“No More Taxi Privilege” – Residents cheer as taxis and baht-buses finally face equal enforcement for illegal parking. PATTAYA, Thailand – Local expats are applauding a recent crackdown on illegal parking in Pattaya, especially after city officials began favoring towing vehicles instead of immobilizing them with the notorious wheel clamp — often referred to simply as “the claw.” With chronic congestion, blocked lanes, and even obstructed emergency routes, many long-term residents say enough is enough. “Those claws are nonsense,” wrote one expat online. “The car still blocks traffic. At least with towing, the road gets cleared and emergency services can pass through.” Indeed, that’s been the city’s biggest concern. As Pattaya continues to grow, improperly parked vehicles — including luxury sedans and tourist vans — have increasingly been left on the wrong side of narrow roads, in front of fire hydrants, or blocking driveway access. City officials clarified that the priority is not punishment, but prevention and public safety. A vehicle left with a wheel clamp may stay there for hours or even overnight, continuing to obstruct traffic. By contrast, towing removes the problem immediately. “If the claws are fixed, the situation remains,” said one European resident. “Much better to tow at the owner’s expense. That way, roads are clear, and even the towing companies get work. Win-win.” The new approach isn’t just being applied to beat-up pickups and motorbikes. Luxury SUVs and brightly painted taxis have also been spotted getting towed in recent weeks — a sign, residents say, that enforcement is finally fair. “Pattaya clamps down on all cars now, no matter how expensive,” one local said. “People are fed up with taxis double-parking or blocking the lane to get customers. It’s a city, not a parking lot.” The issue of unruly taxi parking remains a daily headache across town. From Second Road to Jomtien, baht buses and private taxis regularly stop in active lanes, hold up traffic to wait for riders, or park in front of shops and hotels without regard for access. Despite signs and painted curbs, enforcement had long been lax — but not anymore. “Claws Off, Tow Trucks On” – Expats welcome Pattaya’s shift from wheel clamps to towing for better traffic flow and fairness. Not everyone is rattled by the new towing policy. As one online commenter put it: “Why do people who drive cars like that care? They just take a taxi to the police station, pay a fine, and get it back. No big deal.” Others pointed out a strange “security bonus” that came with the clamp: “Nice side effect of the claw — your car won’t be stolen while it’s clamped!” Still, those jokes don’t outweigh the very real risks posed by blocked access points — especially during emergencies. Not all cheers are unconditional. A few residents warned that towing luxury vehicles must be done with care. “Towing is the best option, but don’t scratch the bumpers and hoods,” one poster advised. “That’ll just start a new kind of complaint.” Nonetheless, the general mood among Pattaya’s expat community is positive. They say it’s a step toward making city streets safer, more navigable, and more respectful of shared space. “Towing sends a message — this city isn’t just for those who think they can park wherever they want,” said one longtime expat. “For once, the rules seem to apply to everyone.” Clamping Out, Towing In As Pattaya continues to reinvent itself post-pandemic, traffic management has become one of the city’s most talked-about frustrations. This new towing-first policy, residents say, might finally be the answer Pattaya needed. And for once, the claws are off — and the trucks are rolling. “Public Safety First — Scratches Later” – Expats warn: tow smart, don’t damage cars, but agree towing beats blocked emergency lanes.