Locals learn bad habits young, tourists copy them fast — and until the law applies to everyone, Pattaya’s traffic chaos won’t stop. (Photo – Pattaya Beach Road, Thailand) PATTAYA, Thailand – In Pattaya, where streets teem with buzzing scooters, loud exhausts, and helmetless riders, the question of who should police target to improve road safety—Thai locals or foreign visitors—has sparked heated debate among residents, long-term visitors, and tourists alike. The city has attempted crackdowns, such as the June 1st enforcement push, but many say the chaos remains unchanged. “Still three on a bike. No helmets,” one local said bluntly. Another added, “Tell them to come to 2nd Road. Hasn’t made the slightest difference.” Many argue that the issue lies with everyone. As one comment put it, “Law breakers — it’s as simple as that.” Others insist enforcement shouldn’t discriminate: “The law should be equally applied. It’s the country’s law, not just one group’s law.” But reality on Pattaya’s roads tells a different story. Tourists often report being pulled over more frequently than locals—some claiming it’s less about safety and more about money. “Only foreigners can pay off fines and bribes. Safety is not a concern,” said one European resident. Another echoed the frustration: “Police will also chase their money so they go for foreigners. Got pulled on many occasions… bikes all legal, license all legal.” Yet many locals aren’t spared either. Side cart drivers from neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia are also in the mix. “No license, no registration, speeding,” a commenter warned about the chaos on Thepprasit Road. Some call attention to cultural habits learned early, where helmets are seen as optional and speed is a rite of passage. “It’s called the lack of teaching. When you don’t tell them, they learn from their environment,” one Thai-based expat said. Meanwhile, long-term visitors say Pattaya’s roads have never truly made sense. “Does anyone do a road rules and driving test in Thailand? As an observer for over 16 months, I still can’t work it out,” someone joked. Others described the licensing process as little more than symbolic. “You get your license in 3 days, including ‘driving’ and ‘theory.’” Even more absurd, one user quipped, “They sell driving licenses at 7-Eleven?”—a satirical jab at how loosely traffic laws are enforced. Critics also pointed fingers at Pattaya’s baht bus drivers, notorious for pulling in and out of lanes without warning. Others took issue with big bike riders, shirtless tourists, and “ladyboys without helmets.” Still, some found it relatively calm compared to other hotspots: “Actually it’s quite chill here. Phuket is absolute madness… suicide drivers everywhere. And 99% are foreigners.” Ultimately, Pattaya’s two-wheel dilemma isn’t about nationality—it’s about accountability. Helmets, speed limits, licenses, and basic road manners are often ignored across the board. As one frustrated commenter summed it up: “Is this really a question? How about targeting all the people that break the law?” Until that happens, it’s clear: Pattaya’s roads will remain a free-for-all on two wheels—equal parts danger, spectacle, and frustration.