Equal Crackdown – Expats report seeing both Thai and foreign riders stopped and checked during Pattaya police safety operations. PATTAYA, Thailand – As road safety campaigns ramp up across the city, Pattaya’s police are receiving growing recognition from foreign residents for what many describe as fair and balanced enforcement of helmet and traffic laws, targeting both Thai nationals and foreigners without discrimination. In recent weeks, officers have conducted regular roadside checks, stopping motorbike riders to ensure compliance with safety requirements, including helmet use, valid licenses, and insurance documents. These checks, taking place across popular routes and tourist areas, have been welcomed by many members of the expat community. “They seem to stop everyone — I’ve seen Thais and foreigners alike getting checked,” said one long-term resident. “It’s not just tourists being pulled over.” While supportive of the efforts, some expats emphasized the importance of coupling enforcement with education. “It starts at school,” one commenter observed. “Giving out helmets is fine, but if no one follows up, it’s just symbolic. You still see a lot of riders without helmets, often carrying children.” Others echoed calls for broader outreach and support, particularly for low-income families. “Helmets should be made more accessible to the poor. Safety shouldn’t depend on your income,” one foreign resident said. “And some of the most dangerous behavior we see is locals riding on the wrong side of the road — again, education is key.” Public perception around whether Thai riders are treated more leniently than foreigners remains mixed. While some believe the rules are enforced consistently, others remain skeptical. “From what I’ve seen, locals are being stopped too,” said another expat. “I can’t say whether they’re being fined or just warned, but it doesn’t look like favoritism to me.” Still, a few residents expressed concern about consistency in the application of penalties. “If a Thai person can’t afford the fine, are they given a warning while foreigners are expected to pay the full amount?” one individual asked. Another suggested that economic factors may influence how penalties are enforced, noting, “It sometimes seems like officers may show leniency to locals who are less able to pay.” Despite differing views, the broader sentiment among many expatriates is one of cautious approval. “I support fining everyone who breaks the law, regardless of nationality,” said one resident. “But locals also need more safety education and access to proper gear.” As Pattaya continues its campaign to reduce motorbike-related accidents and fatalities, the consensus appears to be forming: enforcement, when fair and combined with community education, can go a long way in improving road safety for all.