PATTAYA, Thailand – September 23rd, 2025 – At 3:30 AM, local business operators in Pattaya’s Walking Street raised concerns about groups of foreigners using children aged 1 to 7 to peddle flowers, exploiting tourists’ sympathy and causing a nuisance. This practice is severely tarnishing the image of Pattaya as a premier tourist destination.
On-site investigations revealed numerous foreign individuals, both men and women, carrying young children while approaching tourists to sell roses, starting at 100 baht per flower. If tourists showed disinterest, the children were encouraged to cling to their arms, persistently soliciting until many reluctantly paid.
Local operators reported that these groups have been repeatedly apprehended by police, yet they continue to operate with impunity, particularly between 3 and 4 AM, when intoxicated tourists leave entertainment venues. This time is allegedly when the groups earn substantial profits, effectively taking jobs from Thai locals.
Business owners are urging relevant authorities to take serious action to address this issue, rather than conducting sporadic checks only when media attention arises. They also stated that using children under 10 to sell flowers late at night is inappropriate and severely damages Pattaya’s tourism reputation. Operators are calling for consistent enforcement to curb this exploitative practice and restore the city’s image as a welcoming destination.
