PATTAYA, THAILAND – A 24-year-old Indian tourist lost a gold chain worth 70,000 baht on Pattaya Beach on Friday night, sparking renewed concern about thefts along the resort city’s main promenade.
Incident near tourist police station
At about 22:00 on Friday, the victim walked along Pattaya Beach Road when two transgender women approached him, according to the Pattaya Police record. Officers reported that the incident occurred only a few metres from the Tourist Police station, an area typically patrolled at night.
“They tried to hug him and offered him special services,”
said Pattaya Police, in an official statement.
Moments later, the man realized his gold chain valued at 70,000 baht, roughly €1,750, was missing. He attempted to chase the suspects through the beach crowds but lost sight of them. The theft was reported immediately to the Tourist Police unit located nearby.
Police investigation under way
Lieutenant Phupha Hongyakul of Pattaya Police Station confirmed that the case was under active investigation.
“We are currently reviewing CCTV recordings from the surrounding area,”
said Lieutenant Phupha Hongyakul, Pattaya Police.
The officer recorded the complaint and coordinated with nearby patrol teams to monitor escape routes along the beachfront and adjacent streets.
Repeated beachside theft pattern
According to police sources familiar with earlier complaints, the same tactic has been reported numerous times along Pattaya’s coastline, involving friendly approaches followed by sudden thefts.
“Transgender persons approach tourists under the cover of friendship,”
said a Police Source from Pattaya Division.
Officers stated that suspects often select victims wearing visible jewellery or valuables before initiating physical contact to distract them.
Tourism reputation under scrutiny
Local business operators expressed anxiety about the potential effect on Pattaya’s tourism economy, which draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The theft occurred in a high-profile spot near the Beach Road patrol base, putting the city’s security image in question among hotel and travel partners.
A hotel manager in central Pattaya commented that these unresolved incidents have already caused concern among international clients.
“Such incidents severely damage Pattaya’s reputation as a safe tourist destination and could bring major economic consequences,”
said a Pattaya Hotel Manager.
Several travel agencies have circulated safety notices to guests, advising them to use hotel safes and avoid wearing jewellery in night areas or crowded pedestrian zones.
Police issue public advisory
The Tourist Police Division released precautionary advice urging all visitors to limit valuables when walking along the beach or nightlife districts.
“Keep valuables securely in your hotel and avoid wearing noticeable jewellery at the beach or in busy night zones,”
said Pattaya Police, in an official statement.
Authorities further urged tourists to:
– Refrain from carrying large amounts of money;
– Avoid dark or isolated beachfront areas after midnight;
– Carry only copies of essential documents;
– Keep a distance from unknown persons initiating sudden physical contact.
The recent string of thefts has prompted increased evening patrols by police units along Beach Road and the Walking Street corridor, though investigators acknowledge that quick distraction techniques pose continuing challenges.
Ongoing response in Pattaya
The Pattaya Police Department confirmed plans to analyse more than a dozen CCTV cameras covering the area between Soi 13 and Soi 8, aiming to identify the two suspects. Officers intend to coordinate with other coastal precincts for possible linkages to previous thefts reported during the past three months.
The municipal authorities reiterated ongoing cooperation with hotel associations to maintain visitor confidence as the tourism high season approaches.
Police urged witnesses present on the evening of Friday, 22:00, along Pattaya Beach Road to contact the Tourist Police hotline 1155 to assist with the continuing inquiry.
Investigation and patrol reinforcement efforts remain active as Pattaya strives to safeguard its key tourism corridor.