As cones disappear and reappear, trust in Pattaya’s crackdowns continues to erode. PATTAYA, Thailand – City officials, with support from local police, have once again begun efforts to remove motorbike rental operations from public sidewalks and parking zones, particularly in busy tourist areas like Beach Road and Soi Buakhao. The latest campaign includes the removal of illegally placed traffic cones, signs reserving public parking spaces, and unlicensed bike rentals encroaching on pedestrian walkways. The operation has been accompanied by public statements and photo opportunities that highlight the city’s renewed commitment to maintaining order in public spaces. But for many of Pattaya’s long-term expat and local residents, the crackdown feels familiar—perhaps too familiar. “This happened before,” said one resident who has lived in Pattaya for over a decade. “The cones were cleared, the bikes disappeared—briefly. Then everything returned to exactly how it was.” The recurring nature of such enforcement efforts has led some to question their long-term effectiveness. Critics suggest the challenge lies less in policy and more in follow-through. Several residents noted that similar clean-up operations have been launched repeatedly over the years, but with limited sustained impact. “There’s always a campaign, always a promise,” said a European retiree who frequents the city centre. “But after a few weeks, the old patterns come back.” Locals say Pattaya’s efforts to clear motorbike rentals from sidewalks are just recycled headlines. Some observers have raised concerns about underlying issues, including inconsistent enforcement and possible conflicts of interest among stakeholders. While unverified, such concerns have contributed to scepticism about the city’s ability to bring about lasting reform. Nonetheless, not all feedback has been negative. Others point out that visible efforts to address public complaints are still a step in the right direction, and that recent leadership changes—including a new city police chief—could mark a turning point. “This is a good opportunity to show the public that enforcement can work when applied consistently,” said one civic-minded expat. “But it has to be fair, and it has to last longer than the next news cycle.” For now, the cones and illegal signs are being removed once again. Whether they stay gone remains to be seen. With Pattaya seeking to balance its role as a global tourism hub while improving local governance, observers say consistent and transparent enforcement will be key to restoring trust—and to demonstrating that this latest push is more than just temporary optics. Public scepticism lingers as officials renew efforts to regulate motorbike rentals in tourist zones.   Pattaya’s promise of reform faces a credibility test as city leadership confronts familiar challenges.