Rising Clashes Among Foreign Tourists in Pattaya Spark Concerns
PATTAYA, Thailand – A troubling trend of violent clashes among foreign tourists in Pattaya is raising concerns among locals, with yet another altercation reported on the morning of March 12 in Jomtien. The latest incident occurred in the Dong Tan Beach area, where a fight broke out between two foreign groups, adding to the growing list of similar conflicts.
Local authorities, including the Pattaya City Patrol and the Jomtien District Civic Guard, responded swiftly, detaining two individuals involved and escorting them to the Dong Tan Police Station for further legal proceedings. Meanwhile, witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman fleeing the scene on an Xmax scooter, with officers unable to apprehend them.
Residents have expressed frustration over the increasing number of violent disputes among visitors. “Every day, Pattaya sees tourists fighting. Why come here to fight? Just enjoy your time here!” one bystander remarked. Another local added, “Disagreements between people from different backgrounds are natural, but it’s a shame to see this happening more often. Tourists should be here to relax, not cause trouble.”
The rising frequency of such incidents has fueled discussions on social media, with many worried about the impact on Pattaya’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. “Watch out for the crossfire—it could happen to anyone,” one concerned resident warned.
Authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to maintain peace and ensure safety in the city. However, as these altercations continue, locals are left questioning whether Pattaya’s appeal is being tarnished by a minority of unruly visitors.