Pattaya’s baht buses are to get a much-needed safety upgrade.
Chonburi deputy commander, Pol. Col. Trairong Piewphun kicked off the Safe Pattaya Baht Bus Project May 21 at Pattaya School No. 8.
A brainchild of Pattaya police and Pattaya Transport Cooperative, the project is aimed at safeguarding tourists and residents from both poor drivers and thieves.
Pattaya superintendent Pol. Col. Sukthat Pumpunmuang said the purpose of the Safe Baht Bus Project is to train taxi drivers to drive safely, and protect passengers and their valuables.
Pattaya’s baht buses are to get a much-needed safety upgrade, and baht buses that join the program will get a sticker to display prominently on their vehicles.
He said safety nets will be installed on the now-open sides of the pickup-truck taxis to protect people and their belongings. The police chief is confident it will create a sense of security for visitors and residents of Pattaya.
Countless passengers have gold jewelry snatched from the necks by thieves on motorbikes as they sat in the back of the songthaews. Roaming gangs of transvestite pickpockets also target tourists riding in the back of the baht buses.
Sukthat stated that all baht buses that join the program will get a sticker to display prominently on their vehicles.
Trairong added that more than 200 taxis have joined the program and begun making improvements to their vehicles. He will ensure that every baht bus in Pattaya will take part in this project.
