After months of tolerating noisy Kuwaiti motorcycle groups, Pattaya takes firm action against them

Thailand’s Pattaya Pattaya police and local administrative officers have finally launched a coordinated operation to rein in rowdy foreign motorbike riders—many of whom have been identified as Kuwaiti nationals—who have been disturbing peace with their reckless driving and late-night revving after months of public frustration and sleepless nights in Soi Yensabai.

On July 15, at approximately 2:50 a.m., security division head Nathaphop Yomjinda from the Banglamung District Office and officers from Pattaya Police Station, under the command of Pol. Capt. Chaowalit Suwanmanee, established a checkpoint inside the soi. 14 motorcycles were seized by the joint patrol, which concentrated on riders without valid licenses and vehicles with illegally loud exhaust modifications.

Local residents say they have endured nightly chaos from foreign riders—especially big bikes operated by Arab tourists—who race up and down the narrow lanes, revving engines and disrupting entire neighborhoods. One resident commented that it seems like the riders think the area is their playground, making noise all night and then scattering and returning as soon as police leave.

Even when checkpoints are established, some groups use messaging apps to warn each other, often abandoning their bikes temporarily and walking around until the coast is clear. Locals are calling for stronger and more permanent enforcement to restore peace to the community.