How Safe Is Pattaya for Travel? (2020 Updated) ⋆ Travel Safe

Safety Index:

Thailand : Safety by City

Pattaya is a resort located on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, around 150 km southeast of Thailand’s capital – Bangkok.

Pattaya is a city notorious for its booming sex industry and sex tourism is, actually, the main means of money earning in Pattaya.

However, even though it’s most famous for its go-go and beer bars, the local authorities in its city are trying to provide more family-friendly attractions and activities.

The beaches in this area are, unfortunately, below Thai standards for beaches, but authorities have been trying to improve their quality – destroying, along the way, some of the natural charms this area once had

Warnings & Dangers in Pattaya

OVERALL RISK : LOW

Generally speaking, Pattaya is relatively a safe city, though there are some scammers and petty thieves, especially along the beaches. You better apply all possible precautious measures, just in case you stumble upon them.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH

One of the greatest risks in Pattaya lies in its transportation system and reckless drivers. The number one cause of death for visitors to Pattaya is motorbike accidents that often occur on the narrow, mountainous and twisty roads and the speedboats that cause many accidents in the water. Avoid public transport too, as this is where the pickpockets operate.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Pickpockets can be usually spotted along the beaches that are filled with foreigners, where excessive vigilance is highly recommended. You'll see pickpockets and petty thieves in all crowded places so are very careful.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

As for natural disasters, Pattaya is known for its devastating flooding and occasional tsunamis.

MUGGING RISK : LOW

Kidnappings are not often and neither are muggings, though they're possible, especially in the remote areas of the city and other secluded areas outside of it.

TERRORISM RISK : LOW

Thailand has been a target of small bomb attacks and shootings, but places like Pattaya aren't probable targets since they're secluded and mostly consist of beach resorts.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Be prepared that most people providing any type of service for tourists in Pattaya are probably going to try to scam you or rip you off. Tuk-tuk drivers, fake police officers, street vendors are all possible scammers. Keep in mind that ATMs are places where criminals try and steal pin codes.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Even though Pattaya could generally be considered a safe city for women, they are still highly advised to follow the basic rules of precaution. Apart from that, use your common sense and apply all basic precaution measures.

So... How Safe Is Pattaya Really?

Pattaya is mostly safe for foreigners and tourists.

Probably the most severe, danger in Pattaya, and the number one cause of death for visitors to this city is motorbike accidents, that often occur here.

Always wear a helmet, avoid driving at night at all costs and never drink and drive.

There has also been an accident recently involving a speedboat propeller that hit a surfacing driver and killed him on the spot.

Be careful on the roads too, even if you’re going on foot (and be equally careful both on and off pedestrian zones, because Thai drivers have been known to completely ignore them and just drive along with them, regardless of the people walking there).

Petty theft like pickpocketing or bag snatching is more than common and you should expect it at every step.

Violent crime has been on the rise during the past couple of years and muggings and robberies are not rare at all.

Avoid any confrontations at bars and clubs as you might get severely beaten up.

Keep in mind that you should never, under any circumstances, say or mumble anything negative, or make jokes about the Thai royal family, as you might get attacked, and severely so.

Useful Information

Visas - US citizens planning on traveling to Pattaya for less than 30 days do not need a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past the date of arrival into this city. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Thailand embassy for further information.
Currency - Thai BAHT is the official currency of Pattaya. In this country and, by itself, this city, you should treat the money well: never step on a coin, or throw, tear or burn paper bills, because it shows disrespect to the royal family.
Weather - The climate in Pattaya is tropical, with mostly high temperatures and an abundance of humidity throughout the year. The best time to visit this city is between November and February.
Airports - U-Tapao International Airport is a joint civil-military public airport serving two Thai cities: Rayong and Pattaya. It is located in Ban Chang District of Rayong Province.
Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Pattaya, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

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