Pattaya, Thailand – The behavior of a group of Kuwaiti teenagers has recently come under scrutiny, causing frustration among local residents and business owners. Reports have surfaced of these teenagers allegedly engaging in reckless activities, including damaging rental vehicles and filling gas tanks with water instead of petrol.
Rental Bike Owner Speaks Out
Mr. M, a 40-year-old motorcycle rental business owner, shared his experiences with reporters. He revealed that while some Kuwaiti tourists rent motorcycles without issues, others have caused significant damage. “Some returned the motorcycles after crashing them, leaving severe damage. Others returned them with bald tires, even though the tires were new,” he said. The most shocking incident involved teenagers filling gas tanks with water, leading to costly engine repairs.
Mr. M also mentioned that some tourists refused to pay for damages, claiming they were waiting for money transfers from their parents abroad. “In the end, I was tricked and had to cover the repair costs myself,” he lamented. To combat this, Mr. M has started blacklisting tourists who exhibit bad behavior, ensuring they cannot rent from him again.
Local Residents’ Concerns
Residents in the area, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed their frustration with the ease of renting motorcycles. “It’s too easy. Some just show their passports and a place of residence, even without an international driving license,” one resident noted. The majority of these tourists are Kuwaiti teenagers aged 17-20, visiting Pattaya during their school break between July and August.
Police Intervention
The situation has escalated to the point where local police have set up almost daily checkpoints to deter reckless behavior. The police presence aims to curb the inconvenience and danger posed by these tourists, who often ride motorcycles without proper skills, leading to accidents and injuries.
Tourist Hotspots
Reporters visited Soi Sunee, Soi Yen Sabai, and Soi VC Hotel in South Pattaya, areas known for attracting Middle Eastern teenage tourists. These areas are bustling with hotels, Middle Eastern-style restaurants, barbershops, cafes, and nightclubs. The streets are lined with rental motorcycles, many showing signs of misuse, such as burnt tire marks.
Conclusion
As the community grapples with these issues, business owners and residents alike are calling for stricter regulations on motorcycle rentals to prevent further incidents. The hope is that with increased vigilance and enforcement, the situation can be brought under control, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable environment for all.
Of course, school is back in session in less than two weeks in Kuwait and most if not almost all the students will return home, also essentially ending the problems…until next year.
