PATTAYA, Thailand – On September 23rd, 2025, Pattaya Police, under the direction of Police Lieutenant General Saksira Phuek-am, Commander of the Tourist Police Bureau, launched a targeted operation to curb illegal prostitution and related crimes impacting tourism in the city. The crackdown follows numerous complaints from tourists and concerned citizens about disruptive behavior by groups of women, particularly those of foreign descent, soliciting sex services along Pattaya Beach.
Anonymous tourists reported that these women, stationed along the beachfront, were aggressively soliciting clients, harassing passersby, and, in some cases, allegedly verbally abusing or physically intimidating those who declined their services.
Acting on these complaints, Police Colonel Songwut Chuephonlakit, Superintendent of Division 2, Tourist Police Bureau 1, ordered an investigation led by Police Major Somchanok Chaiprasertsakul. A specialized team conducted surveillance and tracked suspects before deploying an undercover officer to pose as a client. The operation culminated in the arrest of two Ugandan women, aged 31 and 40, at a hotel in Pattaya. The suspects were apprehended opposite Soi 13 along Pattaya Beach Road, a known hotspot for such activities.
The women were charged under Thailand’s Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act for “Soliciting, inducing, or harassing individuals in public spaces for the purpose of prostitution in a manner that is open, shameful, or causes public annoyance.” Both suspects are now in custody and face legal proceedings. Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, although there are regular calls for decriminalization. However, even if decriminalized, it would not allow foreigners to work in this occupation without a work permit or proper documentation.
This operation aligns with the Tourist Police Bureau’s ongoing efforts to combat crimes that undermine Thailand’s tourism industry and to address illegal activities by foreign nationals. Authorities have vowed to continue rigorous enforcement to ensure Pattaya remains a safe and welcoming destination for visitors.
