PATTAYA, THAILAND – Authorities in Pattaya carried out a coordinated evening raid against street begging in central tourist areas on 15 January 2026, detaining 15 people for checks.
Coordinated sweep across key tourist areas
The operation was led by Nathaphop Yom Jinda, deputy district chief of Banglamung, and Damrongkiat Phinitkan, deputy mayor of Pattaya City. Officers from Pattaya City Police Station, the Pattaya Social Welfare Office, Chonburi Immigration, the Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security (DSDHS) and the city’s special affairs unit took part.
Teams focused on busy locations including Pattaya Beach Road, Sukhumvit Road Pattaya Soi 2 and the area in front of Wat Chai. People observed begging were taken to Pattaya Police Station so that nationality could be verified and Thai citizens distinguished from foreign nationals.
Different consequences for Thai and foreign nationals
According to officials, Thai nationals found begging were to be fined in line with current regulations. Foreign nationals were prepared for deportation to their home countries under immigration procedures.
Particular attention was given to cases involving mothers with children. In such situations, children were temporarily taken into the care of responsible agencies, and DNA tests were carried out, especially in first-time cases, to confirm family ties and ensure child protection.
Tourism image at the centre of concerns
Deputy mayor Damrongkiat Phinitkan told a local media team that begging harmed the resort’s global standing.
“Begging significantly harms Pattaya’s image as a leading travel destination.”
said Damrongkiat Phinitkan, deputy mayor of Pattaya City.
Many holidaymakers wrongly assumed all those involved were Thai citizens, particularly when mothers with small children were seen, he added. This, he said, led to discomfort and a negative impression of the city among visitors.
During the operation, officers distributed “No Giving Money to Beggars” signs and reminded all participating officials to carry out their duties politely and carefully, with full respect for human rights.
Fifteen people detained, including a young child
Three teams were deployed across all target areas, where both Thai and Cambodian individuals were identified. In total, 15 people were detained: five women, seven men, two nationals from Myanmar, and one child aged 1 year and 2 months.
All those detained were processed according to the procedures of the relevant agencies. Officials said the majority of those apprehended were repeat offenders.
Ongoing campaign urges public not to give money
The city has long pursued a continuous “Do Not Give Money to Beggars” campaign. Through signs and information materials, residents and visitors are urged not to give money and instead to report incidents.
The DSDHS hotline 1300 is available for tip-offs. Authorities said the aim was a lasting, structured solution that strengthens public order in tourist zones while protecting particularly vulnerable people.