(Pattaya, 5th) Thailand's resort destination Pattaya last week saw the murder of a 17-year-old girl whose body was found hidden in a suitcase, putting this world-renowned seaside city back in the international spotlight.
The murdered girl had only arrived in Pattaya for a few days before her battered, naked body was discovered stuffed in a suitcase in the grass beside the railway. Thai police subsequently arrested a 45-year-old Australian man at Bangkok International Airport and charged him with multiple offenses, including murder and concealing a corpse.
Despite the horrific nature of this suitcase murder, there is scarcely a hint of panic in Pattaya, often dubbed the 'City of Sex.'
Emily, a sex worker waiting for clients under the neon lights of Pattaya’s Walking Street, said she was not surprised at all. Having worked in Pattaya for over 20 years, she has witnessed several similar murders. Nonetheless, these incidents seem to do little to stop girls from rural areas from coming to Pattaya to make a living.
Despite the horrific nature of this suitcase murder, there is scarcely a hint of panic in Pattaya, often dubbed the 'City of Sex.'
Emily, a sex worker waiting for clients under the neon lights of Pattaya’s Walking Street, said she was not surprised at all. Having worked in Pattaya for over 20 years, she has witnessed several similar murders. Nonetheless, these incidents seem to do little to stop girls from rural areas from coming to Pattaya to make a living.
Emily said, "These girls watch TikTok videos and believe it's easy to make big money here. But understanding how the business works and how to communicate with clients takes time. It's not easy—reality is often very different from what they imagine."
Pattaya is just a two-hour drive from the capital city Bangkok. Once a tranquil fishing village, it developed into a popular tourist spot in the 1960s, when it began hosting American soldiers seeking rest and recreation during the Vietnam War. Over the past few decades, it has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s top tourist centers.
Pattaya is just a two-hour drive from the capital city Bangkok. Once a tranquil fishing village, it developed into a popular tourist spot in the 1960s, when it began hosting American soldiers seeking rest and recreation during the Vietnam War. Over the past few decades, it has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s top tourist centers.
In recent years, local authorities have tried hard to rid Pattaya of its image as the 'City of Sex.' Newly re-elected mayor Poramet Ngampichet said, "People all think this city is synonymous with entertainment and nightlife, but in fact, over the past four years we've been working to diversify the city."
Poramet pointed out that Pattaya is striving to reshape its image by hosting large sports and cultural events like the 'Tomorrowland' music festival, as well as promoting more family-friendly and healthy activities.
Jon, a Belgian bar and restaurant owner in Pattaya, said: "They are indeed working to improve the image here, making it safer and more pleasant. Security personnel now patrol frequently, and whenever there's any minor disturbance, it is quickly resolved."
The Health and Opportunity Network, an organization that has supported sex workers for about 15 years, does not expect that government efforts will bring about fundamental change.
Staff member Orawan said, "Pattaya actually offers all kinds of tourism services. The beaches are beautiful, there are water parks, attractions, and zoos. But owing to a reputation deeply entrenched over the last four or five decades, tourists from all over the world know why they come here—Pattaya is mainly a sex tourism destination."
Prostitution is illegal in Thailand, but it is crucial to Pattaya's economy. For many women facing bleak futures, it is nothing short of a lifeline, as their earnings can amount to ten times the average Thai wage.
Ann, a sex worker who arrived in Pattaya 10 years ago to escape hardship, said the shocking suitcase murder won't change anything. "News about Pattaya is like salted fish—no matter how pungent the smell when you open the can, people will still come back."