Pattaya police again swept
Beach Road of transgenders suspected of both prostitution and petty thefts.
Boonlua Chatree
Pattaya police again swept Beach Road of transgenders suspected of
both prostitution and petty thefts, but released them in time for them to go
back to work.
Officers rounded up 30 transgenders Oct. 24, finding five Laotians and three
with no identification card. Each were fined 200 baht and released.
Capt. Naetithorn Rattanasuchanont claimed the police action would deter
crime by the transvestites, who he said smeared Pattaya’s image and were
involved in pick-pocketing and other crimes.
The sweeps happen regularly and apparently have done nothing to strike fear
into the streetwalkers, who easily pay off the fines, which never exceed 500
baht, and are back on the street within hours.
