Tourists in Pattaya are increasingly faced with the threat of theft and pickpocketing. Thai media reports also confirmed an increase in criminal activity in the area. Police Lieutenant Colonel Pichaya Kheavplung says there has been a notable spike in thefts, especially those targeting tourists.
On January 14, police and city officials conducted a thorough inspection of the beach road and Volkin Street, identifying security measures at the resort. Among them are increased patrolling of beach areas and adjacent streets with more hotels, installation of more security cameras, and lighting of potentially dangerous places, including tourist centers, deserted streets and Pattaya Beach.
The influx of foreign travelers has attracted many illegal elements to the resort. The tourist police even issued a memo warning tourists to be mindful of their belongings and not to trust easy strangers. In addition, relief centers on Pattaya beaches are expected to reopen shortly after being closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the local Department of Social Development and Security will prioritize the fight against beggars and the homeless living on the streets.
The police effort drew mixed reactions from foreign travelers on social media—some saw it as evidence of a lack of security oversight, while others lightly poked fun at people displaying expensive chains in poorly lit areas without CCTV systems.
