Just as they did during the peak of the area’s Russian-tourism boom, local law enforcement officials again are insisting there is no Chinese organized crime in Pattaya. Top Pattaya, Tourist and Immigration police officers asserted that there are no “mafia” or “triad” gangs operating in Pattaya, despite recent Thai media claims to the contrary following a brawl among Chinese nationals in a Pattaya restaurant. Most Chinese come to Pattaya in tour groups and don’t operate businesses here, Pattaya’s police chief Pol. Col. Apichai Kroppech said. Tourist Pol. Lt. Col. Piyapong Ensarn said there were some Chinese business owners, but most operated restaurants while others have companies in ...

The Thai government has launched a crackdown on foreigners suspected of various crimes, media reports said on Friday. More than 500 foreigners were arrested on Friday for overstaying their visa, entering the country using illegal means and other crimes, Thai police told journalists, according to the daily The Nation. The police launched search operations at 217 locations of the popular tourist destination. “It was part of the government’s crackdown on transnational scammers, card skimmers and drug traffickers, as well as foreigners breaking immigration laws,” said ...