Twenty foreign nationals were arrested in the early hours of December 27 during a coordinated police operation aimed at combating illegal prostitution along Pattaya’s famous beachfront.
The Tourist Police launched the raid at 1:00 a.m. in response to growing complaints from local residents and tourists about women soliciting customers in provocative attire under the trees along Pattaya Beach. Among those arrested were nine Ugandans, eight Uzbeks, two Malagasy, and one Rwandan, with ages ranging from 26 to 51.
“This operation is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the image of Pattaya’s tourist areas, especially as we approach the New Year holiday season,” stated a spokesperson for the Tourist Police.
The suspects reportedly admitted to traveling to Pattaya specifically to engage in sex work, enticed by the city’s large foreign tourist population. They face charges under Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act for public solicitation and causing a nuisance. Chonburi Immigration Police and Social Development officials are also involved in the case. After paying fines through the Social Development office, immigration authorities will proceed with revoking the suspects’ visas and deporting them from Thailand.
This crackdown is part of a broader initiative by Thai authorities to improve Pattaya’s image as a destination for sex tourism, a reputation that has long plagued the beachside resort city despite efforts to rebrand it as family-friendly.
For decades, Pattaya has faced challenges in balancing its nightlife entertainment industry with efforts to attract a wider variety of international tourists. Local officials have stated that enforcement actions will continue to maintain order along the beachfront, particularly during the upcoming peak tourist season.
