How big a concern is motorbike theft around Pattaya? I'm on the south end of Soi Buakao and have only street parking as an option. Being on a fairly busy street is probably a deterrant which is nice, but not if theft is rampant regardless.

I don't think it is rampant but if you have a nice bike i would have theft insurance or at least some good locks.

I think it depends a lot on the bike.

Some scooters are stolen (in general) a lot and then sold as spare parts. If you have a new scooter which is common in Thailand then your risk is not low.

If you have a boring bike which nobody else has/wants then I wouldn't worry too much.

 

And if you have something nice and fast then I would worry also what people might do to you bike even if they don't steal it. I spoke to a guy with a Ducati and when he parked somewhere someone messed around with his steering damper. That was a major problem because he didn't see it when he used the bike. Be careful!