Pattaya, Thailand – Senior police officials led a comprehensive emergency response drill simulating an active shooter scenario at the iconic Central Pattaya shopping mall on February 20th, 2026, as part of efforts to enhance security in one of Thailand’s premier international tourist destinations.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Nantawut Suwannalaong, Deputy Commander of Provincial Police Region 2 (Deputy Commander, Provincial Police Region 2), was joined by Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmanithet, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station. They coordinated with officers from multiple agencies to carry out the exercise.
The drill, which took place hours before the mall opened, simulated a high-risk incident in which two armed suspects entered the mall, opened fire indiscriminately, robbed a gold shop, and engaged in a shootout with responding officers. The scenario escalated with the discovery of a suspicious object resembling an explosive device, resulting in simulated casualties and fatalities among shoppers and staff.
Officers swiftly cordoned off the area, controlled the situation, provided medical aid to the injured, and coordinated with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to inspect and neutralize the suspected bomb threat, following strict safety protocols.
Key elements of the training included integrated command and communication across agencies, securing high-risk zones, triage of casualties, safe evacuation of civilians, and traffic management around the perimeter. The exercise aimed to ensure rapid response, minimize potential losses, and build public confidence among residents and visitors.
Participating units included Pattaya City Police Station, Pattaya City administration, Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation emergency services, Pattaya City Hospital, Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, EOD teams from Chonburi Provincial Police, Tourist Police, Highway Police, local security agencies, and the mall’s private security team.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmanithet, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police, told The Pattaya News that the drill aligned with directives from higher command to maintain systematic readiness at provincial, district, and station levels. This is crucial for handling the millions of tourists who visit Chonburi Province, including Pattaya, each year.
The exercise at Central Pattaya, Asia’s largest beachfront shopping complex, featuring hundreds of stores, dining options, entertainment, and direct views of Pattaya Bay, shows ongoing proactive measures to address potential threats in crowded tourist venues and safeguard the city’s reputation as a safe global destination.
