets to root of the matter: Plants for a greener future

    Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches led a tree-planting ceremony to celebrate Thai National Tree Day, held as part of a wider initiative to move Pattaya towards a low-carbon city. The event, held yesterday, May 30, was a city-wide affair, consisting of attendees from members of the Pattaya City Council, citizens, and volunteers. The city announced that Pattaya has been chosen by…

  • Thai man found dead in Sattahip pond

    Thai man found dead in Sattahip pond

    The Royal Thai Police discovered the body of a Thai man in a pond in Sattahip district, Chon Buri on Wednesday. Sattahip police, along with rescue workers from the Sawang Rojanatham Sathan Foundation, responded to the report around noon, on May 29. At the scene, officials identified the deceased as 48 year old Pongthep Thongho, who was found lying face…

  • Pattaya: Drunken Scotsman hit by car after bar brawl gone wrong

    Pattaya: Drunken Scotsman hit by car after bar brawl gone wrong

    A chaotic scene unfolded in Soi Buakhao, Central Pattaya on Tuesday, as an unidentified Scotsman became the unfortunate victim of a bizarre accident. Leaving a bar in a heavily intoxicated state, the 60 year old found himself struck by a car and suffering a serious head injury. The night took a dramatic turn when police officers discovered the man sprawled on…

  • Bar bill brawl in Pattaya: Injured British tourist comes forward

    Bar bill brawl in Pattaya: Injured British tourist comes forward

    In a dramatic incident that captivated social media and sparked intense debate, three British tourists were violently assaulted by contracted guards following a heated argument over a bill on Pattaya Soi 6. The Pattaya police said there was nothing they could do about the brutal assault on the British men unless they came forward and lodged a complaint. Today, May…

  • Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy

    Overtourism may put Koh Larn’s future in jeopardy

    A Pattaya City Council member issued a warning about the urgent need for tourist number controls and construction regulations on Koh Larn, an island now teetering on the brink due to its popularity. Phasakorn Yusoomboon, representing Pattaya District 1, voiced his concerns at the council meeting yesterday. He highlighted the island’s daily influx of over 10,000 tourists, with numbers soaring…

  • Indian guests find a ‘Thai’-light in Airbnb bookings surge

    Indian guests find a ‘Thai’-light in Airbnb bookings surge

    New data from Airbnb reveals a significant rise in bookings by Indian guests in Thailand between 2022 and 2023. The statistics show an impressive increase of over 60% year-on-year, with notable peaks during the recent long holiday weekends. During these periods, searches by Indian guests for stays in Thailand surged by more than 200%. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism…

  • Exotic pet trainer attacks South Korean in Pattaya ‘coin-troversy’

    Exotic pet trainer attacks South Korean in Pattaya ‘coin-troversy’

    An exotic pet trainer attacked a South Korean man at a night market in Pattaya, accusing the victim of insulting him by throwing money at him during a performance. The South Korean victim, 38 year old Munsu Park, along with his Thai girlfriend and older brother, filed a complaint at Mueang Pattaya Police Station at 2am today, May 30. The…

  • Murder suspect spends victim’s valuables and flees to Pattaya

    Murder suspect spends victim’s valuables and flees to Pattaya

    A Thai man suspected of killing his boyfriend in a condominium in the central province of Nonthaburi hid himself in Pattaya and narrowly escaped arrest yesterday, May 29. The murder of the 54 year old man, Paisarn Thong-on, came to light on May 26 after residents reported an unpleasant smell coming from his room, leading to the discovery of his…

  • British man found dead in Sattahip condo, suspected suicide

    British man found dead in Sattahip condo, suspected suicide

    A 58 year old British man was found dead in his condo bathroom in Sattahip, Chon Buri on May 27. Sattahip police responded to a report of a suspected suicide at a luxury condominium behind Bang Saray Market. Upon entering the third-floor room, police discovered the man, identified by police as Michael Devalle, dead in the bathroom. He appeared to…

  • Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife

    Pattaya tourism aims for diverse travel experience beyond nightlife

    The private tourism sector in Pattaya convened a workshop yesterday to discuss strategies for repositioning the city as a comprehensive travel destination, aiming to shift its reputation beyond just a nightlife and entertainment hub. Representatives from eight tourism associations, four tourism clubs, and major tour operators within Pattaya City and Chon Buri province attended the event. Government officials from the…

  • Two killed as fatigued truck driver crashes on Pattaya highway

    Two killed as fatigued truck driver crashes on Pattaya highway

    A devastating accident involving an 18-wheeler truck with a fatigued driver occurred yesterday morning on a highway near Pattaya, resulting in two fatalities and multiple injuries. The crash happened at about 8.40am in the Nong Pla Lai sub-district, Banglamung district, Chon Buri province, on Highway 7 inbound to Pattaya. Sawang Boriboon rescue workers responded swiftly to the distress call. Upon…

  • Pool tragedy sinks holiday: 74 year old Austrian drowns in Pattaya

    Pool tragedy sinks holiday: 74 year old Austrian drowns in Pattaya

    A 74 year old Austrian man tragically drowned at a condominium pool in Pattaya. The incident took place at an unidentified complex in the Naklua area of Banglamung district, Chon Buri province. The Thai authorities received a report about the drowning around 9.30pm yesterday, May 27, prompting Banglamung police and rescue workers to rush to the scene. Upon arrival, officials…

  • Pattaya man calls for support to repatriate overstaying Russians

    Pattaya man calls for support to repatriate overstaying Russians

    A Thai apartment owner reached out to the Thai authorities to help an overstaying Russian man and his two daughters in Pattaya as they faced financial constraints preventing a return to their home country. The Russian originally fled with his girls to escape the ongoing conflict between his home country and Ukraine. The apartment owner alerted the Chon Buri Provincial…

  • Revved up: Bolt & Grab snubbed parking in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya

    Revved up: Bolt & Grab snubbed parking in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya

    A debate has sparked on social media over a sign banning cars and motorcycles using the Bolt and Grab apps from parking in a specific area. Located in Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 42, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, the sign’s restrictive language has caught the public’s attention. Reporters verified the presence of three identical signs near a convenience store, each clearly…

  • Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Garden trumpets arrival of elephant calf

    Pattaya’s Nong Nooch Garden trumpets arrival of elephant calf

    Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Pattaya recently celebrated the arrival of a new elephant calf to its sanctuary. On Saturday, the garden’s president, Kampol Tansajja, and his team invited Phra Khru Kasem Kittisophon, Abbot of Wat Samakkhibanpot, to lead a welcoming ceremony for the newborn. The calf, named Pang Sapparot which translates to pineapples in English, was born to the…

  • Security guards arrested after tourist assault in Pattaya (video)

    Security guards arrested after tourist assault in Pattaya (video)

    Pattaya City Police apprehended three security guards after a viral video captured them allegedly assaulting a tourist. The incident, which has caused widespread condemnation and raised concerns about Pattaya’s image as a tourist destination, occurred at approximately 11.36pm yesterday. Police Colonel Navin Teerawit, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, led the operation to detain the suspects. The individuals, identified as…