PATTAYA, Thailand – On August 19th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Meeting Room 132 of Pattaya City Hall, Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngamphichet, accompanied by Assistant Secretary to the Mayor Wachira Thongdileot, received representatives from DiDi Global Inc., a major Chinese technology platform specializing in mobility and transportation services.
The meeting focused on potential cooperation to introduce DiDi Bike, a dockless electric bicycle public sharing service, within Pattaya City. DiDi Global pointed out Pattaya’s ongoing “Pattaya Go Green” environmental policy as the reason for proposing the service. The company presented the dockless e-bikes as an eco-friendly option designed for short-distance travel that is simple and convenient to use. Users would unlock the bikes by scanning a QR code on the vehicle via the DiDi application or an Alipay mini-program, with fees charged based on usage time (starting at approximately 1.5–2 yuan per trip or time period).
Mayor Poramese responded that the proposed electric bicycle service represents a positive, convenient, and environmentally friendly alternative consistent with the Pattaya Go Green policy. However, he explained that Pattaya currently has municipal ordinances regulating vehicle parking. These rules are to resolve issues of traffic disorder and improper parking, particularly involving rental vehicles in public spaces, so that residents can fully share and benefit from public areas.
As a result, the city cannot permit private companies to operate public vehicle services of this nature in public spaces. The mayor advised DiDi Global to engage directly with private-sector partners, such as hotels or convenience stores, to arrange legal space rentals for the service. This approach would ensure compliance with regulations and help prevent potential problems in the future.
News by: Miss Khwanjai Suetrong
Photos by: Mr. Somprasong Photphan
Public Relations Division, Administration Section
Office of Tourism and Sports
