Anyone who spends any time in Pattaya, either ex-pat, Thai National or tourist will know that the ladyboys on Beach Road can be a right royal pain in the backside. The troubles (allegations) range from minor harassment to more serious offences such as drugging, assault and theft.

However, for once, I feel really sorry for them.
Recently a whole bundle of ladyboys (is that a gaggle of or a handbag of) were rounded up, arrested and taken to the police station on Soi 9. So what you probably ask? “Good” a few others might say! However get this;

They were all fined 200 baht and then duly released. The police officer in charge of the round up then made the following comment:-

“as they had not committed any crime we could only fine them 200 baht”

WTF????

I guess it reinforces the widely held view that ladyboys are regarded as the lowest of the low in Pattaya but fining anyone for NOT committing a crime has to take the biscuit. Ladyboys might well be in “low esteem” here but what does this do for the credibility of the police, the law and the law enforcers?

I leave you to decide - comments welcome!