Pattaya, Chonburi – Residents in Pattaya have alerted media to a widespread proliferation of mysterious QR code stickers plastered by unknown individuals on public utility poles, signs, and building walls across the city, particularly in bustling tourist zones frequented by foreign visitors.
Initial investigations reveal that scanning these QR codes directs users to online groups disseminating pornographic content and advertisements for illegal products, including sex toys, aphrodisiacs, condoms, and drug paraphernalia. The ads prominently mention Pattaya locations with promises of delivery within one hour, constituting violations of the Computer Crime Act and laws prohibiting the public distribution of obscene materials. Many items presented on the websites are either illegal in Thailand or require prescriptions from a licensed doctor.
Local residents and tourism operators have voiced serious concerns over the stickers, warning that such activities tarnish Pattaya’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination that attracts millions of Thai and international visitors annually. The unchecked spread of obscene media and illicit product promotions in public spaces risks eroding tourist confidence and damaging the city’s international standing.
This comes only a few days after a Russian man was arrested in Southern Thailand for putting up similar stickers in Phuket advertising illegal drug sales.
