PATTAYA, Thailand – Concerns are growing among business owners and residents after large numbers of homeless individuals were once again found using Pattaya Beach and nearby public areas as overnight shelters, raising questions about the city’s tourism image. At around midnight on June 16, reporters surveyed Pattaya Beach and sections of Pattaya Second Road, two of the city’s most popular tourism zones, to examine the ongoing issue of homelessness and the use of public spaces for sleeping accommodations. The survey found numerous homeless individuals sleeping along the beachfront. Some were using public benches as makeshift beds, while others had laid blankets or personal belongings on the sand and pavement to shelter themselves from the elements.
Several individuals were also observed sleeping shirtless in areas commonly frequented by tourists who visit the beach to relax, dine, and socialize during the evening hours. Along Pattaya Second Road, additional homeless individuals were seen occupying storefronts that had closed for the night. Some groups were reportedly drinking alcohol and talking loudly, creating disturbances that nearby business operators say affect the atmosphere of the area. Local business owners said authorities have previously conducted multiple operations to remove homeless individuals from public spaces, register them, and connect them with social welfare programs. However, many of those relocated have reportedly returned and resumed using public areas as places to sleep.
Entrepreneurs and residents are now urging authorities to develop more effective and long-term solutions to the issue rather than relying solely on temporary enforcement measures. They argue that Pattaya’s beaches and major streets are among the city’s most visible tourist attractions and are frequented by both domestic and international visitors throughout the year. Business owners warn that if the problem continues without a sustainable solution, it could gradually affect Pattaya’s image as a world-class tourism destination. The issue remains a challenge for local authorities, who must balance public order and tourism concerns with social welfare support for vulnerable individuals who have nowhere else to go.
