Pattaya Suspends Six Staff Over Tourist Shakedown Claims
Six Pattaya City staff have been suspended after tourists allegedly were pressured to pay 2,000-3,000 baht without receipts at Bali Hai Pier, with authorities investigating whether the unofficial collections constitute extortion.
CHONBURI — Pattaya City has temporarily suspended six people from duty after tourists allegedly were asked to pay 2,000-3,000 baht without receiving official fine documents or receipts. The allegations involve people dressed similarly to Pattaya City special affairs officers at Bali Hai Pier. Tourists, business operators and tour guides reportedly complained that they had been taken into a tent and accused of offences including loud motorcycle exhausts and smoking before being asked to pay money.
On 9 August, footage reportedly showed a tourist placing money on a table in front of officials. However, Pattaya City said it was still investigating whether the money was an official fine or payment for another purpose, and whether the people involved had the legal authority to collect it.
On 10 August, Pattaya City permanent secretary Kiatthisak Sriwongchai said the city had been informed of the incident on 9 August and immediately ordered an investigation. A preliminary investigation identified six people involved: three Pattaya City officials, including two municipal officers and another officer seen in the footage, and three outsourced workers hired to help maintain order in the area. All six have been temporarily removed from their assigned duties while the investigation proceeds.
Pattaya City will take action on two fronts. The responsible department has been instructed to prepare a report for filing a police complaint if wrongdoing is found, while a fact-finding committee has been established in accordance with regulations. The investigation is expected to be completed within about two weeks to establish the facts quickly and ensure transparency.
For the three outsourced workers, Pattaya City will summon their contractor to acknowledge the findings and take appropriate action. Government officials involved may also be transferred from their current area of responsibility while the investigation is underway.
Kiatthisak said loud motorcycle exhausts did not fall directly under Pattaya City's authority and such offences must be handled by agencies such as police and the Department of Land Transport under relevant laws. He stressed that Pattaya City officials have the authority to arrest in certain circumstances but do not have the authority to impose fines. Kiatthisak apologized to residents and tourists over the incident and said Pattaya City had consistently instructed its officials to perform their duties properly.
