I remember when Jomtien's Dongtan Beach was a serene, welcoming place to be, especially for gays and beach boys looking to hookup with farang.
Apparently things are a little different these days.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Trouble from Different Backgrounds – Rising clashes among foreign tourists in Pattaya raise concerns
By Pattaya Mail
March 13, 2025
In a growing trend that has left locals questioning the quality of tourists visiting the city, another clash between foreign tourists was reported on the morning of March 12 in Jomtien. The incident occurred in the Dong Tan Beach area, where a violent altercation broke out between two foreign groups.
Local authorities, including the Pattaya City Patrol and the Jomtien District Civic Guard, intervened quickly to break up the dispute. The two individuals involved in the incident were detained and taken to the Dong Tan Police Station for further legal action.
Witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman on an Xmax scooter attempting to flee from the scene, with local officers unable to catch up. One local bystander commented, “Every day, Pattaya sees tourists fighting. Why come here to fight? Just enjoy your time here!”
The frequent clashes involving foreign tourists are becoming a growing concern for locals. “You can always expect disagreements between people from different backgrounds, but it’s a shame to see this happen more often,” said another local resident. “We hope they realize that they’re here to enjoy themselves, not create trouble. It’s dangerous for everyone.”
Concerns about the rising number of violent incidents among foreign tourists in Pattaya have led locals to express their frustration on social media and during public gatherings. One local suggested, “Watch out for the crossfire, it could happen to anyone.”
The authorities have reassured residents that they are taking all necessary steps to ensure safety and maintain peace in the popular tourist destination. The growing number of incidents has prompted many to question whether Pattaya’s reputation as a prime tourist destination is being compromised by the actions of a few unruly visitors.
https://www.pattayamail.com/news/troubl ... rns-493725
Tourist fights in Jomtien
- Gaybutton
- Posts: 23444
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 3 times
- Been thanked: 1550 times
- Undaunted
- Posts: 2646
- Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2016 8:47 am
- Has thanked: 23 times
- Been thanked: 381 times
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
Some time ago the government announced they were interested in attracting higher end tourists. However, all I see are groups of Indians (yes they smell), rude, very poorly behaved Russians, the horrible Arab motorists, and Chinese……so where are the high end ones?
"In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king"
- Gaybutton
- Posts: 23444
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 3 times
- Been thanked: 1550 times
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
That's a good question - because so far I haven't noticed any . . .
And the tourist visa rule relaxations seem to me to have backfired. Ever since that began I have been seeing a major upsurge of news items about theft, violence, total disregard of any respect at all for others, menacing public behavior, unacceptable venue behavior, public drunken behavior, etc. - and I am seeing these news items literally every day, sometimes more than 1 a day - including today.
While most of the more serious problems have been happening in Phuket, Pattaya gets its share too.
While I realize that most tourists arriving under the current visa rules are fine people, causing no problems of any kind, there are enough of the bad ones that ought to cause the authorities do a lot more than simply raising eyebrows.
It used to be that I was totally unafraid to walk anywhere in Pattaya at any time of day or night. Not so anymore. There are many areas now where there is no way I would be there at night - and some where I wouldn't care to be during the day either . . .
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
Probably enjoying the crystal-clear waters at beaches in the Maldives or Bali with other high end tourists. Not that the milky-brown polluted waters of Pattaya wouldn't be of interest.
I imagine they're all waiting in line right now to get an Elite Vasa...

Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
A significant proportion of Indians really do see deodorant as an acceptable alternative to washing their body and clothing.Undaunted wrote: ↑Fri Mar 14, 2025 12:07 am Some time ago the government announced they were interested in attracting higher end tourists. However, all I see are groups of Indians (yes they smell), rude, very poorly behaved Russians, the horrible Arab motorists, and Chinese……so where are the high end ones?
I was in a Mr DIY store recently and some loud Indian music was coming from near the counter. When I went to pay, some fat Indian tourist had about 4 bluetooth speakers out on the counter, comparing them at maximum volume. I told him that's way too loud and he should have some consideration for staff and customers. The staff were too polite to deal with him.
Fortunately, very few of the Indians and arabs make it to Jomtien. However, they are taking over South Pattaya.
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
Most of the tourist fights (and other misbehavior) reported in the news this past few months seems to involve Brits more than other nationalities. And they are always stumbling drunk. Go figure!
Here's just one example:
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/202 ... e_vignette
Here's just one example:
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/news/202 ... e_vignette
- Gaybutton
- Posts: 23444
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 3 times
- Been thanked: 1550 times
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
Don't leave out what may be the best part of the story. How did he respond? Somehow I'm not expecting to read that he apologized and immediately reduced the volume.
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
He immediately reduced the volume. There was no apology, but instead, some comments trying to justify his behaviour.
I'll happily walk anywhere in Pattaya, day or night, but perhaps I am reckless. Which areas to you regard as unsafe ?
The same anywhere in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos.
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
Same here, I would go anywhere in Thailand any time of day or night.
Certainly would not anywhere in England.
Certainly would not anywhere in England.
- Gaybutton
- Posts: 23444
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 3 times
- Been thanked: 1550 times
Re: Tourist fights in Jomtien
At night, and I mean the wee hours, I wouldn't want to be anywhere near where rival gang shootouts occur - often the Jomtien beach area. Also the Pattaya beach area where the lady boys often harass and rob tourists. Also Walking Street during late hours. I see too much violence against tourists from bar security staff. While I doubt I would be doing anything to instigate it, I don't want to witness it, get caught up in it as a bystander, or anything else.
It used to be I would never read about or hear about problems in those areas. Now I see news items virtually every week about problems in those areas.
I realize the odds of anything really happening to me are remote, but I wouldn't like it. If you feel safe walking around those areas during those hours, have a good time. For me, no thanks. During those hours I don't want to be anywhere other than my own bed, sound asleep . . .