PATTAYA: Tourist police in Pattaya have stepped up security with unmanned aerial patrols after about 5,000 U.S. military personnel arrived in the city.
On September 4th, 2026, Police Lt. Col. Prapda Suksunthree, chief inspector of Tourist Police Subdivision 4, Division 2, Tourist Police Division 1, and Police Capt. Apichat Jarurak, an inspector in the same unit, said U.S. service members have been staying in Pattaya and using local services from Sept. 2 to 6. Combined with other visitors still arriving, the influx has produced a clear rise in tourist numbers.
Officials said the larger crowds require tighter safety coverage. Existing personnel from the tourist police, Pattaya police and local administrative agencies may not be enough on their own during this period.
To close the gap, Pattaya tourist police have deployed drone patrols over Pattaya Beach, Walking Street and Bali Hai Pier. The aircraft are being used for close monitoring, and bilingual public-address messages are broadcast along flight routes to deter incidents, support safety and reassure both Thai and foreign visitors.
Authorities have also reinforced foot patrols on Walking Street in South Pattaya. Regular units have been supplemented with extra officers and more frequent checks. Business operators and staff have been asked to notify nearby officers immediately if they see any incident. Tourists are asked to call tourist police at 1155 if there is an issue or problem, especially involving pricing or bill disputes, and let police mediate rather than the tourist possibly escalate a situation.
Police said the measures are intended to protect tourists and visiting service members and to give visitors greater confidence while in Pattaya.
