Police action to clear Pattaya's footpaths

[Gaybutton]

I'm all for it, but like so many other "crackdowns" it won't do much good if enforcement is only temporary.

I disagree with this part of the article: "One commenter encouraged authorities to “check out Soi Noen from Sukhumvit to the railway bridge—vendors are already spilling past the light poles.”

That's the major soi leading up to my home and I see the goings on for myself. First, the problems occur only at night. During the day the vendors in that area are not even open. Second, it's not the vendors causing problems. I've never seen any of them doing anything wrong or setting up selfishly. And they are quite popular. Hundreds of people buy from them every day.

It's the cars and motorbikes that park any way they wish and couldn't care less about causing traffic problems. Car drivers all over Pattaya seem to think it doesn't matter how they park as long as they turn on the flashers.
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From beach bars to back alleys – Pattaya vows continuous action to restore order on city walkways

By Pattaya Mail

June 9, 2025

Pattaya officials are intensifying efforts to reclaim public space from private encroachment, targeting pickup bars, tour agents, taxi stands, and food vendors who’ve spilled their signs, chairs, and merchandise onto public footpaths and streets. This ongoing campaign, led by municipal officers—such as the Jomtien enforcement team—is aimed at restoring order and accessibility across the city’s busy tourist areas.

A recurring slogan shared by city workers captures the essence of the campaign:
“You reserve, we remove. Respect your rights, but don’t violate others’.”
That message was reinforced recently when officers in Jomtien were seen collecting cones, chairs, and signs used to illegally reserve public parking spots in front of bars and food shops.

“We’ve done it, we’re doing it, and we’ll keep doing it,” the team stated, underscoring a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal land grabs on public space.

Online, the public has responded with a mix of praise and practical suggestions. One commenter encouraged authorities to “check out Soi Noen from Sukhumvit to the railway bridge—vendors are already spilling past the light poles.” Another applauded the move, saying: “Well done. I see this selfish behavior far too often. It’s time to give public space back to the people.”

In Jomtien, some local shop owners voiced frustration, not at the clean-up effort—but at unchecked offenders. One food vendor said:

“Please deal with the push-cart vendors across from our shop on the beachfront. They park all over and now we can’t sell our products. It’s getting out of hand.”

Requests for enforcement poured in from all corners of Pattaya and surrounding districts:

“Don’t forget Pattaya Post Office alley—no room to walk anymore.”

“What about the market roads in Naklua? When will the same standards apply there?”

“Come to Soi Lengkee—signs from bars and restaurants are spilling right into the street.”

“Look at behind The Avenue mall. Delivery trucks are blocking half the road every day.”

Locals are also asking about jurisdiction. One resident wrote: “Has Thepprasit Housing Estate road officially come under Pattaya’s responsibility yet?” Others expressed hope for consistency: “It’s great, but please apply the same rules everywhere—not just in central Pattaya.”

Some even joked about the regional contrast:
“Pattaya enforces. Si Racha doesn’t. Why the double standard?”

Ultimately, the campaign is being welcomed as a way to improve Pattaya’s image for both tourists and residents. One commenter put it simply:
“Beautiful work. This is how we create a positive image for Pattaya tourism.”

Story and photos: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/from-b ... ays-504390

[Dodger]

I think a lack of City Planning and Encroachment are the main culprits.

One thing that I remember seeing that amazed me during my first visit to Pattaya was the fact that there were no sidewalks, and when there were they were completely jammed with vendors who were openly encroaching on the walkways, and there was no where to park.

I'll blame poor City Planning for the lack of adequate parking, and "encroaching" is just an acceptable practice in Thai culture.

Thais encroach anywhere and everywhere they can without a care in the world. We see it at the beaches...along walkways in congested shopping areas...and even in the more rural neighborhoods where whole families are known to setup make-shift dwellings on property that doesn't belong to them until being asked to leave.

Businesses suffer because potential customers can't even see the front door of the place with the vendors blocking the way, and there's nowhere to park anyway.

Now they want to fix this problem!!!

Too late.

Pattaya has completed the process of imploding on itself due to poor city planning and lack of control of funding needed to expand the infrastructure as the population boomed over the past 50 years.

Investments are now directed towards developing other areas outside of Pattaya for expanding populations (including businesses, residential, and tourism) knowing that the population in Pattaya has exceeded its capabilities (imploded). That's where the multi-billion baht EECP (Eastern Economic Corridor Project) comes in.

Not one single major improvement initiative involving Pattaya that's ever been publicized actually materialized since I've been coming here. Not a single one...

[Jun]

At present, it IS slightly easier to walk along Pattaya Tai from Tuk Com to Second Road.
The shops still encroach on the pavement, but the junk food vendors have been moved on. No doubt temporarily.

The pavement is in relatively good condition there. Unlike second road, where it is very uneven.

[Gaybutton]

"now under strict enforcement"

I'll believe that when I see it.
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Pattaya warns hotels and eateries: no more cones, chairs, or carts on sidewalks or roads — fines for retrieval

By Pattaya Mail

June 28, 2025

City officials have issued a firm warning to businesses and individuals unlawfully occupying public sidewalks and roads with cones, chairs, carts, and makeshift gates. The practice of reserving parking spaces or obstructing traffic with personal items is now under strict enforcement, with violators facing fines of up to 10,000 baht under the Public Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992 or the Land Traffic Act of 1979.

The restriction comes after a wave of public frustration, particularly in areas where restaurants and shops routinely claim public space for their own use. Officials say any objects placed in public right-of-ways without permission are considered obstructions and will be removed by municipal officers. Owners can retrieve them only after paying the fine.

Locals have voiced strong support for the initiative. Many say they’re tired of seeing sidewalks blocked and parking taken over. One resident asked online whether it’s acceptable to send photos of violations to the city—officials confirmed that submitting photographic evidence and location details is helpful and encouraged. Several others noted that some spots, like the Laem Bali Hai Pier, are regularly blocked in the evenings and claimed vendors have even scolded children playing nearby. A concerned resident added he would take photos himself if the behavior continues.

There have also been questions about enforcement. Some asked whether owners ever return to retrieve their confiscated items. The answer: yes, but only after paying the administrative fine. City workers have reported instances of people showing up to pay penalties in exchange for their cones or signs.

Pattaya officials say this campaign is part of a broader effort to reclaim public space, ensure fair access for pedestrians and motorists, and improve urban safety. The public has praised the action, offering words of encouragement to municipal workers and calling for continued enforcement across all districts.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to report violations to Pattaya’s city hotline at 1337 to help keep public spaces clear and safe for everyone.

Story and photos: https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... val-507325