Pattaya — Tourism industry leaders in Pattaya are urging the Thai government to implement Pattaya red-light zoning, regulate cannabis stores, and strengthen tourist safety measures following a BBC documentary highlighting nightlife and crime in the city.
Response to BBC’s “Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise”
The BBC Three documentary Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise focussed on Pattaya’s nightlife, crime, and interviews with sex workers. Tourism officials acknowledged some of the issues shown but emphasized that measures such as Pattaya red-light zoning could help regulate the industry while protecting both visitors and workers.
Calls for a Regulated Red-Light District
Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, proposed creating a clearly designated area for sex work, an approach referred to as Pattaya red-light zoning. This would allow authorities to monitor operations, provide welfare support for sex workers, and reduce disturbances for tourists who prefer to avoid nightlife districts.
In Thailand, sex work is technically illegal but widely practiced in tourist cities like Pattaya. Officials say that regulation through Pattaya red-light zoning could bring the industry under legal oversight and improve safety.
Cannabis Regulation and Tourist Safety
With the new Bhumjaithai Party government forming its cabinet, Mr. Thanet also called for tighter control of cannabis stores that have opened across the city since the drug was decriminalized in 2022. He stressed that the same careful regulation applied in Pattaya red-light zoning should also be applied to cannabis, ensuring use is limited to medical purposes.
Tourist safety and fraud prevention remain top priorities. Tourism operators warned that scams and petty crime can negatively affect Thailand’s reputation among foreign visitors.
Diversifying Pattaya’s Tourism Offerings
While Pattaya is historically known for nightlife and sex tourism, the city has expanded its offerings to appeal to families and international visitors. Attractions promoted alongside nightlife zones include Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, water parks, golf courses, marinas, and scuba diving trips.
Conclusion
The debate following the BBC documentary underscores the need for Pattaya red-light zoning and stricter regulation of nightlife and cannabis. Tourism leaders hope these measures will protect workers, improve tourist safety, and maintain Pattaya’s appeal as a global destination for both expats and family travelers.
