Despite the dazzling slogans cascading from City Hall promising to “reinvent safety one step at a time,” seasoned foreign inhabitants of Pattaya seem to agree that such campaigns are nothing more than a slickly packaged illusion. While authorities proudly wave banners of newly installed CCTV cameras, an increased tourist police force, and freshly painted roads, the expatriate population contends that these surface-level changes are mere band-aids over far more profound, entrenched challenges besetting the bustling city.
“The genie is out of the bottle now and casinos are probably not going to help,” one expatriate quipped online, casting a jaundiced eye over the latest public relations gambit. There’s a laundry list of grievances: precarious footpaths, perilous open drains, insidious scams, and constant street harassment. These are just some of the modern-day perils that the city’s smooth-talking officials often overlook. “‘Reinventing safety one step at a time’? One wrong step, and you’re down a bloody hole. Don’t think so somehow,” another skeptical expat mused, referencing the infamous and treacherous pavements of the city. Even earnest attempts to address safety draw jeers. “After reading the opening statement, I had a laugh-out-loud moment and closed it. Absolute tosh,” another commentator dismissed.
Despite these official proclamations of progress, including a bolstered police presence and the oft-promised promise of improved transport solutions, the enthusiasm from long-term residents seems to be waning. The pedestrian crossings, hailed in official reports, are mocked as “a joke,” with traffic signals being reduced to mere “decorations.” Visitors still, alarmingly, fall into the clutches of jet ski scams and pickpocketing seasoned by ladyboys, while the chaos of one-way streets like Soi Diana is often described as “pointless and confusing,” according to reports from Pattaya Mail. The city’s grim realities—drug use, intimidation, scams—remain a difficult stain on both its tourism appeal and residential livability. “Much has changed—and not for the better,” lamented one long-term resident. “Scams, aggression, endless harassment for money. Nope. They’ll never do anything but look for easy money from intimidation and smarm.”
Simultaneously, practical needs seem to be swept aside like yesterday’s news. “A public bus service to and from U-Tapao would surely be appreciated,” one resident observed, pointing to the glaring deficiency in efficient airport transportation. Real estate scams loom menacingly as well, with a noticeable surge in tales of foreigners entangled in shady rental contracts or losing deposits. “Don’t rent long-term. Thailand’s real estate agents have been stealing deposits from foreigners at a growing rate,” warned an informed expat.
With boiling frustration, many of Pattaya’s long-term foreign residents whisper of getting out while they can, seeking solace in Malaysia, Vietnam, or the Philippines. “We long-term farangs are all leaving,” seems to be the collective sigh echoing through social media groups.
This article hits the nail on the head. Pattaya has gone downhill and this superficial safety stuff won’t save it.
I completely agree. These changes are just smoke and mirrors.
Exactly, it’s sad really. They need to tackle the real issues, not just paint over them!
I just don’t get why so many people are negative. At least the government is trying.
Trying but failing. It’s not really an effort if it doesn’t fix anything.
Intention matters, but execution is everything. Pattaya needs systemic changes.
But should we dismiss them entirely? At least they are acknowledging issues.
All these expats whining should just go back to their own countries if they hate it so much.
They probably will if things don’t change. It hurts the place more in the long run.
The criticism is because they care and want Pattaya to be better.
As a tourist, I did notice some safety concerns during my visit. They should definitely focus on fixing those.
Pattaya was always a scammy city. It’s part of its charm in a twisted way.
Charm? So being scammed is charming?
Not saying I like it, just that it’s known for that. People should be more aware.
The idea of better public transport is great, but execution is lacking.
Agreed, a reliable bus service could be a game-changer.
Yes, it could improve connectivity and safety at the same time.
What about the rampant drug use? That’s a far bigger issue than just some dodgy pavements.
True, but the pavements are bad too. They should address the whole spectrum of issues.
I lived in Pattaya for 5 years and it’s heartbreaking to see it deteriorate this way.
It used to be such an adventurous place to visit. Now, not so much.
Exactly, I miss the vibe it had. It was chaotic but in a good way.
Some people just love to complain. You can find issues anywhere if you look hard enough.
True to a degree, but some issues are pretty blatant.
Will the real estate scams ever stop? It’s getting ridiculous.
Despite everything, I love Pattaya. It’s flawed, but beautiful in its own way.
Same here. Hope they can fix these issues and reclaim its reputation.
At the end of the day, every city has its problems. No use in singling out Pattaya.
Falling for a jet ski scam is just part of the experience, right? 😂
I just want to walk down the street without worrying about falling or being harassed. Is that too much to ask?
Not at all. Safety should be a basic priority.