Pattaya —
Pattaya residents are complaining about motorcycle rental businesses allegedly occupying public parking spaces along Beach Road all for themselves, causing inconvenience for tourists.
On June 15th, 2024, affected residents shared with local media that motorcycle rental businesses are parking dozens of motorcycles on the side of Beach Road, making it difficult for tourists to find parking. Some motorcycles are even parked illegally as they block traffic and make it difficult for cars to enter and exit side streets, the residents lamented.
According to Pol. Lt. Col. Panupong Nimsuwan, Pattaya Traffic Police Chief, the police do not have the authority to fine these businesses because they are technically parking their motorcycles on public parking spaces. The only time police can take action is if the motorcycles are parked in prohibited areas with white and red lines, Pol. Lt. Col. Panupong said.
Despite these limitations, Pattaya police regularly patrol the area and issue fines to violators. However, the police chief explained that they are currently unable to specifically target motorcycle rental businesses due to the current legal framework, concerning the Land Traffic Act of 2019 which states that it is the responsibility of local governments to regulate parking on public roads.
The positive news is that Pattaya is currently in the process of developing regulations specifically targeting motorcycle rental businesses. If Pattaya City has officially issued such regulations, any operator who violates them will be subject to fines and penalties similar to those imposed under normal traffic laws, the police chief said.
In the meantime, Pattaya police will deploy officers to alleviate parking congestion for tourists.
Meanwhile, one motorcycle rental business owner (name withheld) told local media that there is plenty of parking available for tourists, and that they should just park in a nearby shopping mall. He also said that the reasons there are a lot of rental motorcycles on Beach Road is because it is low season right now and there are not many customers.
