PATTAYA, Thailand – Tourists witnessing early-morning chaos at Jomtien Beach voiced growing concern over the frequency of violent incidents in Pattaya and Jomtien. Many stressed that Pattaya should be a place of sanctuary where visitors, who pay significant sums to travel and relax, can feel safe. They emphasized that Thailand invests heavily in promoting the country and local destinations to the world, yet senseless acts of violence show no regard for the public and threaten to undo these efforts.
The latest incident occurred around 4:06 a.m. on August 13 near a popular market when rival youths exchanged gunfire, sending vacationers fleeing in panic. A 19-year-old victim was struck by a bullet that pierced his shirt but caused no injury. He credited his safety to a protective amulet he was wearing, though it reportedly fell off during the escape. Investigators recovered .38 caliber shell casings and a live round at the scene.
Police confirmed that the assailants, riding motorcycles, fled along Jomtien Beach and are now being actively pursued. The confrontation stems from a two-month-old personal dispute that had previously been resolved but apparently reignited on Mother’s Day, when the victim had gone to the beach with his mother and posted on social media.
Law enforcement authorities are tracking the suspects using video evidence and eyewitness reports and have vowed to pursue justice. Despite active police presence and surveillance efforts, the incident highlights the challenge of keeping the city safe. Pattaya invests heavily in hiring volunteers, promoting events, and creating a chaos-free experience for visitors. The episode underscores growing anxiety among tourists and the urgent need to preserve Pattaya’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination.
Police Update: At around 8:00 a.m. the same day, Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, Deputy Superintendent of Pattaya City Police, led an investigative team to pursue leads in the case. Using witness statements, mobile phone footage from the victims’ group, and nearby CCTV recordings, officers identified the suspects and arrested the alleged gunman, a 16-year-old identified only as “Obas,” at his home in Central Pattaya. Police then seized the handgun used in the shooting — a Glock 17 pistol — from the home of his close friend “Cha,” aged 15, in Soi Noen Plub Wan.
Both suspects, members of a group known locally as “Arale,” were brought in for questioning with their parents present, as they are minors. They confessed to targeting the rival group due to an unresolved conflict dating back to June, which had already resulted in a police case and 20,000 baht in compensation. Tensions reignited after the victim allegedly taunted and bullied female friends of the suspects. On the night of the shooting, the suspects saw the victim check in at Jomtien Beach on social media, prompting them to confront him. Police said the weapon had been taken from the late grandfather of one suspect.
Many residents expressed frustration over the incident, calling for tougher enforcement and harsher penalties. “Whose kids are these? Police should catch them all,” one commenter wrote, reflecting widespread outrage over the youths’ behavior. “Such troublemakers — send them to the frontlines now and punish them severely,” another added, emphasizing the need for serious consequences.
“Pattaya again… weak laws. They’re not afraid, and they’re so young — imagine when they grow up,” a local remarked, highlighting concerns about future risks if early interventions are not made. “The economy is already struggling… incidents like this make it worse. Who will come to visit? Pattaya could be deserted,” another comment warned, noting the potential impact on tourism. “Send them to the border to help soldiers… guns are too easy to get… society is decaying,” a resident added, pointing to broader social concerns beyond the immediate incident.
The strong public outcry reflects growing concern that repeated acts of violence not only endanger locals and tourists but also risk undermining Pattaya’s long-standing reputation as a premier tourist destination.
