PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City pulled six workers from duty after tourists complained they were hit up for up to 3,000 baht in fake fines with no official receipt.
The city learned of the allegations on August 9, 2026 and launched an immediate probe. The suspected shakedowns happened at the blue parking area at Bali Hai Pier in South Pattaya, a busy departure point for boats to Koh Larn.
Six workers temporarily removed
Pattaya permanent administrative secretary Kiattisak Sriwongchai said the city started checking the claims right away. The six people involved are three city employees — including two from the municipal order unit — plus three workers from a contracted service company.
None of them are allowed to work in the area until the investigation finishes.
Tourists told to pay up for alleged violations
Complaints from tourists, local operators and tour guides said visitors were called to a tent. The targets were often motorcyclists accused of loud or modified exhausts, and people smoking in no-smoking zones.
The demanded sums were presented as fines. In some cases victims haggled over the amount. None received any official receipt or penalty document.
Reporters watch cash change hands
Reporters from Pattaya News saw groups of five or six similarly dressed men near the parking area. In one documented case a foreign tourist put money on a table in front of several workers and then left.
The tourist later said the payment was for an alleged problem with his exhaust and cost him 2,000 baht. He refused to give more details because he feared for his safety. Members of tour groups were also reportedly approached for smoking.
City workers cannot collect cash themselves
Kiattisak made clear that while city workers can make arrests in certain cases, they are not allowed to impose fines themselves. Even authorities with proper powers, like traffic police, must issue a proper receipt that can be checked with the relevant agencies.
Complaints about loud exhausts fall under different rules and jurisdictions, such as public nuisance or vehicle regulations, according to the city.
Probe to take about two weeks
The investigation will determine whether legitimate payments were collected, whether any documents were issued, and what the exact status of the money was. Workers under scrutiny may be transferred elsewhere during the probe.
The company that employs the three contract workers will also be brought into the investigation. Pattaya aims to wrap up the probe within about two weeks.
City promises consequences
If the allegations are confirmed, Pattaya said it will file criminal complaints and start disciplinary action. Kiattisak apologised to the public and to tourists, and reaffirmed the rules for proper official conduct.
The city urged anyone with information to call the Pattaya City hotline at 1337. Officials said they want to prevent such cases from damaging the reputation of Pattaya as a travel destination.