In Pattaya, complaints have increased about the growing number of street vendors and mobile carts operating directly on sidewalks and in front of popular shopping malls. Sretapol Boonsawat, head of the city administration’s legal department, stated that the situation is causing serious congestion and frustration among tourists and residents.
Planned measures
The acting mayor’s team plans to implement the following actions:
- Ban street vending near shopping malls and on sidewalks along Beach Road and adjacent streets.
- Seize goods and carts from violators — inspection teams have been authorized to enforce this.
- Engage tour operators: conduct talks with travel agencies, urging them not to encourage clients to shop at unauthorized vendor spots.
Media reports
In July 2024, Sretapol Boonsawat personally participated in raids in Jomtien and Beach Road areas, where dozens of vendors were fined 2,000 THB for violating trade and public order regulations.
In September 2024, Acting Deputy Mayor Utisak Remkijjarkorn emphasized the need to remove vendors from busy streets, establish designated trading zones, and prevent overcrowding in key tourist areas like Walking Street and Jomtien.
In June 2025, Thai media reported a large-scale campaign to clear sidewalks along Pattaya Beach Road. Police and municipal officers removed vendors, seized goods, and issued fines.
Why this matters
Illegal street vending creates serious issues:
- blocks pedestrian flow and causes congestion;
- degrades the appearance of tourist zones;
- reduces comfort and safety for tourists and locals;
- harms Pattaya’s image as a modern, well-maintained resort destination.
The city’s response aims to restore order: legal vending will be relocated to designated areas, while unregulated trade will be eliminated.
Conclusion
Under Sretapol Boonsawat’s leadership, Pattaya has intensified efforts against illegal street vending in tourist areas.
The city administration plans to:
- ban vending near malls and sidewalks;
- enforce seizures and fines;
- collaborate with tour agencies to reduce demand for informal shopping.
This is part of a broader initiative to improve urban space, enhance safety, and create a more comfortable environment for visitors and residents alike.
Back to list
