PATTAYA, Thailand – Municipal officers from Jomtien, working jointly with Pattaya City Police, detained a homeless individual after reports that an unauthorized person had entered and stayed inside a private pool villa near Hat Yin Yom on Sunday (Feb 1).
Authorities said the individual had allegedly entered the property without permission and was found using the facilities, including turning on air conditioning and lights. The property operator attempted to intervene and ask the person to leave, but the individual reportedly refused to comply and displayed uncooperative behavior. Officials were subsequently called to the scene and took the person into custody before transferring them to Pattaya City Police Station for further legal proceedings.
The incident triggered widespread public reaction on social media, with sharply divided opinions. Some residents raised safety concerns, warning that unauthorized occupants could pose risks, particularly to female tourists, and called for stronger patrols in tourist areas. Others reported seeing similar individuals frequenting Thepprasit Road, particularly Soi 9 and Soi 11, as well as nearby vacant or abandoned buildings, urging authorities to expand inspections beyond beachfront locations.
Several commenters claimed the individual appeared to be a foreign national carrying luggage, fueling concerns about people exploiting vacant properties during the visa-free period. Some called for stricter enforcement measures, including removal from the area, while others expressed sympathy, citing extreme heat, homelessness, and social hardship, and suggesting the situation reflects broader social challenges rather than isolated criminal behavior.
City officials reiterated the importance of property owners ensuring adequate security for vacant homes and rental properties and urged the public to report suspicious activity promptly. Authorities stressed that inspections and enforcement operations will continue to maintain public order, safety, and confidence in Pattaya’s key tourist zones.
