Pattaya, Thailand – December 26th, 2025
Cunning vendors have turned a stretch of Pattaya Beach into an unregulated open-air drinking spot, openly selling unregulated boiled kratom drinks, liquor, cannabis, and beer alongside rented beach chairs, attracting large groups of teenagers n youths aged 10 to 20 who gather freely into the early hours, despite the area being just steps from a police station, say concerned citizens.
At around 11:00 p.m. on Christmas Day, December 25th, 2025, The Pattaya News reporters visited the beachfront area in front of Central Pattaya Beach shopping mall, near Soi 9, following complaints from concerned parents.
The investigation revealed dozens of youths, both Thai and foreign, sitting in lively groups along the sand, drinking and socializing late into the night. Vendors were openly renting out beach chairs and selling alcohol, beer, cannabis, and kratom-infused drinks throughout the beach area. Across the road, stalls were also spotted selling bagged cannabis, while numerous sidecar tuk-tuks parked to offer food, which were suspected to be unlicensed.
Observations and interviews indicated that many teenagers flock to this spot because they are underage and cannot enter licensed nightlife venues. Instead, they opt for the beach, where drinks are available all night, chairs can be rented cheaply, Bluetooth speakers blast music for atmosphere, and, remarkably, public toilets at the nearby Pattaya Police Station remain open 24 hours, further facilitating extended gatherings.
Parents and local residents have voiced serious concerns over the safety risks and inappropriate behavior of the young revelers. They are calling on authorities to urgently intervene, enforce regulations, and restore order to the area to prevent potential future social problems.
There have also been previous multiple incidents of conflict and violence, including even involving firearms, on Pattaya Beach in the past during these gatherings, leading to concerns this could happen again.
