During a June 26 meeting with all of Region 2’s local police commanders, Pol. Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop ordered a renewed crackdown to solve Pattaya’s worsening traffic by arresting bus drivers parking in restricted areas and freeing up traffic lanes.
Pol. Gen. Wuthi also was critical of Pattaya’s many festivals, saying they close down traffic lanes and cause paralyzing traffic.
Wuthi told Pattaya Police Chief Pol. Col. Supathee Bungkhrong and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome that the city’s many festivals and parades see vendor booths installed on sidewalks, forcing tourists to walk on the road, or in traffic lanes themselves, causing horrific congestion.
In a meeting with all of Region 2’s local police commanders, Gen. Wuthi Liptapanlop ordered a renewed crackdown to solve Pattaya’s worsening traffic.
Itthiphol specifically was asked to curb such practices to relieve traffic jams that, even on non-festival weekends, can make commuting even half the length of Beach or Second roads a 30-minute affair.
Wuthi also told local officials to follow through on their often-made, seldom-enforced promises to crack down on parking scofflaws, particularly baht, mini and tour buses. Itthiphol and other local officials rolled out 17 bus stops and new “no parking” measures with much fanfare this winter, but have done little to enforce them since.
The police advisor told all the regional commanders they will be required to adhere to the five Royal Thai Police action protocols: arrest, tow, try, jail and be courteous.
