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 continuously all over Pattaya) for 10 Baht (30 cents) is ideal-for more than a few kilos expect to pay slightly
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 it as a taxi at a fraction of the price.
Other Pattaya expats demand 'flexibility' so they own cars or motor bikes. 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 repercussions
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?