Tourists Left Shocked as Women Detained
Two Ugandan women, aged 31 and 40, face arrest in Pattaya, Thailand. Tourists claim they offered sexual services and harassed passers-by near Pattaya Beach.
Police confirmed they quickly confessed. Officers swept in after a string of complaints by startled visitors.
Complaints Flood in From Holidaymakers
Saksira Pueak-am, head of the tourist police, said holidaymakers had been “bothered and grabbed” by the two. Some were even insulted or threatened when refusing their advances.
A police spokesperson said: ‘They grew bolder, grabbing people by the arm and hurling abuse if rejected.’ Shockingly, some tourists reported being blackmailed or attacked. ‘It’s an unacceptable situation for Pattaya’s top resort,’ officials added.
Sting Operation Near Soi 13
Following rising tensions, police set up a sting opposite Pattaya’s notorious Soi 13. The two Ugandan women were caught inside a nearby hotel.
During questioning, the women confessed to repeatedly soliciting customers right at the beachfront. Police say they brazenly approached tourists with no regard for families or the peaceful beach atmosphere.
Low Fines for Brothel Laws
Both women now face prosecution under section 5 of the Prostitution Law, which bans soliciting sex in public. The toughest penalty? A mere 1,000 Baht fine—barely $25. Critics blast the sum as ‘meaningless’ for real deterrence.
Just last May, 13 foreign sex workers, including Ugandans and Uzbeks, were picked up in a major crackdown. Some had overstayed visas, officials reported.
Not Just Pattaya—Phuket Faces Issues Too
Pattaya isn’t alone. Authorities in Phuket see similar problems. In March, five Ugandan women were arrested in bustling Patong. A month later, police caught a Russian woman inside a city hotel.
Police admit it’s a struggle. They hope to polish the city’s tourist image, but the light penalties make their job an uphill battle.
Promises of a Safer Pattaya
Pattaya’s mayor now pledges a fresh clean-up drive, targeting not just prostitution but drugs and crime on the beach. Will it work? Locals and tourists aren’t sure.
For now, beachgoers will keep spotting police patrols as officers try to end the city’s reputation crisis. The fight for Pattaya’s good name is far from over.