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'.

[smedly]

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

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. 

 

100% agree

[KhunBENQ]

1 hour ago, mikebell said:

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

Talk straight. You want to be engaged as an undercover agent

But be aware, most of the Uzbeks are dirt ugly for my taste.

And majority of the Africans have a "few extra pounds".

 

Years ago I watched some seemingly central Asians (Uzbek?) and they will absolutely avoid any westerners, seem to look for their fellow countrymen.

[scubascuba3]

Silly really, just let them work there with the Thai ladies, brings in lots of tourists

[Patong2021]

2 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

Maybe they can check out ThaiFriendly.

 

Is that a hookup app that serves as a prostitution platform?

[VBer]

It's just additional workforce because the current employees can't handle the workload

[brewsterbudgen]

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

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

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

Yes.  Foreigners cannot do it.  Although soliciting for prostitution is also illegal for Thais, they can legally work in the 'entertainment' industry and bars, but foreigners cannot.  Prostitution itself is not illegal.

[brewsterbudgen]

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

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. 

 

Agreed.  But it certainly used to be the case that Thai hookers soliciting on Beach Road were also regularly rounded up (and fined a few hundred baht, then let go).  The foreigners can be deported.

[garygooner]

At the police HQ. 

"Right, we'd like you to vote for the name for our next operation."

 

a)  Coconut Ghosts

b)  Somtam Shadows

c)  Sticky Rice Ravers  

[Nickcage49]

Can't have competition for the locals...

[ronster]

So only foreigners were found on this search doing this 🤔

Should have been called operation go mango or banana split .

[Burma Bill]

7 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Dubbed “Operation Coconut Ghosts”.

 

Were these prossies working for shell companies?

 

 

[klauskunkel]

14 minutes ago, Nickcage49 said:

Can't have competition for the locals...

"Get away from my Coconut Tree!"

[mancub]

4 officers required for each detainee eh ? Brilliant use of resources. 

Of course, no soliciting of any kind ( and openly more aggressive) happens in "world famous" Soi 6.

[riverhigh]

Damn!!! There goes my part-time job. 

[ignore it]

In a move to eliminate coconut ghosts, Pattaya City Council is tendering contracts to remove the coconut trees from Beach Road.

[pest]

Ffs just booked a hotel too

Fancied miss Guana 2012