In a meeting with all of
Region 2’s local police commanders, Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop ordered a
renewed crackdown to solve Pattaya’s worsening traffic.
Boonlua Chatree
During a June 26 meeting with all of Region 2’s local police
commanders, Pol. Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop ordered a renewed crackdown to
solve Pattaya’s worsening traffic by arresting bus drivers parking in
restricted areas and freeing up traffic lanes.
Pol. Gen. Wuthi also was critical of Pattaya’s many festivals, saying
they close down traffic lanes and cause paralyzing traffic.
Wuthi told Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Supathee Bungkhrong and Mayor
Itthiphol Kunplome that the city’s many festivals and parades see vendor
booths installed on sidewalks, forcing tourists to walk on the road, or
in traffic lanes themselves, causing horrific congestion.
Itthiphol specifically was asked to curb such practices to relieve
traffic jams that, even on non-festival weekends, can make commuting
even half the length of Beach or Second roads a 30-minute affair.
Wuthi also told local officials to follow through on their often-made,
seldom-enforced promises to crack down on parking scofflaws,
particularly baht, mini and tour buses. Itthiphol and other local
officials rolled out 17 bus stops and new “no parking” measures with
much fanfare this winter, but have done little to enforce them since.
The police advisor told all the regional commanders they will be
required to adhere to the five Royal Thai Police action protocols:
arrest, tow, try, jail and be courteous.
