Vittaya Yoondorn
No one stops for red lights at Pattaya’s dozens of
pedestrian crossings and everyone ignores zebra crossings and the
red-and-white no-parking curb painting. So it should surprise no one
that drivers also pay no heed to yellow-painted crosses on the pavement
meant to prevent cars from blocking traffic.
The “no parking spots” most often seen at the
entrances of government offices in busy areas, supposedly mean no
stopping at any time, according to the Land Traffic Act. Doing so, on
paper, can subject drivers to 500 baht fines.
But as this Feb. 2 photo shows, the “Wait for Lights
Here” area near the intersection of Sukhumvit and Central Roads has
become yet another place to park anywhere you want.
In a city where police only enforce traffic-law
enforcement when there’s something in it for them, its easy to
understand why people think there are no reprisals for doing as they
will with their vehicles. But, for the record, you could get fined, so
don’t park there.
