PATTAYA, Thailand – Reporters conducted an on-the-ground survey of Pattaya’s nightlife along the beachfront. Observers noted groups of Thai and foreign women, including transgender women, standing along the shore in a manner suggesting involvement in illicit services. Locals refer to these figures as “Phi Maprao” — a colloquial term for night-time workers on the beach.
In recent times, an influx of foreign workers, particularly from Africa and Central Asia, has intensified competition, leading to territorial disputes with local Thai women. These tensions not only affect local safety and public order but also have broader implications for Pattaya’s image as a family-friendly beach tourism destination.
Further investigation revealed two main categories of female workers: those employed in bars and entertainment venues and those working independently along the beach. Women working in bars generally enjoy a more stable income and safer environment under the supervision of managers and with regular customers. However, they must comply with strict workplace rules and pay commissions or service fees to the establishment.
Independent beach workers, the “Phi Maprao,” operate outside such systems to retain full earnings. Yet, this freedom comes with significant risks, including safety threats, potential exploitation, and legal enforcement actions.
Authorities in Pattaya have long sought to regulate and curb illegal activity, particularly focusing on foreign nationals who overstay visas or violate work regulations. Meanwhile, tourism operators stress that ongoing, comprehensive measures are essential, combining legal enforcement with social interventions, to restore Pattaya as a “white city” emphasizing family-oriented and cultural tourism.
The dynamics between independent workers and establishments reflect the city’s complex nightlife economy, highlighting the challenges of balancing livelihoods, legality, and tourism sustainability.
