Thailand’s Pattaya The roar of modified motorcycles has long filled Pattaya’s streets, and the problem still exists despite constant complaints and sporadic police crackdowns. The deafening noise from loud exhausts continues to irritate both locals and visitors, regardless of the time of day.
The overuse of sirens at night is one frequent grievance. “At night, the sound of rescue trucks isn’t silent either! Since there aren’t many cars on the road at that time, it would be greatly appreciated if the noise level could be reduced. People love to use sirens needlessly, and emergencies seem to occur far too frequently. Please, enough is enough!
People have expressed their frustration in a number of Pattaya neighborhoods. One resident commented, “Soi Siam Country Club—it’s very annoying,” and another said, “Also in Jomtien Beach!” It’s not just loud motorcycles that are the issue. “Quite a few motorcyclists drive on the pavement, especially the food delivery bikes,” according to some who have witnessed riders engaging in risky behavior.
Skepticism persists despite sporadic police actions aimed at reducing noise pollution. “I can’t help but wonder, why don’t they apply the same zeal…?” after reading the article and noticing that the police are actively cracking down on noisy vehicles (although, in my experience, they seem more focused on fining tourists for not wearing helmets).
Many modified motorcycles have exhaust noise levels well above the 95 dB legal limit in Thailand. “I have taken pictures… 140 dB is stated in the exhaust pipe specs on the internet. Why are they permitted to be sold or imported here?
It’s not a new problem. They have been doing this for years. One comment said bluntly, “The louder the pipe, the lower the IQ.” Another resident wrote, “It’s always been a problem, and I’m in the firing line,” obviously frustrated. But others wonder why Pattaya is even a place where noise is an issue: “WHO the heck is sleeping in PATTAYA?”
Beyond noise, concerns about safety have also been raised. “Some Thai motorcycles have no rearview mirrors, no license plates, noisy exhausts. They don’t wear helmets, there are sometimes 3 or 4 of them on one bike, and sometimes they’re drunk.” Others pointed out specific problem areas: “Jomtien Thappraya 10, every hour… never any police.”
Comparisons have also been drawn between Thailand and other nations. “In civilized countries, there are noise ordinances.” Meanwhile, some joke about local superstitions: “And no backlights, in case ghosts follow them. It’s true!”
Of course, motorcycles aren’t the only noisy vehicles. Additionally, some locals complained about promotional trucks, asking, “And what about the speaker trucks?”
The frustration is not universal. One retorted mockingly, “After reading these comments, I need a loud exhaust.” What a group of whiners. Others said, “Loud pipes save lives,” in support of the practice.
One advocate clarified, “They do, in fact. Although it can be annoying at times, those decibels make it easier to hear them approaching, which is very helpful in a place like Thailand.
However, detractors contend that responsible driving, not loud noises, should be the source of safety. “It saves lives to drive with a brain.”
It will be difficult to strike a balance between the demands of thrill-seeking riders and the welfare of Pattaya’s citizens as the city grows. Some people enjoy the hectic energy of the city, while others simply desire some quiet time.
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