PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City is preparing a fresh crackdown on motorcycle rental operators who use public roads, sidewalks, and other public areas to park vehicles for commercial rental purposes, declaring a strict policy of “no permission and no exemptions.” The decision was announced following a meeting at Pattaya City Hall chaired by Kiatisak Sriwongchai, Pattaya’s Acting Mayor and City Clerk. Representatives from Banglamung District, the Department of Land Transport, Revenue Department, traffic police, and other relevant agencies attended the meeting to discuss long-standing concerns over motorcycle rental businesses occupying public spaces.
Officials said the city has received numerous complaints from residents and visitors regarding disorder along Pattaya Beach and other public areas, including unauthorized commercial activities, littering, and obstructions affecting the appearance and accessibility of public spaces. Inspections found that some motorcycle rental operators had been lining up rental bikes along sidewalks and roadside parking areas, effectively turning temporary public parking spaces into business premises.
While Pattaya has attempted to address the issue in the past, officials said enforcement was often limited by legal and administrative constraints. However, the city now has stronger authority following the implementation of Pattaya’s parking management ordinance, which took effect in 2024 after receiving approval from the Pattaya City Council. Under the new enforcement campaign, authorities will prohibit the use of public roads and public land for motorcycle rental operations. Traffic police will increase enforcement against illegal parking, chained motorcycles, and other obstructions, while Pattaya City will introduce additional regulations specifically banning the use of public parking areas for commercial purposes. Once the new announcement takes effect, authorities will have the power to immediately clamp wheels or tow away vehicles found violating the rules.
The meeting also agreed that other agencies would play a role in the crackdown. The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) will review information on operators identified by city officials, while the Revenue Department will examine relevant tax compliance issues. Before enforcement begins, Pattaya City plans to hold meetings with motorcycle rental operators to explain the regulations and gather feedback. A 15-day public information campaign will follow before strict enforcement measures are implemented citywide.
Officials said the objective is to restore order to public spaces, improve the city’s image as an international tourism destination, and ensure that sidewalks, roads, and public areas remain accessible for residents and visitors alike. “We will no longer allow public space to be used as a private business location,” city officials said, emphasizing that the latest campaign is intended to produce visible and lasting changes throughout Pattaya.
