Pattaya, Thailand – December 30th, 2025
Chonburi Immigration Police, in a joint operation with provincial social welfare officials, arrested eight foreign nationals on Monday evening for allegedly soliciting tourists for prostitution along Pattaya Beach Road, an area known for its impact on the city’s tourism image.
The operation took place around 8:00 p.m. in the beachfront area of Moo 10. Authorities targeted individuals reported to be aggressively approaching tourists, causing public nuisance and damaging Pattaya’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.
The arrested individuals comprised five Ugandan nationals, two from Uzbekistan, and one from Madagascar. They were charged under Section 5 of the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act B.E. 2539 (1996), which prohibits openly soliciting, enticing, or pestering individuals in public places for prostitution in a manner that is shameless or causes annoyance to the public.
Following the arrests, immigration officials issued notices revoking the suspects’ permission to stay in Thailand (Form T.M. 83) and detention orders (Form T.M. 35). The group were transferred to Nongprue Police Station for further processing under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), pending deportation proceedings.
The crackdown was led by senior officers from Chonburi Immigration Police, including Pol. Col. Naphasphong Khositsuriyamanee, Superintendent, and his deputies, in coordination with the Chonburi Provincial Office for Protection and Quality of Life Enhancement under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to address complaints from locals and tourists about public solicitation.
