PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities and nightlife operators agreed on new security measures for Walking Street after online criticism over alleged violence by security guards against tourists.
High-level meeting on Walking Street
The tourist police, local authorities and operators of entertainment venues held a joint meeting on 7 April on Walking Street. The trigger was a wave of accusations and criticism on social media about alleged violence by private security staff towards tourists.
The meeting took place at the “The Stone House” venue and was chaired by Pol. Col. Milin Pianchang, Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division 2, Sub-division 1. Senior officers from the tourist police, immigration in Chonburi, representatives of Banglamung district and figures from the local entertainment industry also took part.
Statistics highlight assault incidents
Authorities reviewed incident figures from December 2025 to March 2026. According to the evaluation, most tourism-related cases involved physical altercations.
An upward trend was identified in March in particular. This development further intensified the discussion on prevention and consistent enforcement.
Clear message: No violence by security staff
Police officials stressed that security personnel had to exercise strict self-control and that the use of force was under no circumstances permitted. This applied explicitly even in disputes such as conflicts over payments.
At the same time, authorities warned that incidents appearing on social media would be investigated immediately. Responsibility would extend both to the individuals directly involved and to the businesses in charge of them.
New role: De-escalation leaders in venues
Participants proposed appointing designated “conflict de-escalation leaders” in nightlife venues. These specially trained staff members were intended to calm situations, prevent group dynamics from taking hold and stop violence before it spread.
In addition, a “game-break” concept was presented, providing for immediate intervention when tensions rise. The idea was modeled on a stoppage mechanism used in sports, designed to halt escalation at an early stage.
Training on use of force and non-violent conflict resolution
The roundtable also called for structured training on appropriate “Use of Force” principles. The emphasis would be on non-violent methods of resolving conflicts.
Support for this was to come from officers trained in security procedures at airports. Their role would be to convey standards focused on de-escalation and professional conduct.
“Preventers, not participants”: police demand clear separation
Pol. Lt. Col. Sirivat Katchamat underlined that security guards must act as agents who prevent incidents rather than join in.
“Security forces must act as ‘preventers of incidents, not as participants’.”
said Sirivat, adding that it was essential to separate conflicting parties consistently and not become part of the confrontation themselves.
He stressed that coordination with the police should begin immediately when situations threatened to tip over. The aim was to prevent disputes on Walking Street from escalating into larger incidents.
Monitoring and 24-hour readiness in the zone
Police confirmed ongoing monitoring of individuals and groups considered to carry a heightened risk. The goal was to detect potential disturbances at an early stage and respond more quickly.
Local police, tourist police and administrative officials were said to be on standby around the clock to ensure safety in the area. The measures were intended both to protect visitors and to strengthen confidence in Pattaya’s nightlife.