Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya’s chaotic streets are on the verge of change as city police and transport authorities have united to tackle rogue taxis, illegal ride-hailing apps, and persistent traffic jams.

 

On Monday, 18th August, key officials converged at Pattaya City Police Station’s Operations Centre for a decisive meeting on transport reform. The session was co-chaired by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phanuphong Nimsuwan, Traffic Inspector, and Watcharapong Phromchatree, Transport Operations Officer from the Chon Buri Transport Office.

 

Joining them were leaders from Pattaya’s largest transport cooperatives, including Thongchai Sukkhokjai of Pattaya Cooperative Transport, Supachai Phuengprapha of Bo Thong Taxi Cooperative, and Jarun Thongsri of Pattaya Dolphin Taxi Cooperative, along with senior traffic police officers.

 

The primary focus was to address the city’s clogged streets by ensuring all public transport operators, from baht buses and traditional taxis to ride-hailing services, comply with the law.

 

A critical issue highlighted was the rise of unregistered app-based drivers. New regulations, published in the Royal Gazette, mandate that by October, all ride-hailing drivers, whether in cars or on motorbikes, must register as public service vehicles and possess valid public driving licences.

 

“The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, stop illegal services, and restore order to Pattaya’s roads,” emphasised the officials.

 

Following the meeting, joint teams of traffic police and transport authorities launched unexpected roadside inspections at Central Pattaya Beach along Second Road. Officers scrutinised driving licences, vehicle registrations, and cracked down on cars obstructing traffic or parked illegally.

 

The results revealed numerous app-based drivers operating without proper registration as “electronic hire vehicles (R.Y. 18)” or lacking necessary licences. Rather than imposing immediate penalties, officers opted to issue warnings, provide guidance, and urge drivers to register through the Department of Land Transport’s website.

 

Officials are also promoting a shift towards eco-friendly travel. Electric taxis and baht buses, from brands like Toyota, DYD, MG, and AION, were showcased as safer, greener alternatives.

 

Police have emphasised that app-based drivers must comply swiftly or face stricter enforcement once the October deadline hits. Leaders from transport cooperatives also stressed the importance of working together to create a modern, legal, and environmentally conscious transport system for Pattaya.

 

In this push for reform, the city aims not only to ease congestion but also to build a sustainable and orderly transport environment that benefits residents and tourists alike.

 

In an area where traffic problems have long plagued both locals and visitors, these efforts to crack down on rogue operations and promote legal compliance are a welcome initiative. For tourists and locals navigating Pattaya’s vibrant—but often congested—streets, the coming months promise smoother and greener journeys.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-20

 

The family resort??....been in Thailand 25 yrs +....and this place is still a s*** hole!

56 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

A critical issue highlighted was the rise of unregistered app-based drivers

 

These App drivers are one of the few pluses in the last 10 years of transport issues. By breaking up the cartel of the taxi mafia they provide a better, more luxurious experience. 

 

If they don't want the App drivers around, then provide incentives of better public transport to their users. This would include severe penalties for fare-hiking, easy complaint procedures and better quality public vehicles.

How about making the regular taxis using the meter ??

57 minutes ago, Gaccha said:

By breaking up the cartel of the taxi mafia they provide a better, more luxurious experience. 

 

Challenge the taxi mafia. How dare ye. 

Bolt is the best thing to happen to Pattaya in years!!

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Pattaya’s chaotic streets are on the verge of change as city police and transport authorities have united to tackle rogue taxis, illegal ride-hailing apps, and persistent traffic jams.

I'll believe it when it happens.

14 hours ago, pattjock said:

How about making the regular taxis using the meter ??

Totally agree.  How many Taximeter cabs have working meters?  It's bad enough in Bangkok but at least there's the odd prosecution.  I can only remember one such here over 20 years ago.

2 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I'll believe it when it happens.

Don't be holding your breath.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

 

Joining them were leaders from Pattaya’s largest transport cooperatives, including Thongchai Sukkhokjai of Pattaya Cooperative Transport, Supachai Phuengprapha of Bo Thong Taxi Cooperative, and Jarun Thongsri of Pattaya Dolphin Taxi Cooperative, along with senior traffic police officers.

Yes its for safety and blablabla...................555

 

you look whos joiningthe Police ...................555

 

they fight for the status of  overpriced and sheeting taxis , the best thing was happening here the  APPS, i apreciate everytime  and not sorry about any taxi , they had their chance.

32 minutes ago, LALes said:

Bolt is the best thing to happen to Pattaya in years!!

 

Yes because it is so cheap, but the prices are unrealistic cheap, and sure it can't last.

 

For example, I live 16.4km from where Pattaya klang road joins Sukhumvith.

If I order a Bolt car from my place to Soi Buakow, which easily adds another 2km to that distance, the price is 128 baht.

So for that trip the driver has to drive about 36km, because he has to come pick me up and then take me to Pattaya.

Or if he lives near my place, he has to take me to Pattaya, and then return home, because Bolt drivers don't have a stationary location like regular taxis.

That trip will set him back at least 30 minutes (come pick up and drive to Pattaya)

He not only has to count the cost of fuel, but also wear and tear of his car, and the purchase price of the car and insurance.

He probably also has to pay a percentage of the 128 baht as a fee to Bolt.

 

Maybe some genius can explain to me how he doesn't lose money on that trip

2 minutes ago, lapamita said:

Yes its for safety and blablabla...................555

 

you look whos joiningthe Police ...................555

 

they fight for the status of  overpriced and sheeting taxis , the best thing was happening here the  APPS, i apreciate everytime  and not sorry about any taxi , they had their chance.

Agree. the apps are cheaper and safer for locals as well as tourists. Unfortunately the taxi mafia will never allow them to gain traction and if a app driver is caught in an area where the mafia operates, they have usually been attacked or provoked by the taxi mafia drivers. 

Now though, it seems the police will make new laws that will make it more difficult for the trusted app based drivers to do. Somehow, the logic they use to implement these new rules does not quite add up, rather it makes the taxi mafia get more customers since they already have the proper plaques and licenses (well, some do anyway). 

15 hours ago, Gaccha said:

 

These App drivers are one of the few pluses in the last 10 years of transport issues. By breaking up the cartel of the taxi mafia they provide a better, more luxurious experience. 

 

If they don't want the App drivers around, then provide incentives of better public transport to their users. This would include severe penalties for fare-hiking, easy complaint procedures and better quality public vehicles.

Get rid of motorcycle taxis instead 

15 hours ago, ChrisY1 said:

The family resort??....been in Thailand 25 yrs +....and this place is still a s*** hole!

 

Family friendly destination.

AKA the sex industry capital of this kingdom.

 

19 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

Yes because it is so cheap, but the prices are unrealistic cheap, and sure it can't last.

 

For example, I live 16.4km from where Pattaya klang road joins Sukhumvith.

If I order a Bolt car from my place to Soi Buakow, which easily adds another 2km to that distance, the price is 128 baht.

So for that trip the driver has to drive about 36km, because he has to come pick me up and then take me to Pattaya.

Or if he lives near my place, he has to take me to Pattaya, and then return home, because Bolt drivers don't have a stationary location like regular taxis.

That trip will set him back at least 30 minutes (come pick up and drive to Pattaya)

He not only has to count the cost of fuel, but also wear and tear of his car, and the purchase price of the car and insurance.

He probably also has to pay a percentage of the 128 baht as a fee to Bolt.

 

Maybe some genius can explain to me how he doesn't lose money on that trip

Who cares as long as you get the ride and he does not talk.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of The Pattaya News

 

Pattaya’s chaotic streets are on the verge of change as city police and transport authorities have united to tackle rogue taxis, illegal ride-hailing apps, and persistent traffic jams.

 

On Monday, 18th August, key officials converged at Pattaya City Police Station’s Operations Centre for a decisive meeting on transport reform. The session was co-chaired by Police Lieutenant Colonel Phanuphong Nimsuwan, Traffic Inspector, and Watcharapong Phromchatree, Transport Operations Officer from the Chon Buri Transport Office.

 

Joining them were leaders from Pattaya’s largest transport cooperatives, including Thongchai Sukkhokjai of Pattaya Cooperative Transport, Supachai Phuengprapha of Bo Thong Taxi Cooperative, and Jarun Thongsri of Pattaya Dolphin Taxi Cooperative, along with senior traffic police officers.

 

The primary focus was to address the city’s clogged streets by ensuring all public transport operators, from baht buses and traditional taxis to ride-hailing services, comply with the law.

 

A critical issue highlighted was the rise of unregistered app-based drivers. New regulations, published in the Royal Gazette, mandate that by October, all ride-hailing drivers, whether in cars or on motorbikes, must register as public service vehicles and possess valid public driving licences.

 

“The aim is to reduce traffic congestion, stop illegal services, and restore order to Pattaya’s roads,” emphasised the officials.

 

Following the meeting, joint teams of traffic police and transport authorities launched unexpected roadside inspections at Central Pattaya Beach along Second Road. Officers scrutinised driving licences, vehicle registrations, and cracked down on cars obstructing traffic or parked illegally.

 

The results revealed numerous app-based drivers operating without proper registration as “electronic hire vehicles (R.Y. 18)” or lacking necessary licences. Rather than imposing immediate penalties, officers opted to issue warnings, provide guidance, and urge drivers to register through the Department of Land Transport’s website.

 

Officials are also promoting a shift towards eco-friendly travel. Electric taxis and baht buses, from brands like Toyota, DYD, MG, and AION, were showcased as safer, greener alternatives.

 

Police have emphasised that app-based drivers must comply swiftly or face stricter enforcement once the October deadline hits. Leaders from transport cooperatives also stressed the importance of working together to create a modern, legal, and environmentally conscious transport system for Pattaya.

 

In this push for reform, the city aims not only to ease congestion but also to build a sustainable and orderly transport environment that benefits residents and tourists alike.

 

In an area where traffic problems have long plagued both locals and visitors, these efforts to crack down on rogue operations and promote legal compliance are a welcome initiative. For tourists and locals navigating Pattaya’s vibrant—but often congested—streets, the coming months promise smoother and greener journeys.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-08-20

 

 

Why only Pattaya? There's some scammers here in Bangkok

15 hours ago, pattjock said:

How about making the regular taxis using the meter ??

Good one!!!!😆

Well, if you want to maintain "safety" in the "family resort" then you might want to clear out all those clowns in brown little, usually one number too small, uniforms with (fake officer number)  helmets, sunglasses and face masks to absolutely ensure that there is no identification possible. 

If the (good and clear) law would be enforced by the letter then you could start talking about better safety. Start with moving all those illegal motorbike parkings on public roads, clear up the ladies of the third gender along the beach road and throw them into a slammer for six to twelve months, enforce parking and driving laws which would pour in billions of Baht for a short time until the last of the chosen people of Siam would have understood, that there is a set of laws to be adhered to. 

Just my little unimportant grain of salt ....... 

2 hours ago, CallumWK said:

That trip will set him back at least 30 minutes

I would allow far longer than this for such a trip, due to the traffic! 

18 hours ago, pattjock said:

How about making the regular taxis using the meter ??

, it is a law in Thailand for taxis to use the meter. Taxis in Thailand are legally required to use the meter when picking up passengers, and they should not refuse a fare if they are available. 

While the law mandates meter usage, some taxi drivers in Thailand, particularly in tourist areas and at night, may try to negotiate a fixed fare, which is often higher than the metered rate. This practice is a common scam targeting tourists. 

5 hours ago, LALes said:

Bolt is the best thing to happen to Pattaya in years!!

 

Absolutely!

5 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Yes because it is so cheap, but the prices are unrealistic cheap, and sure it can't last.

 

For example, I live 16.4km from where Pattaya klang road joins Sukhumvith.

If I order a Bolt car from my place to Soi Buakow, which easily adds another 2km to that distance, the price is 128 baht.

So for that trip the driver has to drive about 36km, because he has to come pick me up and then take me to Pattaya.

Or if he lives near my place, he has to take me to Pattaya, and then return home, because Bolt drivers don't have a stationary location like regular taxis.

That trip will set him back at least 30 minutes (come pick up and drive to Pattaya)

He not only has to count the cost of fuel, but also wear and tear of his car, and the purchase price of the car and insurance.

He probably also has to pay a percentage of the 128 baht as a fee to Bolt.

 

Maybe some genius can explain to me how he doesn't lose money on that trip

Because you give him a decent tip?

6 hours ago, LALes said:

Bolt is the best thing to happen to Pattaya in years!!

Hua Hin also

21 hours ago, CallumWK said:

 

Yes because it is so cheap, but the prices are unrealistic cheap, and sure it can't last.

 

For example, I live 16.4km from where Pattaya klang road joins Sukhumvith.

If I order a Bolt car from my place to Soi Buakow, which easily adds another 2km to that distance, the price is 128 baht.

So for that trip the driver has to drive about 36km, because he has to come pick me up and then take me to Pattaya.

Or if he lives near my place, he has to take me to Pattaya, and then return home, because Bolt drivers don't have a stationary location like regular taxis.

That trip will set him back at least 30 minutes (come pick up and drive to Pattaya)

He not only has to count the cost of fuel, but also wear and tear of his car, and the purchase price of the car and insurance.

He probably also has to pay a percentage of the 128 baht as a fee to Bolt.

 

Maybe some genius can explain to me how he doesn't lose money on that trip

So what ? That his job he has to serve you. He choose. Driving a car is not rare. They re so many of them

Logic suggests that the individuals using any vehicle-for-hire service will still want to make their intended trip, regardless of which entity controls the hire services.

 

Therefore, assuming a free market and no price interference, there will always be the same number and variety of vehicles on the road as there was ever going to be. 

 

This is all about who gets the money. 

 

 

On 8/20/2025 at 6:23 PM, pattjock said:

How about making the regular taxis using the meter ??

A taxi using a meter in Pattaya???? I sat in a taxi on my last trip in Pattaya at traffic lights for more than ten minutes without even moving. A big factor in that was parked cars.

22 hours ago, Gsxrnz said:

Logic suggests that the individuals using any vehicle-for-hire service will still want to make their intended trip, regardless of which entity controls the hire services.

 

Therefore, assuming a free market and no price interference, there will always be the same number and variety of vehicles on the road as there was ever going to be. 

 

This is all about who gets the money. 

 

 

I have also always had a preference for dealing with Grab, then Bolt on their apps, rather than the taxi mafia that was an alternative. Can't get the latter to even consider putting their meter on, whereas the apps present a low price even before booking. 

On 8/20/2025 at 5:08 PM, ChrisY1 said:

The family resort??....been in Thailand 25 yrs +....and this place is still a s*** hole!

But it was'nt Until You Arrived !!

On 8/20/2025 at 5:35 PM, Gaccha said:

 

These App drivers are one of the few pluses in the last 10 years of transport issues. By breaking up the cartel of the taxi mafia they provide a better, more luxurious experience. 

 

If they don't want the App drivers around, then provide incentives of better public transport to their users. This would include severe penalties for fare-hiking, easy complaint procedures and better quality public vehicles.

If police were serious they would not issue warnings, I have used private taxis from hotels and find them cheap and very polite