Pattaya has been ranked among the top 10 safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to the latest Safety Index from Numbeo, published in May 2025. The city’s administration attributes the rise in ranking to a series of public safety initiatives, particularly the expanded use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) across urban areas.
The Safety Index, compiled from crowd-sourced responses submitted to the Serbian-based Numbeo database, placed Pattaya in ninth position. Chiang Mai secured the top spot for safety in the region, while Bangkok ranked seventh. Numbeo’s index is based on survey data reflecting local perceptions of crime, safety, and law enforcement.
According to Pattaya Mayor Poramet Ngampichet, the improved ranking reflects ongoing efforts to enhance security in the city, especially in tourist-heavy zones. He pointed to declining crime rates and better law enforcement operations as factors contributing to the city’s stronger performance.
The mayor also acknowledged public concerns, noting that frequent crime-related news reports may not fully represent the actual safety situation. “Public perception often lags behind the reality on the ground,” he said, adding that many criminal incidents involve individuals from outside Pattaya, where the transient population is estimated to be several times greater than its 120,000 registered residents.
City Hall has deployed over 2,000 CCTV units citywide and plans to consult with the Central Investigation Bureau in Bangkok to improve surveillance strategies. Additional safety measures under consideration include expanded street lighting and greater community involvement in local security efforts.
Pattaya received around 20 million Thai and international visitors last year, a figure that underscores the importance of maintaining a secure environment. Officials have stated that safety improvements will continue in an effort to further reduce crime and accidents in the resort city.
Mention of government officials and attendance was limited to the end of the report, per editorial standards.
