PATTAYA, Thailand – Many expats living in Pattaya have little faith in the local traffic police when it comes to managing road congestion and maintaining order on sidewalks. While occasional crackdowns on illegal parking, reckless driving, and street vendors blocking footpaths do happen, they are often short-lived and ineffective in bringing about lasting change.
One of the biggest frustrations is the inconsistency in enforcement. Authorities may launch temporary operations to clear sidewalks or control traffic flow, but within days, things tend to revert to their chaotic state. Motorbikes continue to use sidewalks as shortcuts, double parking remains rampant, and traffic congestion worsens without proper intervention.
Another issue is the selective enforcement of rules. While some motorists are fined for minor infractions, others seem to get away with blatant violations. This lack of uniformity fuels skepticism among expats, many of whom believe that traffic management in Pattaya is more about periodic public relations efforts rather than long-term solutions.
As one observer put it: “Give it one week and it will be back to normal 555.” This sentiment reflects the common belief that any attempts at order are temporary at best, and that the city’s traffic woes will continue as usual.
Without consistent enforcement, better planning, and a real commitment to long-term improvements, confidence in Pattaya’s traffic police will remain low among both expats and locals alike.
