Jomtien Beach Road: Controversy Over One-Way Changes

[webfact]

 

Pattaya, Thailand– The tranquil shores of Jomtien Beach have long been a haven for residents seeking a quieter alternative to bustling Pattaya. However, recent changes to the road system have left many locals frustrated and divided.

The One-Way Dilemma

Starting from March 1st, Jomtien Beach Road started an ambitious beach area construction project. The stretch from the Dongtan Beach police box to the Chaiyapreuk intersection was transformed into a one-way street for at least eighteen months.

 

While this decision aimed to enhance the beachfront experience, it has sparked heated debates among residents. It also led to confusion and, to be fair, many people not following the new rules unless police were present.

 

Tourists vs. Locals

The heart of the issue lies in the clash between what tourists desire and what long-time residents value. Jomtien has traditionally been known for its tranquility, attracting expats seeking a peaceful lifestyle away from the vibrant chaos of central Pattaya. However, the expansion of Na Jomtien Beach and subsequent influx of tourists have altered the landscape.

 

The Beach Expansion

The restoration of the once-eroded Na Jomtien Beach was a necessary step. The new beach attracted both domestic Thai tourists and international visitors, boosting the local economy.

 

By Adam Judd

 

Full story: THE PATTAYA NEWS 2024-03-04

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

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[flyingtlger]

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

It also led to confusion and, to be fair, many people not following the new rules unless police were present.

Nothing new.

This happens every day in Thailand...

[mushroomdave]

When I first read this 1-way system was going to be implemented, all I said was:

 

[arick]

The whole area there's a mess soon as they're filling in one pothole the whole area closes down for traffic.

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The One-Way Dilemma

I'm sure The locals will find another way.

[IAMHERE]

The side streets should also be no parking while being used as one ways. Also, no parking on Beach Road east side.

[Gsxrnz]

My favorite new pastime is watching Thais reverse park on the right hand side of the road.

[carumego]

quite environment !!!  Are u joking ? 

[SAFETY FIRST]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

not following the new rules unless police were present

I was down there yesterday afternoon, having few beers, opposite VT 8.

 

The cops were asking cars and bikes to turn around, that were going the wrong way, no fines. 

 

The cops in Oz would make a meal out of all the tosses driving the wrong way, writing heaps of tickets. 

[mikebell]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

many people not following the new rules unless police were present

So never?

[Nickcage49]

What BS. Making that road one way is just asking for problems and serious accidents.

[Guderian]

2 hours ago, carumego said:

quite environment !!!  Are u joking ? 

 

Yes, it makes you wonder what kind of an uninhabitable Hell-hole "the vibrant chaos of central Pattaya" has become, lol.

[smedly]

never ever seen a traffic problem on Jomtien Beach Rd 

 

why are they creating one ?

[KhunBENQ]

6 hours ago, hotchilli said:

I'm sure The locals will find another way.

Don't expect one single motorbike taxi rider, delivery rider etc. to follow the rules at least for the connecting Sois.

 

 

[AndyAndyAndy]

What about cleaning the sea water? Disgusting swamp. 

[QuantumQuandry]

57 minutes ago, smedly said:

never ever seen a traffic problem on Jomtien Beach Rd 

 

why are they creating one ?

 

Easier to create a temporary problem and fix it, than fix real problems?

 

Or maybe it's a test run for Bukhao, which may or may not be an actual problem.

[Seppius]

Going to be a 3/4 year project.

 

The whole charm of Jomtien is the way it is at the moment, I bet they start ripping up all those loverly trees

[Roo Island]

1 hour ago, smedly said:

never ever seen a traffic problem on Jomtien Beach Rd 

 

why are they creating one ?

Agreed. But terrible from Chaiyaphruek to the end. Small road with lots of big busses.

[Fujionrye]

Beach road boardwalk is really wide and can easily accommodate all those scooters going the wrong way. 

[hotandsticky]

7 hours ago, QuantumQuandry said:

 

Easier to create a temporary problem and fix it, than fix real problems?

 

Or maybe it's a test run for Bukhao, which may or may not be an actual problem.

 

 

Most definitely, Buakhao is a problem.

[hotandsticky]

9 hours ago, Nickcage49 said:

What BS. Making that road one way is just asking for problems and serious accidents.

 

 

Because drivers are stupid?

[hotandsticky]

7 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Don't expect one single motorbike taxi rider, delivery rider etc. to follow the rules at least for the connecting Sois.

 

 

 

 

I drove along Beach Road in the right hand lane today.

 

I only encountered two oncoming cars.

[jacko45k]

18 hours ago, Nickcage49 said:

What BS. Making that road one way is just asking for problems and serious accidents.

It is what has been done in nearby Pattaya.....

Sadly I think they simply look to repeat the lucrative construction projects that went on there too. 

[Fat is a type of crazy]

Does anyone know when this will be completed and the road return to 2 ways. Thinking of booking a hotel a fair way down beach road in September and October but may not if one way traffic continues. Thanks. 

[Banana7]

In 2 years, 2026 is the planned completion date, subject to change.