The Pattaya News Official

JUST IN: A 31-year-old Chinese national has been sentenced to 46 years in a Thai prison for the illegal possession of military-grade weapons, C4 explosives, an explosive vest, signal-jamming equipment, body armor, grenades, and other prohibited military hardware, the Pattaya Provincial Court ruled this morning. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/08/04/chinese-man-sentenced-to-46-years-in-prison-after-discovery-of-massive-military-grade-weapons-cache-in-pattaya/

BREAKING: Police are investigating the suspicious death of a 34-year-old British man and reported cannabis farm owner who was found stabbed to death in the bathroom of a rented luxury villa in the Nongprue area of Pattaya, and his young British wife has been detained as a person of interest. She has initially claimed her husband injured himself but police are skeptical pointing out several facts that conflict with this statement. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/07/02/british-cannabis-farm-businessman-found-stabbed-to-death-in-pattaya-villa-young-british-wife-detained-for-questioning/

Tomorrow's PRIDE parade will take place still, starting at 430 PM from Central Marina to the Dolphin Roundabout and ending up at Central Mall Pattaya. Thousands of participants, pageant winners, celebrities, influencers, and more will be there. Free admission! For those not interested through traffic should avoid the area, it will be essentially shut down to vehicle traffic.

https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/22/four-people-injured-in-pattaya-hotel-fire-firefighters-praised-for-effort/

BREAKING: The Thai Cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 60-day visa-free entry scheme for more than 90 countries, reverting to the previous visa regulations. The decision, announced on May 19, 2026, by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul, marks a big shift in Thailand’s immigration policy. Importantly, the exact dates of implementation were not made clear, with the Tourism minister only saying all relevant agencies and Immigration would be informed of the decision. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/19/thailand-officially-revoking-60-day-visa-free-entry/

URGENT: A 31-year-old Chinese national identified as Mingchen Sun, who is facing charges for concealing C4 explosives and a large cache of war weapons in the Pattaya area, was urgently transported to a local hospital under heavy guard and with a SWAT team on Monday evening after suffering a violent seizure while being processed into Pattaya Special Remand Prison. He is under heavy guard and security has been stepped up at the hospital while he is treated. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/11/chinese-suspect-in-pattaya-military-grade-weapons-cache-case-suffers-seizure-from-severe-stress-rushed-to-hospital/

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation and ordered the immediate shutdown of an illegal nightclub following the death of a Chinese tourist who was brutally assaulted by staff and patrons inside the venue. Ten people from Thailand, China, and Myanmar have been arrested and claimed self defense and that the victim was the instigator. https://thepattayanews.com/2026/05/07/pattaya-police-chief-orders-immediate-closure-of-illegal-pub-after-chinese-tourist-beaten-to-death-ten-people-arrested/

Pattaya Hosting 15th “Southeast Colors EEC The Food Runway” Seaside Food & Music Festival This Weekend Pattaya, Chonburi Food lovers and beach enthusiasts are invited to the 15th edition of the popular “สีสันตะวันออก EEC The Food Runway” festival, a free-entry event blending gourmet delights, live music, and stunning sea views along Pattaya’s beachfront. The festival will take place starting today from May 1st to the 4th, 2026, at Pattaya Beach Road from around 5 PM to about 10 PM daily. Organizers promise a celebration of Eastern Thailand’s culinary scene and coastal lifestyle. Features: - Over 120 Food Stalls: Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of local specialties, fresh seafood, and street food favorites from Chonburi, Rayong, and Chanthaburi provinces. - EEC Food Runway Contest (May 1st): A unique and creative event where chefs and designers transform food into stunning fashion outfits showcased on a runway. - Four Days of Mini Concerts: - May 1: YOURMOOD - May 2: HERS - May 3: Kan Tong Thung Ngoen (ก้านตอง ทุ่งเงิน) - May 4: Pla Nil Tem Baan (ปลานิลเต็มบ้าน) The event will transform the beachside area into a lively Night Festival atmosphere, allowing visitors to stroll, dine, enjoy sea breezes, and listen to music well into the night. This year’s festival wants to showcase a fresh side of Pattaya beyond its famous beaches, combining gastronomy, culture, and entertainment in one scenic seaside location. Entry is free. Organizers encourage both locals and tourists to come and experience the flavors and vibes of Eastern Thailand’s “Southeast Colors” festival. There are no road closures planned but the area is expected to be VERY busy and on top of a long holiday weekend through traffic should avoid Pattaya Beach Road during the festival.

Pattaya Prepares for Massive Crowds During Songkran and Wan Lai Festival Big Days Next Weekend Authorities are urging residents and visitors to get ready for heavy crowds as Pattaya’s extended Songkran celebrations reach their peak with the Big Day, Wan Lai Pattaya, on April 19th, 2026. The beach road will be fully closed to traffic. Pattaya’s official Songkran festivities this year run from April 17th to the 19th, 2026, transforming the city into a major water festival destination. The main action centers on Pattaya Beach Road, featuring multiple concert stages and activities. While the event promises non-stop fun, officials are implementing strict traffic measures to ensure safety amid expected large crowds, especially on the final day. April 17–18: Main Festival Days The primary zone is Pattaya Beach Road Five concert stages and various activities will keep the atmosphere lively. Daytime: Normal vehicle access remains open. Nighttime: More than 800 police officers and volunteers will manage traffic across Pattaya and Jomtien. April 19: Wan Lai Pattaya The Biggest Day Crowds are expected to be significantly larger than previous days as people flock to the beach and indeed all of Pattaya for the traditional “Wan Lai” water fights. Beach Road Closure: The 3-kilometer stretch of Pattaya Beach Road will be completely closed to all traffic from the Dolphin Roundabout to the Wat Chai Mongkol intersection. Time: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM (noon to midnight). Emergency Access: Sois 1 through 13/4 (connecting Beach Road to Second Road) will remain open exclusively for emergency vehicles. Residents and visitors are strongly requested not to park in these lanes to ensure ambulances and rescue teams can pass freely. Regular traffic will NOT be allowed on these sois. Parking Options: Ample parking will be available at shopping malls and public lots in the northern, central, and southern zones of the city. Travel Advice Organizers recommend planning ahead to fully enjoy the festivities. Leaving private vehicles at home and using public transport or designated parking is strongly advised, it will make the experience far more enjoyable and help reduce congestion. Songkran and Wan Lai in Pattaya combine traditional Thai New Year water fights with modern concerts and beach parties, drawing both locals and international tourists. While the event is expected to be highly entertaining, cooperation with traffic measures will help keep everyone safe and ensure smooth operations throughout the celebrations.

Pattaya Baht Bus Fare Increase Officially Announced Pattaya, Thailand – Starting today, April 10th, 2026, passengers using songthaews (local baht buses) in Pattaya will face new fare rates as operators adjust prices to reflect current economic conditions and increase of diesel prices. According to an official announcement from the songthaew operators, the new fare structure sets the price for rides within Pattaya at 15 to 20 baht per trip. The adjustment takes effect immediately from April 10th, 2026. The operators stated that the increase is necessary to align with rising operational costs and the current economic situation. They have apologized for any inconvenience caused and expressed gratitude to both local residents and tourists for their understanding and continued support of the service. Songthaews remain one of the most popular and affordable modes of transportation in Pattaya, widely used by locals and visitors alike for short-distance travel around the city, beaches, and tourist areas. This fare adjustment comes during the period leading into and overlapping with the Songkran Festival 2026 celebrations. This comes after several days of confusion with some readers reporting raised prices and some reporting no change. The 15-20 Baht fare will depend on distance traveled, reportedly. There was also no firm announcement on if this was temporary until gas prices lower once again or would be permanent.

Pattaya Gears Up for the 13th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade Tomorrow Pattaya, Thailand – Residents and visitors in Pattaya are reminded to mark their calendars for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17th, 2026, as the city hosts its 13th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. This beloved event, jointly organized by Pattaya City and the Father Ray Foundation, celebrates Irish culture, builds community spirit, and boosts local tourism. The parade is set to kick off in the afternoon, with the official start time around 4:00 PM (some sources note activities beginning from 4:00 PM onward, with the procession launching shortly after). It will march mainly along the Central and Southern Pattaya Beach area (near the beachfront promenade). Expect a display of floats, marching groups, performers in green attire, Irish music, and plenty of shamrock-themed fun. The event brings together local schools, community organizations, businesses, and international participants to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, while promoting positive relationships among government, private sector, and residents. It also helps build charity funds for the Father Ray Foundation and children in need. Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet explained the parade's role in enhancing the city's appeal during the press conference announcement in late February. "This annual celebration honors Irish heritage and also strengthens community bonds and attracts visitors to enjoy Pattaya's lively atmosphere," the mayor noted. Tips for Attendees: - Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the route. - Wear green to join the festive spirit! - Expect lane closures and traffic adjustments in central Pattaya—plan your travel accordingly. There are no full road closures but several lanes are normally closed or delayed and through traffic should avoid the area during the parade. - Follow local updates from Pattaya City or the Father Ray Foundation for any last-minute changes due to weather or other factors. Whether you're Irish at heart, a fan of cultural festivities, or simply looking for family-friendly entertainment, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is a great part of Pattaya's event calendar. Don't miss out—see you there tomorrow! For more details, check official announcements from Pattaya City or the Father Ray Foundation. 🍀 Pictures from 2025 Parade.

Lots of events taking place today and this weekend. First up, the second weekend of the Pattaya Music Festival is on Jomtien Beach today and tomorrow across from the Yaimak market starting from 6PM each day. Some of the most popular artists in Thailand are performing this weekend so it will be BUSY. There are NO road closures but traffic is likely to be massive on Jomtien Beach Road, through traffic should avoid. At the actual Yaimak market are the World Muay Thai Championships from about 6 PM as well for those in the area running to Monday. Finally, on Pattaya Beach at the Central intersection for the next three days from about 3-7/8 is the Holi Festival with lots of fun, food, music, and color throwing. All free admission! No road closures on Pattaya Beach either but again traffic will be heavy.

A reminder: Nationwide emergency cell broadcast test tomorrow at 2 PM Bangkok time. Only a test. Do not panic. Thanks.