CHON BURI: The allure of Pattaya is undeniable, its sandy beaches acting as a magnet for tourists seeking sun and adventure. But beneath the picturesque scenery, efforts are underway to ensure that visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience. The Tourist Police Bureau (TPB), alongside the embassies of South Korea, Ukraine, Russia, India, and Switzerland, has initiated a major crackdown on scams and criminal groups targeting tourists in this bustling resort city.
Thursday’s pivotal meeting at the Tourist Police Division in Chon Buri was presided over by Pol Lt Gen Saksira Phuek-am, the TPB commissioner. The gathering aimed to draft comprehensive guidelines to bolster the safety and security of tourists—a thrust of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s tourism policy for the final quarter of the year. Their strategy emphasizes implementing free-visa measures to enhance the tourism potential of 55 provinces, with a firm focus on visitor safety.
In an effort to curb rampant scams, Pol Lt Gen Saksira has commanded a crackdown from June 19-25. This operation primarily targets deceitful or substandard tour guides and the unfair sales practices plaguing tourists. “We are resolute in our commitment to safeguard our visitors,” stated the commissioner on Friday, affirming the TPB’s readiness to execute the government’s policies.
The TPB isn’t working alone in this endeavor. Several organizations across various sectors have joined forces to build and maintain the confidence of tourists visiting Pattaya. As part of these efforts, Pol Lt Gen Saksira recently took to Pattaya’s iconic Walking Street, interacting with security officers and setting plans in motion to apprehend the city’s top 10 criminal groups.
This weekend, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin himself will be stepping into the field. On Saturday, he is slated to tour Chon Buri, assessing the province’s bustling tourism scene. Then, on Sunday, his itinerary includes Rayong’s U-Tapao airport. Here, he will discuss the strategic development of the airport land to boost investments within the Eastern Economic Corridor.
Another exciting prospect on the agenda is exploring the potential of hosting a Formula One race. Mr. Srettha has already engaged with F1 organizers in Italy, aiming to entice them to consider Chon Buri’s Bang Lamung district near Khao Phra Tamnak as a future racing venue.
However, Mr. Srettha has faced criticism regarding his frequent on-field visits, with some questioning their effectiveness. Addressing these concerns, he candidly acknowledged feeling frustrated by the backlash but admitted the need for more impactful visits. “I recognize the visits need to delve deeper into the issues at hand. Therefore, I plan to reduce the number of locations in my schedules, allowing for a more thorough understanding of the problems unique to each area,” he expressed, underscoring his commitment to meaningful improvements.
As initiatives roll out to fortify tourism safety and elevate Thailand’s appeal, both the TPB and government officials are intent on crafting a more secure, enjoyable experience for the millions of visitors who flock to Pattaya and beyond each year. The synergy among local authorities, international representatives, and the vibrant community of Chon Buri signifies a promising future for the region’s tourism landscape.
It’s about time Pattaya took tourist safety seriously. The scams are rampant!
I agree! I was scammed by a tour guide last year. It’s great to see some action.
But can we trust them to actually make a difference? So much talk, so little change.
Good point, wander_lust41. Let’s hope this time they follow through.
Scams are everywhere, unfortunately. At least the local authorities are making the effort.
Hosting a Formula One race could put Pattaya on the global map for more than just beaches! This is HUGE.
Not everyone is interested in F1, and the noise pollution can ruin the peaceful vibe.
F1 would bring in so much revenue and diversify tourism. It’s worth the noise!
Srettha’s visits seem more like publicity stunts. Are they really changing anything?
He has a point though, officials need to spend more time understanding issues in depth.
Agreed. Let’s hope his new strategy of fewer, more focused visits works.
I remain skeptical, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for now.
The collaboration between local authorities and international reps sounds promising for long-term improvements.
Isn’t it ironic how a place notorious for scams now wants to be a haven of safety? Do tourists really buy it?
Free visas will definitely boost tourism. But will the safety measures be effective?
They need to be. Otherwise, it’s just inviting more victims. Bold move though.
Also gotta think about long-term visa impacts on local infrastructure.
Has anyone actually felt safer in Pattaya recently? I’m curious if these measures are just for show.
I visited a few months ago and noticed more police presence. Felt a bit safer, but scams still happened.
Same here. Some improvements but not enough to say it’s ‘safe.’
What about the environmental impact of hosting an F1 race? That would be massive!
Agreed! The pollution and noise aren’t worth the temporary tourism spike.
Sporting events like F1 can be managed to minimize environmental damage. Plus, the economic benefits are substantial.
Maybe, but it needs stringent regulations to ensure minimal impact.
Why just focus on scams? They should also address the street crime in Pattaya.
True. Street crime is a huge issue that needs as much attention as the scams.
If they can handle street crime, that would mark real progress. Let’s watch and see.
How are they involving the community in these initiatives? Local support will be crucial.
Is all this effort too little too late? Bangkok might be a safer bet than Pattaya now.
Bangkok has its own issues, but I get your point. Pattaya needs to step up fast.
It’s commendable that there’s an international effort to clean up Pattaya. Hopefully, it results in real change.
Has anyone been affected by these ‘crackdowns’? Would like to hear real stories.
My cousin received a refund after reporting a scammy tour guide. Seems like things are slowly changing.
Prime Minister’s field visits might be criticized but at least he’s not just sitting in an office.
True, but they need to have substance, not just photo ops.
The holistic approach to boost safety and tourism sounds optimistic. Let’s hope they maintain this momentum.