Addressing the Motorbike Noise Issue in Pattaya
To:
- Colonel Phanupong Nimsuwan, Head of Traffic Police, Pattaya
- Mr. Poramase Ngampiches, Mayor of Pattaya
- Mr. Pol Gen Damrongsak Kittiprapas, Head of Police, Bangkok
- Local Media such as The Pattaya News
To those it may concern,
Pattaya is currently facing a significant issue with excessively loud motorbikes. Thousands of regular motorbikes and hundreds of heavy motorbikes, many with modified exhaust pipes, are creating a disturbance in the city. This problem has been escalating over the past year, with an increasing number of motorbikes operating without license plates.
Tourists and expatriates are particularly troubled by the noise, which seems to be part of a competition among young Thai men to see who can have the loudest bike. Additionally, rental companies are contributing to the problem by renting out large, loud motorbikes to young men from the Middle East, aged 17-19, often without a valid driving license. This practice has already resulted in accidents and injuries, with three women affected so far.
The issue is not limited to locals; some foreigners also own loud motorbikes and cars. Despite efforts to document these vehicles, the problem persists. Sporadic police checks are ineffective as information about these checks quickly spreads through LINE and TELEGRAM groups, allowing offenders to avoid detection.
To address this issue, it is crucial for the police to conduct regular patrols with a significant number of officers to stop and check loud motorbikes. Rental companies should also be prohibited from renting out excessively loud motorbikes. Motorbike repair and customization shops should be regularly inspected and held accountable for illegal modifications.
The noise pollution caused by these motorbikes is damaging Pattaya’s reputation among tourists, expatriates, and local residents. Immediate action is needed to restore peace and quiet in the city.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
A concerned Pattaya resident.
The preceding article is a submission to the media and local officials from a concerned resident. His statements are entirely his own.
