PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s nightlife is one of its biggest attractions, but recent police raids on pubs and entertainment venues are leaving some foreign visitors uneasy. The raids, which often involve large numbers of uniformed officers, flashing lights, and sudden demands for on-the-spot drug testing, have sparked frustration among tourists and long-term residents alike.
“I don’t even drink,” one expat explained, “but just the stress of suddenly being surrounded by intimidating cops, forced to pee in a bottle and tested… it’s just not worth the stress.”
Concerns have also been raised about the reliability of the testing kits. “What if you have a false positive result? That can ruin your holiday or worse,” another visitor noted.
While police insist that the raids are part of efforts to ensure safety, prevent drugs, and enforce licensing laws, critics argue that the atmosphere created is damaging Pattaya’s reputation as a welcoming tourist destination. Even those who say they have “nothing to hide” admit the sudden sweeps can feel more like harassment than protection.
As one long-term resident summed it up: “It’s not about doing anything wrong. It’s about avoiding the aggravation. In my opinion, it’s just not worth it.”
For many, the result is simple: some pubs and bars, once popular with expats, are now being quietly avoided.
