Pattaya —
In the early hours of November 14th, 2024, Pattaya Beach continued to draw large nightly gatherings of young people, both Thai and foreign, who relax, listen to music, and enjoy alcoholic beverages and kratom drinks along the shore until dawn.
According to reporters from Pattaya News, while previous gatherings often led to violent altercations, increased police patrols have managed to reduce incidents to minor quarrels.
However, reporters noted that inventive vendors have adapted, selling items like rented chairs, cannabis, alcohol, and pre-mixed kratom drinks on beachside pathways. These items are carefully hidden in parked cars nearby to avoid detection when police are present.
According to the reporters, after authorities complete their patrols, vendors resume open sales, catering to both local and foreign visitors in a manner that skirts legal restrictions.
In addition, the beachfront has seen an influx of food cart vendors, including both Thai and foreign nationals, who park along the road to offer snacks and accompaniments to beachgoers, effectively turning parts of the area into an unlicensed street market.
Reporters observed that despite regular efforts by police to clear the vendors, they often return once authorities leave, creating traffic bottlenecks and continuing to challenge local law enforcement.
They are calling for police to have an even more consistent presence in the area and crackdown on illegal actions.
Kratom and cannabis were decriminalized in Thailand in 2022, but require a proper license and registration and other requirements to sell, which the street vendors are unable to properly secure due to current regulations.
