Transportation

Getting to and from places is a major concern for expatriates in Pattaya. We see lots of motorcycles, daring  drivers, and big buses on the roads that might confuse     us. This section will clarify some of these concerns and gives you specific tips as to how to handle different situations on the road. It will also give you information on private transport options as well as information required if you drive your own vehicle.

  Getting Orientated in Pattaya is not difficult because the streets network is less complicated than in most cities. There are four main traffic arteries parallel to the beach: Beach Rd, Pattaya 2nd Rd, Pattaya 3rd Rd and the main road Sukhumvit Highway (route #3) which leads to Bangkok (north) and to Sattahip (south). Three main roads cross these main arteries (perpendicular to the beach): South Pattaya Road, Central Pattaya Road and North Pattaya Road. Beach Road is a one way street (south), Pattaya 2nd Road, is one way (north) between South Pattaya Road and Central Pattaya Road. Many of the small streets called sois are numbered, but many are better known by a business on the soi such as Yamato’s Restaurant on Soi Yamato or a public service such as the post office located on Soi Post Office while some names are in both Thai and English.

Here are some other roads often used:

Beach Road ‑ also known as Sai Chaihad.

'Walking Street' ‑ continuation of the Beach Road, past the turn off to South Pattaya Road. Shops and bars on both sides of the street.

Pattaya‑Naklua Road ‑ also known as Naklua Road. starts at the Dusit roundabout.

Pattaya 2nd Road ‑ also known as Pattaya Soi Song.

Pattaya 3rd Road ‑ also known as Pattaya Soi Sam.

Sukhumvit Road ‑ known as Highway 3.

North Pattaya Road ‑ also known as Pattaya Nua.

Central Pattaya Road ‑ also known as Pattaya Klang.

South Pattaya Road ‑ also known as Pattaya Tai.

Soi Yodsak ‑ between Soi 5 and Soi 6

Soi Mermaid (Jomtien) ‑ also known as Soi Sukasen.

Soi Regent Marina ‑ also known Soi Srinakom.

 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

 

  As an expatriate you will probably find that transport in the Pattaya area is quite different from what you are used to e.g. a baht bus in Pattaya can be a taxi and at the same time a bus. Here is a description of what is available.

 

IN AND AROUND PATTAYA & SRIRACHA

 

  Public transport in Pattaya, Naklua and Sriracha is dependable, relatively inexpensive and easy to use, once you know the system of riding baht buses, motorcycle taxis and tuk‑tuks (three‑wheelers in Sriracha).

 

Baht Bus Taxis‑ Covered, dark blue pickup trucks with open sides and seats along each side, are also known as baht buses or Songthaew. To stop a baht bus taxi, wave your hand downward a couple of times. To get off, press the buzzer on the roof. Here are some helpful hints:

• Hop on a bus that is going your way and pay the driver B10 when you alight.

• Baht buses and drivers can be hired for the day, or you can request a specific destination; e.g. school, restaurant or hotel. Negotiate the fare before getting on the baht bus.

• Baht buses that park outside hotels or stores will charge you more.

• Do not ask the driver 'Where are you going?' as this is an invitation to hire the driver or charter the baht bus and the fare will cost more.

• Do not argue with the baht bus driver over a fare. If you are not happy with the fare wait for another taxi.

• Do not pay the driver with large bills and expect him to have change.

• It's a good idea to collect business cards for specific destinations in case the driver has difficulty understanding your English.

 

Baht Bus Routes ‑ The baht bus, for those who rely on public transport, are quite convenient in Pattaya. They continually ply Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road in a counter clockwise circuit.

• Buses (dark blue, numbered) with white band across the lower part of the body go from Naklua to Jomtien, beginning at bus stop opposite Watanachai store.

• Buses on the comer of intersection with South Pattaya opposite 'Pattaya Shoes' department store also go to Jomtien.

• Buses from end of South Pattaya Rd/Sukhumvit go to Pattaya 2nd Rd and all the way to Naklua (sometimes). They may also go to Jomtien and up the hill on request.

• Buses coming in from Central Pattaya Rd will go either to South Pattaya or Naklua. You must ask and point in the direction you want to go and the driver will either accept or say no if he is going the other direction.

• White buses from Naklua go to Sriracha, baht buses stop on a soi going to Sukhumvit.

• Light blue buses go from Naklua to Jomtien area on Sukhumvit. You can also use these buses at the Naklua now market for special hire ‑ the price will depend on distance and length of time. Go early in the morning (0600 hrs). Some expatriates use them to go to Sattahip area when making a trip to one of the islands (round trip approx. B400).

Fares  ‑ Tipping is not required. Expect to pay B10 going the same way the bus is headed and also from Pattaya 2nd Rd, to Sukhumvit, from South Pattaya to North Pattaya Roads, or anywhere along Beach Rd. Pay B20 if travelling between Jomtien Beach and Naklua via Pattaya 2nd Rd or Beach Road. Expect to be charged more if you’re a tourist and don’t speak any Thai.

Motorcycle taxis - These provide a door to door service. Motorcycle taxi drivers wear colored vests with numbers on the back. Groups of drivers sit on street comers and in front of popular places such as South Pattaya Market and Mike Department Store. The fare is negotiable and not always cheap, but it is a quick way to your destination. If you have a lot of errands to do, you can hire a motorcycle taxi to take you where you need to go. You are at your own risk when riding motorcycle taxis. Insurance is not mandatory and helmets are not provided.

Taxis/Private Car with Driver ‑ Private air‑conditioned taxis is a 4-door sedan and the fare is negotiable. Tip if service is good. Limousines and hotel taxis are chauffeured, air-conditioned modern cars. A fare is not negotiable. Tipping is appreciated.

Tuk-Tuks ‑ Tuk‑tuks are not unique to Bangkok being available also in Sriracha. Drivers of tuk‑tuks will go anywhere in Sriracha and occasionally can be persuaded to go to Naklua and Pattaya. Negotiate the fare before travelling. If you are the only passenger, sit in the middle of the seat, as tuk‑tuks can easily overturn.

 

OUT OF PATTAYA

 

  If you plan to go north to Sriracha, Bang Saen, or to Chonburi or south to Sattahip or Rayong, you can do so by the baht buses, or large public buses that travel on Sukhumvit. The public buses will cost less than the baht buses but do not run as frequently.

Baht Buses ‑ Light blue or white baht buses travel on Sukhumvit from Sattahip to Chonburi. From Jomtien to Sriracha (Dunkin' Donuts) the fare is B15. You may have to take more than one baht bus if travelling from Pattaya to Chonburi. Generally, you ask the fare when you get off the bus. If you must know the fare, ask before getting on.  

Bangkok and Bangkok Airport ‑ From Pattaya, there are a number of

ways to travel to Bangkok, whether it be for shopping and pleasure or en route to

Don Muang airport. Both the bus terminals and the railway station in Bangkok

are well located for shopping. It will normally take you between three and five hours

 to reach the airport from Pattaya, but if you leave very early in the morning,

 it may only take you a couple of hours.

 

Ekamai, Eastern Bus Terminal (Sukhumvit, opposite Soi 63) Tel: (02) 391-2504.

Ekamai is convenient for reaching shopping malls such as Siam Center, Siam Square, and World Trade Center. You can also go shopping south of Bangkok along Sukhumvit.

Morchit Northern Bus Terminal (On Paholyothin Rd) Tel: (02) 272-5242, 272-5761)

Morchit is right across from the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This market is open on Saturdays and Sundays (0800‑1700 hrs) sells everything from antiques to plants, pots, furniture, clothes, and animals too!

Hualumphong Railway Station (Krung Kasem Road) Tel: (02) 223-0341

Hualumphong is centrally located, a short walk to Chinatown and quite close to Siam Square. We recommend you buy the 'Bangkok Guide' published by the Australian New Zealand Women's Group, and the ‘Vivre a Bangkok' published by the French association Bangkok Accueil, which have a detailed section for shopping, and discovering Bangkok. See 'Clubs, International & Women’s in the Bangkok section of the Directory. See also Nancy Chandler's Bangkok map.

Non air-conditioned Buses

  Non air‑conditioned orange buses on the way to Bangkok and blue buses en route to Chonburi, Rayong and Sattahip stop along Sukhumvit Road at bus stops (green roofed shelters). The destination is written in Thai, but if you ask the bus boy or driver 'Where?' ‑ 'TeeNy' they can tell you the city to which it is going. Do not get on the bus and assume the driver will stop where you want to get off. Be certain they will stop at your destination. If the driver does not stop at your destination, do not panic and do not lose your temper. Got off at the next stop. You can buy the ticket on the bus but use small bills or coins. From Pattaya to Chonburi the fare is B10‑B50. Seats are small, most foreigners prefer the comfortable air‑conditioned buses.

From Jomtien to Ekamai (Bangkok) - Non air‑conditioned orange buses leave Jomtien Beach from Chaiyapruk Rd, every hour beginning at 04:00 hrs, with the last bus leaving Jomtien at 18:10 hrs. The bus travels north on Jomtien Beach Road to Pattaya 2nd Road then to Sukhumvit Road along South Pattaya Road and on to Bangkok. The fare is B90 one way. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station (shop‑house on Chaiyapruk Rd) or on the bus. Use small bills or coins on the bits.

Rail...

The 'State Railway of Thailand' offers inexpensive travel.

  Trains are reliable and comfortable. Sleepers are available on Express trains. First and Second class have air‑conditioning. If you want to see Thailand by train, the 'Royal State Railway of Thailand' (RSR) has introduced joint tickets combining train, coaches and boats. Also available is a 'Thailand Rail Pass' valid ‑for 20 days ‑ ask at the Sriracha railway station for details.

  There is only one line between Bangkok and Sriracha. All national rail travel necessitates change of train in Bangkok. Daily train to and from Bangkok to Pattaya and Sriracha.

Line = Plutaluang Pattaya ‑Sriracha ‑ Chonburi ‑ Chachoengsao ‑ Bangkok).

‑Plutaluang (14:15 hrs), Pattaya (14:50 hrs), Sriracha (15:10 hrs), Bangkok (18:35 hrs).

‑Bangkok (07:00 hrs), Sriracha (09:59 hrs), Pattaya (10:40 hrs) Plutaluang (11:10 hrs).

Pattaya Railway Station

Tel: 038-429-285 (no English spoken). Off Siam Country Club Rd, turn left just before the railway. You can buy your ticket to Bangkok here.

Bangkok Hualumphong Railway Station Tel: (02) 2230341. (English spoken) Krung Kasem Road, Bangkok.

Sriracha Railway Station

Tel: 038-322-504 (no English spoken). East side of Sriracha on Rt. 3241 next to Worrarit Village. You can book for Chiang Mai and Nongkai. Your ticket can be purchased at the station.

U‑Tapao Airport – U‑Tapao is about 30 km south of Pattaya. It is in military grounds ‑ but identification at the gate is no longer required ‑ you can take your own car. Make arrangements for return prior to your departure, as there are no taxis on stand‑by. Bangkok Airways and the recently introduced Orient Thai Air operate flights from U­-Tapao. Check with your travel agency for the current flight schedules and destinations. Domestic travel in Thailand is available through Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways (the domestic branch of 'Thai International') and Orient Thai Air. See Directory for 'Airlines'. Thai Airways has an office in Pattaya but operates flights only from Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok.

PRIVATE TRANSPORT

  In Thailand all vehicles drive on the left, so right hand drive vehicles are standard. Air-conditioned cars are recommended to fight heat, humidity and pollution. Many people choose to hire a driver, but driving in Pattaya and Sriracha is not too difficult. Cars are expensive, due to high import duties on both completely assembled imported cars and locally assembled cars. Used cars from private owners or car dealers are available. Petrol (gasoline) stations are open daily from 05:00‑20:00 hrs. Many are open 24 hours. "there is no shortage of petrol stations.

BUYING A VEHICLE

  New cars and motorcycles must be registered. Registration costs are based on engine size. Registration can be processed at the license bureau on Sukhumvit in Naklua. Before you buy a used car or motorcycle be sure that the registration papers are in order.

VEHICLE RENTAL

  Cars, jeeps, and motorcycles can be rented on Beach Rd and sois adjacent to the beach. Be sure to ask whether insurance is included in the rental or even available. Some problems have been reported with street rentals, caution is advised. There are many small companies offering lower rates but these may prove costly in time and effort, if the car isn't serviced properly. Major companies include:

CAR INSURANCE

  Obtaining full insurance cover in Thailand is very important as accidents and losses are high. Since there are a great number of accidents it is important to take out a fully comprehensive policy with a reliable company. (Although insurance is now compulsory in Thailand many cars remain uninsured.) Make sure that the fine print is explained fully and that you know the limits of liability. Reputable insurance companies and car rental agencies, will give you a card explaining the procedure in case of an accident. Included on the card are phone numbers of the insurance agency or agent.

·        You must have an International Driving License or Thai license to validate insurance.

·        If you are not covered by a valid insurance policy you will have to pay for all damages or losses while the vehicle is rented to you. Avis and VIA rentals are covered by insurance.

·        If you rent a car or borrow a friend's car that does not have insurance, you can buy liability only insurance.

INTERNATIONAL DRIVING LICENCE

  If you plan to drive it is advisable to obtain an International Driving License in your country, before going abroad. Although it may be valid for one‑year, it is advisable to apply for a Thai Driving License after four‑months.

THAI DRIVING LICENCE

  Obtaining a Thai driving license requires that you have either a resident visa or non‑immigrant visa with at least 90 days remaining on the visa. "Me steps required are:

·        Obtain a doctor's certificate showing that you are in good mental and physical health. The doctor can obtain this certificate at any of the hospitals or clinics following a brief interview.

·        Immigration must certify that your visa is acceptable. This procedure will cost B500.

·        You must bring your passport; two photocopies of the picture page, visa stamped pages, and two passport photos.

·        You must also produce evidence of where you are living e.g. copy of lease contract. Copies and photos can be obtained at a little shop just next to the office. (Be sure to get two additional photocopies of the passport pages and additional photos for the license bureau.)

·        Take the papers from the Immigration office to the License Bureau on Sukhumvit, near Banglamung District Office (on the left side of the highway). License application is on the second floor. A color blindness test will be given.

·        Written and driving tests are required if you do not have a valid license from your own country.

·        The passport copies and photos are required for the license. The Thai license is valid for one year and can be renewed twice.

·        If you have resident status, you must have a Thai driving license to drive in Thailand.

·        If you have a tourist or non‑immigrant status a valid International Driving License or a Thai license is required.

PENALTY

  If you commit a moving violation (speeding, Jumping a red light, etc.), you will be fined Bt.100 to Bt.500, payable either on the spot or at the police station. If your wheels are clamped because you are parked illegally, the fine can range between Bt.100 (for holders of 'Thai licenses) and Bt.400 (non-Thai license).

Since the 15th of September 1994 the wearing of crash helmets has been compulsory in Pattaya (but look around and draw your own conclusions!).

SAFETY ON THE ROAD

There are many fatal and non‑fatal accidents in and around Pattaya. If you hurt a Thai and it is your fault, you will be expected to make financial compensation, to the family and the individual.

•   Do not drink and drive.

•   Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

•   Do not rent a high performance motorcycle if you are not accustomed to using one.

•   Watch out for loose gravel, sand and potholes on road curves.

•   Watch out for dogs and wandering animals on the roads, even in town.

                                                                      RULES OF THE ROAD

The following Rules of the Road will help you understand driving in Thailand. If you are fortunate enough to have a driver, sit back and relax. Otherwise, pay close attention, as driving in Thailand is very different from anywhere else. Accidents are serious in any event and become more serious when a foreigner farang' is involved.

·        The speed limit is 90 km per hour for pickup trucks, and 120 km per hour for cars on the highways. The speed limit in town is 40 km per hour. These limits are often ignored by drivers but are the law.

·        Stay in the left‑hand lane except when overtaking another vehicle. Refrain from staying in the right‑hand lane too long, pass vehicle(s) and go back to the left-hand lane as soon as possible. Police will stop you if you keep in the right hand lane without a signal. This happens frequently along Sukhumvit between Sriracha and Jomtien.

·        Do not park if the curb is painted red & white, or yellow & white.

·        Do not park in front of a loading area or driveway.

·        It is quite usual to leave your car in neutral with the parking brake off in a car park, so that it can easily be moved by the attendant to let other cars in and out.

·        Vehicles on your right and already in the roundabout have the 'right of way'. However, do not dispute with buses or trucks. It is an unofficial law that the larger vehicle has the 'right of way' over the smaller vehicle.

·        Signal when changing lanes and/or overtaking another vehicle.

·        When you are in the right‑hand lane of a four-lane road, move to the left‑hand lane when a vehicle behind you flashes its lights and/or sounds its horn.

·        At dangerous intersections (cross traffic has stop signs, or yield signs) put on hazard lights as you cross the intersection. (E.g. the intersection between the Rayong Highway (Route #36) and Sukhumvit (Highway #3).

·        An oncoming vehicle flashing its headlights is warning you that it is coming through, and oncoming traffic should get out of the way. This can also happen when the overtaking vehicle has not anticipated the distance required passing. Buses and 10-­wheel trucks are notorious for forcing on-coming traffic off the road on two lane highways. BEWARE!

Lane markings are not enforced. Drivers often cross solid yellow lane markers, passing on hills, blind curves, passing on either side and in the face of oncoming traffic. Being alert is the only defense, so slow down and move over if need be.

Traffic lights frequently burnout and are not replaced for weeks.

Be cautious at North, Central and South Pattaya Road intersections with Sukhumvit, also at these intersections, as you turn right (South) onto Sukhumvit watch out for vehicles coming from your left (North), quite often they do not stop for the red light. Frequently, drivers will jump red lights.

As a pedestrian, cross the road when clear and safe.

Watch out for pedestrians who dart across traffic lanes, especially at night.

Street vendors with motorcycles and sidecars are often on the streets and highways without proper lights at night, they are difficult to see.

Drive slowly and beware of this hazard!

Be alert at all times.

Driving is not the time to sightsee or let your mind wander.

  Be particularly careful of motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and dogs. They can be a menace and are often the cause of  'fender‑bender' accidents. Motorcycles and bicycles are often traveling down the wrong side of the road. Watch Out!

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT

·        Keep cool and use common sense; do not panic. Do not flee the scene!

·        Do not move the vehicles until the police report has been filed.

·        Only vehicles not involved in the accident should be used to take injured persons to the hospital.

·        Call the representatives from your company, the car rental company and your insurer. Wait for them and do not sign anything. Do not make any comment. When your assessor arrives report the accident. Meanwhile, you can:

·        Try to obtain the names and addresses of injured persons and of all witnesses (including passengers).

·        If possible, take photos of the scene before cars are moved.

·        Note impact damage on both vehicles. Note registration numbers of all vehicles involved.

·        Try to find English speaking Tourist Police whenever possible.

·        Do not admit liability. The police and the insurance company will define liabilities.

·        Do not make any comments to anyone except to the police or a representative of the insurance company.

·        Make a copy of this procedure and keep it in the glove compartment, with the telephone number of your insurance or car rental company.