Pattaya suspends three officers over alleged tourist extortion

Pattaya municipal authorities have suspended three city officers following allegations of extorting money from tourists. The investigation involves a total of six individuals, including three municipal employees and three workers from a private contractor.

The incident came to light after a video circulated on social media appearing to show workers demanding cash from tourists for alleged violations, such as smoking or operating motorcycles with modified exhausts. Authorities noted that no official receipts were issued for these payments.

Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet stated that the city has filed a formal complaint with the Pattaya City Police Station regarding misconduct in office and unauthorized demands for money. Depending on the outcome of the disciplinary and criminal investigations, the involved officials could face penalties ranging from salary reductions to dismissal from service.