Crime Pattaya Authorities Launch “Operation Coconut Ghosts” to Crack Down on Foreign Prostitution

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of SiamChon.

 

A joint operation involving over 50 officers from multiple agencies was carried out along Pattaya Beach last night in a targeted crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly soliciting tourists for prostitution. Dubbed “Operation Coconut Ghosts”.

 

Led by Pol. Lt. Col. Torlap Tinamat, Superintendent of Tourist Police Sub-Division 4, Division 2, and supported by officers from Pattaya Tourist Police, Pattaya Police Station, Chonburi Immigration Bureau, the Chonburi Office of Social Development and Human Security, and Pattaya City officials, the operation focused on foreign individuals suspected of approaching tourists under the pretext of offering sexual services.

 

According to authorities, suspects were observed loitering beneath coconut trees along the beachfront, a common area for such activities. Undercover officers monitored their behaviour, documenting incidents where they initiated conversations, attempted to befriend tourists, and offered services in exchange for money.

 

Thirteen individuals were detained in the operation, seven from Uzbekistan and six from Uganda. Some were found to be on expired student visas or had overstayed their legal permission to remain in Thailand.

 

Initial charges include violations of Section 5 of Thai law, which prohibits soliciting, recommending, following, or harassing others in public for the purpose of prostitution. Two individuals were also charged with remaining in the Kingdom without valid permission. 

 

All suspects were taken to Pattaya Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. Authorities plan to revoke their permission to stay and initiate deportation.

 

Pol. Lt. Col. Tinamat stated that the crackdown was part of a national directive from Police Commissioner-General Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanpet, aimed at bolstering safety in tourist areas and curbing crimes. The operation also followed instructions from Pol. Lt. Gen. Saksira Phuak-arm, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, who has urged all units to adopt proactive enforcement measures across key tourist destinations.

 

Tinamat said. “Maintaining safety and a positive image is a top priority. We will continue proactive operations in collaboration with all relevant agencies to ensure Pattaya remains clean, safe, and welcoming to everyone.”

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from SiamChon 2025-05-09.

 

 

 

 

[Swiss1960]

Yeah... can't have them take jobs away from the Thai ladyboys...

[ikke1959]

Foreign prostitution??? So Thai prostitution is allowed or also a protected job for Thais???

Pattaya is the capital of ....... in the world

[baansgr]

Ghosts, is this referring to the 250,000 "little ghosts" working illegally in South Korea

[ozz1]

Is that coconuts or no nuts ladyboys are getting some competition can't have that in such a family destination

[JimHuaHin]

Maybe they can check out ThaiFriendly.

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

Crack Down on Foreign Prostitution

 

Dubbed “Operation Coconut Ghosts”.

How appropriate, coconut ghosts at the coconut bar. 

 

I hope their operation is successful. 

 

Bloody foreigners taking Thai jobs again. 😡

[jacko45k]

It is difficult to see why specifically foreigners doing this presents any more of  a problem than the locals. (Other than them working without a work permit!)

They do present themselves in a xenophobic light. 

 

[mikebell]

How can Thai police be undercover! They look Thai so they won't be approached by foreign 'ladies'.