As promised following last month’s Bangkok bombing, police and military officials have set up new road checkpoints to tighten security in downtown Pattaya.
On Aug. 25, soldiers from the 14th Military Circle and provincial police set up a heavily manned checkpoint on Thappraya Road, stopping cars and motorbikes from Jomtien Beach headed toward tourist-heavy areas of Pattaya.
Police and military have set up extra checkpoints to curb crime and boost tourist security in Pattaya.
At the same time, Chonburi police commander Maj. Gen. Nittipong Niemnoy, Pattaya police superintendent Col Sukthat Pumpunmuang and Nongprue chief Col. Pramote Ngampradit released 100 officers and volunteers to fan out across the area for a crackdown on crime and traffic scofflaws.
The sweep came in response to calls for stricter security following the Aug. 17 bombing at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine as well as Pattaya’s chronic problems with bag snatchers and pickpockets.
Checkpoints are regularly set up along Sukhumvit Roads and major streets leading into the city, with officers checking documentation for drivers and vehicles and searching for weapons and drugs. Drug tests often are demanded.
