Motorbikes flout Pattaya’s one-way rule, locals demand action

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of Pattaya Mail

 

By Puntid Tantivangphaisal

 

Traffic in Pattaya’s bustling Buakhao area is turning into a dangerous free-for-all, as motorbikes continue to ignore one-way restrictions on Soi Honey and Soi Diana, raising serious safety concerns among residents and business owners.

 

Despite clear one-way street designations, riders are brazenly driving against the flow of traffic, creating chaos and near-miss collisions in the heart of Pattaya’s nightlife district. Locals say the lack of enforcement has turned the rule into a meaningless suggestion, putting both motorists and pedestrians at serious risk.

 

“There’s no point in having a one-way system if no one follows it. The police need to take action before someone gets seriously hurt.”

 

Many residents and business owners believe that stricter enforcement is the only solution, urging local officials to crack down on reckless riders before tragedy strikes. They are calling for heavier fines, increased police presence, and stricter traffic control measures to restore order to the streets.

 

 

The situation highlights a growing problem with traffic law enforcement in Pattaya, where violations often go unchecked. With ongoing efforts to improve road safety, local officials are now under pressure to step up and prevent further accidents before it’s too late, reported Pattaya Mail.

 

Pattaya faces ongoing traffic challenges, particularly in congested areas like Buakhao, Walking Street, and Jomtien. The rapid growth of tourism, nightlife activities, and an increasing number of vehicles contribute to serious road safety concerns.

 

Despite having traffic regulations in place, poor enforcement leads to widespread issues, including running red lights, driving on footpaths, and illegal parking. Tourists unfamiliar with Thai road rules also contribute to accidents, particularly when renting motorbikes without proper experience.

 

Heavy congestion is another major problem, particularly on Beach Road, Second Road, and Sukhumvit Road, where gridlock during peak hours is a frequent occurrence. Double parking and street vendors occupying road space further worsen the situation, making it difficult for traffic to flow smoothly.

 

Source: The Thaiger

-- 2025-01-30

 

 

[Mr Meeseeks]

Imagine if Thailand had a functioning Police force! 

[smedly]

it was a stupid idea in the first place

[jacko45k]

And again, inactive or little policing. Too busy extorting foreigners on Beach Rd who do no harm. 

[scubascuba3]

Usually the taxi bikes going the wrong way.

 

They need to hurry up and make Buakhao one way

[KhunLA]

If locals demand action (doubtful) then they could simply set up CCTV, and send to PoPo.  

 

I know if I live in Bangkok, I'd live for free, with a camera set up to get photos of folks driving on the sidewalk.  Talk about an easy money maker, better than the stock market 

 

Imm would probably ask for a work permit and TRD would be taxing all that extra income 🥵

[mikebell]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The situation highlights a growing problem with traffic law enforcement in Pattaya, where violations often go unchecked.

That's the problem.  When seat belts became mandatory in UK, the police enforced it and possibly thousands of lives have been saved over the years.  In Pattaya there are casualties daily yet there is no police presence on the roads.  It wouldn't be so bad if the cops remained in their A/C offices studying CCTV cameras, but they don't even do that.

[Mr Meeseeks]

2 hours ago, jacko45k said:

And again, inactive or little policing. Too busy extorting foreigners on Beach Rd who do no harm. 

 

They are too greedy and too lazy to do it properly. They will pay it lip service for a week then it will be all back to the normal chaos.

[Upnotover]

12 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite clear one-way street designations

As shown in the photo?  Perhaps if they wrote the message in a language the riders could read it might be more effective.

[Mr Meeseeks]

3 minutes ago, mikebell said:

That's the problem.  When seat belts became mandatory in UK, the police enforced it and possibly thousands of lives have been saved over the years.  In Pattaya there are casualties daily yet there is no police presence on the roads.  It wouldn't be so bad if the cops remained in their A/C offices studying CCTV cameras, but they don't even do that.

 

Thais have an inability to supervise or manage anything properly due to their culture of kraeng jai and the face-saving nonsense they believe in.

 

You won't change their culture in a hurry.

[Mr Meeseeks]

Just now, Upnotover said:

As shown in the photo?  Perhaps if they wrote the message in a language the riders could read it might be more effective.

 

They might have thought that it was all the fault of those nasty foreigners, as Thais never break laws, especially when on the roads. 

[bkk6060]

24 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Usually the taxi bikes going the wrong way.

 

They need to hurry up and make Buakhao one way

Add Grab while they are looking at their phones.