PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya Beach, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, is often crowded with people enjoying the sun, sand, and sea. However, the beach walkways, designed for pedestrians, have become a hazardous zone due to the increasing number of motorbikes illegally driving on them. This violation of traffic laws is not only dangerous but also a growing concern for both locals and tourists.
Motorbikes using the walkways create a risky environment for pedestrians. These vehicles, often speeding through crowded areas, put people at significant risk of accidents, including collisions, injuries, and even fatalities. Families, children, and elderly people who rely on the walkways for safe passage are especially vulnerable. The problem is exacerbated during peak hours when the walkways are packed with people, and the narrow paths leave little room for both motorbikes and pedestrians to coexist safely.
Despite clear regulations prohibiting motorbikes from using the walkways, enforcement remains weak. The presence of police and traffic officers is often minimal in these areas, leading to a culture of impunity where riders continue to disregard the rules. Some motorbike riders claim that it’s more convenient to use the pedestrian paths to avoid traffic jams, but this is not an acceptable reason for endangering others.
To address this issue, stricter enforcement of the law is necessary. Increased patrols by authorities, higher fines for violators, and more visible signage clearly marking the boundaries between pedestrian and motorized zones could help curb the problem. Additionally, better traffic management and designated routes for motorbikes could reduce the need for them to drive on walkways, ensuring safer spaces for everyone.
Pattaya Beach is a major tourist attraction, and ensuring its walkways are safe for pedestrians is vital for the city’s image as a tourist-friendly destination. Without stronger enforcement and awareness, the dangers posed by motorbikes on the walkways will only continue to rise, threatening the safety of those who visit and live in the area.
