Pattaya Officials Suspended Following Extortion Allegations
Pattaya City has suspended three municipal officers and initiated legal action against six individuals after a viral video showed them soliciting bribes from tourists.
On September 28, 2026, Pattaya Mayor Poramase Ngampiches addressed a viral video depicting municipal staff demanding money from tourists. The officials allegedly targeted visitors for minor infractions, such as smoking or riding motorcycles with modified exhaust pipes, without issuing official receipts.
According to the Mayor, the investigation identified six individuals involved: three municipal officers and three employees from a private contractor. The three contract workers were ordered to stop working on August 10, following a request for clarification from their employer. Regarding the three municipal officers, the city established a serious disciplinary committee on August 20 and filed a formal police complaint at Pattaya City Police Station on August 21.
For residents and tourists, this incident highlights the city's ongoing efforts to address misconduct within local enforcement. While the immediate administrative and legal actions have been taken, the final outcomes of the disciplinary hearings and the criminal proceedings remain pending. Visitors are reminded that official fines in Thailand must be accompanied by a formal receipt issued through proper administrative channels. Any demand for cash payments on the spot without documentation should be treated with caution and reported to the authorities.
