This ‘Helpful advice for foreign visitors to Pattaya’ is provided by the Foreign Police Volunteers (FPV).

Arriving in Bangkok by air
After you clear customs you will encounter many people who wish you to hire their car. There are Limousine services usually with fixed prices for your trip to Pattaya. There are ‘Private Cars’ for hire and a representative for these cars will take you to the car. It is wise to agree a price before you go with him. There are ‘metered taxis’ they are the most cost effective forms of transport to Pattaya. Prior to making any payment, establish if the cost includes the trip via motorways and toll costs. The motorway is the quickest route to Pattaya. When booking the transport of your choice please have the name of your hotel to hand or the address where you will be staying.

The journey to Pattaya
This can take 1 hour 30 minutes on average. During this time you can ask the driver to stop at a service station if you want a break in your journey in order to buy water or visit the toilet. When you leave the car for this purpose please take valuables with you whilst in the shop.

Arriving at your destination in Pattaya
If staying in a hotel it is wise to leave valuables in the hotel safe. Before venturing out to explore Pattaya please take time to make a photocopy of the information page in your passport and the visa page. This can be done for a small fee at the PATTAYA INFORMATION CENTER located at ‘The Avenue Pattaya’, Second Road. It is a legal requirement that you carry such documentation with you at all times.

Money
It is unwise to carry credit and debit cards around with you, please leave them in your hotel safe. It is recommended that you only carry enough cash for the day or the evening when you are out. NEVER carry large amounts of cash. Generally make sure your day to day luggage (handbag or wallet) are secure on your person.

Gold Chains
Wearing gold chains around the neck can place you at risk as thieves riding on a motorcycle will attempt to snatch your gold chain as you travel around. The same applies to handbags/shoulder bags; make sure they are secure. Never leave a bag unattended.

Renting a Car or Motorcycle
Usually operators have fixed prices for these. Please establish if the vehicle is taxed and has first class insurance. You will be asked to provide a photocopy of your passport. NEVER leave your passport as security.
To drive legally in Pattaya you should have an International Driving Permit. The Highway Police will accept your domestic license issued to you from your home country, but the local Pattaya police will not. If necessary you will have to pay a small fine if you do not have the correct license or permit.
When hiring a motorcycle it is the law that you wear a safety helmet. Also there is a requirement that you wear a top of some kind, if you do not and are stopped by the police you will be required to pay a fine.

Getting around in Pattaya
Motorcycle taxis are available almost on every street corner. Always agree a price with the driver before you go on your journey. Songtaos or “Baht Buses” as they are called are available all over Pattaya. A trip on one will cost between 10 and 20 Baht, depending on the distance. They are also available for private hire, for example, for the day, for a special trip etc. Always agree a price before your trip.

Some do’s and don’ts when in Pattaya
ุ   Do not walk on the beach at night as it is unsafe
ุ   In busy places or riding a “Baht Bus” always be aware of pick pockets
ุ   If you are on the beach during the day leave valuables in your hotel. However if you take a camera, phone, or lap top do not leave such items lying around, always have them next to you
ุ   Jet Ski. If you wish to rent one always agree a price first. Then inspect the Jet Ski all round and underneath. If you find scratches or damage point out the damage to the operator and always take pictures of it before you use the Jet Ski. This will help you avoid any claims by the operator that you have damaged the Jet Ski when you return it to him.
ุ   In general Thai people are warm and friendly; however they can be aggressive if confronted.

Help if you need it in Pattaya
If a problem arises please come to Pattaya Police Station on the corner of Beach Road and Soi 9. There is a Foreign Police Volunteers (FPV) help desk on the ground floor inside the Pattaya Police Station. The Foreign Police Volunteers will be only too happy to assist you.
The FPV project, based at Pattaya police station, was launched in mid 2007 on the recommendation of the then police commissioner of the eastern region. There are currently around 90 volunteer officers of 23 nationalities, divided into five groups who operate a noon to midnight shift rota to staff an information, translation (if available) and help desk at the Pattaya Police Station in Soi 9. Separately, there is also an administrative group for marketing and bureaucratic purposes reporting directly to the FPV project leader.
There are several hundred foreigners in a typical week who have cause to visit the Pattaya Police Station – for example to pay a traffic fine, to file a report following a crime, to provide a witness statement, to answer criminal charges, to visit friends and relatives in the cells – and the FPV service exists to assist as a community policing role. FPV duties outside the police station are also available from time to time, as announced by the project leader, but the overriding function is to staff the desk at the Pattaya Police Station.

***We hope that you have a pleasant and trouble free stay in Pattaya.