PATTAYA, Thailand – For long-term visitors and tourists, Pattaya’s streets often feel like a lawless obstacle course rather than a modern city thoroughfare. Incidents like the recent crash at Jomtien—where a motorbike ran a red light and was struck by a pickup, leaving two critically injured—highlight a familiar pattern: slippery roads, inattentive drivers, and little enforcement of basic traffic rules.
Foreigners frequently remark that navigating Pattaya’s roads requires nerves of steel. Speeding cars, erratic motorbikes, and poorly marked intersections combine with wet conditions during the monsoon to create a daily gamble for both locals and visitors. For tourists unfamiliar with local driving habits, even a simple journey from a hotel to the beach can feel hazardous.
The problem isn’t always the visitors. Long-term foreigners who drive or ride in Pattaya often complain about locals’ impatience, frequent red-light violations, and lack of signaling. Potholes, uneven roads, and inadequate drainage make matters worse during rainy season, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Yet enforcement remains sporadic, with traffic police often absent or reactive rather than preventive.
Beyond personal safety, the chaos sends a negative message about Pattaya’s readiness for international tourism. Visitors expect not just sun and beaches but reliable infrastructure and safety. Repeated accidents, near-misses, and visible road hazards contribute to a perception of recklessness that may affect return visits.
City authorities could take clear steps to improve the situation: stricter traffic enforcement, better signage, resurfacing roads, and public awareness campaigns targeting both drivers and riders. Pattaya is famous for its nightlife, beaches, and attractions—but until its roads are treated with the same seriousness, foreigners will continue to see a city where danger lurks behind every turn.
