PATTAYA, Thailand – A street brawl involving baht-bus drivers at the intersection of South Pattaya Road and Second Road on October 15 has sparked concerns among officials and residents regarding the behavior of baht bus drivers and other public transport services.
The persistent tension among the drivers has posed challenges, particularly related to the recurring issue of double parking, causing traffic obstructions, and the use of aggressive passenger-grabbing tactics. Compromise has proven elusive, resulting in ongoing inconveniences for the public.
On October 16, Pol. Col. Tanapong Poti, Superintendent of Pattaya police, convened an urgent meeting where Pol. Lt. Col. Arut Saphanon, Chief of the Traffic Division together and Rewat Jiangchin, Chairman of the Pattaya Baht-Bus Cooperative along with committee members were present. Following thorough investigations, the committee resolved that both parties must face a five-day suspension from providing their services.
The Pattaya Baht-Bus Cooperative is also contemplating penalties for other offences committed by their members, ranging from warnings to service restrictions lasting 3-7 days, based on the severity of the offenses. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to restore order within the baht-bus industry and address issues that could undermine the cooperative’s interests.
Earlier Report: Baht bus taxi drivers clash in Pattaya street brawl
