Tourist Police Tighten Guard Rules on Pattaya Walking Street

Tourist police have moved to tighten control over private security guards on Pattaya’s Walking Street following online criticism over alleged violence against tourists. Authorities say stricter guidelines aim to restore visitor confidence in one of Thailand’s most prominent nightlife areas. The measures were agreed at a high-level meeting on Tuesday 7 April, involving police, officials and nightlife operators.

Get today's headlines by email

The meeting took place at The Stones House, an entertainment venue on Walking Street, and brought together tourist police, local police, immigration officers, district officials, community leaders and business representatives. Pol Col Milin Pianchang, chief of Sub-Division 2 of Tourist Police Division 1, chaired discussions focused on crowd control and tourist protection. The move follows a wave of social media posts accusing venue-appointed guards of using excessive force against visitors.

Data presented at the meeting showed that from December 2025 to March 2026, most incidents involving tourists in the Walking Street area were assault-related, with a noticeable rise recorded in March. Authorities warned that such incidents, especially when captured on video and shared online, could damage Pattaya’s reputation. Pol Col Milin stressed that guards must never resort to violence, even during disputes such as payment disagreements.

“If an incident involving force is captured in photos or videos and goes viral, both the individuals involved and their employers will be held accountable immediately,” he said, adding that cases would be thoroughly investigated. He also proposed that venues assign at least one guard to restrain colleagues and de-escalate tensions to prevent group assaults. Operators have been urged to enforce stricter oversight and appoint experienced staff to lead on-site responses.

Pol Lt Col Siriwat Khachamat, deputy crime suppression chief at Muang Pattaya police station, said guards must act as peacemakers rather than participants in disputes. “Their duty is to separate parties, lower tensions and avoid being drawn into conflicts,” he said. He added that police should be alerted immediately if situations show signs of turning violent.

Authorities are preparing to introduce a “break the game” concept, likened to stopping play or time out in sport when tensions rise. Under this approach, guards will be trained to intervene early and pause confrontations before they escalate. Additional training sessions led by experienced officers, will focus on appropriate use-of-force levels and non-violent restraint techniques.

The Bangkokpost reported that further coordination between police and venue operators is expected as the new measures are implemented. Officials say continued monitoring and enforcement will be key to ensuring compliance and maintaining tourist safety in the area.

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Bangkokpost 9 Apr 2026