Pattaya's baht buses - an opinion piece

[Gaybutton]

Baht buses cutting corners with overfilled seats – Long-stayers say you have to learn the hard way in Pattaya

By Pattaya Mail

June 9, 2025

For long-term visitors in Pattaya, the romance of jumping onto a baht bus for 10 baht fades quickly once reality kicks in. Expats who’ve been around long enough say that while the fare hasn’t changed — officially — the experience certainly has.

“The route fare has not changed and is 10 baht as set by the government from Jomtien to Naklua,” says one long-stayer. “Same as the old sign that used to be in every bus.” But many now argue that the signs might as well be decoration. “I remember when they put route signs on all the baht buses — nobody even followed them,” another rider added.

It’s not just about the detours. Some complain that the buses frequently “clip the route,” forcing riders to cross dangerous intersections to transfer, often with no warning. “On Jomtien Beach Road, you never know where they’ll kick you off if you want to go into Pattaya,” says another regular. “They’ve found ways to squeeze more money out of passengers instead of pushing for a fare adjustment through the proper channels.”

Overfilling is another sore spot. “They stuff the buses heading to Jomtien so full, nobody else can get on mid-route,” one rider shared. “Same problem on the way back — it’s already full before it even reaches you.”

The unpredictability has made ride-hailing apps like Bolt an increasingly attractive alternative. “You don’t need that many people before Bolt becomes the same price,” one user noted.

But it’s not just the fares or routes that raise eyebrows — it’s the driving. Some riders say a minority of baht bus drivers treat Pattaya’s roads like a racetrack. “Excessive speed, running red lights, swerving in and out of traffic… Second Road is chaos,” one regular rider observed. “I’d happily pay 20 baht for a safe, respectful ride. Authorities should send inspectors to ride in the back and actually see what it’s like.”

Add to that the sense among some foreign riders that they’re easy targets when it comes to traffic enforcement. “Some say police let Thai offenders off because they claim ‘Thai offenders have no money,’” said one local. Still, others defend the police approach. “Don’t break the law, and you’ve got nothing to worry about — whining farang,” one commenter wrote bluntly.

Others take a more pragmatic approach. “Use a helmet and have a Thai driving license. Never had a problem,” says one experienced expat. “Thankfully, I’m a legs, songtaew, or Bolt man.”

In a city where the streets never really sleep, navigating public transport in Pattaya isn’t just about getting from A to B — it’s a daily test of patience, street smarts, and adaptability. And while the price might still say 10 baht, the true cost of the ride is learning how to survive it.

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/baht-b ... aya-504365

[Jun]

More bullshit from the PM.

In the last 3 trips, I've had just the one attempt at overcharging. She backed down very quickly.
If they clip or abandon the route, they usually keep the passenger window wound up, indicating you should not pay. It's only really a problem if you want to go right to the bottom of Jomtien beach.

When I first came to Pattaya, 6 people on each row was fairly common. Now, with both Thais and foreigners getting fat, they rarely try to put more than 5 on each row. So not overcrowded.

I agree about the problem trying to find a place on one part way along the Pattaya-Jomtien route, but not much else.

They didn't consider the sensible question, which would be: "Why does Pattaya persist with this backward and inefficient baht bus system?"
The first step should involve proper buses and bus lanes, complete with cameras for enforcement.

As for signs, I just notice they have a line number painted on the side of almost every one, in Thai.

It usually says Sai ti 5, or 6. I've also seen 4 & 7. Of course, this is just decoration and does not reflect the actual route.

[Gaybutton]

Why does Pattaya persist with this backward and inefficient baht bus system?

Probably because of interference by the baht bus mafia.

[christianpfc]

In my limited experience, basically only between South Pattaya and Jomtien, I am quite happy with the baht buses.
No doors make for quick entry and exit.
Getting on and off wherever you want saves time to walk to a bus stop (such stops were introduced many years ago, didn't work).
The small size makes for high frequency and short waits.
There should be more of them to/from Sukhumvit road.

Whoever is not happy with the baht buses in Pattaya, take a look at Chiang Mai where public transport is an expensive (rides starting from 30 THB, I can almost get a taxi in Bangkok for that!) mess! There as well, several attempts to introduce buses failed.

[Jun]

There as well, several attempts to introduce buses failed.

The last time I was in Chiang Mai, the buses also cost 30 baht and had a 45 minute interval. That's not a proper attempt at establishing a service.
In Bangkok, some of the rides are about 8 baht on a non-aircon bus. They use proper stops and have an acceptable frequency. Thailand can do buses, but why only in Bangkok?