Pattaya police detain teenagers as robbery wave hits foreign visitors
Pattaya police have detained four teenagers in the past two days in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting foreign tourists, as authorities race to contain a crime wave that has left at least eight tourists robbed or assaulted since September 14. The suspects, aged between 14 and 17, have confessed to multiple attacks in the Phra Tamnak area, including a gunpoint robbery of a Russian national and an assault on a Turkish visitor.
Suspects in custody
On September 17, Pattaya police arrested two teenagers aged 14 and 17 following robberies in the Phra Tamnak area. The suspects admitted to carrying out four attacks between September 14 and 15. Police recovered a knife and an air pistol during the arrest.
The pair are now being investigated for their potential involvement in other recent crimes, including:
• A knife injury to a Finnish national
• A gunpoint robbery of a Russian citizen
• An attempted phone robbery of a Turkish man
A day earlier, on September 15, officers had already detained two mixed-race teenagers aged 16 and 17 after they attempted to steal a phone from a Turkish man using BB guns. Police confirmed both teenagers had prior arrests for possessing knives.
Recent attacks on tourists
The arrests come amid a spike in violent street crimes. On September 14, three suspects kicked a Russian tourist in the face before stealing his bag containing ฿1,000, credit cards and identity documents. The following day, two men on a motorcycle robbed another Russian tourist at gunpoint, taking ฿1,000. Also on September 15, a 45-year-old British man was attacked and injured by two men on a motorcycle who attempted to steal his mobile phone in the Jomtien area. Police are actively tracking the suspects in these cases.
On September 16, Pattaya police began investigating two separate reports of foreign tourists being deceived and robbed by women and transgender individuals during late-night encounters.
Government response
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered a nationwide crackdown on crime, with Chonburi province — where Pattaya is located — named as a key focus. The initiative calls for cooperation between provincial governors, police, the military and local communities to dismantle organized crime networks.
Pattaya police have increased patrols in tourist zones and are using the city's integrated CCTV network across Beach Road and Walking Street to identify suspects. Officers in some cases have tracked down and arrested suspects within hours of reported incidents.
Tourists can contact the Tourist Police by calling 1155. The service operates in major destinations including Pattaya, with many officers proficient in English.
Context
Robberies and assaults on tourists are not new to Pattaya. In May 2026, two teenagers were arrested after stabbing an Australian tourist with scissors and stealing approximately AU$6,000. In February 2026, a British tourist was stabbed in the thigh after an altercation, though he later declined to press charges.
Thailand generally maintains a strong safety rating for travelers, but authorities advise increased awareness in nightlife-heavy districts such as Pattaya.
