Amid growing security concerns, the city of Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, has announced a bold plan to reassure visitors and residents. Accordingly, the city will deploy drones integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to intensify crime prevention and detect foreigners who have overstayed their visas.
The plan was presented by Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet on June 9 during a meeting with Police Lieutenant Colonel Torlap Tinamat, head of the city's Tourist Police Department. "This initiative will contribute to enhancing Pattaya's image as a safe and friendly destination for both tourists and local residents," Poramese said.
In the face of security criticism, Pattaya city officials decided to use modern technology to protect tourists and residents.
These drones will be connected to a centralized AI database, capable of scanning faces in crowds and accurately identifying people with wanted warrants or expired visas. The drones are expected to be widely deployed at large-scale events and in crowded tourist areas, helping authorities monitor more effectively and respond quickly when detecting suspicious behavior.
Dozens of drones are flying in the sky. Pattaya authorities plan to deploy these flying devices to fight crime and crack down on tourists who have overstayed their visas.
Pattaya, located about 150 km southeast of Bangkok, is famous for its Walking Street, which attracts millions of visitors each year. However, recently, this city has continuously recorded serious incidents, causing deep concerns among the public.
A typical case was the assault and robbery of a Russian tourist at night in an area near the jungle last week. Although the police quickly extracted images from security cameras and arrested two suspects the following day, the incident still sparked a wave of outrage on social media. Many residents and tourists expressed concern about the increase in crime, and criticized the government for not responding promptly to requests to improve the lighting system, install more security cameras and organize regular police patrols. Many local residents shared that they no longer dare to go out at night for fear of losing their safety.
The device will be used at major events and tourist areas, helping authorities monitor and respond quickly when suspicious behavior is detected.
A transgender woman was brutally murdered by a Chinese tourist in April. More recently, a Thai national was sentenced to death in December, while two Germans were sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a German real estate agent near Pattaya in 2023. These high-profile cases have further heightened security concerns in the bustling tourist city.
This initiative will contribute to enhancing the image of Pattaya as a safe and friendly destination for both tourists and local residents.
While Pattaya officials hope that AI and drone technology will be an effective solution to tighten security, some opinions say that Mayor Poramese's "modernization" plans are more about form than substance.
In an open letter, longtime foreign traveler Alan French criticized Mr. Poramese for his emphasis on showy activities such as fireworks festivals, themed parades, and flashy performances. French stressed that basic and essential issues such as deteriorating urban infrastructure and public safety were being overlooked. “The city is losing its identity,” French warned, insisting that Pattaya should prioritize addressing the real needs of residents and visitors rather than focusing on superficial glamour.
The application of high technology in security is a remarkable step for Pattaya. However, to truly become a safe and friendly destination, the city needs a comprehensive strategy that harmoniously combines modern technology and thoroughly solves core problems of infrastructure, patrolling and quick response of functional forces.
