PATTAYA, Thailand – Despite public promises of fairness and law enforcement “no matter how expensive” the car, Pattaya continues to suffer from a chronic and worsening problem: illegally parked taxis across the city, especially in clearly marked no-parking zones. Residents and long-term visitors say they’ve had enough — and they want real action, not empty photo ops.
In areas like North Pattaya near the Dolphins Roundabout, Second Road between Bali Hai and South Pattaya, and directly opposite Soi Marine, it’s become a daily routine. Taxis cluster in red-and-white curb zones, block lanes, and wait for passengers as if traffic laws simply don’t apply. Enforcement? Nowhere to be seen.
“This guy looks like he can pay a big fine… let’s give him a ticket,” one local joked online, mocking the selective enforcement of traffic rules that seems to target private vehicles while taxis — often double-parked or idling in dangerous spots — are ignored.
Others are blunter. “See them on Pattaya Tai almost every day,” wrote one frustrated expat. “Have yet to see them ever enforce the law on Second Road between Bali Hai and Pattaya Tai.”
Despite visible red-and-white paint marking no-parking zones, taxis continue to treat sidewalks and curbs as their personal parking bays. “Every single day the taxis are parked opposite Soi Marine, near V.C. Hotel, and even at the entrance of Walking Street… which is a no-parking zone,” another resident posted, including photos showing blatant violations without a single traffic officer in sight.
The issue cuts deeper than traffic convenience. Many locals feel it exposes a bigger problem — one of preferential treatment, selective enforcement, and a system where those connected or operating under the radar are untouchable.
“It’s a bit telling when they have to specifically mention ‘no matter how expensive’ — that should be the norm!” another user commented in response to a recent city announcement touting a crackdown on traffic violations. The statement, which claimed all vehicles would be treated equally, was met with skepticism and derision online.
Pattaya City Hall and local police have yet to offer a convincing response to the complaints. Occasional crackdowns are publicized, but the same hotspots return to their lawless status within days — if not hours.
“Pattaya clamps down on all cars, no matter how expensive,” the PR line goes — but for those on the streets, the taxis blocking lanes every day are all the proof they need that this claim rings hollow.
