Pattaya —
 Despite being very unpopular among tourists, Pattaya police continued their intense crackdown on nightlife venues almost every night as a deterrent to the venues breaking regulations and violent incidents. This coincides with Thai Immigration conducting random passport checks on foreigners across the city, hunting for people who have overstayed their visas as part of a national crackdown campaign. Â
Pattaya law enforcement and city officials descended on Pattaya Walking Street at 9 PM yesterday, December 7th, to remind venue operators to comply with the legal closing time at 2 AM and to check if they were operating legally. At the same time, Immigration agents toured Soi 6 and other entertainment zones, randomly asking tourists for proof of their legal status to stay in Thailand. We recently covered the overstay crackdown in this article here.
The officers also inspected the fire exits and conditions of each facility. They stressed to the operators that they must strictly comply with safety precautions such as keeping their fire exits open at all times.
Other than ensuring each venue was safe to accommodate visitors, Pattaya police told the guards to refrain from fighting with tourists, giving access to minors, allowing the use of illegal drugs by patrons in the venues, and carrying weapons.
The inspection is also to prepare tourist attractions around Pattaya ahead of New Year’s Day when an influx of tourists is expected to flood the city.
Last night’s results were satisfying as no venues breached the regulations, said law enforcement and city officials. On the other hand, tourists complained on social media that the inspection is over the top and making their holidays more stressful.
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