PATTAYA, Thailand – Nearly a year after the city implemented a one-way system along Jomtien Beach Road, frustration is mounting among residents, motorists, and local businesses as the plan continues to falter. Originally intended to improve traffic flow and safety, the new configuration has instead created confusion, inconvenience, and safety hazards.
Na Jomtien Road, already narrow with cars parked on both sides, has become a particular choke point. Sidewalks remain barely wide enough for a single pedestrian, forcing people dangerously close to traffic. Streetlights along the beach, many of which do not function properly, add to the risk after dark. Motorbikes routinely travel against traffic, ignoring the rules entirely, while law enforcement appears largely ineffective in maintaining order.
Local businesses have also suffered. The new system has complicated access for Songtaews and delivery vehicles, forcing detours that frustrate tourists and locals alike. Many residents report that navigating the area now takes far longer than before the one-way rules, undermining the intended benefits.
Despite official claims that the one-way system is permanent, rumors suggest it may soon revert to a two-way setup, particularly to accommodate a new Songtaew route. Observers note that this back-and-forth approach reflects a broader pattern in Thai urban planning: ambitious policies are implemented with little consultation, only to be reversed when practical realities collide with idealized plans.
In the meantime, Jomtien residents and visitors must contend with a confusing mix of signage, unfinished road markings, and dangerous conditions on narrow stretches. Critics argue that the city would be better served by focusing on enforceable traffic safety measures, pedestrian infrastructure, and reliable public transport, rather than implementing half-baked schemes that inconvenience everyone.
For now, the verdict is clear: the one-way experiment along Jomtien has failed to deliver the promised improvements, leaving roads more chaotic than before and forcing Pattaya to confront a recurring problem — policy enthusiasm outpacing practical execution.
