A new euphemism?

[Gaybutton]

Entertainers. Entertainers? Is that what the media is going to start calling it now?

Along with it, let's not forget that sacred tourism image . . .
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Chinese tourist injured and robbed in Pattaya police launch manhunt to protect city’s image

By Pattaya Mail

February 17, 2026

Police in Pattaya are hunting for a group of suspects after a Chinese tourist was assaulted and robbed of about 20,000 baht in an incident that authorities fear could damage the city’s tourism image.

The incident was reported at 4:36 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb 17, to officers from the Pattaya City Police Station. The attack took place inside a hotel on Pattaya Second Road Soi 4.

Police found the 27-year-old Chinese man injured and visibly shaken. He was assisted by rescue workers before being escorted to file a complaint with investigators.

A nearby motorcycle taxi driver told police that he saw the injured tourist run out of the hotel asking for help, claiming he had been attacked and robbed by a group of entertainers he had hired. The suspects reportedly fled the scene shortly after the incident.

According to the victim, speaking through an interpreter, he initially hired one entertainer to visit his hotel room. That person later contacted two others to join them, leading to an argument. The dispute escalated, and the group allegedly assaulted him and stole cash amounting to around 20,000 baht before fleeing.

Police said they have issued a radio alert with suspect descriptions and deployed investigation teams to track down those involved. Investigators believe the incident may have been premeditated, noting that similar cases have occurred in the area in the past.

Authorities stressed that such crimes harm Pattaya’s reputation as a major tourist destination and said efforts are underway to quickly arrest the suspects and reassure visitors of their safety.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/chines ... age-536236

[Jun]

I have occasionally used the euphemism "entertainment".

Note that police efforts to track down the suspects apparently don't extend as far as issuing a description or pictures to The Pattaya Mail. Every hotel seems to have CCTV, so there must be pictures.

[Gaybutton]

Note that police efforts to track down the suspects apparently don't extend as far as issuing a description or pictures to The Pattaya Mail.

Regarding pictures, for the past couple of years news media blurs out face pictures of suspects.

[Jun]

Regarding pictures, for the past couple of years news media blurs out face pictures of suspects.

If there is reasonable evidence, blurring our faces is a bad idea.
If the victim has injuries and the CCTV shows the suspects entering his room, I would have thought they should publish pictures.
That's if the authorities had any interest in solving the crime, rather than, for example, concentrating on their portfolio of "commission" payers.

[Gaybutton]

If there is reasonable evidence, blurring our faces is a bad idea.

A Google inquiry came up with the following, listed below:

In my opinion the one about vigilantism makes fairly good sense. I find the rest of the reasoning valid, but lame. I note, of course, the inquiry does not include any arguments that favor showing the face.
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Thai media blurs the faces of criminal suspects primarily to adhere to strict privacy laws, maintain the presumption of innocence, and prevent legal repercussions for defamation.

Key reasons for this practice include:

* Legal Compliance (PDPA): The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enforced since June 2022, mandates the protection of personal data. Sharing images that could cause damage or violate the privacy of an individual—even a suspect—can lead to severe administrative and criminal penalties.
* Presumption of Innocence: Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Blurring their faces protects them from permanent social stigma if they are later acquitted.
* Preventing Trial by Media: High-profile cases often face "trial in the court of public opinion". Blurring helps mitigate sensationalism and the risk of biasing potential judicial outcomes.
* Protecting Police Investigations: Revealing a suspect's face can compromise a Test Identification Parade (TIP), where eyewitnesses must identify the culprit from a lineup. If a witness sees the suspect's face in the media first, the defense can argue the identification was tainted.
* Preventing Vigilantism: Obscuring identities reduces the risk of public harassment or revenge attacks against individuals who may not be guilty.
* Family Honor: Blurring is also intended to protect the reputation and honor of the suspect's family, who are otherwise frequently shamed by association.

While Thai police historically presented suspects to the media in "perp walks" to gain positive press, modern regulations and professional guidelines from the Thai Journalists Association now emphasize protecting human rights.

https://www.google.com/search?q=why+doe ... eMPvajdwAU

[2lz2p]

Legal Compliance (PDPA): The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enforced since June 2022, mandates the protection of personal data. Sharing images that could cause damage or violate the privacy of an individual—even a suspect—can lead to severe administrative and criminal penalties.

I would say this is the main reason - it all started when this law was passed.

[Jun]

I doubt that the advantages of such a policy outweigh the disadvantages.
It has to be harder to catch criminals, if the authorities are not permitted to post photos of suspects.

[Gaybutton]

I find the part about being later acquitted interesting. If a defendant is acquitted, is it then ok to show his face? If it is, how does that reconcile with the fact that under Thai law the prosecution can appeal an acquittal? The prosecution often does just that. Double jeopardy protection does not exist within Thai law.

[Gaybutton]

Now, along with "entertainers" it is "companionship services". I suppose the media will keep coming up with new euphemisms until one sticks. Also "cisgender". That's a new word to me. I never heard that word before and had to look it up. If you too never heard of that one, I'll leave it up to you to seek out its definition. It is a word I have no intention of using unless I have no choice.

Just why the media is trying to sugarcoat with euphemisms is a mystery to me. Customers don't bring prostitutes to their rooms. They "invite" them. Do they pay or tip them? Why, I think not! Now the hosts are inclined to offer entertainers remuneration funds to altruistically assist their economically disadvantaged position and enhance their personal well being.

The prostitutes are not prostitutes anymore. Now they have morphed and become "entertainers" who (for a fee) offer "companionship services". Give me a break! My dog provides companionship and he willingly does it for free (although I've known a few dogs in my time that demanded 50 biscuits for their companionship services) . . .



If you wish to add additional euphemisms to the list, please feel free to reply and post - or would that be "You are encouraged to enlighten our readership who very well may benefit resulting from the wisdom of contribution of your knowledge and thoughts"?
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German Tourist Praises Pattaya Police for Swift Arrest of Suspects in Robbery and Assault Case

By Adam Judd

February 24. 2026

A 55-year-old German tourist has commended the rapid response and efficiency of Pattaya police after officers quickly apprehended suspects involved in the theft of cash from his hotel room, followed by a physical assault on the city’s beach.

The incident occurred in the early hours of February 24th, 2026. Mr. Markus reported to Pattaya City Police Station that he had invited two transgender Thai individuals (earlier reports stated one) to his room at a Condominium on Pattaya Second Road, mistakenly believing they were cisgender woman.

According to the investigation, while Mr. Markus and one suspect, 24-year-old Phimmada Thanari, were in the bathroom, the other suspect, 22-year-old Kewalin Sukmuang, who remained outside, allegedly spotted and took cash from an envelope due to greed. The total stolen amounted to 35,000 Thai baht and 1,200 euros from the room. After the arrangement for companionship services fell through and did not match the agreed terms after Mr. Markus discovered the women were transgender, both suspects left the room. They later admitted to dividing the money, with Kewalin taking 15,000 baht and Phimmada taking 18,500 baht.

Upon discovering the theft, Mr. Markus hurried downstairs, located Phimmada near Pattaya Beach around 00:45 a.m., and attempted to detain her while calling for police assistance. Phimmada reportedly shouted for help, prompting 26-year-old Mawin Phlapphleng, 21-year-old Worawit Phosawang, and two other accomplices to join in and assault the victim, causing him injuries.

Pattaya City Police Superintendent Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, along with Deputy Superintendent for Investigations Pol. Lt. Col. Arus Saphanon, investigation teams, Pattaya Tourist Police, and Immigration Police from Chonburi province, conducted a swift operation. By 16:00 on the same day, authorities arrested four suspects: Phimmada Thanari (24), Kewalin Sukmuang (22), Mawin Phlapphleng (26), and Worawit Phosawang (21). Two additional accomplices remain at large and are being pursued.

Police charged Phimmada, Mawin, and Worawit with jointly causing bodily harm resulting in injury. Phimmada and Kewalin face additional charges of jointly committing theft at night in a dwelling or receiving stolen property.

Following their arrest, Phimmada and Kewalin reportedly raised their hands in a traditional Thai wai gesture to apologize, admitting the crime stemmed from greed upon seeing the large sum of money.

Mr. Markus expressed high praise for the Pattaya police, discussing their quick tracking and arrest of the suspects. He thanked the officers profusely and stated that he plans to return to Pattaya in December, intending to bring gifts for the police as a token of his gratitude.

Story and photos: https://thepattayanews.com/2026/02/24/g ... ault-case/