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- Pattaya’s Growing Traffic Woes – A city in need of solutionsPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is becoming notorious for its traffic issues with an increasing number of vehicles on the road, especially motorbikes, congestion and safety concerns have escalated. Soi Buakhao and its surrounding streets, including Soi 15, have become particularly problematic, leading to calls for action from residents and long-term visitors. One of the biggest […]
Speeding, sidewalks, and selective enforcement – Pattaya’s traffic woes spark debate. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya is becoming notorious for its traffic issues with an increasing number of vehicles on the road, especially motorbikes, congestion and safety concerns have escalated. Soi Buakhao and its surrounding streets, including Soi 15, have become particularly problematic, leading to calls for action from residents and long-term visitors.
One of the biggest complaints is the lack of enforcement when it comes to road safety. Pedestrians frequently find themselves in danger as motorbikes speed down narrow Sois without regard for traffic laws. “Motorbikes going at full pace!!!” exclaimed one concerned resident. This reckless behavior not only endangers lives but also creates noise pollution, disturbing those living in the area. One resident pleaded, “Please install speed breakers as soon as possible so we can sleep again.”
Some have suggested practical measures to address these concerns. “How about some speed bumps on Soi 15 Buakhao?” one individual proposed, hoping that physical deterrents could force riders to slow down. Others believe that more police presence would be beneficial. “Or have police control every day,” suggested one resident, though skepticism remains about law enforcement’s effectiveness in dealing with traffic violations.A persistent grievance among Pattaya’s foreign community is the perceived selective enforcement of traffic rules. “Motorbikes parked on the sidewalk are not issued tickets as police cannot determine if the bike is owned by a farang,” one observer noted. This sentiment is echoed by many who believe that fines and penalties disproportionately target foreign residents. “It is common knowledge that only farangs are ticketed,” one person remarked, reinforcing the belief that local authorities apply the rules unfairly.
The issue of pedestrian walkways being blocked by parked vehicles has also sparked debate. While many demand stricter enforcement against those who obstruct pedestrian thoroughfares, others point out the contradiction in complaints. “Can’t have it both ways. Can’t complain about vehicles parked across pedestrian thoroughfares and then also complain when the cops try to do something about it.” This highlights the complexity of Pattaya’s traffic problems and the challenges in finding a solution that satisfies everyone.Ultimately, Pattaya needs a comprehensive approach to tackle its traffic issues. Whether it is better law enforcement, infrastructure improvements like speed bumps, or more public awareness campaigns, action must be taken to ensure the city remains safe and accessible for both residents and visitors.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496278 - Songkran Traffic and Safety Talks – Pattaya gears up for ‘Wan Lai Festival 2025’ April 18-19PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has scheduled the Naklua Wan Lai Festival on April 18, at Lan Pho Public Park, Naklua, and the Pattaya Wan Lai Festival on April 19, at Wat Chai Mongkol and along Pattaya Beach Road. Officials convened to discuss traffic and safety measures for the event. For the Naklua Wan Lai […]
Deputy Mayor Krisana instructs relevant agencies to install clear signage about event details, traffic arrangements, and water-splashing regulations well in advance. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has scheduled the Naklua Wan Lai Festival on April 18, at Lan Pho Public Park, Naklua, and the Pattaya Wan Lai Festival on April 19, at Wat Chai Mongkol and along Pattaya Beach Road. Officials convened to discuss traffic and safety measures for the event.
For the Naklua Wan Lai Festival on April 18, the program will include a Buddhist water-pouring ceremony, a merit-making almsgiving event, a water-pouring ritual for elders, traditional Thai cultural performances, and a floral float procession featuring a revered Buddha image around Naklua Market. To facilitate the festivities, a one-way traffic system will be in place from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM as follows:
Sawangfa Road: One-way from Sukhumvit Road towards Namchai Intersection.
Naklua Road: One-way from Namchai Intersection to Photisarn Intersection.
Photisarn Road: One-way from Photisarn Intersection to Sukhumvit Road.
Pho Ngam Road: One-way from Lan Pho Intersection to Sawang Boriboon Foundation Intersection.
For the Pattaya Wan Lai Festival on April 19, activities will include a morning offering of food to monks, a Buddha image and monk water-pouring ritual, a blessing ceremony for the elderly, traditional performances, and community folk games. A grand floral float and Buddha image procession will start from Wat Chai Mongkol, travel along Pattaya Second Road, turn onto Central Pattaya Road, head down Beach Road, and loop back to the temple.To ensure smooth traffic flow and public safety, road closures will be enforced from 3:00 PM to midnight at North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya, and Thepprasit intersections, with metal barriers used for traffic control.
Additionally, traffic from the Top Supermarket intersection to Beach Road, as well as Soi 7 to Soi 13/4, will be restricted. Parking bans will also be in effect from 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Law enforcement and related agencies will be stationed at key points, and an emergency lane will be designated to assist with traffic and safety concerns.Deputy Mayor Krisana Boonsawad has instructed relevant agencies to install clear signage about event details, traffic arrangements, and water-splashing regulations well in advance. Additionally, public announcements will be made through various media channels to ensure that residents and tourists can plan their travels accordingly.
Public announcements will be made through various media channels to ensure that residents and tourists can plan their travels accordingly.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496274 - Pattaya Police close off Soi 6 to fine and remove obstructive sidecar vendors and baht-busesPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya traffic police officers conducted a thorough operation targeting street vendors using three-wheeled carts and sidecars to sell goods such as food and clothing in Soi 6, Pattaya on April 2. This action was taken following numerous complaints from the public about these vehicles obstructing traffic and causing severe congestion in the […]
Authorities urge vendors and drivers to follow traffic rules to ensure smooth flow on Pattaya streets. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya traffic police officers conducted a thorough operation targeting street vendors using three-wheeled carts and sidecars to sell goods such as food and clothing in Soi 6, Pattaya on April 2. This action was taken following numerous complaints from the public about these vehicles obstructing traffic and causing severe congestion in the area.
The police divided their team into two units to block the entrance and exit of the Soi, ensuring efficient enforcement. Upon inspection, several three-wheeled cart vendors were found parked within the Soi, leading to the immediate issuance of digital fines and confiscation of identification documents. Vendors were required to pay fines on the spot.
Additionally, police cracked down on motor vehicles and motorcycles parked illegally in restricted zones, such as red-and-white zones along Second Road and the beach area. Cars without owners present were also subjected to wheel clamps and fines. The enforcement extended to public transportation vehicles, including baht-buses and taxis, found double-parking near Soi 6 beach to wait for tourists.Traffic Inspector, Pol. Lt. Col. Phanuphong Nimsuwan stated that due to the increased complaints about traffic congestion caused by illegal parking and street vending, the police are committed to strict enforcement. Vendors are urged not to obstruct traffic flow within Sois or streets, and public transportation vehicles are strictly prohibited from double parking or parking in restricted areas. The Pattaya police will continue to enforce these measures diligently.
Fines and wheel clamps issued to vehicles parked illegally along Second Road and Pattaya Beach. 
Cars without owners present were also subjected to wheel clamps and fines. 
Pol. Lt. Col. Phanuphong states that due to the increased complaints about traffic congestion caused by illegal parking and street vending, the police are committed to strict enforcement.
The enforcement extends to public transportation vehicles, including baht-buses and taxis, found double-parking near Soi 6 beach to wait for tourists.
The Pattaya police will continue to enforce the measures diligently.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496266 - Hungry and Desperate- Foreigner steals donation box outside Pattaya Police Station to buy foodPATTAYA, Thailand – Locals alerted police officers after seeing a foreign man stealing a donation box in front of the Pattaya City Police Station on April 2. Officers found a large, disheveled foreign man, shirtless and wearing shorts, using a rock to break open a stainless steel donation box belonging to the Father Ray Foundation. […]
Hungry and Desperate- Foreigner steals donation box outside Pattaya Police Station to buy food PATTAYA, Thailand – Locals alerted police officers after seeing a foreign man stealing a donation box in front of the Pattaya City Police Station on April 2.
Officers found a large, disheveled foreign man, shirtless and wearing shorts, using a rock to break open a stainless steel donation box belonging to the Father Ray Foundation. He was seen collecting coins and bills, including 100 Baht and 20 Baht notes, as well as foreign currency, and placing them into his wallet. Upon searching his belongings, officers found a wallet containing the stolen money, along with a U.S. passport and other identification documents for a 62-year-old man.
During questioning, the man explained through a translator that he had been drinking at a nearby beach bar. He claimed that his ATM card had been lost and that he had no money. He said he stole the donation box to use the money inside to buy food because he was extremely hungry.The suspect was taken into custody by the police, and legal action will be taken against him in accordance with the law.
Upon searching his belongings, officers found a wallet containing the stolen money, along with a U.S. passport and other identification documents for a 62-year-old man. 
The American man claims that his ATM card had been lost and that he had no money.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496261 - Police raid Chinese-owned warehouse in Pattaya, seizing illegal goods sold onlinePATTAYA, Thailand – Police and immigration officials led a raid on a warehouse in Nongprue, East Pattaya, on April 2, after intelligence indicated it stored imported goods suspected of violating Thai law. The warehouse, covering approximately 400 square meters, contained a wide variety of products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, pet supplies, home decorations, electronic […]
Raid uncovers dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals lacking proper certification in Chonburi warehouse. PATTAYA, Thailand – Police and immigration officials led a raid on a warehouse in Nongprue, East Pattaya, on April 2, after intelligence indicated it stored imported goods suspected of violating Thai law.
The warehouse, covering approximately 400 square meters, contained a wide variety of products, including dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, pet supplies, home decorations, electronic devices, and imitation weapons. Among the seized items were fake firearms, brass knuckles, and Bruce Lee-style nunchaku, with most products reportedly imported from China and stacked throughout the warehouse.
During the operation, officers found four individuals—one Chinese man, one Thai man, and two Thai women—packing goods for shipment. Authorities ordered them to stop work and present import documentation, but they failed to provide valid records for the goods. As a result, all items were seized for further inspection.A Chinese man identified as Mr. Lin, 32, who managed the warehouse, told police he was merely an employee. He stated that the actual owner was also Chinese but had returned to China, leaving him in charge of the business. Lin explained that most of the goods arrived from China via cargo ships before being stored in the warehouse. The products were then sold through live-streaming sessions and online platforms, with orders processed and shipped to customers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that several items failed to meet safety standards. Some dietary supplements and pharmaceutical products lacked FDA approval and posed potential health risks. Additionally, authorities confiscated the imitation weapons, which closely resembled real firearms and violated Thai laws.The Chinese national and the Thai workers were taken in for questioning as authorities aimed to track down the actual business owner and pursue legal action.
A Chinese man identified as Mr. Lin, 32, who managed the warehouse, told police he was merely an employee. 
Police seize counterfeit weapons and unapproved products from a warehouse in Nongprue. 
Police question suspects after discovering goods imported illegally from China in Pattaya warehouse.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496255 - Bangkok earthquake causes brief real estate slowdown, but confidence remains strongPATTAYA, Thailand – The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has stated that the impact of the March 28 earthquake on Thailand’s real estate sector will only be short-term. The bank is confident that customers will not cancel their reservations or contracts as initially feared, and transactions for condominium purchases are returning to normal. On April 2, […]
Kamolphop acknowledges that some customers initially delayed their condominium transfers due to earthquake concerns, but this hesitation was temporary. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has stated that the impact of the March 28 earthquake on Thailand’s real estate sector will only be short-term. The bank is confident that customers will not cancel their reservations or contracts as initially feared, and transactions for condominium purchases are returning to normal.
On April 2, GHB Managing Director Kamolphop Veerapala highlighted the key factors supporting the real estate sector in 2025. One of the main drivers is the relaxation of the Loan-to-Value (LTV) regulations by the Bank of Thailand, which allows qualified buyers to secure full 100% financing for a second home purchase. Additionally, reduced transfer and mortgage registration fees—set at just 0.01% for homes priced at no more than 7 million baht—are expected to stimulate the market further.
Kamolphop expressed confidence that the government will introduce additional measures to support housing loans. GHB’s loan disbursements have already shown significant growth, with 46 billion baht in new loans issued in the first quarter of 2024—an increase of 12 billion baht compared to the same period last year. The demand for low-rise housing, including detached houses and townhouses, has risen by 20%. GHB aims to issue at least 240 billion baht in new housing loans in 2025, exceeding last year’s total.The overall economic outlook for 2024 is expected to see growth between 2.2% and 3.2%, supported by increased government spending, rising private sector demand, and continued private consumption expansion. Additionally, stable and potentially declining interest rates, along with government-backed low-interest loan policies, will further enhance home affordability for the public.
Despite positive factors, certain risks remain. High household debt, though slightly declining, continues to limit consumer spending. Commercial banks have also implemented stricter lending criteria, which may affect loan approvals.The earthquake on March 28 briefly impacted consumer confidence in high-rise living, leading to a short-term slowdown in condominium purchases. However, the market is already recovering, with an average of 400 condominium transfers processed daily over the past three days. GHB is committed to introducing measures to reassure customers and maintain confidence in the market.
Kamolphop acknowledged that some customers initially delayed their condominium transfers due to earthquake concerns, but this hesitation was temporary. “We do not foresee any major issues with customers abandoning reservations or canceling contracts. The demand for housing—whether detached homes, townhouses, or condominiums—remains strong,” he said.Looking ahead, GHB plans to place greater emphasis on low-rise and second-hand homes, as some buyers remain cautious about high-rise buildings. The bank has identified nearly 900,000 households that qualify for financing but do not yet own a home, indicating strong potential for continued growth in Thailand’s housing sector.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496252 - Bangkok building collapse shakes confidence in Thailand’s safety, governance and tourismPATTAYA, Thailand – A building collapse in Bangkok can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the immediate loss of life and property. It affects confidence in multiple aspects of Thailand’s governance, safety standards, and economy. A major building collapse raises questions about the effectiveness of government oversight, construction regulations, and enforcement of safety standards. If corruption […]
A structural failure in Bangkok sparks concerns over urban planning, government oversight, and safety enforcement. PATTAYA, Thailand – A building collapse in Bangkok can have far-reaching consequences beyond just the immediate loss of life and property. It affects confidence in multiple aspects of Thailand’s governance, safety standards, and economy.
A major building collapse raises questions about the effectiveness of government oversight, construction regulations, and enforcement of safety standards. If corruption or negligence is suspected in the approval process, it can erode public trust in local and national authorities, making people question how well Thailand’s administration ensures public safety.
Bangkok is a rapidly growing metropolis with high-density construction. A structural failure signals potential weaknesses in urban planning, zoning laws, and infrastructure management. If one building collapses, citizens and investors alike may worry about the safety of other structures, leading to heightened scrutiny and calls for better inspections.A sudden collapse—especially if there were prior warning signs—can indicate failures in disaster prevention systems. If authorities failed to detect structural weaknesses or ignored complaints from residents or workers, it raises concerns about Thailand’s ability to prevent similar tragedies, whether they involve buildings, floods, or other disasters.
Thailand is a global tourism hub, and safety is a key concern for visitors. A building collapse, particularly in a high-profile area, can create negative international headlines. Tourists may worry about the safety of hotels, shopping malls, or public spaces, leading to hesitancy in booking trips. If the disaster is linked to lax regulations, it can damage Thailand’s reputation as a safe and well-managed destination.
The disaster raises fears about infrastructure safety, potentially affecting Thailand’s reputation as a secure travel and business destination. Foreign investors rely on strong regulations, reliable infrastructure, and efficient governance. A building collapse suggests risks in Thailand’s business environment, particularly in the real estate and construction sectors. If investors perceive systemic problems—such as weak enforcement of safety standards or corrupt approval processes—they may reconsider putting money into Thai projects, affecting economic growth.
A high-profile disaster can shake public morale, making people feel unsafe in their own homes, workplaces, or public buildings. If accountability is not swiftly enforced, it can lead to public outcry, protests, or loss of faith in officials responsible for safety regulations. The handling of the crisis, including emergency response and victim support, plays a crucial role in shaping public perception.While Thailand has a strong economy and tourism industry, a building collapse can be a major setback, damaging confidence across multiple sectors. The government’s response—whether through transparent investigations, stricter regulations, or improved disaster preparedness—will determine how quickly trust can be restored.
Citizens demand stricter regulations and transparency as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496247 - Pattaya hot and cloudy with chance of thunderstorms; heavy rain and strong winds in southern ThailandPATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for increased rainfall across southern Thailand, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds. This could lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying regions. The weather conditions are influenced by an easterly wind wave moving across […]
Hot in the upper part, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms in Chonburi (Pattaya), Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a warning for increased rainfall across southern Thailand, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds. This could lead to flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying regions.
The weather conditions are influenced by an easterly wind wave moving across the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region. Residents in affected areas are advised to remain cautious of accumulated rainfall, which may trigger sudden flooding and runoff.
Meanwhile, waves in the Gulf of Thailand are intensifying, with the lower Gulf experiencing waves up to 2 meters high, and over 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms. The Andaman Sea will see waves around 1 meter, with offshore waves exceeding 1 meter. In stormy conditions, waves could surpass 2 meters. Mariners in these areas are urged to exercise caution and avoid sailing in areas experiencing thunderstorms.In the north and central regions, scattered thunderstorms and strong winds are expected due to moderate high-pressure air from China affecting northeastern Thailand and the South China Sea. With prevailing hot weather in these regions, residents should be aware of sudden storms and gusty winds.
Air Quality Update: Dust and haze accumulation in the northern and central regions remains at moderate to high levels due to weak to moderate winds over these areas.Bangkok & Vicinity: Hot weather with 20% chance of thunderstorms. Temperature: 25-27°C (low), 35-37°C (high). Southeast winds at 10-20 km/h.
Northern Region: Hot with 20% chance of thunderstorms, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet. Temperature: 22-25°C (low), 35-39°C (high). South winds at 5-15 km/h.
Northeastern Region: Partly cloudy. Temperature: 18-22°C (low), 30-35°C (high). East winds at 10-25 km/h.
Central Region: Hot with 20% chance of thunderstorms, mainly in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. Temperature: 24-26°C (low), 35-38°C (high). Southeast winds at 10-20 km/h.Eastern Region: Hot in the upper part, with a 30% chance of thunderstorms in Chonburi (Pattaya), Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperature: 24-26°C (low), 31-37°C (high). Southeast winds at 15-30 km/h. Waves up to 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.
Southern Region (East Coast): 70% chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, with heavy to very heavy rain in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperature: 22-25°C (low), 28-32°C (high).
Surat Thani and northward: East winds at 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.Nakhon Si Thammarat and southward: Southeast winds at 20-35 km/h. Waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.
Southern Region (West Coast): 60% chance of thunderstorms, with heavy rain in Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperature: 23-26°C (low), 28-31°C (high). East winds at 15-30 km/h. Waves around 1 meter, exceeding 1 meter offshore and over 2 meters in thunderstorms.
Temperature: 24-26°C (low), 31-37°C (high). Southeast winds at 15-30 km/h. Waves up to 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.
3 April 03 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496243 - Pattaya unveils new safe-standard pier at Bali Hai for small boatsPATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has announced progress on the construction of a new pier at Bali Hai, South Pattaya, designed to provide a safer and more efficient boarding point for small boats. This new facility will enhance access to Koh Larn and other nearby islands, catering to tourists looking to dive, fish, or explore […]
Locals and visitors alike welcome the new pier project, making sea adventures even better. PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya City has announced progress on the construction of a new pier at Bali Hai, South Pattaya, designed to provide a safer and more efficient boarding point for small boats. This new facility will enhance access to Koh Larn and other nearby islands, catering to tourists looking to dive, fish, or explore the sea during the summer season.
The project has received positive feedback from the public, with many praising the initiative. Some have suggested adding free parking similar to Bang Saen, while others expressed their excitement about the city’s continuous development. Many see this as another step forward in improving Pattaya’s tourism infrastructure.
Better Pattaya—committed to making the city better.
Get ready for safer and more convenient boat trips to Koh Larn and nearby islands this summer. 
A modernized pier at Bali Hai is in progress, ensuring smoother travel for diving, fishing, and island hopping. 
1 April 01 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496190 - Beer bottle assault on Pattaya Beach leaves tourist injuredPATTAYA, Thailand – Rescue teams and police were dispatched to Pattaya Beach where they found a crowd of onlookers gathered around Mr. Monta Lahae, 35, who had suffered a head injury after being struck with a beer bottle. He was given first aid before being transported to a hospital for further treatment. The suspect, identified […]
Mr. Monta Lahae, 35, suffers a head injury after being struck with a beer bottle. PATTAYA, Thailand – Rescue teams and police were dispatched to Pattaya Beach where they found a crowd of onlookers gathered around Mr. Monta Lahae, 35, who had suffered a head injury after being struck with a beer bottle. He was given first aid before being transported to a hospital for further treatment.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Wasan Boonyanuson, 42, was found intoxicated and was restrained by police and good Samaritans. Another individual, Mr. Weerawat Phithak, 40, was also present at the scene. Broken beer bottles were scattered on the ground.
According to the injured victim, the altercation began with an exchange of insults before escalating into violence. Witnesses stated that the suspect initiated the attack, kicking the victim and striking him with a beer bottle, despite attempts by bystanders to intervene. A video recording of the incident was handed over to the police as evidence.Authorities have taken both suspects into custody pending further investigation. Legal proceedings will continue once the victim has recovered and files an official complaint.
The suspect, identified as Mr. Wasan Boonyanuson, 42, was found intoxicated and was restrained by police and good Samaritans.
1 April 01 2025Pattayahttps://www.pattayamail.com/?p=496186