Six Pattaya officials suspended after evidence they extorted tourists without issuing receipts

On August 10, 2016, Pattaya city authorities announced the suspension of six municipal officers after witnesses said the group collected fines from foreign tourists in a parking area near Bali Hai Pier without issuing official receipts. The incident was revealed to the public by local tour operators and guides who witnessed and recorded the payment being demanded from a group of tourists.

Bali Hai Pier is a main pickup and drop-off point for Thai and foreign visitors traveling to Koh Samed and nearby islands. Parking arrangements, fees and security there are normally managed by municipal officers and relevant agencies. This time, however, witnesses reported unprofessional conduct with no receipt or documentation provided for the money collected, raising concerns about transparency and possible corruption.

The suspensions are an urgent administrative measure by Pattaya city while a fact-finding investigation is carried out. City management has assigned internal auditors together with local police to gather evidence from CCTV footage, witness statements and the work reports of the accused officers. Local tour operators and guides have called for a transparent and swift investigation and for fair punishment if wrongdoing is confirmed, to restore tourists’ confidence.

For affected tourists, public health officials and local tourism agencies have set up channels to accept complaints and advise on requesting refunds or pursuing legal action. Tourists have also been warned to always request receipts for any payments. The Pattaya tourism business community expressed concern that the case could damage the city’s image and visitor confidence during the high season; if it escalates it could reduce arrivals and harm local businesses’ income.

The effects on residents and visitors are evident: people feel unsafe when asked to pay without receipts, which can be perceived as corruption, and law-abiding businesses suffer reputational damage. Pattaya is reviewing on-site control measures for officers and providing ethics and conduct training to prevent recurrence.

The investigation is ongoing. Pattaya city said it will publish the results publicly once conclusions are reached and stressed it will be fair to both victims and the accused officers. If misconduct is proven, disciplinary and legal action will follow. The city is also working quickly to rebuild tourist confidence by strengthening internal checks and clarifying complaint procedures.