Pattaya has something of a reputation. And arguably, it is well earned. Once a city becomes known globally as being the (paid for) sex capital of the world, and an adult Disney Land. You can be sure that it is going to attract more than its fair share of ‘ unsavory’ types.
A news search covering just the week of writing this post uncovers one shooting, a mixed bag of assaults on tourists by teenage lads, and gangs of marauding ladyboys. Corrupt drug-dealing cops. Purse snatches. Scams of various natures. And numerous tourists killed in traffic accidents on Pattaya’s manic roads.
So, Pattaya isn’t safe then?
While the above list of offenses condensed as they are sound daunting. Chance is, if you were to Google news from any other populous city in the world, at any given time, you’d find a similarly disturbing ledger of crimes, and abuses carried out. Particularly, in any other city of an equivalently diverse, and often temporary population.
So, Pattaya IS safe then?
While the above is true, most who have spent any significant amount of time in Pattaya would agree that the potential for danger and risk, in Pattaya, is significantly higher, than one might find in a city of a similar size, that doesn’t cater to the same type of clientele. A growing daily influx of cash-rich tourists has not just attracted the attentions of legitimate business, but also has attracted the attentions of those who would happily separate traveler from money by any means necessary. With native Thais, and those from neighboring countries devising a multitude of mechanisms, some less painful than others. And with the Thai police force (at time of writing) being well known for corruption, chances of receiving any real help when things go wrong (in the event of being scammed especially), are not high.
Some of the more well known dangers and scams of Pattaya include the ‘Jet Ski Scam’, a scam that is perpetrated with frequency against tourists hiring jet skis in Pattaya. The tourist hires the jet ski and takes it out, but upon return to the shore, the jet ski operators (usually operating as a gang) inform the tourist that they have damaged the jet ski, and must pay for repairs. The amount demanded by the jet ski operators varies (who will demand the money with increasing aggression), but is known to have been as high as $10,000.
Other danger spots include ‘Beach Road’, especially at night. Where gangs of prostitutes, and ladyboys do from time to time, attack, and rob, unsuspecting tourists. Often leaving them very badly beaten.
Summary
Ultimately, the dangers are there. And those who are not cautious of them will find them. But, having holidayed in Pattaya more times than I could count on both hands,and having never suffered any worse fate than having perhaps overpaid from time-to-time, I would certainly recommend Pattaya as an interesting destination (though don’t take your kids), but would strongly encourage you to keep your guard up, and your wits about you, more so, than were you for example, visiting Paris, or London.
