Pattaya takes flight with AI-powered drones to combat crime
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Jun 12
- 4 min read
PATTAYA, Thailand — In response to rising concerns over safety in this bustling beach resort, Pattaya is deploying AI-enhanced drone surveillance across tourist hotspots.
The move, announced on June 10, marks one of the first large-scale implementations of drone-based policing in Southeast Asia. This is according to scmp.com.
Eyes in the sky: How it works
Drones will patrol beaches, promenades, and major events, feeding live footage into a centralized AI database. The system can identify individuals with outstanding arrest warrants or expired visas in real time—alerting police instantly.
Mayor Poramese Ngampichet and Police Lt. Col. Torlap Tinamat emphasized that the initiative aims to enhance safety for both visitors and locals:
«This initiative will boost Pattaya’s image as a safe and welcoming place for visitors and locals,» the mayor said.
Why this matters
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s top destinations, with nearly 10 million visitors in 2018 alone . Yet the city has struggled with petty crime, visa overstays, and overcrowding in tourist zones. Officials argue that current surveillance tactics are insufficient, especially during large-scale events.
«The drones will be used during large-scale local events and in tourist hotspots to monitor activities and respond to suspicious behavior in real time,» local authorities explained.
Cautious optimism—and backlash
While many welcome the increased security, critics warn of privacy trade-offs. Commenters on Thai.News and The Pattaya News expressed concern:
«I think this drone initiative is a complete invasion of privacy … How can we ensure they won’t be used for things other than security?» wrote one reader on thaiger.com.
Similar worries about potential misidentification and data misuse were voiced in comments on foreign expatriate networks.
Currently, deployment is focused on major events and crowded venues. There are no firm plans yet for routine patrol by drones across the whole city—though officials have hinted expansions could come as technology proves its value.
Targeting visa overstayers
One of the core goals of Pattaya’s new AI-powered drone program is to identify and apprehend foreign nationals who have overstayed their visas. While public announcements have focused on crime prevention and public safety, officials and media sources—including VnExpress and South China Morning Post—confirm that visa enforcement is a key part of the initiative.
The drones are equipped with real-time video feeds and connected to a facial recognition system that links directly to Thailand’s immigration database. When the system detects a person who matches records of an expired visa or outstanding immigration violation, it automatically alerts local authorities.
Restoring public trust
According to Pattaya’s mayor, Poramese Ngampichet, the technology is part of a broader effort to «improve the image of Pattaya» by reducing criminal activity and restoring public trust. Visa overstaying has been a long-standing issue in the city, where a large expat population and short-term visitors often blur the lines between legal tourism and illegal residency.
The drones will be deployed primarily in high-traffic areas such as beaches, nightlife districts, and major public events—locations where overstayers are more likely to be found. This reflects a growing trend in Thailand’s immigration strategy: to combine digital surveillance tools with traditional enforcement to target not only criminals, but also immigration violators.
Concerns about privacy
While some local residents and business owners support the initiative as a way to restore order and accountability, others have raised concerns about privacy, potential errors in facial recognition, and the risk of unfair targeting of tourists. Civil rights advocates have called for greater transparency about how data will be used, stored, and protected.
In recent years, Pattaya has seen increased pressure from national authorities to curb visa abuse, especially amid growing calls to clean up the city’s reputation. The use of AI and drones for immigration enforcement marks a significant escalation in these efforts—and could serve as a model for similar tourist destinations facing the same challenges.
Crime facts - Pattaya
Overall crime level
Pattaya has a moderate crime index of around 45 out of 100.
Safety index is around 54, indicating moderate safety for both locals and tourists.
Most crimes are non-violent in nature and occur in tourist-heavy zones.
Common types of crime
Petty theft: Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and mobile phone theft are common, especially in crowded areas like Walking Street and the beach promenade.
Scams: Jet ski rental scams, bar bill inflation, and fake tour agents remain persistent issues.
Drug-related offenses: While drugs are illegal, incidents involving possession and small-scale trafficking do occur.
Prostitution and sex tourism: Despite being technically illegal, the sex trade is prevalent in nightlife areas.
Violent crime: Rare, but occasional assaults and bar fights happen, often involving alcohol or disputes in nightlife zones.
Tourist safety concerns
Most incidents involving tourists are non-violent.
Road accidents are a bigger risk than crime, particularly with scooters and tuk-tuks.
Unlicensed taxis and transport scams are a growing concern.
At night, tourists are advised to stay in well-lit areas and avoid going alone in quiet places.
Police and security response
Pattaya has dedicated tourist police stations with English-speaking officers.
Police patrols are common in major entertainment districts and during public events.
Authorities have introduced more CCTV surveillance and are now deploying AI-powered drones to monitor crowds and detect visa overstayers.
Crackdowns on nightlife-related crime have increased in 2024–2025 as part of a campaign to clean up the city’s image.
Local and government efforts
Mayor and police leadership have committed to modernizing security systems.
Increased efforts to manage overstaying foreigners, illegal businesses, and nightlife-linked incidents.
Technology such as facial recognition and aerial surveillance is being tested to improve detection and response times.
Travel advice for visitors
Keep your valuables in your hotel or in a secure money belt.
Use official transportation apps or licensed taxis.
Be cautious in nightlife areas, especially late at night.
Avoid getting involved in disputes with locals or bar staff.
Report any incident to tourist police immediately.
Summary
Pattaya remains generally safe for tourists who take normal precautions.
Petty crime is the main concern, not violent crime.
Crime prevention efforts are increasing, especially with the introduction of drone surveillance and more visible policing.
Using common sense and staying alert can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
