Our reporter’s weekday stroll down Pattaya Beach Road revealed a grim norm: helmetless riders, triple-loaded bikes, and motorcyclists recklessly weaving against traffic through crowds of tourists. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya’s streets have long been notorious for lax traffic enforcement, and the city’s tolerance extends beyond just motorcyclists riding without helmets. Overloaded motorcycles carrying multiple passengers and drivers taking dangerous wrong-way routes are also common sights, raising serious safety concerns. While helmet laws exist, many riders continue to flout the rules without consequence, putting themselves and others at risk. Adding to the danger, overloaded bikes—often carrying three or more people on vehicles designed for two—are regularly seen weaving through traffic. This practice not only violates traffic regulations but also severely compromises balance and control, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Another problematic behavior is wrong-way driving on one-way streets or highways. Some riders and drivers ignore directional signs, creating hazardous situations for oncoming traffic and pedestrians alike. To get a firsthand look, our reporter took a short tour along Pattaya Beach Road on a weekday afternoon. What he found, sadly, came as no surprise: motorcycles with three people squeezed onto one seat, many riders and passengers without helmets, and, perhaps most alarming, bikes riding against traffic — right through crowds of walking tourists. The lack of enforcement was glaring. Despite these clear violations, enforcement remains inconsistent. Locals and tourists alike have expressed frustration over the apparent tolerance, which undermines road safety efforts and tarnishes Pattaya’s image as a tourist-friendly city. Efforts to crack down on such behaviors have been limited, leaving road users vulnerable. Advocates urge authorities to strengthen traffic law enforcement and launch public awareness campaigns, emphasizing that road safety benefits everyone—residents, visitors, and businesses alike. Until stricter measures are implemented, Pattaya’s roads will remain a challenge, marked by risky behavior that continues to threaten lives daily. Calls grow louder for Pattaya authorities to crack down on dangerous driving habits and improve safety. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)