Girl’s Suitcase Corpse Case Sparks Public Outcry — Pattaya Struggles to Shed Reputation as 'Sex Capital'

Emily sits on a high stool under purple neon lights, waiting for customers at the back of a bar in Pattaya. This Thai seaside resort, notorious for its rampant sex industry, has recently become the focus of public attention once again due to a shocking murder case.

AFP reported on the 3rd that this sex worker, respectfully called 'Mama' by other 'bar girls', came to Pattaya more than 20 years ago, but to this day, she remains extremely cautious with every encounter.

"I'm still alive because I know how to be careful," she told AFP.

Last weekend, just a few days after a 17-year-old Thai girl arrived in Pattaya, her naked, bruised body was found in a suitcase near a railway track. Shortly after, a 45-year-old Australian man was arrested at Bangkok airport while attempting to leave the country and was later charged with murder.

Emily said she was not surprised.

Over the years, she has witnessed several similar murders, but none have seemed to deter the young women who flock from rural areas to Pattaya for a living. “They see videos on TikTok and think it's easy money here.”

“But you need to take the time to figure out how things work here, and learn how to communicate with customers. It's not easy. Reality is a whole different thing.”

Building a More Diverse Image

Under the lights of Pattaya's Soi 6, one of its red-light districts, hundreds of scantily clad girls in high heels stand in two rows, forming a somewhat vulgar 'welcoming committee'. Some of the girls look very young.

Pattaya was once a quiet fishing village. In the 1960s, it transformed during the Vietnam War, when American soldiers on leave began to come here for leisure and entertainment. Since then, this seaside destination, just a two-hour drive from Bangkok, has become one of the world's centers for sex tourism.

Now, Pattaya is trying to shed this image.

Pattaya's newly re-elected Mayor, Poramet Ngampichet, said, "Of course, everyone thinks this city is only about entertainment and nightlife,"

"But in fact, in the past four years, we have been trying to diversify."

He said the city has been working to transform itself by hosting major sports and cultural events (such as the 'Tomorrowland' music festival) and promoting more family-friendly and wellness activities.

Damien Join, a Belgian owner of a small bar, said: "They really are trying to improve the image here, making it safer and more inclusive."

“Security patrols are frequent. Anytime there is the slightest commotion, they quickly resolve the situation.”

Deep-Rooted Reputation

In a quiet corner far from the brightly lit tourist center, the Health & Opportunity Network has been supporting sex workers for about 15 years. The organization has no illusions about fundamental changes happening here.

Staff member Orawan said: "Pattaya actually has many kinds of tourism. The beaches are beautiful, and there are water parks, attractions, and zoos."

“But with a reputation built up over 40 to 50 years, visitors from around the world know exactly what they come to Pattaya to experience.”

He believes, "This place is essentially still a center for sex tourism."

In Thailand, prostitution is illegal by law, but it is vital to Pattaya's economy. The city and surrounding area have a combined population of more than 300,000.

For many women with no way out, it is a lifeline—one where the money they earn on these streets can be up to ten times the Thai average wage.

Ann, a 37-year-old sex worker from western Thailand, came to Pattaya 10 years ago to escape 'debts, drugs, and all sorts of problems that forced me to leave home.'

"Most people who come to Pattaya have hit rock bottom," said the former hairdresser.

She said the recent brutal murder is unlikely to change anything. “Negative news about Pattaya is like Thai fermented fish sauce—no matter how strong the smell when you open the jar, people still come back after.”