PATTAYA, THAILAND – With reinforced security measures and targeted drone deployment, the Tourist Police in Pattaya monitored the 2025/2026 New Year celebrations and ensured they proceeded without disruption.
Reinforced police presence at year’s end
Under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Prabda Suksunthorn, head of the Pattaya Tourist Police Station, numerous officers as well as Thai and foreign volunteer Tourist Police were on duty on New Year’s Eve. Special attention was given to heavily frequented locations such as Bali Hai Pier in the south of the city. From there, thousands of domestic and international visitors took ferries to the popular island of Koh Larn to celebrate the countdown to the new year.
Drones monitor pier, beach and sea route
The use of modern technology played a central role as Police Sub-Lieutenant Apichat Jarurak from Tourist Police Subdivision 4, Division 2, Bureau 1 operated unmanned aerial vehicles. The drones observed the area around Bali Hai Pier and the roughly 3‑kilometre Beach Road from North through Central to South Pattaya from the air. They also flew over the sea corridor to Koh Larn to assess ferry operations and safety on the water, continuously providing aerial images that offered an overview of traffic flow, crowd density and potential bottlenecks.
Traffic congestion identified and response adjusted
The images showed heavy congestion at the pier, with dense vehicle traffic and very high demand at the ferry terminals. In response, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sakda from the Pattaya Tourist Police Station coordinated additional personnel on the ground. Officers and volunteers were deployed in a targeted manner to organise crowds, direct movements and defuse potential danger points, aiming to ensure the smoothest possible arrival and departure for revellers.
Visitors welcome visible security
Many tourists reacted positively to the visible presence of authorities, according to police reports.
“They described the care provided as ‘like by a family’.”
said Tourist Police, citing feedback from visitors.
No serious incidents reported
During the drone patrols, the Tourist Police reported no suspicious individuals, altercations, accidents or serious incidents in the monitored areas. Officials rated the drone deployment as effective, saying the technology provided a clear overview of checkpoints, traffic routes and the distribution of crowds, helping to identify potential risks at an early stage. The measures were intended to create a safe yet welcoming environment for guests spending the turn of the year in one of Thailand’s most important coastal holiday destinations.