PATTAYA — Police in Pattaya launched an early-morning crackdown on transgender women following a series of widely reported incidents involving tourists.
At around 04:00 on 1 April 2026, Pol. Col. Anek Sarathongyu, superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station, joined Bang Lamung district chief Anusak Piriyamorn and more than 30 officers in an operation targeting areas where the group is known to gather.
The operation focused on Walking Street in South Pattaya, a major nightlife area popular with both Thai and foreign visitors. Authorities said the move followed multiple cases in which groups of transgender women were accused of harassing or committing offences against tourists, drawing public attention in recent weeks.
A total of 31 individuals were detained and taken to Pattaya City Police Station for questioning.
Police said those detained would have their records taken as part of efforts to monitor repeat offenders and facilitate identification in future cases. Officials added that similar operations would continue in a bid to prevent further incidents and maintain Pattaya’s image as a safe tourist destination.