Well actually, for cars, buses, baht taxis, motorbikes, bicycles etc but NOT for pedestrians.

I am increasingly exasperated by the stream of visitors who seem to leave their brains behind when they step on a plane and think it’s perfectly acceptable to walk two or even three abreast in the road. I wonder what their attitude would be if someone was doing likewise in their home town?

I realise there is limited pavement space in Pattaya but PLEASE, use what there is and if it is absolutely essential to walk in the road walk single file and as close to the edge as possible.

Thais already consider “farang” to be low life but it is attitudes and behaviour like this that exacerbates these feelings and makes it harder and harder for those of us who live and work in Thailand to be accepted.

For our sakes as well as your own personal safety, THINK – just behave as you would expect others to behave in your own country.

Other things you may also like to consider when visiting Thailand are:-

Topless sunbathing – this is highly offensive to Thais (you will usually see them keep ALL their clothes on in the sea) and is ILLEGAL. You are not in St Tropez, so ladies please keep your bikini tops ON.

Sleeveless shirts – less important in Pattaya (I suppose) but why not read a guide book about Thai culture before travelling here. If you did you would learn that it is offensive to expose your shoulders, and I am talking about the men here.

The latter may seem of little importance to you as you are on holiday and will be gone in a few weeks, but again it reflects upon the rest of us and only increases the Thais general perception that “farang” are low class humans.

Guide books to Thailand, such as The Rough Guide and Lonely Planet are inexpensive and well worth clueing up on before you travel here.