Arab Motorcycle Racing Business as Usual

[Gaybutton]

why waste time on something that doesn't even affect us and is beyond our control ?

Because many of us are interested, whether we are affected or not, as evidenced by the number of topic views. We discuss many topics on this board that don't affect us and are beyond our control. I don't consider it a waste of time at all. If it is a waste of time, then I, for one, will be continuing to waste my time.

Those who have lost interest in a topic are not obligated to continue reading it.

[Dodger]

One lesson is clear though. Don't be tied to living in a property in a declining part of town.

Bingo!

[Gaybutton]

Kuwaiti tourists show blatant disregard for Pattaya traffic laws — or are they shielded by connections?

By Pattaya Mail

August 6, 2025

As nightly chaos returns to Pattaya’s streets, frustrated residents say Kuwaiti tourists on rented motorbikes are openly ignoring traffic laws—speeding, drag racing, and revving illegal exhausts well into the early hours. The noise and recklessness have become so unbearable that some locals say they’ve been forced to leave their neighborhoods altogether.

Despite publicized crackdowns and short-lived police operations, the situation shows no signs of improving. Locals point out that while police are occasionally visible—especially when promotional photos or PR videos are needed—the presence fades quickly, with officers retreating to air-conditioned booths and offices as the disturbances return.

Critics ask why laws exist if they aren’t enforced, questioning the point of an official force that allows this level of disorder. Calls for deportation of law-breaking tourists are growing louder, as many believe more decisive action is long overdue.

Another issue drawing fire is the apparent impunity of motorbike rental shops. Residents claim these businesses continue to rent powerful bikes to reckless tourists—particularly groups of young Kuwaiti men—despite knowing how the vehicles will be misused. The pattern repeats every high season, leading some to believe enforcement authorities are turning a blind eye or simply unable to act.

Locals are also beginning to ask: What is it about Middle Eastern tourists that make them seemingly untouchable? Are they paying more than other nationalities? Are there personal or diplomatic connections shielding them from consequences? Or is Thailand simply so desperate for tourist income that it’s willing to trade public safety for short-term cash?

As other regional destinations like Vietnam grow in popularity, some say Thailand’s tolerance for lawlessness is actively driving tourists away. For now, many Pattaya residents remain skeptical that any lasting solution will be found—especially without serious consequences for both the violators and those who enable them.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/kuwait ... ons-512824

[Jun]

Just so I could satisfy myself that this is an exception:

Would anyone mind listing all the other activities that are diligently and effectively policed, according to the law, without any corruption or tea money to persuade them to do the job ?
If that list might be too long, do advise & I'll start a new thread....

[Gaybutton]

Would anyone mind listing all the other activities that are diligently and effectively policed, according to the law, without any corruption or tea money to persuade them to do the job ?

Certainly. No problem. Here's the list:

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[Dodger]

Would anyone mind listing all the other activities that are diligently and effectively policed, according to the law, without any corruption or tea money to persuade them to do the job.

Sorry, as hard as I strained my mind the only possible activity I could come up with that meets those criteria would be Buddhist Temples, until I remembered that a dozen temples and high level monks are currently under investigation for embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, gambling, drug dealing, and illicit sexual conduct. so I guess I'm coming up empty-handed...

When I asked Jai why this has been able to go on for so long he said..."because there's a lot of $$money$$ involved".

Welcome to Thailand

[Gaybutton]

a dozen temples and high level monks are currently under investigation for embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, gambling, drug dealing, and illicit sexual conduct.

Look at it this way - the police did diligently and effectively enforce this, probably without the involvement of tea money. It just took a hell of a long time before they got around to doing it . . .

Now, let's get back to the Kuwaiti motorbike maniacs.

[Dodger]

.......Now, let's get back to the Kuwaiti motorbike maniacs.

I asked Jai about this as well several months ago and he gave me the same exact answer: e.g., "because there's a lot of $$money$$ involved".

I know Jai is only one person, but I'd wager that if you ask 100 Thais why the police aern't stopping the Kuwaiti's from raising hell - the vast majority of them will give you the same answer as Jai.

The Kuwaiti's school break ends in about 2 weeks. That's when things will get quiet again, and not a day sooner.

I still have 2 expat friends who reside in Yensabai condos and they're fit to be tied. Not sure if they plan to move out of that area or not, but I know their patience is wearing thin.

[Gaybutton]

I asked Jai about this as well several months ago and he gave me the same exact answer: e.g., "because there's a lot of $$money$$ involved".

I'm sure there is - a whole lot of money, far more than mere tea money can explain. I still would like to know who is paying it, why, and who is receiving it - and how that was ever arranged in the first place.

All this tolerated so a bunch of morons can behave like that, to the point it is driving out people who are just trying to peacefully live their lives and have never caused problems.

Don't worry, I think we all know this will all be going on again next year. Not guessing it will happen - we know it will happen. And then we get to do this topic all over again and I get to ask the same questions again - like an annual event.

"It's deja vu all over again"
- Yogi Berra

[Jun]

As other regional destinations like Vietnam grow in popularity, some say Thailand’s tolerance for lawlessness is actively driving tourists away.

Who says ? Is that just in the minds of the Pattaya Mail ?

To be fair, this is is part of the reason why I switched my holiday base from South Pattaya to Jomtien, but only a small part of it. The actual lawlessness was not the main reason.
OK, I know it's a definite no go in the summer, but it's not an issue in high season.