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.
On social media, irate residents have voiced their frustration over the ongoing issue and questioned why bike rental companies are permitted to distribute bikes without verifying licenses. Many people think that police should hold rental companies responsible and put repeat offenders on a blacklist if they are serious about solving the problem. Recently, while sitting outside, one resident reported seeing riders even driving on the sidewalk, with police simply passing by without intervening.
In order to use the Immigration Act to deport violators who pose a threat to public order, some have proposed involving immigration authorities. Others have questioned whether motorcycle rental companies—especially those that alter bikes or disregard safety inspections in order to increase profits during tourist seasons—are being held accountable.
In order to ensure that both renters and rental shops face consequences, authorities have promised more forceful action, indicating plans for wider coordination with immigration, tourist police, and local licensing offices. The public’s increasing demand for substantive solutions rather than sporadic nightly checkpoints is reflected in this operation.
One officer stated, “This is about defending the rights of local residents to sleep in peace, not about targeting foreigners.” “And we haven’t finished yet.”
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.
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