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- Thailand’s pink dollar future comes from neighboring countriesThe traditional gay scene in Thai tourist cities has centered on westerners. But that scenario could be changing with marriage equality becoming legal early next year. Bangkok’s Rainbow Alliance points out there are three billion people living less than five hours flying time from Bangkok. They reside in countries where homosexuality is either frowned on […]
Thailand’s gay tourists from Asia are coming out of hiding. The traditional gay scene in Thai tourist cities has centered on westerners. But that scenario could be changing with marriage equality becoming legal early next year. Bangkok’s Rainbow Alliance points out there are three billion people living less than five hours flying time from Bangkok. They reside in countries where homosexuality is either frowned on or actually illegal. So the trickledown benefits to Thailand’s economy could be awesome. Thailand is the first country in south east Asia to legalize same sex nuptials.
According to the digital travel platform Agoda, 4 million extra visitors could boost revenue by US$2 billion and lift the country’s gross national product by 0.3 percent. Thailand’s friendly gay image is a key plank of the international marketing plan to entice any and all interest groups as long as they’re not actually a threat to national security. The advent of the 60 days visa-free entry and of the five-years validity Destination Thailand Visa are just two examples of the strategy in action.As usual in Asian economic affairs, China leads the way. Owen Zhu, a Bangkok-based realtor, said that the purchase of Thai condominiums by Chinese gays was now mainstream as some look to establish second homes in Thailand with their partners, or anticipate longterm capital appreciation. What appeals to gay Chinese is “a place where you are accepted”. One pointed out in the South China Morning Post that you would never find a transexual receptionist at a business in China, a common phenomenon in Thailand. Chinese nationals buy 40 percent of all foreign property purchases in Thailand.
Indian tourist numbers to Thailand have rocketed since the abolition of visa restrictions on entry although gayness is still a matter most prefer to keep private. There is heavy investment in the Thai hospitality industry, often via proxies in Dubai, but not directly in gay-orientated businesses. However, this could well change during the next few years. A spokesperson for Pattaya’s Walking Street Collective said, “There are lots of Indians already enjoying themselves in dance clubs, so it’s just a matter of time before the gay scene opens up.”There are other clues. According to Bangkok Pride, there are many Asians trying to register for their gay wedding in Thailand from January 2025, South Koreans and Singaporeans in particular. A Pacific-based gay tour operator, Thai Freedoms, is advertising Thai vacations in Malaysia and Indonesia where homophobia still rules the roost. A previous report by Agoda claimed that Thailand is the most popular destination for Japanese gay vacationers. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Boy Love website and mini-series dramas are popular throughout the region, clearly indicating how soft power or influences can stimulate the economy.
This is not to say that western gay tourists are a relic of the past. The commercial gay scene is still mostly geared to them, although online dating apps less so. But the number of European and American visitors, as well as expats, appear to be declining, even though the return of the Trump administration in USA could witness more voluntary exiles including a fair proportion of gays seeking warmer climes. International Thai tourism has already experienced many shakeups as it has diversified its appeal beyond traditional western fun seekers. As Thailand’s business orientation continues to evolve, gay tourism can be expected to follow suit.
21 November 21 2024Blogs & Featureshttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480702 - Pattaya hosts environmental awareness event to promote sustainable waste management and green initiativesPATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presided over the opening ceremony of the “Love the Earth: Caring for the Environment and Learning Waste Separation” event at the City Hall, November 20. The event, organized by the Lovers of the Holy Cross Center of Chanthaburi, the Fountain of Life Women’s Center, and Pattaya City, aimed to […]
The Life Center Foundation and Pattaya City Launch “Love the Earth: Caring for the Environment and Learning Waste Separation to Protect the Planet” Exhibition. PATTAYA, Thailand – Mayor Poramet Ngampichet presided over the opening ceremony of the “Love the Earth: Caring for the Environment and Learning Waste Separation” event at the City Hall, November 20. The event, organized by the Lovers of the Holy Cross Center of Chanthaburi, the Fountain of Life Women’s Center, and Pattaya City, aimed to raise environmental awareness and encourage sustainable practices.
The event welcomed participants including local students, community members, and environmental stakeholders. Sister Piyachat Boonmoon, Director of the Life Center for Women, and Ms. Thitiphun Petchtrakoon, Deputy Mayor, gave welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to protect the planet.
Key highlights of the event included:Tree Planting Initiative: Supported by the Chonburi Seedling Nursery Station, 250 tree saplings, including species like Siamese rosewood, rain trees, teak, and mahogany, were distributed to attendees for planting to increase green spaces.
Exhibitions and Education: Topics covered included sustainable waste management, recycling, and energy conservation. Interactive exhibits demonstrated proper waste separation and promoted eco-friendly habits such as using cloth bags and biodegradable materials.
The exhibition features sustainable waste management, setting up recycling points, and promoting energy conservation. Reusable Bags and Eco-friendly Refreshments: Attendees received reusable bags containing health-conscious food and beverages, aligning with the event’s environmental theme.
Mayor Poramet addressed the global challenges of climate change, resource depletion, and environmental issues, urging immediate and meaningful action. “Today’s event serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet to create a sustainable future for the next generation,” he stated.
Deputy Mayor Thitiphun highlighted the Vatican’s call for global cooperation in sustainable resource use, stressing the need for individual responsibility in combating environmental crises.
The event draws attentions from local students. Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia, a volunteer, shared her optimism about the community’s ability to inspire change through small, sustainable actions such as recycling, reducing resource use, and increasing green spaces.
Additionally, Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, delivered a talk on “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on addressing climate change and environmental crises caused by overconsumption and improper waste disposal.
The event encouraged community engagement through knowledge sharing and activities like tree planting, public green space creation, and the establishment of recycling points. By promoting environmental consciousness and practical solutions, the initiative aims to foster a sustainable future and inspire positive global change.
Performance of “Wake The World” dance to inspire environmental awareness. 
Using banana leaves to wrap food instead of foam containers to reduce global warming. 
250 tree saplings given to attendees to plant and increase green spaces. 
Bishop Joseph Chusak Sirisut, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand, delivers a talk on “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis’ encyclical on climate change awareness and action. 
Mayor Poramet Ngampichet remarks on the challenges facing our world today.
Deputy Mayor Thitiphun Petchtrakul discusses climate change and its impact. 
Chonburi Social Development and Human Security Officer, Ms. Janjira Thaibandit encourages everyone to separate waste for a better future. 
Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia, volunteer, states that participating organizations will inspire the Pattaya community and others to collaborate in environmental conservation.
Sister Piyachat Boonmool, Director of the Lovers of the Fountain of Life Women’s Center, welcomes all attendees to the event. 
The event organizers include the Fountain of Life Women’s Center, the Lovers of the Holy Cross Center of Chanthaburi. 
Along with local residents, women, and students and youth in Pattaya.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480794 - Miraculous escape as train collides with car at railway crossing in PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – Banglamung Police Station was notified of a train colliding with a car at a railway crossing in Soi Khao Ta Lo, in east Pattaya at 7:00 PM on November 19. The police immediately responded to the scene, along with rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation. Upon arrival, the scene was […]
A football coach narrowly survives after his car is struck by a train at the Khao Ta Lo railway crossing in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – Banglamung Police Station was notified of a train colliding with a car at a railway crossing in Soi Khao Ta Lo, in east Pattaya at 7:00 PM on November 19. The police immediately responded to the scene, along with rescue teams from the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Foundation.
Upon arrival, the scene was crowded with onlookers. They found a red Suzuki Ertiga SUV severely damaged and stuck on the train tracks. About 50 meters away, a diesel locomotive (number 5110) was stationary, showing minor damage to its front from the collision.
The rescue team found one person injured, identified as the driver of the SUV, Kraiwit Hiranuewarakul, 36, an independent football coach for a youth academy in Pattaya. He had a head injury, abrasions on his body, and was in shock. The team administered first aid before transporting him to Banglamung Hospital.Kraiwit recounted the terrifying moment, stating that while driving back to his accommodation, he encountered heavy traffic near the railway crossing. As he attempted to cross, the crossing barriers lowered, and with the heavy traffic blocking his way, he couldn’t move forward or backward.
Despite honking his horn to urge the car ahead to move, it was unsuccessful. Just before the train collided with his car, he heard the train’s horn blaring, signaling the impending crash. In a split second, he swerved the car to the right, allowing the train to strike from the rear, which ultimately saved his life.
Thawatchai, the 39-year-old train driver, shared that he was heading to Rayong when he saw the car blocking the tracks. He sounded the train’s horn multiple times and tried to brake as hard as possible, but was unable to stop in time, resulting in the collision.The police have documented the incident and will conduct further investigations with both the injured party and the train driver before proceeding with legal action.
A Suzuki Ertiga SUV is severely damaged after being hit by a train, with the driver sustaining injuries but miraculously surviving.
The driver of the SUV, Kraiwit Hiranuewarakul, swerves his car at the last second to avoid a fatal collision with a train, saving his life. 
Thawatchai, the 39-year-old train driver, said he sounded the train’s horn multiple times and tried to brake as hard as possible, but was unable to stop in time, resulting in the collision.
21 November 21 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480788 - Violent clash between motorcycle taxi driver and customer outside Pattaya Police StationPATTAYA, Thailand – A violent altercation erupted outside the Pattaya Police Station between a motorcycle taxi driver and his customer, drawing a crowd of onlookers, including both Thai locals and foreign tourists, November 20. According to reports, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, identified as Saw Hla Htav Han, was traveling with his mother from an entertainment […]
A heated altercation breaks out between a motorcycle taxi driver and a customer in front of the Pattaya police station, with the situation escalating to a stabbing. PATTAYA, Thailand – A violent altercation erupted outside the Pattaya Police Station between a motorcycle taxi driver and his customer, drawing a crowd of onlookers, including both Thai locals and foreign tourists, November 20.
According to reports, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, identified as Saw Hla Htav Han, was traveling with his mother from an entertainment venue in south Pattaya. They hired a motorcycle taxi, driven by 36-year-old Chaisan Sae-uang, to take them to their accommodation. However, during the ride, the driver allegedly used inappropriate language and made obscene gestures. In response, the customer instructed the driver to turn into Soi 9, near the police station, where the situation quickly escalated into a heated argument.
The dispute turned violent when the taxi driver pulled out what appeared to be a short knife and stabbed the customer in the side, causing injury. The driver then fled toward the police station, and a crowd gathered to watch the confrontation unfold.Police intervened and brought both parties into the station for questioning. Both the customer and the driver were charged with physical assault, though the customer’s injuries were not life-threatening. After an investigation, both men were fined 1,000 baht each for the altercation.
A taxi motorcycle driver pulls a knife during a fight with a customer, injuring him in front of stunned onlookers outside the Pattaya police station.
A violent argument turns into a physical altercation between a customer and a motorcycle taxi driver near the Pattaya police station, ending with a minor injury and police intervention.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480783 - Myanmar cleaner injured while breaking up a fight in Pattaya hotelPATTAYA, Thailand – A 33-year-old Myanmar cleaner was injured while attempting to intervene in a fight between guests at the Sota Residence Hotel on Phratamnak road in Pattaya on November 20. The cleaner was accidentally stabbed in the arm by a knife. She lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital after being provided with […]
A 33-year-old Myanmar cleaner was accidentally stabbed while trying to break up a fight between guests at the Sota Residence hotel in Pattaya. PATTAYA, Thailand – A 33-year-old Myanmar cleaner was injured while attempting to intervene in a fight between guests at the Sota Residence Hotel on Phratamnak road in Pattaya on November 20. The cleaner was accidentally stabbed in the arm by a knife. She lost consciousness and was rushed to the hospital after being provided with first aid by rescue workers.
According to her supervisor, Ms. May, the incident occurred around 1 a.m. when the cleaner was called to break up a dispute in the hallway. The cleaner was inadvertently injured during the altercation. When the supervisor arrived, the worker had already passed out from the injury.The police have recorded the evidence, and the cleaner was transferred to the hospital for treatment. Authorities have advised her to file a report with the police at a later time.
She was rushed to the hospital after losing consciousness.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480779 - Pattaya addresses public transportation issuesPATTAYA, Thailand – In the Pattaya City Council meeting on November 20, Surin Yimyai, a council member, raised a question regarding the management of public transport in Pattaya, particularly the issue of public buses picking up and dropping off passengers at non-designated points. This practice has been causing traffic congestion and negatively affecting the city’s […]
Pattaya City Council addresses ongoing traffic congestion issues caused by public buses not following designated stops, with plans for improved traffic management and collaboration across relevant sectors. PATTAYA, Thailand – In the Pattaya City Council meeting on November 20, Surin Yimyai, a council member, raised a question regarding the management of public transport in Pattaya, particularly the issue of public buses picking up and dropping off passengers at non-designated points. This practice has been causing traffic congestion and negatively affecting the city’s image as a tourist destination.
In response, the Pattaya administration explained that a working committee had been appointed to address the issue, including efforts to clearly mark designated bus stops along key roads such as South Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya Second Road, Third Road, and Naklua.However, due to the large number of public vehicles and the lack of discipline among drivers, traffic congestion remains a challenge. Moving forward, the city is committed to collaborating with relevant authorities to take stronger actions to resolve the issue and improve traffic management in the city.
In a recent session, Pattaya City Council tackles the challenge of disorganized public transport, aiming to clear up traffic and improve the city’s reputation as a top tourist destination.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480770 - Motorbike accident after falling into a pothole on Jomtien Second RoadPATTAYA, Thailand – A motorbike lost control and fell into a pothole on Jomtien Second Road, narrowly avoiding being hit by a passing vehicle that recorded the incident on November 20. Fortunately, the rider only sustained minor injuries. This incident serves as a reminder to relevant authorities to urgently address road conditions in Pattaya, ensuring […]
Motorcycle accidents caused by potholes on Jomtien Second Road, highlight the urgent need for road repairs. Authorities are urged to address these issues promptly to ensure the safety of all road users. PATTAYA, Thailand – A motorbike lost control and fell into a pothole on Jomtien Second Road, narrowly avoiding being hit by a passing vehicle that recorded the incident on November 20. Fortunately, the rider only sustained minor injuries.
This incident serves as a reminder to relevant authorities to urgently address road conditions in Pattaya, ensuring the city maintains its reputation as a world-class tourist destination.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480767 - Two locals file complaint, claim self-defense in British tourist assault case in PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – Manachai Buasipha 30, and Chakkrit Nernsud, 28, both employees of an entertainment venue in South Pattaya, visited the Pattaya City Police Station to file a report and provide a statement at 04:36 AM on November 19. They admitted to assaulting a foreign tourist earlier, as reported in a previous news story, where […]
Two locals file complaint after foreign tourist’s aggressive behavior leads to a physical altercation in South Pattaya; police investigate the incident. PATTAYA, Thailand – Manachai Buasipha 30, and Chakkrit Nernsud, 28, both employees of an entertainment venue in South Pattaya, visited the Pattaya City Police Station to file a report and provide a statement at 04:36 AM on November 19. They admitted to assaulting a foreign tourist earlier, as reported in a previous news story, where the tourist had been left injured along South Pattaya Third Road, suffering from a broken nose and bruising.
According to the two locals, the incident began when the foreign tourist, who had been drinking and was intoxicated at a bar in the Buakhao area, attempted to hail a taxi. When no drivers agreed to take him, Manachai and Chakkrit offered to assist by driving him to his destination.
However, upon entering the vehicle, the tourist became aggressive, shouting and physically attacking both men. Despite their efforts to calm him down and explain that the route was incorrect, the tourist continued to act violently, even damaging their car.The situation escalated further when the tourist started punching and hitting both men. In response, Manachai and Chakkrit, feeling threatened, had no choice but to stop the car and leave the tourist on the side of the road. The altercation continued with more fighting, resulting in injuries to both parties. Afterward, the two men quickly drove away, not expecting the police to follow up on the incident.
The two men maintain that they were only acting in self-defense after being attacked by the tourist. They expressed that they initially tried to help him and had good intentions.Officer Lieutenant Kittipong Thalaengkan, the investigating officer in the case, stated that the police would review CCTV footage from the area of the incident and question both parties involved to ensure a fair investigation.
Earlier Report: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/drunk-british-tourist-attacked-and-thrown-out-of-taxi-in-pattaya-police-to-interrogate-after-recovery-480668
Locals say they were forced to leave injured tourist on the roadside after being assaulted during a dispute over a taxi ride in Pattaya.
21 November 21 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480763 - PATTAYA CITY sign on Pratumnak Hill gets a colorful upgrade ahead of Fireworks FestivalPATTAYA, Thailand – The iconic PATTAYA CITY sign, located on Pratumnak Hill, is undergoing an exciting transformation, with vibrant new colors and an installation of dynamic lighting effects. This upgrade is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the city’s visual appeal and make it even more attractive to both locals and tourists. The updated […]
Pattaya’s iconic landmark is being transformed with vibrant colors and dynamic lighting, set to shine during the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival on November 29-30. PATTAYA, Thailand – The iconic PATTAYA CITY sign, located on Pratumnak Hill, is undergoing an exciting transformation, with vibrant new colors and an installation of dynamic lighting effects. This upgrade is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the city’s visual appeal and make it even more attractive to both locals and tourists.
The updated sign is expected to be fully completed before the highly anticipated Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, which will take place on November 29-30, at Pattaya Beach.
This improvement comes as part of the broader development plans to elevate the city’s tourism experience. The installation of eye-catching features such as colorful lighting is designed not only to showcase Pattaya’s iconic landmarks but also to enhance the city’s nighttime beauty, aligning with the goal of promoting Pattaya as a top destination for both domestic and international visitors.The Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, one of the most popular events in the region, will be the perfect occasion to unveil the newly upgraded sign. Visitors attending the festival can expect an even more spectacular view of the city with the enhanced PATTAYA CITY sign lighting up the skyline in the backdrop of breathtaking fireworks displays. This is just one of the many initiatives aimed at developing Pattaya into a vibrant, world-class tourist destination.
The newly upgraded PATTAYA CITY sign on Pratumnak Hill is set to dazzle with its colorful lighting, just in time for the exciting Pattaya International Fireworks Festival.
21 November 21 2024Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480774 - Pattaya residents call on city council member to inspect incomplete shortcut road in South PattayaPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Council members, Nikom Saengkaew and Prasatporn Deeden, visited the shortcut road on Thepprasit Soi 7 in South Pattaya on November 16following complaints from local residents, including a man named Lung Nieng, about the ongoing issues with the road’s construction. This road, which connects Thepprasit Soi 7 to Soi 9 and […]
Pattaya City Council members inspect the incomplete shortcut road on Thepprasit Soi 7 after local residents raise concerns about the ongoing construction. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City Council members, Nikom Saengkaew and Prasatporn Deeden, visited the shortcut road on Thepprasit Soi 7 in South Pattaya on November 16following complaints from local residents, including a man named Lung Nieng, about the ongoing issues with the road’s construction. This road, which connects Thepprasit Soi 7 to Soi 9 and Soi 17, has been under construction for several years but remains unfinished, causing significant inconvenience to the community.
Residents also raised concerns about the lack of street lighting along the road, which further complicates its use, especially at night. In response, the city council members spoke with the contractor and urged them to expedite the completion of the road. While the final concrete work remains incomplete, the contractor promised to take immediate action to temporarily improve the road’s condition by laying concrete panels, making it smoother and safer for vehicles.
This interim solution will be implemented promptly, with further work to follow until the entire project is completed as planned.
Residents raise concerns about the lack of street lighting along the road, which further complicates its use, especially at night. 
Contractor promises to lay concrete panels to improve road conditions while awaiting full completion.
20 November 20 2024Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=480686