Gay Pattaya

From The Nation Illegal laughing gas was spotted being openly sold at a cannabis shop on busy Walking Street in Pattaya on Sunday night, despite regular police patrols in the area. The Nation was tipped off that the shop, which sells legal marijuana products, was selling balloons filled with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) on the popular tourism street in the seaside town. A check at the shop revealed that staff inside were selling nitrous oxide balloons to both Thai and foreign tourists. The shop was also displaying a sign reading: “Happy balloon. Buy 10, get 2 free balloons and one glass of …

From Pattaya News In a major operation early this morning, December 7th, officials from the Banglamung District Office and Pattaya Police Station raided the “4 Step Tomboy” nightclub on Pattaya Third Road. Acting on orders from Mr. Phisit Sawatdinukul, the Banglamung district chief, Ms. Kamolchanok Konsombat, the district chief secretary, led the operation at around 3:30 AM. The raid was prompted by numerous public complaints alleging that the establishment operated beyond legal hours and permitted the use of illegal narcotics on the premises. Upon arriving at the club, authorities found over 100 patrons dancing to loud music. The officials intervened, stopp…

From Pattaya Mail A wave of frustration and discontent has swept over Pattaya, as residents and tourists alike have voiced their concerns over the rampant illegal activities that plague the city. Several issues, ranging from illegal parking to public smoking and marijuana use, have raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in Pattaya. The city, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment industry, has also been facing problems such as street vendors and fireworks sellers on the beach, roadside food stalls, begging, especially with children, foreigners selling flowers at night, women engaged in solicitation, double-parked taxis, a…

From Pattaya Mail With the high season fast approaching, Sanphet Suphabuansathien, President of the Thai Hotel Association (Eastern Chapter), has voiced concerns over national stability and the critical issue of high airfares and seats availability. These uncertainties are impacting traveler decisions and adding complexity to preparations for the upcoming high season. Sanphet emphasized, “To welcome visitors to Thailand and Pattaya, it is crucial that we demonstrate our readiness, particularly in terms of safety. We are well aware of the need to build confidence among both international tourists and Thai nationals.” Yet, uncertainties remain, primarily due …

From Pattaya News The Marine Department is requesting a budget of 285 million baht to facilitate its ambitious plan to renew the Na Baan Pier on Koh Larn to increase safety and boost Pattaya’s tourism. The major upgrade project for Koh Larn’s pier will be funded over three years and is expected to be fully completed by 2026, according to Mr. Kritphet Chaichuay, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport and Acting Director-General of the Marine Department. With a total budget of 285 million baht pulled from three fiscal years: 57 million baht in 2024, 114 million baht in 2025, and 114 million baht in 2026, the scheme is expected to be able to support the…

From Pattaya News An Australian tourist expressed frustration after losing all his belongings and a large sum of money allegedly to a pickpocket on a tour bus while traveling to Pattaya to celebrate Loy Krathong. On November 27th, around 4:30 PM, Mr. Jeevarass Palasunoram, an Australian tourist in his 30s, reported the incident to Pol. Lt. Col. Natchaphon Saengsi, Deputy Superintendent for investigation at Pattaya Police Station. According to Mr. Jeevarass, he had taken an air-conditioned tour bus from Ekamai in Bangkok to Pattaya. Upon arriving in Pattaya around 4:30 PM, he discovered that his wallet, containing 9,500 Australian dollars (around 200,000 Thai…

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai government has approved the draft regulation for an urgent extension of operating hours for entertainment venues in strategic tourist locations. The move aims to stimulate tourism and sustain economic growth in specific regions. The approved policy will allow entertainment venues, especially those within hotel premises, in Bangkok, Phuket, Chonburi (Pattaya), Chiang Mai, and Ko Samui, to extend their operating hours until 4 a.m. This extension is set to commence on December 15. And for the New Year’s Eve, it is allowed until 6:00 a.m. on January 1, 2024.

From Pattaya News Sunday evening, November 26th, a South Korean tourist created a disturbance by threatening to leap from an upscale condominium complex in Pattaya. Additionally, he scattered a bundle of Thai banknotes valued at over 100,000 baht from his balcony. The bizarre incident took place at 4 PM Sunday at an 8-story condo building located in Soi Buakhao in Central Pattaya, Banglamung district, Chonburi province. The name of the condo was withheld by request. Upon receiving a report of a foreigner threatening to jump from his 8th-floor balcony, the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation rescue workers immediately rushed to the location, along with police …

Why anyone would be carrying that much cash at that time of night frankly puzzles me. Although pickpocket thefts in Pattaya are not uncommon, this stands out as an extraordinary amount. From Pattaya News A Japanese man, who was exploring Pattaya’s night scene with his friend, said he was pickpocketed of over 60,000 baht in cash by two transgender suspects in the late hours of Thursday, November 9th. Mr. Toshiaki Shinohe, the victim, filed a complaint with Pol. Capt. Natchaphon Saengsi, Deputy Inspector of Investigation at the Pattaya Police Station, stating that he was pickpocketed while riding a Songthaew at around 11 PM in Soi Buakhao, Nongprue sub-distric…

From Pattaya News PHOTO: Thairath A courageous foreign man was moderately injured after he attempted to quell a fight between transwomen on the Pattaya beachfront. The incident transpired at night on Monday, November 5th, in front of the Baywalk Residence on the beach. Thairath reported that two unidentified transwomen were seen on a video while attacking another person on Pattaya Beach, who also appeared to be a transwoman. The attacked person subsequently fell to the ground, prompting the unidentified passing foreign man, dressed in a yellow shirt, to bravely step in and attempt to break up the altercation. According to the video, the attacker…

From Pattaya News The city of Pattaya is preparing to host the inaugural Pattaya International Jazz Festival 2023, featuring the enchanting theme “The Rhythm of the Night” along the shores of Pattaya Beach on November 10th to 11th, 2023 This event is open to the public and is expected to draw an estimated 20,000 attendees, with anticipated tourism revenue of over 300 million baht, according to Pattaya City officials. The festival will showcase both Thai and international jazz artists, headlined by world-renowned jazz musician Kenny G, along with many other talented performers including The Firefly Fellowship, Pae Sax, Natt Buntita, Oil Jira, Pamai & Duck…

From Pattaya Mail PATTAYA, Thailand – In the early hours of October 23, a potentially tragic incident took a heartening turn when the Pattaya Sea Rescue and Community Safety Unit responded to a distress call from worried tourists. The call reported a person attempting suicide by walking into the sea at Pattaya Beach, near the Pattaya Police Station. Onlookers, mostly tourists, witnessed the distressing scene as a young woman, identified as 24-year-old Rattanaporn, entered the sea, emotionally distraught. Acting swiftly, a courageous local teenager, 17-year-old Parit Yunkrathok, jumped into the water and heroically brought her back to safety. Followin…

From Department of State The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok is coming to Pattaya for Provision of Consular Services: Thursday, November 2, 9:00 AM- 11:30 AM The American Citizen Services Unit will be providing limited consular services in the Dusit Thani Pattaya Hotel from 09:00 AM to 11:30 AM on November 2, 2023. Please note, we have a total of 40 appointments available, for the following services: 1. Passport renewals (DS-82) 2. Passports for minors (DS-11) 3. Notary services To sign up for services, please register here. Reservations are first come, first served, with additional consideration for those with limited mobility.…

From Pattaya News Thai investors are set to launch five new airlines, pouring in a minimum of 3.85 billion baht. These carriers are poised to commence operations in 2024, aiming to tap into Thailand’s burgeoning aviation market, projected to be worth 320 billion baht next year. According to the Nation Thailand report, Really Cool Airlines, P80 Air, Pattaya Airways, Siam Seaplane, and Landarch Airlines have all received an Air Operating Licence from the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). To commence commercial flights, however, they still have to wait for the CAAT’s approval of their Air Operator Certificates (AOC). One of the the above five Thai-ow…

From Pattaya Mail Jomtien Beach in Pattaya, celebrated for its tranquil coastal beauty, faces a growing challenge jeopardizing its serenity. On Oct 19, concerns escalated as both local and international visitors reported disruptive beach parties persisting into the early morning. At sunrise, the usual sounds of waves and birdsong were replaced by the noise of rowdy gatherings. Complaints detailed young people on the beachfront engaging in alcohol-fueled revelry with loud music, creating an unwelcome routine extending from evening to early morning. The distressing situation includes participants openly urinating in public, disregarding fellow tourists and beachgo…

From Pattaya Mail By Barry Kenyon A recent change in procedure at Pattaya-Jomtien immigration (and Sri Racha) means that all foreigners requiring a service must have a TM30 form receipt in their passport dated since their last arrival in Thailand. This bureaucracy is quite separate from the 90 days reporting for expats which remains intact. The TM30 form, which can be completed by the hotel juristic person or the owner of the residence or the newly-arrived foreigner, has in the past been used mainly when short-term tourists apply for an extension of their 30 days visa exempt entry. It should be completed within 24 hours (72 hours in practice) after arrival …

From Pattaya Mail Pattaya, Thailand – In response to the recent tragic shootings at Siam Paragon shopping centre in Bangkok, the Pattaya police, in collaboration with Central Festival Pattaya, undertook measures to strengthen security protocols and restore confidence among the local population and tourists. Pattaya City Police Chief, Pol. Col. Tanapong Poti, and Krisana Maprangon, head of the facilities management department, joined forces to conduct a comprehensive review and enhancement of security procedures within the shopping complex. Pol. Col. Tanapong underscored the critical importance of preparedness, prevention, and effective public communication. This…

From Pattaya Mail Over 100 PCEC members packed into the meetings zone of the Holiday Inn, Pattaya, to hear attorney at law Dr Jessataporn Bunnag (Chang) and his colleague Mr Chatchai Seelasophano talk on “Thai Law and You”. They are both based at the V2B international law office located adjacent to the immigration bureau in Jomtien. They began by outlining the services of the company which, apart from court matters, cover notarial and translation, visas for foreigners here and for Thais going abroad, passport renewal for some countries and general liaison with embassies and consulates. Dr Bunnag also runs two language academies, a driving school and the registra…

From The Thaiger October promises to be an exhilarating month for Pattaya, with a plethora of intriguing events lined up to stimulate city tourism. There is a range of activities from sports tournaments to cultural festivals, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The International Beach Tennis Tournament Pattaya Open is set to kick off on Friday, October 6, and conclude on Saturday, October 7. Tennis enthusiasts can make their way to Pattaya Beach, situated in front of the Hard Rock Hotel, to witness this international competition. The tournament serves as a fantastic opportunity to observe high-quality tennis in a unique beachfront setting. …

From Pattaya Mail A 55-year-old tourist from Bahrain, Hasan Mohamed Almuqahwi, experienced an unfortunate incident during his late-night baht-bus ride from Soi Bua Khao back to his hotel on September 28, prompting him to report a robbery to the local Pattaya police. Hasan told the police that two women, visibly transvestites, had joined him on the baht-bus. Engaging in what seemed like casual conversation, the journey took an unexpected turn as the vehicle approached the hotel where Hasan intended to disembark. Seizing a fleeting opportunity, one of the women snatched Hasan’s bag, containing 7,000 baht, 60 Dinars, and essential documents. Hasan attempted to…

Sports events are discussed on this board from time to time and often it's because of the eye candy. From Pattaya Mail In a gripping match against DP Kanchanaburi FC on Saturday September 23rd, Pattaya United secured a 1-1 draw. The standout performance came from Pakornphat Phasuk, a player who has subsequently been deemed an “MVP” of the match by the Pattaya United team. Starting from the previous game, the Dolphin’s coaches said Pakornphat didn’t disappoint. With a powerful strike, he clinched the team’s first official goal in their iconic sky-blue and white jersey. The match was a great display of Pakornphat’s exceptional speed and sharp shooti…

From Pattaya News Pattaya City has come up with tougher regulations to address issues related to speedboat operators at Bali Hai Pier, including the introduction of standard ticket prices and the ban on “herding” guests. On Thursday, September 7th, the Pattaya City Council assembled to devise strategies for organizing and overseeing tour boat operators, following a violent altercation among operators vying for guests aboard a boat to Koh Larn from Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya. Most importantly, the city eventually ruled that from now on tour boat operators will be prohibited from approaching and herding tourists who are looking for a boat to Koh Larn. Esse…

From Pattaya Mail On the evening of September 7, a massive fire erupted at the Four Regions Floating Market in Pattaya, quickly engulfing the market due to its primarily wooden structures. The fire left a path of destruction in its wake, particularly affecting the waterside restaurants and shops, resulting in substantial estimated damages reaching tens of millions of baht. Firefighting teams from Pattaya, along with more than 20 additional firefighting vehicles from neighboring districts, urgently assembled to battle the blaze. Moderate rainfall provided some relief, aiding in the firefighting efforts. After more than an hour, the fire began to subside but…

From The Nation The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases on Tuesday issued an arrest warrant for Ittipol Khunpluem, former Culture Minister and former mayor of Pattaya City, after he failed to report to the prosecutor following a court summons on Monday (September 4). Ittipol is accused of abuse of power for issuing an illegal construction permit to Bali Hai Co Ltd to build a luxury condominium at the base of Phra Tamnak Mountain in Pattaya City, Chonburi province in 2008 during his tenure as mayor of Pattaya City. On August 3, 2023, the Office of the Attorney General resolved to file charges against Ittipol and 9 others fo…

From Pattaya Mail A 27-year-old individual, known by the alias “Lee,” bravely recounted his unsettling encounter as both a young transvestite and an online sex worker in hopes of alerting others about potential dangers. Lee’s intention in sharing his story is to caution individuals against falling victim to a similar scam. Lee, who supplements his income by engaging with foreigners on a mobile application, shared his cautionary tale after an unsettling incident. Connecting with a foreigner through a dating app, he agreed to meet the individual at a hotel for a night. Initially, Lee did not detect anything amiss upon entering the hotel room. However, as the …