Ironically, officials stop traffic to launch
their latest attempt to clear traffic in Pattaya.
Veechan Souksi
Area officials are promising again to crack down on traffic and
parking violators, erecting bus stops along Beach Road and threatening
to fine any bus or taxi not using them.
Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai, Banglamung District Chief Sakchai Taengho
and Pattaya Deputy Mayor Ronakit Ekasingh met Jan. 8 to announce the new
scheme, which calls for 17 yellow-and-white stopping zones for tour
buses, baht buses and taxis.
“It’s time to put a stop to all this nonsense,’ Khomsan said of
Pattaya’s chronic traffic problems. “No more double parking and ignoring
the rules will be permitted. As we all know Pattaya is becoming more
popular every year and our tourism market has been gradually increasing.
It’s time to give Pattaya a new look and be a good example for
tourists.”
Double-parking and stopping in red-and-white “no parking” zones will be
specifically targeted, especially tour buses that often act as if they
have a license to stop anywhere.
“The same rules will apply to residents who often park in the middle of
the road to quickly purchase something … and cause a major traffic jam,”
the governor said. “People who don’t follow the rules and park in the
particular spots provided will now be fined immediately. Pattaya has
also installed many CCTV cameras in various places to record vehicles
parking in restricted areas and holding up the traffic. Now let’s see if
they still break the rules.”
The yellow stop zones are located near Beach Road’s popular shopping,
entertainment and hotel destinations and are spaced 4-8 minutes apart,
officials said.
“By putting a stop to selfish parking, traffic problems should be
alleviated,” Khomsan said. “We may not see the results today but I’m
sure that someday this will be a big accomplishment.”
