PATTAYA, Thailand – A near-miss on the four-lane Bangna-Trad Road on September 19 highlights a growing safety concern for drivers and pedestrians in Thailand: high-speed electric scooters sharing roads with larger vehicles. A social media post by “ShowMocyc.com” recounted a tense encounter when a motorist nearly collided with an electric scooter traveling in the fast lane at approximately 80 km/h. The incident underscores a broader question: are Thailand’s roads safe for small, high-speed personal vehicles—or the tourists who rely on them?
According to the post, the motorist noticed the scooter approaching from behind in the same lane and struggled to maintain control, worrying that even a minor miscalculation could result in a serious accident. “Even with the mirrors, it’s hard to anticipate such a small, fast-moving vehicle,” the driver said. He added that he had a three-year-old child in the car, raising the stakes of what could have been a tragic outcome.
The incident sparked debate online, with many calling attention to the lack of clear regulations governing electric scooters on major roads. Critics argue that these devices, often treated like toys or recreational gadgets, can reach speeds that are incompatible with dense traffic on Thailand’s multi-lane highways. The danger is compounded by inattentive riders, inconsistent enforcement, and road designs that favor cars over smaller vehicles.
For tourists in Pattaya, this serves as a cautionary tale. Visitors renting scooters or sharing roads with local traffic should exercise extreme caution. Even short rides on seemingly quiet streets can become dangerous when scooters travel at high speeds alongside cars, trucks, and buses. Safety measures—helmets, reflective gear, and adherence to local traffic laws—are essential, but awareness is equally crucial.
The growing popularity of electric scooters in Thailand shows no signs of slowing. Without proper regulation, education, and infrastructure adjustments, incidents like the one on Bangna-Trad Road could easily occur in tourist-heavy destinations like Pattaya, putting both locals and visitors at risk. Travelers should remain alert and cautious, understanding that what may seem like a harmless ride could escalate into a life-threatening situation.
