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- Everyone passes the buck on paying for emergency medical treatment in ThailandThe unfortunate British tourist Pamela Gatehouse is facing medical and repatriation costs of around 80,000 pounds (3 million baht) and much more if a private plane evacuation proves necessary. Her husband says their travel insurance proved worthless because they visited India before Thailand, a technicality which invalidated all claims. Inevitably, the British embassy was contacted […]
Tourists can travel in most countries of south east Asia without compulsory medical cover. The unfortunate British tourist Pamela Gatehouse is facing medical and repatriation costs of around 80,000 pounds (3 million baht) and much more if a private plane evacuation proves necessary. Her husband says their travel insurance proved worthless because they visited India before Thailand, a technicality which invalidated all claims.
Inevitably, the British embassy was contacted but there is no slush fund to cover non-insured tourists or expats. Indeed, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London has in the past pointed out that British taxpayers cannot, and should not, subsidize overseas tragedies no matter how pitiful. Any other policy, of course, would open the floodgates as Brits abroad would queue up in huge numbers to benefit from the unexpected generosity.
Gofundme might help a bit – it has provided over 7,000 pounds (30,000 baht) to date in the Gatehouse case. Traditionally, most of the cash in medical emergencies is volunteered in the first few days, soon drying up. The only other routes to try are compassionate friends and relatives back in the UK or negotiations with the private hospital to arrange a discount. There have been examples where hospital administrators have knocked off 10 percent as the case nears outpatient status. Worth a try.It is a common myth that travel insurance, which the Gatehouses paid for, covers any and all medical issues abroad. Allianz Travel Insurance points out that “if a situation is not specified in the terms, it’s not covered”. Claims are regularly rejected because of ambiguous terms such as pre-existing conditions, foreseeable events and risky behaviour. Travel insurance is a competitive, even cut-throat industry, with companies trying to look as cheap as possible whilst maximizing their own escape clauses.
In the past 12 months, Brits in Thai hospitals for serious operations (assuming they had any insurance) have been rejected by their cover companies for not wearing a crash helmet, failing breath or drugs tests, negligence in personal conduct, inadequate vehicle insurance, self-incrimination (overstaying a visa), failure to return regularly to UK, refusal to accept outpatient treatment when offered and a host of other phrases which disguise the horror of individuals’ misfortunes.As regards compulsory medical insurance, Thai authorities are diffident. Cheap package deals for the millions from India, China and Russia would rise in cost if mandatory cover was introduced. A few expat visas such as the 10-year Long Term Residence and work authorizations require it, but well over 90 percent of foreigners can visit without any insurance requirement. Meanwhile, the Thai health authorities regularly grumble about foreigners’ unpaid bills.
In early 2024, the Thai government launched a medical support scheme for foreign tourists which was centrally funded with 50 million baht (11 million UK). It was discretionary, complicated and not well publicized after the initial press conferences. There were the usual warnings about carelessness, intention to take part in an illegal activity or risky conduct. Much of the fund was spent on compensation for the relatives of foreigners who died in traffic accidents. The scheme ran until December 2024 but has not been renewed so far as is known.A recurrent promise of the government has been to introduced a travel tax of 300 baht (7 pounds) on all foreigners arriving in Thailand. The revenue would be used to repair or renovate public monuments visited by tourists with a smaller percentage perhaps paying the costs of foreigners’ accidents. Maybe anyway. But there has been no travel surcharge to date and no recent announcements. When it comes to significant medical treatment in any south east Asian country, you are essentially on your own. On the other hand, 99 percent of travellers won’t have a problem.
23 February 23 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491691 - Heavy rainfall hits Pattaya at night, flooding busy residential roadsPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya experienced heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding in several areas at 9 PM on February 22. Residents in Soi Khao Talo, East Pattaya, reported knee-deep water levels in certain spots, causing significant disruptions. One local commented ‘Using a boat, I could reach home. The water level was knee-deep earlier, but it’s […]
Water levels rise as storms hit, leaving residents with knee-deep floods in Soi Khao Talo. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya experienced heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding in several areas at 9 PM on February 22. Residents in Soi Khao Talo, East Pattaya, reported knee-deep water levels in certain spots, causing significant disruptions. One local commented ‘Using a boat, I could reach home. The water level was knee-deep earlier, but it’s receding now’.
The Thai Meteorological Department had previously issued warnings about unstable weather conditions, including thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, affecting various regions, including Pattaya.
Authorities are advising residents and visitors to exercise caution during this period, stay informed through official channels, and avoid areas prone to flooding.
One local comments ‘It’s receding now, but it was intense!
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491780 - Theft on Hotel Way Out – Woman arrested for stealing ATM card from British tourist, withdraws 40,000 bahtPATTAYA, Thailand – Police officials arrested 54-year-old Nang Kham Pakham at a restaurant near the entrance of Jomtien Soi 4, who was found to be in connection with the theft of an ATM card from a British tourist and unauthorized withdrawals totaling 40,000 Baht. The incident occurred on February 2, when the British victim had […]
Pattaya police arrest a repeat offender for stealing an ATM card from a British tourist and withdrawing 40,000 Baht. PATTAYA, Thailand – Police officials arrested 54-year-old Nang Kham Pakham at a restaurant near the entrance of Jomtien Soi 4, who was found to be in connection with the theft of an ATM card from a British tourist and unauthorized withdrawals totaling 40,000 Baht.
The incident occurred on February 2, when the British victim had taken the suspect to stay at the Queen Victoria Hotel in Pattaya. After Nang Kham left the room, the victim realized his ATM card was missing. Upon investigation, it was revealed that 40,000 Baht had been withdrawn from his account in four transactions.
Following the victim’s complaint, the police analyzed CCTV footage and conducted an investigation which led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.During questioning, Nang Kham admitted to stealing the ATM card and withdrawing the money for personal use. A background check revealed that she had previously been convicted of theft three times and had been incarcerated for criminal offenses. Despite serving her time, she continued committing crimes, including theft and gambling-related offenses.
Nang Kham has been sent to the authorities for legal proceedings.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491777 - Police raid ‘Gang 38’ hideout in Pattaya, seize weapons after brawl and explosion incidentPATTAYA, Thailand – A police operation has led to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy and five other youths, following a violent clash between two groups in Pattaya on February 18. The brawl, which involved motorcycles and explosions, created panic among locals who had to flee the area. The authorities raided a room in a […]
Police raid ‘Gang 38’ hideout in Pattaya, seize weapons and explosives after violent brawl, highlighting ongoing efforts to tackle gang-related disturbances. PATTAYA, Thailand – A police operation has led to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy and five other youths, following a violent clash between two groups in Pattaya on February 18. The brawl, which involved motorcycles and explosions, created panic among locals who had to flee the area. The authorities raided a room in a Naklua district housing complex on February 21, finding weapons, explosives, and motorcycles linked to the group.
The raid was prompted by an investigation that identified the youths as part of “Gang 38,” a group notorious for creating disturbances by riding loud motorcycles and engaging in public altercations. During the raid, police confiscated a homemade .38 caliber firearm, several knives, explosives, and four motorcycles. The arrested suspect, identified as 16-year-old Anda, faces charges for possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
The arrested youths, including Anda, denied the allegations. The remaining individuals were released after their guardians were contacted, and further investigation will determine if any charges will be pressed. Police continue to track the group’s activities to prevent further incidents and ensure public safety in Pattaya.This recent operation highlights ongoing efforts by local authorities to crack down on gang-related violence and ensure peace for residents and tourists alike.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491774 - Shocking video captures Thai man chasing foreign tourist with knife in Jomtien, PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – A disturbing video has gone viral on social media showing a terrifying encounter in Jomtien, Pattaya, where a Thai man, armed with a large knife, chased a foreign tourist down a busy street in broad daylight, Feb 22. The footage, which was captured by a dashcam, quickly gained widespread attention, sparking outrage […]
Shocking video shows man chasing foreign tourist with knife on Jomtien Road in broad daylight, sparking concerns about safety in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – A disturbing video has gone viral on social media showing a terrifying encounter in Jomtien, Pattaya, where a Thai man, armed with a large knife, chased a foreign tourist down a busy street in broad daylight, Feb 22. The footage, which was captured by a dashcam, quickly gained widespread attention, sparking outrage and concern among local residents and tourists alike.
The incident occurred on Jomtien Second Road, near the Copacabana Condo. In the video, the suspect, dressed in a blue T-shirt, black armband, and cream-colored pants, is seen running after a foreign man wearing a black shirt and pants. The foreigner appears to be trying to escape across the road, disregarding the vehicles rushing by. Meanwhile, the attacker, wielding a large knife in his right hand, relentlessly chases the tourist.
The clip was posted by a Facebook user named “Nam” (a pseudonym), who recounted witnessing the frightening scene while driving toward Sattahip to drop off a customer in Bang Saray. Nam explained that upon seeing the incident unfold, they were forced to brake abruptly in shock as the foreign tourist ran right in front of their car. Looking up, Nam noticed the man in the blue shirt with the knife still pursuing the tourist. Concerned for their own safety, as they had female passengers in the car, Nam honked the horn in an attempt to intervene and stop the chase.
Nam posted the video in a Pattaya riders’ group with over 30,000 members, urging other drivers to be aware of the alarming situation. They expressed that while they didn’t know the exact cause of the conflict, the video serves as a warning, especially as it could damage the image of Pattaya as a tourist destination. Nam emphasized that if the person involved was indeed a rider or someone from the local driving community, this kind of violence could create unnecessary fear and jeopardize the reputation of the city’s tourism industry.Authorities are now awaiting the foreign tourist or any other potential victims to file a formal report with the police, so that an investigation can be launched.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491771 - Social media erupts over video of dancer group clashing with jealous wife in Pattaya hotelPATTAYA, Thailand – A video clip depicting a heated argument and physical altercation between a group of dancers and a jealous wife has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. The footage, posted by a Facebook user, shows a confrontation that escalates into violence. The user captioned the video, “20 years of work with […]
Dancer group clashes with wife after heated argument goes viral on social media. PATTAYA, Thailand – A video clip depicting a heated argument and physical altercation between a group of dancers and a jealous wife has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate. The footage, posted by a Facebook user, shows a confrontation that escalates into violence. The user captioned the video, “20 years of work with no problems with clients, but the wife threw a glass at me. After the glass was thrown, the man punched us.” The post quickly gained traction online, with the video racking up millions of views within a matter of hours.
The incident took place at a hotel in Pattaya, in the Naklua Soi 12 area, and involved two groups: one group of dancers and a married couple. According to the video and the post’s caption, the husband, a customer of the dancers, was met with his wife’s jealousy, leading to a confrontation. The wife reportedly threw a glass at the dancers, which prompted the dancers to respond by standing up to confront her.
However, the situation escalated further as the dancers physically pulled the wife by the hair, which led to more punches being thrown. The husband intervened and attempted to stop the chaos but eventually retaliated by striking the dancers in defense of his wife.After the altercation, the husband, accompanied by several friends, approached the dancer group to apologize, explaining that his actions were driven by the desire to protect his wife from being attacked by four people.
The incident has become a topic of intense discussion on social media, with the original post garnering over 4.7 million views, more than 54,500 likes, and 24,000 shares. Due to the violent nature of the content, Facebook temporarily removed the video, but it was quickly shared across other fan pages, with users commenting on the incident in large numbers.
The situation escalates further as the dancers physically pulled the wife by the hair, which led to more punches being thrown.
The husband intervenes and attempted to stop the chaos but eventually retaliated by striking the dancers in defense of his wife.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491766 - Nightlife Chaos and Armed Individuals – Pubs and bars in Pattaya can be thrilling but come with risksPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, can sometimes present safety concerns for visitors, especially with reports of gun-carrying individuals spotted near pubs and bars. While these areas offer a lively atmosphere, they can also attract individuals engaging in risky behavior or armed for personal security, creating a potentially […]
Enjoying Pattaya’s nightlife? Stay alert in areas with gun-carrying individuals and stick to well-lit, popular spots for safety. (Photo – Jealous ex-husband brings gun to Pattaya bar, arrested after threatening staff in Soi Buakhao, Feb 20) PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya, a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant nightlife, can sometimes present safety concerns for visitors, especially with reports of gun-carrying individuals spotted near pubs and bars. While these areas offer a lively atmosphere, they can also attract individuals engaging in risky behavior or armed for personal security, creating a potentially unsafe environment for tourists.
For tourists looking to stay safe in Pattaya’s nightlife districts, it’s important to take certain precautions.
Stick to Well-Lit and Popular Areas: Tourists should avoid wandering into poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Stick to the more well-known and regularly patrolled parts of town like Walking Street, which is monitored by local authorities, ensuring a safer environment.Choose Reputable Venues: Opt for pubs and bars with good reviews and a reputation for adhering to safety regulations. Venues that are well-established tend to have better security measures in place, including surveillance cameras and professional staff trained to handle any disturbances.
Travel in Groups: Always move around in groups, particularly at night. This helps deter potential threats and ensures you have help if needed. Avoid walking alone through unfamiliar areas after dark.
Be Mindful of Alcohol Consumption: Overconsumption of alcohol can leave tourists vulnerable. It’s crucial to stay aware of your surroundings, keep track of your drink, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Contact Local Authorities If Needed: If something feels off or a dangerous situation arises, it’s important to have access to local emergency services. Keep the contact numbers for Pattaya’s police and tourist police at hand. They are trained to deal with such situations and can provide assistance in case of any threats. Pattaya Police Emergency Hotline: 191 and Tourist Police Emergency Hotline: 1155.While the presence of armed individuals near bars may seem intimidating, with the right precautions, tourists can still enjoy Pattaya’s nightlife safely. By staying vigilant, choosing trusted venues, and being aware of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce the risks and have an enjoyable trip.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491763 - Traffic chaos, big buses, flooding, and drunk driving – The challenges tourists face in Pattaya over the weekendPATTAYA, Thailand – Over the weekend, Pattaya faced a series of challenges that caused chaos for both locals and tourists. The combination of heavy rains, flooding, and traffic disruptions made navigating the city an ordeal for anyone trying to get around. Heavy Rains and Flooding Persistent rain showers caused widespread flooding across various parts of […]
Floods, Big Buses, and Traffic Woes: Pattaya struggles to keep up with weekend chaos. (Photo – End of Motorway No. 7, reaching Pattaya City traffic on Feb 22) PATTAYA, Thailand – Over the weekend, Pattaya faced a series of challenges that caused chaos for both locals and tourists. The combination of heavy rains, flooding, and traffic disruptions made navigating the city an ordeal for anyone trying to get around.
Heavy Rains and Flooding
Persistent rain showers caused widespread flooding across various parts of the city, including major roads and streets. Sukhumvit Road, a key thoroughfare, saw major disruptions as water levels rose quickly, submerging several vehicles and forcing drivers to seek alternate routes. Tourists and locals alike were left stranded as floodwaters rendered many streets impassable, and popular attractions like Pattaya Beach became difficult to reach.
Traffic Congestion and Big BusesTraffic congestion worsened as buses, particularly large tour buses, became stuck in the flooded areas. With the city’s road network already strained by the influx of visitors, these massive vehicles caused blockages that amplified the chaos. The sight of big buses crawling through the flooded streets created even more delays, adding to the frustration of tourists trying to make their way around the city. Many tourists, especially those with limited time, found themselves frustrated by the long travel times and unpredictable road conditions.
Drunk Driving and Safety ConcernsAs the night rolled on, another issue surfaced: drunk driving. With Pattaya being a nightlife hub, the streets were filled with visitors heading to bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Unfortunately, many drivers, including tourists, were caught driving under the influence, leading to an increased risk of accidents. The police had to set up more checkpoints to curb the issue, but drunk driving continued to be a serious concern, particularly after a few drinks during the weekend festivities. For tourists, this meant navigating not only the chaos caused by flooding and traffic but also the safety risks posed by reckless drivers on the road.
What Tourists Have to Put Up WithFor tourists arriving in Pattaya, these challenges were unavoidable. The heavy rains and flooding often ruined plans for outdoor activities, while the traffic gridlock left many with little choice but to sit and wait. The busy streets, filled with large buses and drunk drivers, made getting around more dangerous and stressful than usual. Despite Pattaya’s many attractions, the combination of bad weather, overcrowded roads, and the risk of accidents took a toll on visitors’ experiences, leading some to reconsider their future trips during peak weekends.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491760 - Driver trapped after small truck rear-ends pickup and collides with sedan in PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – The Pattaya Rescue Center was alerted to a traffic accident involving a small truck rear-ending a pickup truck, which then collided with a sedan on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya North, near the Caltex Petrol Station, February 22. The impact left the driver of the truck trapped inside the wreckage. Rescue teams arrived at […]
The driver, Suriyawong, was pinned inside the vehicle, with both of his legs stuck under the dashboard. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Pattaya Rescue Center was alerted to a traffic accident involving a small truck rear-ending a pickup truck, which then collided with a sedan on Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya North, near the Caltex Petrol Station, February 22. The impact left the driver of the truck trapped inside the wreckage.
Rescue teams arrived at the scene and found the small white truck, which had company stickers for Big Boom Transport Services, with its front severely damaged. The driver, Suriyawong, 44, was pinned inside the vehicle, with both of his legs stuck under the dashboard. Rescue workers used hydraulic cutters to extricate him from the wreckage.
The driver suffered severe injuries, with both legs broken and open wounds exposing bones. He was immediately rushed to Pattaya Pattamakhun Hospital for emergency treatment. Two other vehicles were also damaged in the accident: a black Toyota Vigo pickup truck with its rear end crushed, and a gray Mazda sedan, whose rear was crumpled.According to Wisut, the owner of the pickup truck, he was driving on Sukhumvit Road when traffic slowed near the Pattaya North intersection. Suddenly, the truck crashed into the rear of his vehicle, causing it to push into the sedan ahead of him. He quickly stopped and found the driver of the truck injured and trapped, prompting him to call for rescue assistance.
Upon further inspection, the small truck was found to contain an ice cooler with opened beer bottles inside. It is suspected that the driver may have fallen asleep or was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Authorities are conducting alcohol tests on the driver and will also review CCTV footage to determine the cause of the crash.
The small truck was found to contain an ice cooler with opened beer bottles inside.
Wisut, the owner of the pickup truck, said the truck crashed into the rear of his vehicle, causing it to push into the sedan ahead of him.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491755 - Pattaya sports stadium construction progresses 40 days ahead of schedule, expected completion by DecemberPATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited the construction site of the Eastern Sports Stadium’s football field to assess its progress. The site inspection, attended by the Pattaya City Clerk and the Director of the Engineering Office, revealed that construction is advancing approximately 40 days ahead of schedule. The project, which is part of the […]
Pattaya’s Eastern Sports Stadium construction ahead of schedule, set to open by December 2025 PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet visited the construction site of the Eastern Sports Stadium’s football field to assess its progress. The site inspection, attended by the Pattaya City Clerk and the Director of the Engineering Office, revealed that construction is advancing approximately 40 days ahead of schedule.
The project, which is part of the third phase of the Eastern Sports Stadium construction in Chonburi, has a three-year budget commitment. The contract, valued at 327,800,000 THB, was awarded to Green Thumb Co., Ltd. Construction began on September 27, 2023, with a contractual completion date of December 25, 2025, totaling 820 days.
Mayor Poramet expressed confidence that the project will be completed within the contracted timeline, ensuring that Pattaya residents can soon benefit from the new sports facility.
Pattaya City Council inspects football field project, 40 days ahead of plan for faster completion. 
Eastern Sports Stadium in Pattaya moves quickly towards completion, bringing new sports facilities to the community.
23 February 23 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=491750