Pattaya’s image-polishing efforts took a dramatic turn after a street vendor’s explosive accusations exposed alleged corruption among city officers.
During a crackdown on illegal street vending near Walking Street, police arrested Nicha, a grilled squid vendor, who unleashed a fiery claim that certain officers had been extorting her for free food and bribes while turning a blind eye to her sales.
“Why are you arresting me now when your people have been taking money and food from me for months?”
The vendor, who admitted wrongdoing in the past, was ready to cooperate but demanded justice against the alleged offenders.
Pattaya City Hall sprang into action. Mayor Poramet Ngampichet and Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Reumkitcharoen met Nicha and her aunt to address the accusations yesterday, December 17.
Following discussions, it was revealed that the implicated individual wasn’t a city officer but a contracted special affairs officer hired to assist municipal operations. Officials assured the public that the culprits had been identified and pledged to prosecute them fully.
“The hiring company must take responsibility for their employees’ misconduct to protect Pattaya’s reputation,” the mayor declared in a press conference.
Nicha later apologised for causing a public uproar but maintained her stance against corruption.
“I admit my past mistakes but I was desperate to make a living. If I broke the rules, I’ll pay the fine.”
Pattaya City officials urged vendors to report any bribery attempts and promised severe punishment for corrupt practices, reported Nation TV.
With city leaders doubling down on accountability, this case sends a clear message: no one is above the law, not even those tasked with enforcing it.
ORIGINAL STORY: Grilling the corrupt: Pattaya vows to clean up squid scandal
In a sizzling showdown, the Pattaya deputy mayor has sworn to weed out corruption among city officials extorting grilled squid vendors, promising severe consequences for those found guilty.
At the crack of dawn today, December 16, Pattaya City Special Affairs officers swooped in on a group of street vendors illegally peddling their goods on Soi Pattaya Tai 15, right by the bustling entrance to Walking Street in Nongprue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Among those nabbed was 23 year old Nicha (surname withheld), a grilled squid vendor caught in the net.
Fuming yet resigned, Nicha spilled the beans to reporters, revealing her discontent over being apprehended. She alleged that some officials had been pocketing monthly fees in return for allowing her to sell in the lucrative location, with the audacity to demand free food as well.
This time, the arresting officers were a different crew from those previously on the take. Nicha accepted her fate but vowed to expose the corrupt official who leached off her, ready to finger him for a formal investigation, reported Amarin TV.
Deputy Mayor Wuttisak Reumkitcharoen minced no words about Pattaya City’s no-nonsense policy prohibiting street vending in the Walking Street area at night. He backed up the bans, citing tourists’ gripes that vendors cramp travel flow and tarnish the area’s image, tasking officials to make sure vendors toe the line.
In light of vendors’ explosive claims of money and goods extortion by crooked officials, Wuttisak has come out swinging, promising to dole out severe penalties, up to outright dismissal, if wrongdoing is verified. It’s all part of his mission to uphold fairness and polish Pattaya City’s gleaming image.
The story Squid vendor’s bribery allegation shakes Pattaya officials as seen on Thaiger News.
