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How does a person cross Thappraya Road?

Editor Pattaya Mail;
How does a person cross Thappraya Road (Jomtien Sai 2) near View Talay 1, and navigate the excavations which have been in existence for a year now?
The Thai Highway Code states that (unless there is a sign to the contrary), a vehicle approaching a red light may turn left if it is safe to do so, but must give way to pedestrians who are on the crossing. This almost never happens!
I am 67 with a prosthesis in my right knee, so I am not very agile. When I was on crutches and trying to cross the road, cars would be aggressively blowing their horn for me to get out of their way. I have even seen a young mother with toddlers trapped in the middle of the road.
If you disregard the prescribed crossing and move up the road towards Pattaya, you still have difficulty in crossing due to the excessive speed of the vehicles, (farang and Thai drivers alike).
Thappraya and Thepprasit roads are very busy, not as busy as Sukhumvit but very busy nevertheless.
As you walk towards the Hanuman Fountain on the right hand side of the road from the Indian restaurant, Indian by Nature, there are no less than eight excavations in the footpath which force a pedestrian to step into the road. These excavations have lain dormant for nearly twelve months without any work being carried out! If the company, or City Hall, did not have the finances to complete this task, then they should not have started!
There is no consideration for pedestrians, never mind the old and infirm. Drivers all have the motto, “Might is right”. In addition you have to contend with motorcyclists who consider that a footpath is meant for them and demand right of way!
Back to the excavations, in addition to the ones mentioned there are a similar amount of excavations on the opposite side of the road. Some of these holes are quite deep and if an old or infirm person, such as me, was to fall into one, serious injury could ensue. Also, what about young children and mothers to be?
One hole is right on a pedestrian crossing, not that the motorists in Pattaya know and understand the purpose of such a crossing!
Thank you,
B Jones

Compare prices in Pattaya to Australia

Editor;
Re: Putting out fire with gasoline (PM Mailbag Friday, 05 December 2014) - Scott, Compare your 2 hours Q.T. at Pattaya to Australia’s famous Bondi Beach. No deck chairs, no alcohol, no cameras, no smoking, no vendors at your beck and call. If you want that cold Coke you must walk 400 yards and cross 2 busy roads to get your refreshments & if in a glass bottle it will be confiscated. If you find a parking space it will be metered and set at 2 hours.
Only guessing but I presume your parking space near the beach would be at one of the supermarkets as I know of no other free parking area near the beach. True, the beach is public land but the vendors must pay a fee to set up shop. Yes, you were over charged for the chairs. But if you had stayed all day the charge would have been the same. B30 for Coke kept cold in vendors icebox for you.
Next time you visit the beach I suggest if B160 is too much to pay you walk and buy your drinks at 7/11 then sit on the promenade cement benches. I see no mention as to the cost of fuel used for your Q.T. Your comment hinges around tourists but if they can afford to stay at 5**** hotels, $5.00 at the beach would compare with the tip to the bellboy.
Arnold Scheffran

Boxed in by motorcycle taxis

Editor;
Re: Putting out fire with gasoline (PM Mailbag) - I parked my car on Second Road and Soi 5. Motorbike taxis parked their bikes one in front of me and one behind me. They would not move the so I could get out until I gave them a hundred baht. I’m beginning not to like Thais.
Rick

How does a person cross Thappraya Road?

Compare prices in Pattaya to Australia

Boxed in by motorcycle taxis