PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya, a bustling tourist city known for its vibrant nightlife and busy streets, presents unique challenges when it comes to pedestrian safety. While zebra crossings are marked across various parts of the city, trusting them completely can be risky.
The Reality of Pedestrian Crossings in Pattaya
Unlike in some countries where drivers strictly obey pedestrian crossings, in Pattaya, and much of Thailand, these crossings are often treated more as guidelines rather than rules. Many drivers, including motorbikes, cars, and baht buses (songthaews), do not always stop for pedestrians, even when crossings are clearly marked.
Why Are Crossings Unreliable?
Driver Behavior: Many local drivers are accustomed to prioritizing traffic flow over pedestrian safety. While some may slow down, others might not stop unless pedestrians assertively step onto the crossing.
Lack of Enforcement: Traffic laws regarding pedestrian crossings exist but are not always strictly enforced, leading to inconsistent driver behavior.
Heavy Traffic: Popular areas like Beach Road, Second Road, and Sukhumvit Road experience high vehicle volumes, making crossings difficult, especially during peak hours.
Motorbikes and Songthaews: Even if cars stop, motorbikes and songthaews (baht-buses) might continue moving, posing an extra hazard for pedestrians.
How to Cross Safely in Pattaya
Don’t Assume Cars Will Stop: Even at designated crossings, always check for oncoming traffic.
Make Eye Contact with Drivers: If possible, ensure a driver sees you before stepping onto the road.
Use Traffic Lights Where Available: Crosswalks with pedestrian signals, such as those on Pattaya Beach Road, provide a safer option.
Be Extra Cautious at Night: Visibility is lower, and some drivers may not expect pedestrians crossing.
While pedestrian crossings exist in Pattaya, relying on them blindly can be dangerous. Always remain alert, use caution, and never assume that vehicles will stop automatically. If you’re a visitor, be mindful that road culture here differs from some Western countries, and a defensive approach to crossing the street is the safest strategy.
