25 cited in Pattaya crackdown on public-area prostitution
Pattaya authorities inspected the beachfront, Sai 2 Road and other public areas, citing 25 people in a drive to curb prostitution and protect minors.
- Twenty-five people, including 18 Thais and seven foreign nationals, were cited for prostitution-related offences during a police crackdown in Pattaya.
- The joint operation targeted individuals loitering or soliciting in public areas, such as the beachfront, under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act.
- Those cited faced regulatory fines as part of an effort to improve public order and safety for residents and tourists.
- Authorities have stated that these inspections will continue with greater frequency and intensity, particularly in high-risk tourism areas.
Twenty-five Thai and foreign nationals faced penalties after more than 20 officials and police officers carried out inspections along Pattaya’s beachfront, Sai 2 Road and other public areas as part of a joint operation targeting prostitution-related offences.
They comprised five Lao nationals, two Ugandan nationals and 18 Thais. Officials imposed regulatory fines or settled offences through payment of fines, as applicable, in accordance with the procedures and powers prescribed by the relevant laws.
The operation involved officials from the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office, Pattaya City Police Station’s special operations and patrol units, tourist police and Chonburi immigration police.
Janjira Thaibandith, Chonburi’s provincial social development and human security chief, explained on Saturday (August 29) that under the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act BE 2539 (1996), loitering or soliciting people in a public place for the purpose of prostitution can constitute an offence.
Relevant cases are currently subject to regulatory fines, with agencies under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security sharing responsibility for enforcement within their legal authority.
Beyond law enforcement, the operation also focused on protecting children and young people from exploitation. Authorities would take strict action if anyone under the age of 18 were found to be involved in prostitution, as such circumstances could involve offences under anti-human trafficking laws.
Pol Lt Col Siriwat Kachamat, deputy superintendent for crime suppression at Pattaya City Police Station, described the inspections as part of the station’s regular enforcement measures under a policy requiring tighter checks on people loitering in public areas for the purpose of prostitution.
He noted that the latest operation brought together Pattaya City Police, Chonburi social development officials, tourist police and immigration police in an effort to improve public order and safety for residents and visitors.
Officials confirmed that inspections would continue with greater frequency and intensity, particularly at high-risk locations along the beachfront and in tourism areas.
Checks would also be expanded to other forms of exploitation involving children and young people, including child labour, street children, begging, the use of children to sell goods and forcing children to beg.
Authorities urged residents and businesses in Pattaya to act as “good hosts” by welcoming Thai and foreign visitors in a friendly manner, respecting the law and helping maintain Pattaya’s reputation as a safe, orderly and trustworthy tourist destination.
Agencies would also increase inspections during periods when large numbers of tourists and foreign military personnel were visiting the area, stressing that Pattaya remains open to visitors but operates under Thai law.
Police reiterated that inspections would continue and that offences would be dealt with in accordance with the law, as authorities seek to strengthen confidence in public safety and protect Pattaya’s image as one of Thailand’s leading tourist destinations.
