PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya officials have launched a sweeping initiative to regulate public transport and rental vehicles on Koh Larn, aiming to improve safety, reduce congestion, and boost transparency. The campaign includes color-coded vehicle stickers to categorize and monitor the island’s diverse fleet of over 3,500 vehicles. Chonburi Governor Thawatchai Srithong led the effort, distributing classification stickers to local drivers and rental operators at Wat Mai Samran temple on Koh Larn.
The new system, which includes nine vehicle categories — such as private motorcycles, motorbike taxis, rentals, golf carts, and passenger trucks — is intended to address longstanding concerns about unregulated transport on the island. In particular, unclear distinctions between private and commercial rental vehicles had led to disputes over public space and safety.
The province recently closed Koh Larn for 14 days to conduct a comprehensive vehicle survey and registration. The new stickers, which include driver identification and are issued at no cost, will allow authorities to trace complaints, accidents, or misconduct back to specific operators. All future vehicle increases must be jointly approved by at least two of the following: Pattaya City, Pattaya Police, and Banglamung District Office.
Governor Thawatchai emphasized that this effort also includes setting fair fare guidelines based on distance, to protect tourists from price gouging. Authorities are also encouraging vehicle operators to verify renters’ driving readiness, maintain proper insurance, and renew licenses to avoid accidents and liabilities.
The initiative marks a foundational step toward a more organized, safer transport network on Koh Larn, especially important as tourism surges during weekends and holidays. Officials say the project will support sustainable tourism and improve Pattaya’s international image.
