Pattaya's Pedestrian Perils: Crumbling Walkways and Traffic Chaos

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

ANALYSIS

 

Amid the glittering nightlife and bustling beach crowds, Pattaya presents a troubling reality for pedestrians. The city is marked by hazardous crossings, deteriorating footpaths, and a glaring lack of traffic enforcement, making it a perilous adventure for those on foot.

 

Pattaya, while famed for its lively atmosphere, is anything but a pedestrian paradise. The roads, more tailored for the convenience of vehicles, present a significant hazard to walkers.

 

Even controlled crossings with traffic lights fail to guarantee safety, as a surprising number of motorbikes and cars disregards the green pedestrian signal. This forces walkers to navigate cautiously, watching for reckless drivers who flout the law with astonishing regularity.

 

The situation worsens as one gets off the roads and onto the sidewalks. Footpaths in Pattaya are frequently in disrepair—punctuated with uneven surfaces and gaping holes.

 

Compounding the issue are the persistent obstructions caused by parked motorbikes and bustling street vendors, which regularly spill over onto the footpaths. Such obstacles can force pedestrians onto the roads themselves, raising risks in already traffic-heavy zones.

Cultural gaps contribute to the danger as well. Many foreign visitors, accustomed to strict pedestrian rights-of-way in their own countries, step into Pattaya traffic expecting vehicles to stop. However, in Pattaya, pedestrian priority is rarely acknowledged at crossing points, leading to potentially dangerous misunderstandings.

 

A straightforward, potential remedy could be the installation of pedestrian footbridges, similar to those that line Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok. Despite these structures proving effective elsewhere, Pattaya surprisingly lags behind in implementing such pedestrian safety measures.

 

Picture courtesy: Siam Rath

 

It raises eyebrows as to why city planning has overlooked such a crucial aspect. The local government is tasked with taking this pedestrian plight seriously.

 

Adding to the woes is the decision to reduce police presence at critical intersections. This absence of enforcement emboldens reckless conduct among drivers, placing locals and tourists alike at heightened risk. As a city that aspires to be a premier tourist destination, Pattaya must prioritise pedestrian infrastructure improvement and establish stringent enforcement of traffic laws.

 

Addressing this issue demands not only a structural overhaul of pedestrian pathways but also a cultural shift in recognising pedestrian rights.

 

Effective changes are imperative if Pattaya is to cater safely and comfortably to its visitors. For now, however, the streets tell a story of caution and survival, rather than leisure and ease, writes Pattaya Mail.

 

-- 2025-02-11

 

 

[jacko45k]

The glaring example that I can think of, and it has been present for decades, is where the Beach Rd turns sharp left to become South Pattaya Rd, at the entrance to Walking Street. The pavement vanishes, the pathway is blocked by M/C taxis, and you are in the path of heavy traffic including large coaches struggling to make the corner. It is a bit of a shambles. 

[fredwiggy]

"Many foreign visitors, accustomed to strict pedestrian rights-of-way in their own countries, step into Pattaya traffic expecting vehicles to stop. However, in Pattaya, pedestrian priority is rarely acknowledged at crossing points, leading to potentially dangerous misunderstandings."............. Yes, do they actually think we can compete with vehicles? It's being strict that saves lives. It's letting vehicles have the right of way, especially in parking lots and pedestrian crossings, that kills others.  How many more need to be mowed down before they realize life is precious?

[Gsxrnz]

"...pedestrian priority is rarely acknowledged at crossing points, leading to potentially dangerous misunderstandings."

 

Well, I suppose that's one way to describe instantaneous death. 

[steven100]

well,   nice story ....  almost put me to sleep   

 

TIT .. nothing will ever change

[ozz1]

Yes a fantastic family orientated destination roll your baby stroller down the footpath and see how far you get but we have great tourist numbers but no money to fix the footpaths

[SAFETY FIRST]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

The city is marked by hazardous crossings, deteriorating footpaths, and a glaring lack of traffic enforcement, making it a perilous adventure for those on foot.

What's all the fuss about, it's been the same for the last 25 years that I know of. 

 

If you have a disability or not the skill set to navigate the obstacles, please stay safe, remain in the west. 

 

I read about a stupid Chinese woman who refused to use the overhead walkway on the Sukhumvit, crossing the road, getting hit.....bloody idiot. 

 

[baansgr]

Foreigners come here and lose all sense of reality, walk about with their heads in the clouds..plebs the lot of them

[Woke to Sounds]

11 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Foreigners come here and lose all sense of reality

That is mainly because of the easy access to ganja.

 

You combine that with non existent footpaths and bottomless pits and it's no wonder the accidents.

 

How many foreigners the last year have fallen through the footpaths into death or injury?

 

You have to marvel at the incompetence and/or indifference of the works dept.

[jacko45k]

4 minutes ago, Woke to Sounds of Horking said:

That is mainly because of the easy access to ganja.

You might mention the widespread and pretty much 24/7 sale of alcohol too. 

[lordgrinz]

23 minutes ago, baansgr said:

Foreigners come here and lose all sense of reality, walk about with their heads in the clouds..plebs the lot of them

 

Foreigners don't come because it's a "family friendly" place, they come to get stupid drunk, maybe get high, chase after younger women (or ladyboys), and indulge all kinds of perverted fantasies. These same people go home and brag about their stay and how it's a lawless society where anything goes, then the cycle repeats itself. I mean people aren't seriously deluded into believing that Pattaya is anything more than a World Class City of Sin, right? 

[baansgr]

1 hour ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Foreigners don't come because it's a "family friendly" place, they come to get stupid drunk, maybe get high, chase after younger women (or ladyboys), and indulge all kinds of perverted fantasies. These same people go home and brag about their stay and how it's a lawless society where anything goes, then the cycle repeats itself. I mean people aren't seriously deluded into believing that Pattaya is anything more than a World Class City of Sin, right? 

Couldn't agree more..hence my post 👍 👍 👍 

[NorthernRyland]

4 hours ago, jacko45k said:

The glaring example that I can think of, and it has been present for decades, is where the Beach Rd turns sharp left to become South Pattaya Rd, at the entrance to Walking Street. The pavement vanishes, the pathway is blocked by M/C taxis, and you are in the path of heavy traffic including large coaches struggling to make the corner. It is a bit of a shambles. 

They can't figure that out but I'm sure they can handle relocating the entire capital city and millions of people. 😂

[schultzlivgthai]

Just think what they could have accomplished fixing infrastructure during Covid, I was in Pattaya a couple times and the streets were empty. But too many boys putting the money in their pockets, it will always be Pattaya. 

[superal]

This forum has spoken about the dangers of using Pattaya's footpaths many times . Certainly should carry a health warning . Not suitable for infants push chairs , invalids wheelchairs or elderly folks who have a mobility problem . Not to mention after having a few beers etc .  Vendors taking up walkway areas . Drop down kerbs of 1 foot . 

Compared with other popular holiday destinations Pattaya's walkways  are a disgrace but not the only venue in Thailand with such low standards . 

During Covid when there were very few visitors , there were opportunities to make decent , safe walking for pedestrians . Example , Beach road could have been made into a much wider walkway or promenade and still room for traffic . Pattaya needs re-modelling and made visitor friendly . Shame on the city bosses .

[khunjeff]

This doesn't sound right - I read in a TAT press release that Pattaya is a high-end family vacation paradise!

[Mike k]

4 hours ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

What's all the fuss about, it's been the same for the last 25 years that I know of. 

 

If you have a disability or not the skill set to navigate the obstacles, please stay safe, remain in the west. 

 

I read about a stupid Chinese woman who refused to use the overhead walkway on the Sukhumvit, crossing the road, getting hit.....bloody idiot. 

 

She was removed from the gene pool 

[BerndD]

This is not only the case in Pattaya.  You will find situations like this in every Thai city.

Pedestrians are the lowest class among the road participants in Thailand.

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya, while famed for its lively atmosphere, is anything but a pedestrian paradise. The roads, more tailored for the convenience of vehicles, present a significant hazard to walkers.

Pattaya is not alone in this

[rtco]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

A straightforward, potential remedy could be the installation of pedestrian footbridges

No, get those f'wits  to abide by the law. This even happens on the crossing that is directly outside Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. I make a point of stopping the ignorant #ankers by sticking out my walking stick in front of them which they don't like but at least it part of the learning curve.

[go4it]

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Pattaya presents a troubling reality for pedestrians

Pattaya Thailand presents a troubling reality for pedestrians

I fixed it for you

[Taboo2]

Such is life in Patts!

[1happykamper]

Jomtien is full of such obstacles.

 

This article could also easily describe Chiang Mai now. A terrible city to navigate on a mb or on foot 

[maingmoom]

I think you're lucky if you can find a pavement to walk on in Pattaya.

[Frankie baby]

The worst road in tourist Thailand as got to be Nanai Road Patong Phuket. The road is to narrow to start with, that compounded with no pedestrian walk-ways, motorbikes taking the inside to overtake, taxis halting the traffic & slow moving garbage trucks & buses that are to wide for the lanes to start with make it a nightmare for anyone on foot (although it doesn't seem to bother the Chinese). 

As for traffic light crossings, their a false sense of security anywhere in Thailand & the most dangerous place to cross. 

[sungod]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Foreigners don't come because it's a "family friendly" place, they come to get stupid drunk, maybe get high, chase after younger women (or ladyboys), and indulge all kinds of perverted fantasies. These same people go home and brag about their stay and how it's a lawless society where anything goes, then the cycle repeats itself. I mean people aren't seriously deluded into believing that Pattaya is anything more than a World Class City of Sin, right? 

 

Not sure the last time you visited. Granted that Soi Buakhao and walking street attract weirdos, but I dont see many families frequenting these areas, (nor do I see them in Nana or Cowboy in Bangkok come to that)

 

There's a couple massive water parks, almost every high scale hotel chain has at least 1 property, Central and Terminal 21 malls, Wongamat beach is rammed with families at the moment, numerous night markets. Even Rugby School from the UK has a sister school- so bad here that there's a waiting list to get in the school now.

 

Countless families from all over the world with professional parents working all over the eastern seaboard choose to live in the Pattaya area.

 

You may have come here to get your leg over, but there's many more who dont.

[bkk6060]

Not sure why the comments about Beach road sidewalk.  It is fairly new and may be the safest most level place to walk in town. Seems plenty wide enough also I walk it for an hour everyday with no issues.

[Kandinski]

Living in Pattaya [Phratamnak] and despite sidewalks infact are in good conditions there still a large number of tourist walking 2-3 abreast in the streets. Doubt any renovation will change that behaviour, maybe information and fines for jaywalking is what it takes.

BTW, who own the "sidewalks" that's mainly used for display of whatever?

[thecyclist]

6 hours ago, fredwiggy said:

"Many foreign visitors, accustomed to strict pedestrian rights-of-way in their own countries, step into Pattaya traffic expecting vehicles to stop. However, in Pattaya, pedestrian priority is rarely acknowledged at crossing points, leading to potentially dangerous misunderstandings."............. Yes, do they actually think we can compete with vehicles? It's being strict that saves lives. It's letting vehicles have the right of way, especially in parking lots and pedestrian crossings, that kills others.  How many more need to be mowed down before they realize life is precious?

They should have warnings at all international airports : The rule of the jungle applies on Thai roads. 

Traffic is pretty chaotic all over SEA, but Siam is the only country where cars not only fail to slow down when pedestrians try to cross, god forbid stop, but actually speed up( plus flashing and honking) to signal to any potential "crosser" to cease and desist.

[terryofcrete]

4 hours ago, lordgrinz said:

believing that Pattaya is anything more than a World Class City of Sin, right? 

Praise Be ! Lol