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Pattaya Calls for Red-Light District Zoning and Cannabis Regulations Following BBC Documentary

 

Pattaya tourism operators are calling on the Thai government to address ongoing issues like fraud, decriminalising sex work, and cannabis regulation. This follows the release of a BBC Three documentary titled "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise," which highlights some negative aspects of the country. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) remains hopeful that the documentary won't significantly impact the UK's tourist numbers, which are around one million visitors annually.

 

The documentary features Pattaya's nightlife and interviews with sex workers. Thanet Supornsahasrungsi, president of the Association of the Chonburi Tourism Federation, acknowledges some issues presented but also promotes alternative tourism options. He stresses the need for regulation in Pattaya and suggests legalising and organising sex work in a zoned red light district.

 

With the Bhumjaithai Party assuming governmental duties, Mr Thanet urges regulation of cannabis sales for medical purposes and addressing tourist safety regarding crime and fraud. He points out that while Pattaya is still known for its nightlife, it now offers a range of family-friendly attractions like botanical gardens, water parks, and golf courses.

 

Despite backlash against the documentary for perceived bias, Chiravadee Khunsub of TAT believes it won’t deter British tourists. She mentions that many British visitors are repeats, aware of Thailand’s broad appeal.

 

The TAT continues to promote the country, even involving Thai-British Formula 1 driver Alex Albon in recent campaigns. Thailand welcomed over 708,000 British tourists in the first eight months of the year.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Pattaya urges a red-light district and sex work decriminalisation.
• Concerns rise after a critical BBC documentary on Thailand.
• Tourist activities are expanding to include family-friendly options.

Related Stories:

 

British TV Star Zara McDermott’s Filming Fright in Thailand 

Pattaya Cracks Down on Nightlife to Ensure Safety

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-16

 

 

This will never stop.Doesnt matter how many tv-series like this it will continue.That said its good the whole world can see what's going on in the socalled family friendly place.

Putting all the shops in a designated area is not a terrible idea. It would stop all the complaints of people who dont like smelling it. 

 

You would know to avoid the area.

 

A smoking hub. 

10 minutes ago, norsurin said:

This will never stop.Doesnt matter how many tv-series like this it will continue.That said its good the whole world can see what's going on in the socalled family friendly place.

THere is a continuing pressure on this aspect of town, but what was presented here is not reality, but had an agenda before they even started filming. I always felt when they got rid of soi 6, it was the end, but it is still there and lively as ever. 

As to the UK, hardly a place to shine a negative light on anywhere else, see a few YT posts from Billie Moore to see how low it has become.

 

41 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

THere is a continuing pressure on this aspect of town, but what was presented here is not reality, but had an agenda before they even started filming. I always felt when they got rid of soi 6, it was the end, but it is still there and lively as ever. 

As to the UK, hardly a place to shine a negative light on anywhere else, see a few YT posts from Billie Moore to see how low it has become.

 

I understand what u mean.But why they calling it a family friendly city?

Apparently its NOT.I haven't visit Pattaya for 13 years so maybe i not fully updated.

I prefer other places to stay in Thailand.NOT Phuket also.When they open the borders for Russians and other countries they imported a big problem but the greedy thai dont care as long as they think trillions of baht will save the economy.

32 minutes ago, norsurin said:

I haven't visit Pattaya for 13 years so maybe i not fully updated.

 

As I recall, there are two main updates for Pattaya Soi 6.

 

1. The girls have gotten plumper and lazier with fewer catcalls of "hansum man" as they're glued to their phones, scrolling for their next date.

 

2. Back then there were just a few ladyboys and they were polite. Now, there are LB bars and they've become mean-spirited and aggressive. I stopped going there because of them.

1 hour ago, jacko45k said:

THere is a continuing pressure on this aspect of town, but what was presented here is not reality, but had an agenda before they even started filming. I always felt when they got rid of soi 6, it was the end, but it is still there and lively as ever. 

As to the UK, hardly a place to shine a negative light on anywhere else, see a few YT posts from Billie Moore to see how low it has become.

 

The documentary is not about the UK, switch on, white knight......jeez

No decent tourists will come to Pattaya while it is seen as ganja city with weed shops on every street corner. Thanks Anutin.

1 hour ago, norsurin said:

But why they calling it a family friendly city?

 

 

Because it is or do you seriously think all Pattaya has to offer is prostitutes?

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya tourism operators are calling on the Thai government to address ongoing issues like fraud, decriminalising sex work, and cannabis regulation. This follows the release of a BBC Three documentary titled "Thailand: The Dark Side of Paradise," which highlights some negative aspects of the country.

All the resorts and infamous streets will continue as normal, families quickly learn where not to go and those seeking these destinations know exactly where to go.

Expect no changes

BBC what? I am sure this primadonna spoiled little brat love island celebrity wannabe would have got at least two viewers on this unwatched channel 

The whole place is a red light district, and the only familys you see there are a couple of Russians or Chinese with their kids who probably didnt know what they were letting themselves in for, why would would anyone take their family to Pattaya? Its a stinking, dirty dump of a place with a filthy beach, congested traffic system, air pollution which is off the scale and a high crime rate, its anything but " family friendly " 

1 hour ago, norsurin said:

I understand what u mean.But why they calling it a family friendly city?

Apparently its NOT.I haven't visit Pattaya for 13 years so maybe i not fully updated.

I prefer other places to stay in Thailand.NOT Phuket also.When they open the borders for Russians and other countries they imported a big problem but the greedy thai dont care as long as they think trillions of baht will save the economy.

Many many alternatives to being in the red light and bar areas is probably why. Super large shopping centres, aquariums, water parks, botanical gardens, etc. 

1 hour ago, brianburi said:

The documentary is not about the UK, switch on, white knight......jeez

Do you know what BBC stands for? And that question has  a couple of answers. 

I would say that the documentary I watched is likely to encourage more tourists rather than put people off. I'm sure folk must realise that the documentary series is being selective and that the entertainment areas are only a small part of the big towns and cities. For those into temples and historical sites there are more than enough attractions to keep them occupied for the duration of their stay. 

7 minutes ago, cookie1974 said:

The whole place is a red light district, and the only familys you see there are a couple of Russians or Chinese with their kids who probably didnt know what they were letting themselves in for, why would would anyone take their family to Pattaya? Its a stinking, dirty dump of a place with a filthy beach, congested traffic system, air pollution which is off the scale and a high crime rate, its anything but " family friendly " 

I am afraid you have no idea what you are talking of.

Don't deny congested traffic, but hey, people come here from Bangkok in their thousands at weekend to get away from a worse scenario,

 

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

I am afraid you have no idea what you are talking of.

Don't deny congested traffic, but hey, people come here from Bangkok in their thousands at weekend to get away from a worse scenario,

 

Im afraid i do know what im talking about because i spent a lot of time there until recently, going back over 20 years, and its never been as bad as it is now

Can't stand this self-righteous Zara McDermott. Done nothing in life other than look sexy in front of a camera.  Didn't bother watching the series after watching this ridiculous trailer. What's this click bait "you can practically get away with murder if you have money", " I was nearly arrested within 24 hours of stepping into Thailand". Pure sensational BS for the 20 year-old somethings who have no real life experience but know everything.

The whole district is a red-light district.

1 minute ago, cookie1974 said:

Im afraid i do know what im talking about because i spent a lot of time there until recently, going back over 20 years, and its never been as bad as it is now

You must like it then!

Hang on. Hang the futtock on. I thought there was no such thing as sex work in Thailand? Or is that prostitution? I'm confused.

11 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Do you know what BBC stands for? And that question has  a couple of answers. 

Big black (male) chicken?

The documentary is sensationalist - go read up on the presenter. Some who were contributors felt they were given wrong information, and that the crew were looking for sensationalist / click bait nonsense. 

 

They could have done a documentary on the red light zone in Las Vegas or German cities where it is LEGAL. Or they could have gone to Soho in London where there is prostitution everywhere. 

 

However, open solicitation from Indians on beach road is disgusting. 

 

 

8 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

You must like it then!

I used to back in the day, i have friends there who i pay a visit to now and then, but since Covid, the place has gone to the dogs, and i find myself disliking it more every time i go back, spend more time in Vietnam now, it doesnt have a lot of the problems Thailand has acquired in recent years, ( apart from the traffic in HCMC ) but im sure it wont be long until it does

Just now, cookie1974 said:

I used to back in the day, i have friends there who i pay a visit to now and then, but since Covid, the place has gone to the dogs, and i find myself disliking it more every time i go back, spend more time in Vietnam now, it doesnt have a lot of the problems Thailand has acquired in recent years, but im sure it wont be long until it does

It might also be about you ageing.... I find that myself, but Pattaya offers alternatives. Vietnam is not a place I know.

4 minutes ago, DonniePeverley said:

They could have done a documentary on the red light zone in Las Vegas or German cities where it is LEGAL.

Not legal in Clark County (Las Vegas)

5 hours ago, webfact said:

it won’t deter British tourists.

Au contraire/On the contrary.

Not happening ever!  Just hot air from a toy mayor to let the people know he is doing his so call job!  That is where it starts and ends!

@RandolphGB

 

Grossly inaccurate comment on Thailand removed.

 

 

Being out-of-zone?  Yet another thing to collect $$$ for.  It will be so good for the BiB  the uniforms will need more pockets.