Thai police get tough on drivers at pedestrian crosswalks in Pattaya

Police in Pattaya have launched a campaign aimed at encouraging pedestrians to use crosswalks, and fining motorists who don’t stop at them.

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, in front of Mueang Pattaya 8 School, Maj Arut Sapanon insists the 1,000 baht fine will be strongly enforced.

“This campaign is to encourage pedestrians to use crosswalks in order to prevent accidents. If road users, both drivers and pedestrians, follow traffic rules, accidents can be decreased.”

So far, the response to the campaign is less than enthusiastic, with Pattaya residents taking to social media to voice their ambivalence.

While people generally believe the intention is good, it’s clear that most feel the root cause of the problem is still not being addressed.

Those commenting on the initiative say that despite the freshly painted crosswalks, heavier police presence, and signs written in both Thai and English, it is driver education that is really needed, and an awareness of road safety that needs to be instilled as part of basic driving instruction.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News