Reckless, noisy foreign bikers rile Pattaya locals

PATTAYA: Residents of this coastal city have filed a complaint against a group of motorcycle-riding foreign tourists for noise pollution, according to local police.

The legal complaint was pursued after a video clip went viral on social media showing a group of bikers, believed to be foreign tourists, revving their engines aggressively and causing a nuisance to residents.

Police went to Soi Yensabai in South Pattaya to inspect the tourist hotspot, where they found many visitors were driving recklessly and disturbing the neighbourhood, their behaviour unchecked.

Local residents decided to file a police complaint and urged authorities to resolve the issue swiftly.

A motorcycle taxi driver in Soi Yensabai said the tourists there often ride their bikes dangerously at night. He said he was concerned people in the community could get hurt.

A garland seller in the area said tourists often break the speed limit, posing a danger to schoolchildren and pedestrians.

According to Pattaya City police, similar disturbances have continued despite the police arresting some of the motorcyclists.

Police have also asked vehicle rental companies to make sure they collect the proper identification papers from tourists so that they can be traced if they flout the law.