Kuwaitis back in Pattaya

[Jun]

One of the decisions I had to make when choosing Thailand for retirement was the fact that it's still a third-world country (regardless of how others have it ranked)...it's corrupt as hell and very little of what goes on in the government makes any sense to me. Once I accepted these realities it was all downhill.

I simply don't care about THAILAND'S problems. I'm only here to enjoy myself...bask in the sunlight...walk around bare-footed...act like a child again...take advantage of the low cost-of-living...and frolic with the smooth-skinned boys (or in this case boy). Whenever things gets fucked up over here - usually tied to corruption - it is their problem, not mine.

I agree.
Ultimately Thais are responsible for fixing Thai problems, not any expat or visitor.

At least the Kuwaitis go home at the end of their holidays.
Whereas much of Europe has uncontrolled and illegal immigration from the middle east. That's a far worse problem and our useless liberal governments are too incompetent to fix it.

[Gaybutton]

And they're still being referred to as "tourists". I can think of plenty of things to call them, but tourists? No way.

When the editorial gets to the part about Mr. M, motorbike rental shop owner, he complains about damaged motorbikes, vandalized motorbikes, renters no having proper paperwork, etc. He blames the Kuwaiti renters. As far as I'm concerned, if he wants to know who to blame, he needs to look in a mirror. If he has all this trouble with the Kuwaitis, then why does he rent to them?
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Pattaya grapples with rising frustration over reckless Kuwaiti bikers

By Pattaya Mail

August 18, 2024

EDITORIAL

The recent surge in reckless behaviour by Middle Eastern and Kuwaiti youth tourists in Pattaya has become an issue that can no longer be ignored. These young visitors, many of whom are in their late teens, have taken to the streets on motorcycles with little regard for safety or the well-being of others. Their actions, which include dangerous stunts, racing through narrow alleys, and disturbing the peace, have left residents frustrated and concerned.

It is easy to see how this problem has escalated. The ease with which these tourists can rent motorcycles, often requiring nothing more than a passport and proof of residence, is a significant contributing factor. Many of these young riders lack the necessary experience and, in some cases, even an international driver’s license. The result is a city where burn marks from tire skidding scar the streets, and accidents are all too common.

Local businesses are also feeling the strain. Motorcycle rental owners, like “Mr M,” have shared stories of damaged bikes, unpaid fees, and outright vandalism. In one instance, a tourist filled the gas tank with water, causing extensive damage. Some renters also fail to pay, citing reasons like awaiting overseas funds, prompting Mr M to blacklist troublemakers.

These incidents not only hurt small business owners financially but also tarnish Pattaya’s reputation as a welcoming destination. Despite efforts by the local police to crack down on this behaviour through fines and impounding motorcycles, the problem persists. It is clear that more needs to be done. A stronger collaboration between local authorities, tourist police, and embassies is essential to curbing this trend.

Pattaya’s charm lies in its vibrant mix of cultures and activities, but this must not come at the expense of safety and order. The city must take decisive action to ensure that all visitors, regardless of where they come from, respect the laws and the community. Only then can Pattaya maintain its status as a desirable destination for everyone.

Story and photos: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ers-468995

[Jun]

When the editorial gets to the part about Mr. M, motorbike rental shop owner, he complains about damaged motorbikes, vandalized motorbikes, renters no having proper paperwork, etc. He blames the Kuwaiti renters. As far as I'm concerned, if he wants to know who to blame, he needs to look in a mirror. If he has all this trouble with the Kuwaitis, then why does he rent to them?

I agree, but I also struggle to believe this.

EITHER: He rents to Kuwaitis and despite a few minor problems, makes a profit.
OR: He stops renting to Kuwaitis.

Incidentally, I believe filling the tank with water would cause minor damage easily covered by the deposit, not extensive damage. The engine stops as soon as fuel is replaced by water.

There have been cases where Pattaya Mail articles posted here included significant exaggeration and probable fiction.
Perhaps the journalists have ambitions to be creative fiction writers, but have to settle for low end journalism.

[Gaybutton]

I'll believe it when they really do put a stop to it. Until then, my fingers are crossed, but I'm not holding my breath.

Whether tea money is involved or not, I don't understand why there should be any difficulty at all putting a stop to the motorbike maniacs. If tea money is involved, it shouldn't take major detective work to find out who is receiving the money and who is paying it - and arrest all involved.

If tea money is not involved, what's the hard part about assigning police officers to control obvious trouble spots? I don't understand why these selfish scofflaws are treated with such mild kid gloves when they obviously know the laws, but couldn't care less. They go to Thailand every year fully intending to egregiously break the laws and endanger people.
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Bureaucrats concerned over troublesome Middle Eastern tourists during Pattaya Walking Street inspection

By Pattaya Mail

August 19, 2024

On the evening of August 17, a delegation of local politicians, city officials, and police officers conducted an inspection tour of Pattaya’s Walking Street to engage with business operators and residents. The visit aimed to address pressing concerns, particularly those related to the influx of Middle Eastern tourists, who had recently been involved in highly publicized incidents.

Leading the inspection team was Dr Prathum Wongsawat, a member of the Chonburi Provincial Senate Group 11. He was joined by prominent figures including Yodchai Phuengphon, MP for Chonburi’s District 9; Pol. Lt. Col. Sirachat Nutes, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station; Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn, Chief of Tourist Police; and Pichanon Taweesuk, Banglamung District Administrative Officer. Officers from the Pattaya City Police, tourist police, and district administration also supported the effort.

During the walk-through of South Walking Street, one of Pattaya’s most popular tourist areas, the officials engaged in discussions with local business owners about operational challenges. “We are here to listen and to find solutions,” said Dr Prathum, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue with the community. The discussions focused on identifying on-going issues, with particular emphasis on recent tensions surrounding Middle Eastern tourists.

In response to these concerns, local authorities have begun implementing enhanced security measures. “We are setting up checkpoints specifically targeting areas frequented by Middle Eastern tourists,” said Pol. Lt. Col. Sirachat Nutes. These checkpoints will focus on identifying violations such as modified exhaust systems that produce excessive noise, verifying driving licenses, and ensuring tourists have proper identification documents. “Our goal is to ensure safety and compliance within Pattaya’s key tourism zones,” added Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn.

The operation also included checks for any illegal activities, aiming to maintain a secure and welcoming environment for all tourists in Pattaya. “We want everyone to feel safe and respected,” said Yodchai Phuengphon, underscoring the city’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with community well-being.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/bureau ... ion-469094

[Jun]

If tea money is involved, it shouldn't take major detective work to find out who is receiving the money and who is paying it - and arrest all involved.

Who do you think would be motivated investigate the corruption ?

If corruption goes all the way to the top of the police force and then into government, don't expect any action on corruption.
Hence there is no action to tackle it.

[Gaybutton]

Who do you think would be motivated investigate the corruption ?

I think the answer is obvious. At least so far, NOBODY. And I'm not holding my breath for nobody to turn into somebody.

I think an additional reason is the number of times whoever was responsible for investigating corruption didn't - maybe because they were worried their own corruption would be discovered.

[Jun]

I think an additional reason is the number of times whoever was responsible for investigating corruption didn't - maybe because they were worried their own corruption would be discovered.

Absolutely. People benefitting from corruption have no incentive to investigate it.

Normally in a liberal democracy, one would expect the independent press to be quite active in reporting on corruption to at least expose some of the problems.
Obviously Thailand isn't a liberal democracy & there is no protection for free speech.
I only read the English language Thai press, but they don't write much about the top problem holding Thailand back. I presume they cover the same topics as the Thai language press.

[Gaybutton]

Pattaya City urged to take action against reckless Middle Eastern bikers

By Pattaya Mail

August 20, 2024

During last week’s Pattaya City Council meeting, Council Member Wuthithorn Saengurai raised an urgent issue concerning reckless riding by Middle Eastern youth in South Pattaya. He reported growing distress among local residents due to the erratic behaviour of these foreign motorcyclists, who have been observed revving their engines and creating excessive noise, leading to disturbances and safety concerns.

Wuthithorn emphasized the need for stricter measures to address the problem, calling on relevant authorities to take decisive action to curb these disruptive activities. “The behaviour of these motorcyclists is not only disturbing but also poses significant safety risks,” he said.

Council members also received reports from citizens about incidents involving violent and mistaken confrontations. Many residents reported that after collisions, the individuals often fled the scene, creating chaotic situations. In some cases, non-riders intervened on behalf of the culprits, complicating efforts to address the issue. Nevertheless, some victims managed to capture clear photos of the offenders, aiding authorities in tracking and interrogating them.

In response to the concerns raised, Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn acknowledged the issue and explained that the city has been collaborating with local administration and the Pattaya Police to find solutions. Despite the city’s limited legal authority, Wuthisak assured that the administration remains committed to resolving these issues and improving the safety and quality of life for residents. “We are actively working with all relevant parties to address these concerns and alleviate the problems faced by our community,” he concluded.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ers-469218

[Jun]

In response to the concerns raised, Deputy Mayor Wuthisak Rermkijakarn acknowledged the issue and explained that the city has been collaborating with local administration and the Pattaya Police to find solutions.

Sound's like he's still looking for solutions ?
Or perhaps pretending to look for solutions ?
Since no solutions have been mentioned in the article, we have to presume he hasn't come up with anything that they might bother to implement.

[Gaybutton]

It's nice to know these guys don't restrict their behavior only to motorbikes . . .
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Kuwaiti Tourist Apologizes After Being Caught Performing Obscene Act on Condo Balcony in Pattaya

By Adam Judd

28 August, 2024

In a bizarre incident, local students in Pattaya captured a shocking video clip of a foreigner engaging in inappropriate and obscene behavior on a condominium balcony. The incident has prompted authorities to issue a warning against obscene acts on balconies.

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on August 27, 2024, students from a nearby school witnessed the foreign man, shirtless, rubbing his chest and genitals against the balcony railing. The explicit nature of the act caused discomfort among students, teachers, and parents in the vicinity.

The students promptly reported the incident to the Pattaya City Police, who launched an investigation. The suspect, identified only as a Kuwaiti national on holiday aged 25 to 35, expressed remorse and apologized for his actions. He claimed that he was unaware anyone would witness his behavior.

The condominium owner, whose reputation was also tarnished by the circulating video clip, also received an apology from the remorseful foreigner. Additionally, the suspect addressed society at large, acknowledging the impact of his actions on the group of students who witnessed the incident.

The video evidence, recorded by the students, will be used by the Pattaya City Police to take appropriate legal measures against the offender. Authorities emphasize that such behavior is unacceptable and warn against any further incidents involving balconies and obscene behavior.

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise discretion and respect community norms to maintain a safe and harmonious environment in Pattaya, which is a leading family friendly resort, said police.

https://thepattayanews.com/2024/08/28/k ... n-pattaya/