In the scenic town of Pai, known for its tranquil natural beauty and distinct Thai culture, a growing issue has been reported as tourists engaging in rafting activities are increasingly disregarding local customs and values. Reports from local business operators indicate a series of disruptive behaviors causing tension and upheaval.

 

Resort owners in Pai have expressed concerns about tourists who abuse alcohol while participating in popular rafting excursions along the Pai River.

 

These complaints culminated on July 14, when a prominent local resort owner spoke out about tourists floating on rafts, discreetly consuming alcohol from plastic water bottles meant to deceive observers.

 

This kind of behavior has not only disturbed the peace but has also led to more severe incidents.

 

In a recent troubling incident on July 12, a resort owner reported an altercation involving a foreign couple who had entered the resort premises with the intention to engage in sexual activities.

 

When confronted, the couple reacted belligerently., resulting in the owner’s property being damaged and the couple fleeing the scene before authorities could intervene. This incident prompted an immediate police report and has raised the ire of the local community.

 

Despite previous agreements among business owners to curb these behaviors by not selling alcohol to rafting tourists, the problem persists, pointing to a significant enforcement challenge.

 

The attraction of Pai as a gentle natural haven is marred by these accounts, prompting calls for stricter regulations and more robust community policing to preserve both the cultural integrity and the serene environment that Pai is renowned for.

 

Local authorities are now facing growing pressure to address these issues effectively, maintaining Pai’s appeal while ensuring tourists can enjoy their activities without diminishing the quality of life or cultural respect that defines this unique northern Thai community.

 

Picture courtesy: Khaosod

 

-- 2024-07-15

 

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I'm in Pai now, arrived last Friday for the jazz and blues festival, Friday there was a water rafting thing going on, just young people enjoying themselves. No trouble at all.

Tragic... 1 couple  and the whole community is upset.. Maybe if everybody boycot the rafting there, they will sing another song..

Were the Thai netizens outraged?

 

Put a fence around and keep the monkeys inside. Leftover since Darwin's evolution.😵‍💫

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Resort owners in Pai have expressed concerns about tourists who abuse alcohol while participating in popular rafting excursions along the Pai River.

So stop selling it to them, or check what they are carrying before getting on the raft.

What can you expect when you want 10s of millions of tourists and is opening bars until early morning! Do you want "regular" tourists or drunken party hunters!!  

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Tragic... 1 couple  and the whole community is upset.. Maybe if everybody boycot the rafting there, they will sing another song..

🎶 Bye bye Miss American Pai? 🎶

When you are so focussed on getting tourists in and for forget they have to be "quality tourists", thing like this happens; just accept it, if you want the mass tourism over "quality"...

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

Put a fence around and keep the monkeys inside. Leftover since Darwin's evolution.😵‍💫

I knew it was you, couldn't forget that face .

6 hours ago, roo860 said:

I'm in Pai now, arrived last Friday for the jazz and blues festival, Friday there was a water rafting thing going on, just young people enjoying themselves. No trouble at all.

Proof please!!

1 minute ago, RamblingOn said:

Proof please!!

Of what?

I am aghast that the plastic bottle at the bottom of the photo is so clearly just thrown away. Don't these quality tourists understand that someone has to pick it up and make 5 Baht selling it on? Disgraceful.

Shutting down a couple of large resorts will make sure we never hear of such complaints in future - I suggest they start with the one who complained the loudest.

7 hours ago, roo860 said:

I'm in Pai now, arrived last Friday for the jazz and blues festival, Friday there was a water rafting thing going on, just young people enjoying themselves. No trouble at all.

I saw you in the crowd. 👍

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

foreign couple who had entered the resort premises with the intention to engage in sexual activities.

 

Too bad you couldn't enjoy your hankypanky at the resort. 😊

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The attraction of Pai as a gentle natural haven

I remember 20 or so years ago it was a haven for youngsters seeking a relaxing 'medicinal' retreat. How times have changed. 

33 minutes ago, roo860 said:

I knew it was you, couldn't forget that face .

Oh, you're an ass lover🥴. You like to kiss his ass? You're obviously experienced 💩

All I keep hearing is: More tourists... from PM Shrettha, from the Tourist Authority Thailand. Apparently quantity trumps quality, no one should complain!

I can not believe anybody could act so low, to go into a resort for sex, and I thought all the resorts offering a 250 baht short time was for a tired driver to have a quickie (nap) 

On 7/15/2024 at 3:41 PM, biggles45 said:

I remember 20 or so years ago it was a haven for youngsters seeking a relaxing 'medicinal' retreat. How times have changed. 

 

Yes indeed. A well known resort for the "Hippie/Flower Power" brigade who were attracted by the "products" of the nearby "Golden Triangle" which could be smoked, ingested or injected! On my last visit several years ago , the hippies were still there but now in their 50's and 60's. I believe Pai still has this reputation. (picture below taken in 2024)