Thread: Foreign tourists facing unfair ride fees by baht buses in Pattaya

Foreign tourists in Pattaya are increasingly raising concerns about being charged unfairly high ride fees by baht buses (songthaew), a common mode of transportation in the city. While baht buses are an affordable and convenient way to travel short distances around Pattaya, some foreigners report being asked to pay significantly higher fares than what is typically charged to local residents.


Baht buses in Pattaya operate on fixed routes, with a standard fare of 10-20 baht per person, depending on the distance traveled. However, many tourists have complained about being charged as much as 50 to 100 baht for short rides, especially if they are unfamiliar with the local rates or appear to be tourists. This has led to frustration and confusion, with some foreign visitors feeling taken advantage of.

This practice is believed to be more common in popular tourist areas, such as Walking Street, Jomtien Beach, and the Pattaya Beach Road, where tourists are more likely to be unaware of the standard fare structure. Some drivers may even refuse to negotiate or explain the fare, demanding an inflated price upfront.


Tourists have expressed their dissatisfaction through online forums and social media, with many urging others to be cautious when using baht buses. Local authorities, including the Pattaya Tourist Police, have been made aware of the issue, and some attempts have been made to regulate baht bus fares more effectively. However, enforcement of fair pricing remains inconsistent, with many tourists still reporting incidents of being overcharged.


To address this issue, both tourists and locals are encouraged to be vigilant, ask about fares before boarding, and, if necessary, report instances of overcharging to the authorities. Efforts are also underway to increase awareness of fair pricing and improve the overall transparency of the baht bus system, ensuring that tourists and residents alike can enjoy affordable and reliable transportation without fear of exploitation.

High Season Prejudice - Foreign tourists facing unfair ride fees by baht buses in Pattaya - Pattaya Mail

HAHAHAHAHA good one.

"transparency of the baht bus system".

Guffaw Guffaw etc.

I always understood that if you just got on the bus, you paid the flat rate, but if you asked to go somewhere - then caveat emptor.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I always understood that if you just got on the bus, you paid the flat rate, but if you asked to go somewhere - then caveat emptor.

I think if you just get on, get off and pay they wouldn't argue.

It's if you ask them how much:

Some drivers may even refuse to negotiate or explain the fare, demanding an inflated price upfront.

Which is essentially the same as tuk tuks.

And why everyone uses ride sharing apps if they have half a brain cell.

Originally Posted by misskit

Baht buses in Pattaya operate on fixed routes, with a standard fare of 10-20 baht per person, depending on the distance traveled. However, many tourists have complained about being charged as much as 50 to 100 baht for short rides

So, a five fold increase for foreigners and the 'local authorities' are to look into it.

It's less than the increase charged by the 'authorities' to foreigners to visit national parks, zoos, etc.

I think I pay ten times the daughter's cost to visit Korat Zoo.

I heard a rumour at Beer O'Clock many Falang Flangemongers come to Pattaya soley seeking either asylum or to be "TAKEN FOR A RIDE'

Originally Posted by nidhogg

I always understood that if you just got on the bus, you paid the flat rate, but if you asked to go somewhere - then caveat emptor.

Truth. But not everyone knows that.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

Truth. But not everyone knows that.

Yeah true. But how many tourists are going to read the 400 page book on "how to avoid getting ripped off in Thailand".

Fuck. I have been here for 25 years and I am 9nly 9n page 10.....

And your o button seems to be broken for the 9

9nya 9ggy