Tourist Police Deputy Commander Escalates Safety Measures in Pattaya, Targets Shell Companies, Scam Gangs, and International Crime
Tourist Police in Pattaya launched coordinated safety efforts with foreign embassies and volunteers to combat shell companies, scam gangs, and international crime threatening Thailand's tourism reputation.
On May 19, 2025, Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekhanathong of the Tourist Police revealed details following a joint meeting with embassy and consulate representatives and foreign volunteer networks in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province. The Tourist Police Command has launched proactive measures to protect tourists and foster cooperation between government agencies and international networks to prevent and suppress crimes damaging Thailand's tourism reputation.
Representatives from multiple countries participated, including Finland, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, along with foreign volunteer networks from over 20 countries in the Pattaya area.
Maj. Gen. Pongsiam stated that the meeting exchanged intelligence and discussed collaborative approaches to address issues involving foreigners in major tourism areas, particularly illegal shell company operations, criminal activities, unlawful immigration, overstays, drug trafficking networks, and online scam rings—all of which undermine tourism confidence and public safety.
The meeting also emphasized establishing tip-reporting networks, educating tourists and foreigners about Thai law, and promoting traffic discipline. This follows incidents of foreigners driving cars and motorcycles without proper licenses or violating traffic laws, a significant cause of accidents in tourism areas.
Maj. Gen. Pongsiam added that the Tourist Police will continue integrating cooperation with all sectors to enhance safety measures, build tourist confidence, and sustainably protect Thailand's tourism image.
