PATTAYA, Thailand – For many visitors, Pattaya is the perfect place to stroll along the beach, enjoy the nightlife, or explore street markets. But beneath the city’s bright lights and festive atmosphere lies a growing safety concern: even walking along the sidewalks near Beach Road can be risky.
Incidents like the recent BMW accident, where a luxury car veered off the road and struck a pedestrian, highlight a disturbing reality. The victim, a woman, suffered an injury to her left leg and was promptly taken to the hospital by Sawang Boriboon rescue workers for treatment. Police apprehended the driver and are investigating the case to pursue legal action.
Pedestrians—both tourists and locals—often find themselves vulnerable to speeding vehicles, reckless driving, and poorly enforced traffic regulations. Sidewalks, meant to be safe havens, are frequently encroached upon by illegally parked cars, motorbikes, and street vendors, forcing people onto the road in close proximity to fast-moving traffic.
Residents and long-term visitors have long criticized the selective enforcement of road safety laws in Pattaya. Luxury vehicles and high-end tourists often seem to operate with near impunity, while ordinary drivers face stricter scrutiny. Alcohol-related driving, red-light violations, and speeding are recurring problems, yet police interventions often come after incidents rather than preventing them.
The current approach not only endangers pedestrians but also undermines Pattaya’s image as a safe tourist destination. Families, elderly visitors, and international tourists are left navigating chaotic streets, where crossing Beach Road can be as risky as riding a motorbike without a helmet.
Safety experts argue that true protection requires consistent law enforcement, proper sidewalk management, and public awareness campaigns. Until then, walking along Pattaya Beach Road will continue to carry an element of risk—one that many tourists may not expect in a city marketed as a vibrant, welcoming seaside hub.
