PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has temporarily closed the road leading to Koh Larn’s Windmill Viewpoint following a fatal motorcycle accident that killed a Chinese tourist and injured another, with authorities warning that the steep and winding route could pose a serious risk to inexperienced riders. The accident occurred on the evening of August 6, when a motorcycle carrying two Chinese tourists reportedly lost control on a bend while travelling downhill from the viewpoint. The motorcycle plunged down a cliff, killing 51-year-old Chinese national Wan Xuechun at the scene. His approximately 30-year-old daughter was injured and taken to Koh Larn Hospital for treatment.
Rescue workers from Sawang Boriboon responded to the scene and found the Honda Click 125 motorcycle below the road.
Following the accident, Pattaya City officials, rescue workers and relevant agencies inspected the route to assess the circumstances and identify measures to prevent another accident. The inspection found that the road leading to and from the viewpoint is steep and relatively narrow, with a series of bends, including several sharp hairpin turns. Officials said the terrain and road conditions can make motorcycle control particularly difficult for visitors unfamiliar with the route. Authorities subsequently requested the temporary closure of the road to all vehicles while safety improvements are carried out. The closure is intended to allow officials to examine the route, improve road conditions, install or upgrade safety equipment and review the overall safety standards before vehicles are permitted to use the road again. Visitors are still allowed to walk up to the viewpoint.
Pattaya officials stressed that the temporary closure is not intended to restrict tourism or affect businesses on Koh Larn, but is a precautionary measure while the safety problems are addressed. They noted that many visitors, particularly foreign tourists, may be unfamiliar with the island’s steep roads and sharp bends and may have limited experience riding motorcycles in such conditions.
Local residents have largely supported the temporary closure, saying it is better to close the route and fix the dangers before another serious accident occurs.
Some have called for stronger barriers along exposed sections, clearer warning signs and a gate that could still be opened for emergency vehicles, ambulances and rescue teams. Residents and regular Koh Larn visitors have also raised concerns about the road from personal experience. One resident said the steep gradient, narrow surface and sharp bends made the route particularly intimidating, especially when travelling downhill. The resident recalled once experiencing motorcycle brake problems on the route and eventually having to push the motorcycle along part of the road.
The incident has renewed discussion about safety at one of Koh Larn’s popular tourist attractions. While the Windmill Viewpoint offers spectacular views and remains a popular destination, residents say the road leading to it must be treated as a safety issue rather than simply a tourism access route.
The latest closure highlights the need for Pattaya to balance tourism access with basic safety standards. Before reopening the road to vehicles, authorities are expected to consider improvements including road surfaces, protective barriers, warning signs, traffic controls and emergency access. For now, the message from Pattaya is straightforward: close the dangerous route first, fix the safety problems, and only reopen it when visitors can use it with greater confidence.
