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- Holiday crowds pack Pattaya beach and Koh Larn as ferries hold at 30 bahtPATTAYA, Thailand – Tourism in Pattaya surged during the four-day holiday weekend from July 10–13, declared in celebration of Asalha Bucha Day and the start of Buddhist Lent. Both Thai and international tourists descended on the resort city to enjoy some seaside relief, with two top destinations seeing heavy foot traffic — Pattaya Beach and […]
Thai and foreign tourists filled Pattaya Beach all day long — sunbathing, dining, and enjoying water sports in the heart of the city. PATTAYA, Thailand – Tourism in Pattaya surged during the four-day holiday weekend from July 10–13, declared in celebration of Asalha Bucha Day and the start of Buddhist Lent. Both Thai and international tourists descended on the resort city to enjoy some seaside relief, with two top destinations seeing heavy foot traffic — Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Island.
By the morning of July 12, Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya was teeming with visitors lining up for ferries to Koh Larn. The island — famous for its clear waters, soft sand, and natural charm — remained the top escape for holidaymakers. At the same time, Pattaya Beach itself was crowded from morning to evening, as travelers who preferred to stay on the mainland laid out towels, rented umbrellas, and enjoyed water sports or beachside dining.
Despite the tourist influx, ferry operators kept fares unchanged at 30 baht per person per trip. No price hikes were reported. The city also provided free parking at the Blue Zone lot, which accommodates up to 200 vehicles, easing access for those driving in from nearby provinces.
Ferries ran nonstop to accommodate visitors eager to reach Pattaya’s most popular island getaway. City officials, tourist police, and marine officers were stationed at Bali Hai Pier and Pattaya Beach throughout the day to ensure safety and manage the flow of people. Passengers were reminded to wear life jackets onboard, and clear signage was posted to assist and guide tourists at the pier. On the beach, municipal staff monitored the crowd and enforced cleanliness and safety regulations.
Locals and tourism advocates praised the city’s coordination but stressed the importance of fair treatment and transparency. One comment circulating online suggested: “Koh Larn and Naklua’s Lan Pho Market are Pattaya’s crown jewels. If we take care of prices and treat tourists like family, they’ll keep coming back.” Another added: “Put up clear signs with hotline numbers and LINE QR codes in Thai and English. It gives tourists confidence they’ll be heard if anything goes wrong.”The bustling scene at both Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn shows that the city remains a top destination during holiday periods — but it also underscores the need for consistent standards, tourist-friendly pricing, and responsive services to sustain momentum beyond the weekend.
Ferry fares remained at 30 baht per trip, and Pattaya offered free parking for up to 200 cars near the pier to ease congestion. Residents urge better signage, multilingual complaint hotlines, and fair treatment to keep tourism strong and secure. 
Shorelines were dotted with umbrellas and picnic mats as groups from all walks of life embraced the long weekend by the sea.
With calm waters and clear skies, Pattaya Beach offered the perfect backdrop for everything from early dips to golden hour snapshots. 
13 July 13 2025Law & Businesshttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509472 - Pattaya imposes 5,000 baht fine for smoking on beaches and footpathsPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has implemented a strict no-smoking policy on all its beach areas, including the footpaths, to promote public health and maintain cleanliness. Prominent signs have been installed along the beachfronts clearly informing visitors and locals that smoking is prohibited everywhere on the beach and adjacent footpaths. This initiative aims to reduce […]
Pattaya urges tourists and locals to keep beaches and footpaths smoke-free for a clean, healthy environment. Report violations to 1337 or snap a photo to help keep the beaches safe and enjoyable for all. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has implemented a strict no-smoking policy on all its beach areas, including the footpaths, to promote public health and maintain cleanliness. Prominent signs have been installed along the beachfronts clearly informing visitors and locals that smoking is prohibited everywhere on the beach and adjacent footpaths. This initiative aims to reduce litter from cigarette butts, improve air quality, and provide a cleaner, more family-friendly environment for everyone enjoying the beaches.
With the growing number of tourists visiting Pattaya, the city has introduced more regulations and is diligently asking for everyone’s cooperation to respect these rules. Authorities regularly patrol the beaches to enforce the ban and remind offenders of the regulations. Anyone caught smoking in prohibited areas may face fines of up to 5,000 baht.
Pattaya’s beaches are public spaces meant for all to enjoy — not venues for private parties or exclusive gatherings. The city emphasizes that maintaining cleanliness and order is essential to preserving these spots as welcoming and accessible for families, tourists, and locals alike.
The city also urges everyone to dispose of garbage properly by using the dustbins provided along the beach and footpaths. Dumping trash anywhere else harms the environment and diminishes the beauty of these public spaces.
In addition, the city urges beach operators to actively warn tourists about the no-smoking policy and to refrain from burning substances or playing loud noises and music that disturb others. This cooperation helps ensure a peaceful and enjoyable environment for everyone on the beach.To support enforcement efforts, the city encourages the public to report violations by calling 1337 or by taking photos to present to officials. This community involvement helps keep Pattaya’s beaches safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509469 - Pattaya businesses aim to turn half-half travel scheme into high-season revivalPATTAYA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opened public registration for the “Half-Half Travel Thailand” scheme on July 10, following upgrades to its digital infrastructure. Citizens can now register through the Amazing Thailand app or the official program website. Backed by a 1.75 billion baht budget, the program subsidizes 50 percent of costs […]
Local hotels and restaurants in Pattaya revamp pricing strategies to align with the government’s 50% travel subsidy program. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) opened public registration for the “Half-Half Travel Thailand” scheme on July 10, following upgrades to its digital infrastructure. Citizens can now register through the Amazing Thailand app or the official program website. Backed by a 1.75 billion baht budget, the program subsidizes 50 percent of costs for accommodation, food vouchers, and tourism-related activities.
Each registrant may claim up to five entitlements—three for accommodation in major cities and two for secondary destinations. Entitlements are available on a first-come, first-served basis and require full payment to be made directly to participating hotels. Only one room per entitlement is allowed per night.
With tourism hubs like Pattaya designated among the primary destinations, local businesses are expected to shift gears to fully leverage the scheme. Hotels, restaurants, and wellness providers in Pattaya are updating pricing and packages to attract domestic travelers, especially during weekends and public holidays. The city’s inclusion in the scheme is seen as a key opportunity to stimulate mid-year tourism, balance out seasonal dips, and encourage more overnight stays.To access the program, users must complete identity verification via ThaID, a government-issued digital ID platform. Verification is required before bookings can be redeemed. TAT has opted to use its in-house application rather than third-party platforms to collect real-time travel data, which supports long-term tourism planning and allows local businesses to tailor services more effectively. The app has been enhanced with new features using existing resources, avoiding the need for additional funding. Hotels can now submit weekday and weekend pricing separately, offering travelers more flexibility.
After resolving early technical issues, TAT launched a new registration domain, restructured the identity process to occur before payment, expanded its Call Center team, and improved LINE-based chat support. The system now operates more smoothly. TAT is also monitoring complaints about inflated hotel prices. Operators found raising rates beyond recent averages will receive warnings. Those that do not comply may be removed from the program.
As of 8:30 a.m. on July 11, over 1.58 million people had registered. A total of 91,008 entitlements had been booked and paid for, while 408,992 remained available. Currently, 5,254 businesses have been approved, including 2,957 hotels and accommodations, 1,968 restaurants, 84 tourist attractions, 96 spa and wellness providers, 101 OTOP vendors, and 48 vehicle and boat rental services.
Users can complete registration and receive assistance entirely online. For help, the public may visit the official program website, register via the Amazing Thailand app, call the Call Center at 02-483-0963, or message the LINE Official Account @ThaiTravelCopay. Support is available daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509466 - Foreign tourists to Pattaya’s bar girls: keep fit, save money, and stay customer-friendlyPATTAYA, Thailand – As Pattaya weathers one of its toughest low seasons, foreign tourists and regular visitors are sending blunt but practical advice to the city’s beer bar girls: adapt to survive. Many tourists note that while some bar girls are resilient, too many spend quickly on shopping and salons instead of saving. Some also […]
Surviving the Slump – Tourists urge Pattaya’s bar girls to adapt, save smart, and stay healthy during tough times. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – As Pattaya weathers one of its toughest low seasons, foreign tourists and regular visitors are sending blunt but practical advice to the city’s beer bar girls: adapt to survive.
Many tourists note that while some bar girls are resilient, too many spend quickly on shopping and salons instead of saving. Some also say partners “teeraks” don’t help financially, leaving them vulnerable. Empathy exists, but so do frank words: lose weight gained in lockdowns, rethink spending habits, and focus on staying healthy.
Visitors warn Thailand isn’t the cheapest choice anymore. Regional rivals like Vietnam and Malaysia offer better value and relaxed cannabis laws that draw younger travelers. At the same time, Pattaya’s rising prices – drinks, bar fines jumping from 300 to over 3,000 baht, and “different prices for different dancers” – risk scaring away quality tourists. Some say bars need to rethink both pricing and customer service to keep regulars coming back.Beyond nightlife, complaints include overpriced Western meals, expensive hospitals, and scams like forcing tourists to buy extra drinks before paying a bar fine. Coupled with rising costs and economic uncertainty in Europe, the U.S., and Australia, fewer tourists may choose Thailand over cheaper alternatives.
Still, visitors praise Pattaya’s affordable street food and family-friendly moments, calling on local authorities to help keep prices reasonable and protect the city’s unique charm. Some joke that cutting back on fast food could help bar girls find more foreign suitors.In short, tourists want fairness, better service, and authentic fun, while urging bar girls to save smarter and stay fit. As one seasoned visitor summed up: “It’s not the end – but it might be the end of the beginning.” With effort on both sides, Pattaya’s nightlife could yet bounce back.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509463 - Only clouds hover above — no heavy rain in sight for Pattaya over the weekendPATTAYA, Thailand – While much of Thailand braces for heavy to very heavy rain, especially in the North and upper Northeast, Pattaya remains calm under a blanket of harmless clouds. Despite the broader nationwide alert from the Thai Meteorological Department, this coastal city appears to be spared — for now. The Department’s Announcement No. 4 […]
Cloudy But Calm – While much of Thailand braces for heavy rain, Pattaya enjoys dry skies and no signs of storms this week. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While much of Thailand braces for heavy to very heavy rain, especially in the North and upper Northeast, Pattaya remains calm under a blanket of harmless clouds. Despite the broader nationwide alert from the Thai Meteorological Department, this coastal city appears to be spared — for now.
The Department’s Announcement No. 4 warns of intense rainfall from July 12–13, particularly affecting provinces like Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and parts of Isan such as Udon Thani, Loei, and Sakon Nakhon. These regions are at risk of flash flooding and forest runoff, especially in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes.
Meanwhile, Pattaya residents and tourists can continue their week without umbrellas constantly at hand. The sky remains mostly overcast, but there’s no serious threat of rainfall or flooding expected during this forecast window. It’s a welcome relief for beachgoers, vendors, and businesses that rely on dry weather during this busy mid-year period.However, officials urge people not to let their guard down entirely. “Weather can shift quickly, especially with strong monsoon activity nearby,” a local city spokesperson said. “Stay alert, but enjoy the current calm.”
Those planning travel upcountry are advised to take extra precautions, especially if heading toward the northern highlands or Isan. And as always, boat operators in the Andaman Sea are urged to proceed with caution due to waves reaching 2–3 meters and potentially higher in stormy zones.In short, Pattaya may have clouds lingering overhead — but no drama below. For now, the city stays dry, while the rest of the country keeps a closer watch on the skies.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509460 - Pattaya Parents Warned: Claw machine curiosity could trap your child — U.S. incident shows real riskPattaya Parents Warned: Claw machine curiosity could trap your child — U.S. incident shows real riskPATTAYA, Thailand – A lighthearted trip to the mall could turn into a serious scare if parents aren’t careful: local officials are warning Pattaya parents to keep a close eye on young children around claw machines, after a real-life incident in the U.S. where a toddler ended up trapped inside one of the popular prize […]
Curiosity in the Claw Machine – A 3-year-old boy in the U.S. climbs inside a claw machine, prompting safety warnings for Pattaya parents. PATTAYA, Thailand – A lighthearted trip to the mall could turn into a serious scare if parents aren’t careful: local officials are warning Pattaya parents to keep a close eye on young children around claw machines, after a real-life incident in the U.S. where a toddler ended up trapped inside one of the popular prize machines.
The warning follows an incident that occurred on July 7 in Mason, Ohio. Surveillance footage from a local shopping mall showed a curious 3-year-old boy inspecting a claw machine filled with plush toys. Fascinated by the toy chute, the child bent down to take a closer look — and somehow managed to squeeze his way up through the opening and into the machine, becoming completely stuck inside among the stuffed animals.
Emergency responders quickly arrived after being notified. They carefully moved the machine to a nearby shop and opened the back panel, safely freeing the boy. Thankfully, the child was unharmed and reunited with his father.While this incident ended safely, it’s a clear reminder of how quickly things can go wrong — especially for small children drawn to the bright lights and tempting prizes of these machines.
In Pattaya, where shopping malls, arcades, and entertainment zones are common, claw machines are everywhere. Authorities are urging parents to stay vigilant and never leave children unattended near them.
“Claw machines may look harmless, but their openings are often large enough for toddlers to squeeze through,” a Pattaya official said. “Once inside, they’re trapped, frightened, and at risk.”
Bright Lights, Real Dangers – Pattaya officials urge supervision after toddler gets trapped inside a stuffed toy machine in Ohio. Safety Tips for Parents:
-Supervise young children closely in malls and arcades.
-Don’t allow children to insert hands, heads, or bodies into prize chutes.
-If an incident occurs, contact mall security or emergency services immediately — don’t try to force the machine open yourself.
As one concerned Pattaya parent put it: “We’ve all seen kids try to reach in for a toy — but never thought they’d actually climb inside.”
In a city full of lights and distractions, it’s an important reminder: fun and safety must go hand in hand.
From Cute to Critical – Claw machines may look harmless, but one wrong move could turn playtime into a rescue mission.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509455 - After decades, Pattaya’s baht bus still offers front-row seats to city life — and hasn’t lost its gripPATTAYA, Thailand – For more than four decades, Pattaya’s iconic songthaews — better known to tourists and locals alike as baht buses — have quietly carried the city’s lifeblood through sun, rain, and rush hour. These blue open-air pickup trucks, retrofitted with two benches in the back and a roof overhead, may not have air-conditioning […]
The People’s Ride – From sunburnt tourists and solo travelers catching the breeze, to grocery-laden families heading home, there’s always room on Pattaya’s timeless baht bus. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – For more than four decades, Pattaya’s iconic songthaews — better known to tourists and locals alike as baht buses — have quietly carried the city’s lifeblood through sun, rain, and rush hour. These blue open-air pickup trucks, retrofitted with two benches in the back and a roof overhead, may not have air-conditioning or app-based tracking, but they offer something that no Grab taxi or minivan can: freedom, familiarity, and a front-row seat to the rhythm of the city.
Whether it’s a group of sunburnt friends hopping off at Central Festival, a solo tourist catching the sea breeze along Beach Road, or a local family heading home with groceries piled on their laps, the baht bus remains a staple of daily life. No matter who you are, there’s always space to jump on — and for just 10 baht on the main routes, the price is still unbeatable.While competitors like Grab, Bolt, and air-conditioned taxis have tried to shake things up, the baht bus has never really lost its grip. It doesn’t need surge pricing or an app. It simply shows up, runs its route, and gets the job done. That simplicity, combined with accessibility, is part of its enduring charm.
But there’s a small catch: if you’re hiring a baht bus off-route or for private use, always agree on the fare before getting in — and be clear about exactly where you’re going. Otherwise, you might find yourself on a scenic detour that costs you double. Many drivers are fair, but it’s still a town that runs on negotiation.Some might call the baht bus outdated. But for many, it’s part of the Pattaya experience — a moving postcard, a shared moment between strangers, and sometimes, a rolling adventure through the chaotic, colorful streets.
Pattaya changes fast, but as long as the roads stay open and people need to move, those blue baht buses will keep circling the city. Reliable. Undefeated. Iconic.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509452 - Not drinking alone and being called by name: why Pattaya’s bar girls keep tourists coming back every yearPATTAYA, Thailand — As the long holiday weekend brought a surge of Thai and foreign tourists to Pattaya’s iconic beachfront, one thing remained constant: the quiet comfort of conversation and cold beer at the city’s legendary bar strips. “Talking with the girls at the bar is part of the Pattaya experience,” said a German tourist […]
Holiday crowds return to Beach Road bars, where pool tables, smiles, and simple chats keep the vibe alive. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — As the long holiday weekend brought a surge of Thai and foreign tourists to Pattaya’s iconic beachfront, one thing remained constant: the quiet comfort of conversation and cold beer at the city’s legendary bar strips.
“Talking with the girls at the bar is part of the Pattaya experience,” said a German tourist in his 60s, as he sipped a large beer with two friends at a well-known beachside bar. “It’s not about anything wild — it’s about company, feeling welcome, and not drinking alone.”
Pattaya’s bar culture, long a defining trait of the seaside city, still hums with energy even in the so-called low season. With recent relaxations allowing alcohol sales on Buddhist holidays in designated entertainment zones, the city’s night economy got a fresh boost. On Beach Road and beyond, stools filled quickly, pool balls clacked on tables, and laughter carried through the humid night air.“We’ve been coming here for years,” the German regular added. “Same bar, same spot. The faces change, but the feeling stays the same. It’s friendly, relaxed, and familiar — that’s why we keep coming back.”
Local operators say that while nightlife often gets caricatured, most evenings revolve around casual drinking, easy conversation, and the warm atmosphere that draws travelers back again and again. The girls behind the bar, many of whom know their regulars by name, are as much a part of the city’s hospitality as the beach and beer itself.As Pattaya continues balancing its image between family tourism and its adult-centric nightlife, for many long-time visitors, it’s the honest, simple human connection that keeps them coming — one beer, and one chat, at a time.
13 July 13 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509449 - But I don’t give a hoot: July 2025Pattaya On Fire! The latest nightery entertainment wreck is at Cat Flaps, Pattaya Pratumnak’s racy venue, the result of a faulty bug zapper after hours. City firemen labored till cockcrow according to the saloonkeeper. Reconstruction is promptly underway with a planned reopen date well before September. Last month Chalawan Beer Bar in Soi Buakhao went […]
Well-appointed Cat Flaps shown here shortly after opening. Pattaya On Fire!
The latest nightery entertainment wreck is at Cat Flaps, Pattaya Pratumnak’s racy venue, the result of a faulty bug zapper after hours. City firemen labored till cockcrow according to the saloonkeeper. Reconstruction is promptly underway with a planned reopen date well before September. Last month Chalawan Beer Bar in Soi Buakhao went up in smoke and likewise, in June, Anne’s Island Spice Bar also in Pratumnak. Previous bigtime fires included the 2018 flareup on Walking Street which blitzed two bars, including Titanic, and wrote off 16 motorbikes thanks to a power transformer explosion. Doomscrollers often suggest barracking (fraudulent insurance claims) for business fires, but it’s reality that Pattaya’s electrical safety leaves a lot to be desired. Nuff said.
֍ The two words El Bleko in scrawly chalk or painted writing have started to appear on empty buildings and lampposts all over parts of Pattaya. Assuming they are not promoting a well known art bar in Havana, Cuba, they might refer to a similar-sounding Mediterranean restaurant nearer home. I’ll keep you Posted.֍ Pattaya just can’t stop winning awards in 2025. They include Thai Garden Resort traveller review award from Booking.com, Bangkok Hospital Jomtien’s health care Asia award and a global prize for the resort’s extravaganza fireworks festival late last year. Pattaya was particularly congratulated for its safety precautions and risk management during the bangs and rockets.
֍ Mac TV Network (Travel Learn Inspire) gives regular updates on expat life in Pattaya. We hear that July and August, low season, are the months when bar sales are brisk with new risktakers willing to find 12 million baht which is approaching 300,000 in sterling. What exactly you are buying – it certainly won’t be the building – is presumably a negotiating matter.֍ “Better Pattaya” is the new city hall label for publicity purposes together with the dolphin mascots which adorn some adverts. The new Walking Street entrance 3D LED animated display will eventually promote the new logo to enhance the city’s image, but the workmen removed the first sign a month ago and haven’t come back. The former city hall logo phrase, Neo (New) Pattaya, was dropped after nothing much new happened. Any comment would be superfluous.
֍ Buzzin Pattaya, according to host Trevor, now has more than 100,000 subscribers worldwide. The videos are all about fun, food and nightlife presented breezily with enthusiasm. He might like to consider doing a video on why the many British bar owners and managers in our resort all seem to have bald heads. Likely something they put in the water.֍ The current crackdown by Thai banks on “tourists” opening or maintaining accounts is one of the biggest talking points in town right now. Some say a coup might help. I’ll let you know if one happens.
֍ Tinnies Pies in Jomtien has recently produced a really professional colour brochure menu. The pies are second-to-none and it’s one of the few restaurants where you can build your own sandwich on bread or baguette. Mosey on over.֍ Has it really rained in Pattaya as much as they say? The weather predictions about sudden storms and downpours usually herald a bright sunny day.
֍ No denying it’s a low, low season right now. The gay bars in Boyztown and Jomtien Complex are selling fewer suds and firewater. The idea that gay marriage in Thailand would result in thousands of extra international tourists has not borne fruit. Honeymooners tend to avoid Sin City.
֍ According to the tomtoms, the new ladyboy bar in Soi Pothole isn’t busy with punters. Most gays don’t find ladyboys attractive. There’s a kinda straight male market but, to borrow a phrase, it hasn’t come out publicly. Not an easy venture.֍ From the ru mor mill and thus unconfirmed. The Thai-Cambodian temples and borders dispute is cooling, especially since China uttered a few tut tuts. Expect single day visa-related border hops to resume nest month. At the moment, the nearest option is the Laos capital, Vientiane, and you can’t get there and back in one day. Expect to pay 15,000 baht plus.
But I don’t give a hoot!
12 July 12 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509391 - Brits baffled by booze boost brawlA brief argument broke out in a Jomtien supermarket after customers were told it was a no-alcohol purchase day. Sales staff told them that Thursday July 10 and Friday July 11 were traditional Buddhist holidays and that dry days were a sign of respect. But a British couple responded at the check-out that they had […]
A Jomtien supermarket reminds customers of the sales restrictions. A brief argument broke out in a Jomtien supermarket after customers were told it was a no-alcohol purchase day. Sales staff told them that Thursday July 10 and Friday July 11 were traditional Buddhist holidays and that dry days were a sign of respect. But a British couple responded at the check-out that they had just visited a nightclub and been served a beer and a gin and tonic without a murmur. The argument was settled amicably by a Thai policeman off-duty.
The confusion arose because of recently-introduced, national changes to the alcohol control act of 2008. These now allow some venues to bypass the old restrictions: specifically hotels registered under the Hotel Act, licensed entertainment venues and restaurants with music licences – all with the proviso they are in a recognized tourist zone. There are also exemptions for departing passengers on international flights and a very limited loophole at Hua Lampong railway terminal in Bangkok. But you cant drink on railway journeys.However, there are no sales improvements of any kind for retail outlets: supermarkets, megastores, convenience stores, mama and papa outlets. They are still forbidden to sell alcohol on Buddha days and, on ordinary days, are restricted to the hours 11.00 – 14.00 hours and 17.00 – 23.00 hours. These timing restrictions were introduced by a post-coup military junta 40 years ago to discourage office workers from taking too long over their lunch breaks. The restrictions were ignored for decades before being resuscitated after the 2014 coup d’etat.
There is ongoing confusion about which restaurants can now serve alcohol on religious holidays. Some sources say its ok as long as the venue can show a music licence, but others argue actual entertainment or a party must actually be in progress for booze to be served. As regards bars and clubs, there is no actual list of approved tourist zones actually in place. Informally, Pattaya police have usually regarded the entire city of Pattaya as a zone, which leaves the so-called Dark Side covering some Banglamung districts still marked by sullen ambiguity.The Tourist Authority of Thailand says that the new rules nationally reflect current realities whilst promoting public safety and responsible tourism. Critics might say they are an unsuccessful attempt to satisfy both liberal and conservative wings in Thai government without pleasing either group. Separately, Thailand is currently facing a separate set of challenges with its new cannabis policy which will require sales points to become medical dispensaries with a qualified and trained doctor on hand to fill in the approval forms to specify the “illness” of the customer. However, there is currently a grace period for cannabis-orientated businesses and cafes to review their personal situation.
Cambodian authorities are now cracking down on enormous street hoardings promoting booze. Thailand offers a striking contrast with Cambodia where there are no alcohol timing restrictions currently in place. Booze is available 24/7, wherever a venue is open, except temporarily during elections or after the death of somebody very prominent indeed. However, Phnom Penh authorities are beginning to tighten the rules at the margin in an attempt to protect youth, discourage public drunkenness and reduce road fatalities. For example, police are currently removing booze advertising hoardings in streets and on motorways, whilst snappy beercan rings can no longer promote alcohol or award prizes. According to Pale Ale Travel, legislation to set a minimum drinking age and ban alcohol near schools and health clinics has been stuck in the Cambodian parliament for 10 years.
12 July 12 2025Featuredhttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=509361