Transport Pattaya Gridlock Sparks Urgent Transport Solutions

[snoop1130]

Photo courtesy of THAIest

 

Pattaya finds itself in the grip of worsening traffic congestion, fuelling frustration among locals and visitors alike. The city, a key tourist destination, is urgently seeking solutions as its outdated transport system buckles under the pressure.

 

Central to discussions is the long-postponed Monorail Green Line project, part of a proposed tram-style light rail network aimed at easing the city’s chronic gridlock.

 

Yesterday, Mayor Poramet Ngampichet led a crucial meeting at City Hall to push forward this critical initiative. The meeting comes amid growing demands for action, as residents express their mounting frustration.

 

“The traffic situation is unbearable. We need real solutions now, not more delays,” voiced one exasperated commuter. “It’s impacting daily life and tarnishing Pattaya’s image as a leading tourist hub.”

 

The Green Line, part of Pattaya’s smart transport master plan, is one of three proposed routes. Stretching for 9 kilometres, it intends to connect Pattaya Train Station to Bali Hai Cape via key thoroughfares such as North Pattaya Road and Thappraya Intersection.

 

In addition to the Green Line, the Red Line will span 8.2 kilometres, reaching Bali Hai Pier via Beach Road, while the Purple Line is set to link major routes including Third Road. All lines aim to integrate vital areas like the motorway and tourist attractions.

 

However, progress has been stalled by disputes over land acquisition. Residents have resisted the city’s plans, delaying the crucial environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. The city now plans to ramp up negotiations to resolve these issues and advance the project.

 

Concerns grow as neighbouring regions implement modern transport solutions.

 

“Malaysia’s smaller cities like Penang already have modern train systems,” warned a local business owner. “If Pattaya doesn’t act quickly, we’ll fall behind.”

Others fear construction could exacerbate road conditions, disrupt utilities, and wreak havoc on local bus routes. Accessibility also remains a major issue, with calls for lifts and facilities to accommodate tourists with luggage. Long staircases are deemed impractical and exclusionary.

 

Despite these challenges, Mayor Poramet emphasised his administration's commitment to the project.

 

“We’re dedicated to seeing this through. A modern transport system is key to transforming Pattaya into a genuine smart city.”

 

For now, Pattaya's future remains uncertain, poised precariously between traffic chaos and transformative progress. The urgency for an effective solution grows ever more pressing as the city seeks to maintain its status as a premier tourist destination.

 

Costs for these infrastructure projects could impact the local economy, potentially exceeding billions of Thai Baht, but the hope is that such investment will pay off by alleviating congestion and enhancing the city's appeal.

 

As negotiations continue, residents and stakeholders await tangible movement. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Pattaya's transport dreams can finally come to fruition.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-01

 

[angryguy]

Would be better if they did nothing and allowed people to leave due to frustration. Too many people

[Jingthing]

You could have seen this coming 20 years ago.

Now they're just still talking. 

Not a lot of space for optimism. 

[redwood1]

What is this now the 8th  9th  10th  11th  12th 13th Study in the last 20 years on getting a tram, trolly, or Monorail in Pattaya........They have already made many many millions of dollars off these studies...

 

 

[jacko45k]

Tell  me about it.... couldn't get out onto Hwy 36 last night!

[mikebell]

The annual railway feasibility scam; the bi-annual Railway road repairs; the daily lack of policing; the hourly stupidity of selfish drivers who log-jam every junction; all contribute to the mayhem.

[Gsxrnz]

Roundabouts are the obvious solution to Pattaya's traffic woes. Nothing could possibly go wrong.