PATTAYA, THAILAND – Residents, business owners and city officials met on Walking Street to address wide-ranging problems and discuss how to reposition the nightlife area as a sustainable tourism destination.
City forum focuses on 2026 development plan
The meeting took place on Walking Street as part of Pattaya’s Community Forum and Community Plan Development Project 2026 and was led by Deputy Mayor Kritsana Boonsawat. Deputy Mayor Damrongkiat Phinitchakan also attended, along with council members from District 4 and representatives of state agencies including Banglamung District, Pattaya City Police Station, Provincial Electricity Authority, Provincial Waterworks Authority and Immigration Police.
Call to shift from party strip to world-class venue
The president of the Walking Street Pattaya Community, Sukharat Kanra, presented numerous concerns and development proposals for the pedestrian zone together with local entrepreneurs and residents, aiming to secure its long-term stability and international appeal. Participants stressed that Walking Street should evolve from a pure party strip into a world-class tourist destination with clear rules and improved infrastructure.
Traffic enforcement and child vendors under scrutiny
Traffic congestion in Sois 14 to 16, where motorcycles parked without control and blocked entrances and exits, was raised as an urgent problem. In response, the city council promised stricter enforcement of parking rules and the immediate towing of illegally parked vehicles.
Representatives of the Immigration Police said joint operations and inspections were already under way to stop the sight of children selling flowers on the street at night, as this was considered inappropriate for the destination’s image.
“Joint operations and checks are already in progress to prevent the image of children selling flowers at night on the street, as this is seen as unsuitable for the destination,”
said Immigration Police representatives.
Concerns over cannabis smell and oversized signs
Residents voiced concern that the strong smell of cannabis was damaging the tourist image of Walking Street and affecting the atmosphere of the area. At the same time, far‑protruding or oversized business signs on Second Road were criticized as a potential danger in case of fire, because they could block access for fire engines, prompting city representatives to promise faster regulation and reorganization of signage.
Waste collection and rules for all communities
Further proposals included clearly defined collection points and fixed times for garbage pickup after business closing, as well as explicit rules for the use of sidewalks in front of shops, especially during events and festivals. The Forum 2026 covered all 42 communities of Pattaya and offered residents a platform to raise concerns on electricity and water supply, waste management, roads and traffic, CCTV installation, public safety, health and income so that problems could be addressed with tangible improvements in daily life.