PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya has long been one of Thailand’s most appealing coastal cities. With its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and year-round sunshine, it could easily rank among the world’s most desirable tourist destinations. Yet, for residents and long-term visitors alike, one issue continues to spoil the city’s otherwise near-perfect appeal: revving engines and stunt-riding motorbikes tearing through residential streets.
Foreign tourists, in particular, have turned streets like Khao Phra Tamnak into what some locals describe as “daily stunt tracks.” The loud roar of engines and reckless maneuvers are not just a nuisance—they are a real safety hazard for pedestrians and other motorists. Complaints online often highlight the lack of visible enforcement, with frustrated residents asking where the police are and pointing out that areas like Jomtien 2nd Road remain unchecked. One comment captured the sentiment perfectly, noting, “I do not believe there is a Thai word for ‘enforcement.’ Another read sarcastically, “Quality tourists!!”
These voices reflect a growing frustration. Pattaya’s potential as a tourist haven is undeniable, but the experience is significantly marred when people are forced to navigate streets where motorcycles perform dangerous stunts near homes and hotels. Long-term visitors stress that the city would be almost perfect if authorities acted decisively to curb this reckless behavior and protect both residents and tourists.
Addressing this issue does not require draconian measures—just consistent enforcement, proper signage, and regular patrolling. Pattaya has the resources and reputation to set a standard for safe tourism, but unless the problem of revving and stunt-riding bikes is tackled, the city’s charm will always be compromised.
