Why driving can be hazardous to your health AND wallet in Pattaya!

Like housing, Pattaya expats disagree about transportation. Yes, everyone needs a way to get from 'A to B' but the best way to do so...?

Walking is in many cases the best way to get around Pattaya-zero cost, safe, convenient, and good exercise. For longer distances or when it's dreadfully hot, taking the 'Baht Bus' (a blue modified pick-up truck which operate continously all over Pattaya) for 10 Baht (25 cents) is ideal-for more than a two kilos expect to more.

And before you say 'Ugh, I'm not taking a bus', many times these 24x7 buses will literally be steps from your front door within seconds of waiting-and will stop wherever you want along their route. Think of a taxi at a fraction of the price.

Other Pattaya expats demand 'flexibility' so they own cars or motorbikes. I won't touch much on the cost of purchasing and ownership-it's similar to the West.

So, What's the problem with driving in Thailand?

If you are involved in an accident with a Thai national, of ANY type, YOU will be BLAMED-the facts are be damned! And a serious accident would have corresponding serious reprecussions

Another disadvantage is that driving in Thailand is probably NOT similar to your hometown. The 'rules of the road' are NOT followed here-Stop lights are annoyances to many Pattaya drivers, as is staying in one's lane!

As more than one Pattaya expat has said, 'I won't drive anything in Thailand--two or four wheels!'

Bottom line-Is the benefit of having the flexibility of being able to 'get up and go' worth the HUGE downside (financial and physical) of driving a vehicle here?