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Pattaya in Thailand
Pattaya is 147 kilometers southeast of Bangkok, and faces the Thai Gulf. It is Asia's premier beach resort, and caters with equal appeal to families, couples and single visitors.
Pattaya's relaxing tropical ambience is synonymous with every ingredient for memorable holidays.
Accommodation ranges from luxuriously appointed backside hotels with superb convention facilities to simple guesthousesSporting opportunities abound both on land and water, and include some of the finest golfing, game fishing, and scuba-diving anywhere in Asia.
Theme and amusement parks, offbeat museums and lush botanical gardens offer numerous forms of leisure activities and cultural entertainment for all family members. And after dark, Pattaya offers all the allure and magic of a truly vibrant nightlife with a spectacular variety of restaurants, night clubs, bars, discotheques, cocktail lounges and cabarets.
Pattaya can be brash, bold, beautiful and bucolic, and offers everything and authentic international beach resort can.
Climate
Warm & Dry season : (November to February) - Short sharp showers (known as Mango rains). Humidity around 50% Temperature from 20-30 C. The best time to enjoy the nice weather. Recommend your prospective visitors to come in this season.
Hot & Dry season : (February to May) - Occasional rain. Humidity around 75%. Temperature from 30-40 C. Watch the spectacular thunder storms from a safe place, not the golf course
Warm & Wet (Monsoon) season : (June to October) - Heavy prolonged rain. Humidity approximately 90%. Temperature from 25-35C. The monsoon season need not keep you in, an umbrella is more useful than rainwear.
What to See
Central Pattaya
Pataya Klang, or Central Pattaya, is a little funkier than the Northern district. The hotels are not so grand, the restaurants smaller, and here you will find the beginning of Pattaya's bar-beers, or open-air bars. There are plenty of tailor shops, and some go-go bars. Pattaya police station, and the Immigration Office are here. Two main shopping malls, the Royal Garden Plaza and Mike's Place, are both in Central Pattaya. In addition to the action along Beach Road, many of the sois are very lively: Soi Post Office, and Soi Pattayaland 1, 2 and 3 in particular. There is a Tourist Police office on Beach Road near the junction with South Pattaya's Walking Street. The sois will all take you through to Second Road, where there are more bars and restaurants, and a couple of dive shops. There are many small hotels and guesthouses here, offering good value accommodation and no-frills Western and Thai dining.
North Pattaya / Naklua
Naklua means "salt fields", after the main occupation of the area before the rise of tourism and industry. There is still the air of an ancient village to Naklua today, for here you will see old wooden houses and narrow streets, traditional noodle shops and working fishing boats. The old houses over the creek are especially picturesque, and a walk through the streets will reveal plenty of little shops selling handicrafts and domestic goods. The Dolphin Roundabout and the beginning of Beach Road mark the junction with North Pattaya, and the surroundings change dramatically. This is the classy end of the resort, with upmarket hotel and restaurants facing out over the beach. Here too you can begin a pleasant walk along the bayfront, for a recently built promenade will take you along the shore under the palm trees right up to through to the back part of Pattaya, known as Second Road. There are more major hotels here, along with shopping areas, bars, clubs, and a Tourist Police office.
South Pattaya
South Pattaya Road curves sharply off from Beach Road, taking the traffic away from this busy district which is now known as Walking Street. A relatively recent development, this pedestrians only zone is welcome relief, allowing visitors to browse amongst the endless little shops offering fast tailoring services, sports goods, jewelry and souvenirs. Here too the bars are almost endless, as are the big seafood restaurants, several of them built out over the ocean and offering pleasant surroundings to enjoy you meal. South Pattaya tends to be older, brasher and busier than the remainder of the city. You can walk uninterrupted all the way through to the Siam Bayshore Hotel and Arthachinda Road, which effectively marks the boundary of South Pattaya. Take any of the sois, no matter how tiny they may seem, to make you way through to Pratamnak Road, the back part of Pattaya which links up with Second Road.
Around Jomtien Beach
As is so often the case in Thailand, you will see several different spellings of "Jomtien". This district, with its 6km beach, is divided off form the rest of Pattaya by the hill which rises to the back of South Pattaya. Drive over the hill, past the big Buddha and the Royal Cliff Hotel, and down into the relatively quiet Jomtien. The beach is popular with windsurfs and water sports enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping inland from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than in Pattaya Bay. This is also the place to relax for a suntan, of go for long early morning or sunset walks along the oceanfront. There is little in the way of shopping or beer - bars at Jomtien, which is essentially a residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants. Jomtien has its own very distinctive gay beach, accessed by turning right at the bottom of the hill; for all other attractions, turn left.
Bang Saen Beach
is a famous beach that has enjoyed lasting popularity. Approximately 13 kilometers from the city ofChon Buri, it branches off to the right-hand side from Sukhumvit Highway, at kilometers 104, for a distance of 3 kilometers. Stretching along the beachfront, is a 2.5 kilometer Road. Along the beach, one finds vendors offering drinks and seafood snacks such as squid, mussels and spicy steamed-fish-cakes for sale. One can rent deck chairs and rubber rings for swimming. Fresh water bathing facilities are also available. The many restaurants that line the beach have recently been improved to become more neat and orderly. Bang Saen is ideal for visitors with limited time who wish to relax with their family and friends. It also offers several hotels and bungalows for overnight lodging
Ko Lan
situated to the west of Pattaya Strait, about 7.7 kilometers from the shore, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers. There are beautiful beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral, Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving down directly. A well-known beach is at Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the island, a 750 meters stretch of white sand with many stalls and shops. Sightseeing boats mostly dock in this area. There are also Laem Thian Beach and Samae Beach on the south-western side, each beach spanning a length of 700 and 100 meters respectively. Both are regarded as beautiful and interesting spots, especially Laem Thian Beach which has remained exceptionally clean and tranquil. There are now a few stores servicing visitors. TaPan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length with make-shift lodging available. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, sightseeing boats usually dock along this beach all the way to Laem Thian where there is coral. On the southern part is Nuan Beach 450 meters in length. On this beach is a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists. This is another good place for viewing coral.Apart from these beaches, there are also Laem Hua Khon Beach on the back and front sides, Laem Lamrae, etc., which are also interesting tourist spots. Popular activities on Ko Lan include swimming, coral viewing, Para-sailing, water-skiing, water scooter riding, etc.
Ko Krok
a small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilometers, approximately 8 kilometers from the shore. The island comprises mostly rocks. Only one sandy-beach on the east of the island is Ko Krok beach which is only 100 meters in length. This is an ideal place tor coral viewing.
Ko Sak
some 10 kilometers west of Pattaya Strait or 600 meters away from Ko Lan. Ko Sak is another small island shaped like a horse shoe with an area of 0.05 square kilometers. It has two beaches, one on the northern cover 250 meters in length, an area in which boats usually stop for tourists to swim and another one on the southern part of the island opposite the first island, with a pathway linking the two beaches, a small beach 80 meters in length. A coral reef is found at the area in front of the beach. Skin-diving is also possible in this vicinity.
Ko Phai Group of Islands
are comprised of Ko Phai, Ko Manwichai, Ko Luam, Ko Klung Badan, and etc., Ko Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. The Ko Phai group of islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and takes 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a light house on top of a hill at Ko Phai. Visitors can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral.
Tourists interested in visiting all the island mentioned here can arrange to hire boats from the promenade or pier at South Pattaya. Large boats can carry between 20-80 passengers, speed boats carry 10-15 passengers. Rental fees cost between 1,000-5,000 Baht, depending on the spot one intends to visit as well as the size and type of boat.
Mini Siam
is on the left hand side at kilometer 143 on Sukhumvit Highway. This miniature city offers replicas of 80 sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand at a scale of 1 to 25. Some examples are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Sisanphet, Anantasamakhom Throne Hill, Phra Phutthayotfa Bridge, the Bridge over the River Khwae, the Golden Stupa and Phimai Khmer Sancturary. Replicas of places of world significance are also displayed in the "mini-world" area such as the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Tower Bridge, Trevi Fountain.
Open daily from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. There is also a Mini Race Course (Go-karts) for visitors wishing to try their hand at racing fast cars. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038) 421628, 424232 (Pattaya) or 271-1896, 616-1533 (Bangkok).
The Million Years Stone Park and Pattaya Crocodile Farm
is at number 22/2 Mu 1, Tambon Nong Pta Lai, Bang Lamung. From Sukhumvit, one turns left at kilometer 140 close to the pedestrian bridge in front of Wat Sawangfa along Chaiyaphonwithi Road (State Highway 3024) in the same direction as Mapprachan Reservoir for another 5 kilometers. This is an other popular attraction with Thai and foreign tourists.
Covering a large area, the compound comprises rock gardens and a botanical of rare plants and beautifully landscaped grounds. Interesting sights include, for example, fossilized plants over a million years in age, 200-year-old Thai style bonsai, crocodile pools and a collection of rare animals such as albino bears, elephants and horses. Crocodile round-ups, magic and animal performances are also a major attraction.
Daily admission from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Additional information may be obtained by calling (038)249347-9 (Pattaya) or Bangkok office, Tel: 579-5033, 941-3251-3 .
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum
situated on the third floor of the Royal Garden Plaza, Beach Road. A display of Mr. Ripley's collection of curious objects from every comer of the world. Some of them being the actual item, others are replicas. These extraordinary objects are divided into over 250 categories, such as optical illusions, peculiar lifestyle of unusual people and devices of human torture from ancient time, etc.
Open daily from 10a.rn.-12 midnight. Further inquiries may be made by calling (038) 710294-8.
Elephant Village
situated on Pornprapanimitr Road on the same directions as Phanaraks Park and Siam Country Club Golf Course. The elephant village is a popular tourist spot for Thai and foreign guests alike.
Daily performances by elephants and wild elephant round-up shows are held at 2.30 p.m. Shows last about 1 hour. Elephant jungle rides are also available.
Additional information may be obtained by calling 01-2123225 or from the front desk at the Tropicana Hotel, Tel: (038) 428645-6, 428516
Monkey training and Cobra show
I guess there's going to be monkey shows and cobra shows here. Never been there before. If you want to find out more about this, just ask anybody in Pattaya, when you get there. They should know.
Sri Racha Tiger zoo
Sri Racha is a small town located about 30 minutes drive away from Pattaya. You can find lots of tigers and many other animals in the zoo. It is open from 9.30am - 6pm everday. http://www.tigerzoo.com for more information.
Siriporn Orchid Farm
Located at 235/ 14 Mu 5, Tambon Nong Pru, turn left off Sukhumvit adjacent to the traffic light intersection at Central Pattaya for 800 meters on to Noen-phlup-wan Road, the farm is on the right hand side. The farm offers a wide array of orchids such as catteleyas, vandas, daedrovium, escosanda, pompadours. Visitors can also purchase cut flowers or plants.
Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call (038) 29013 for more information
Nong Nooch Garden
Nong Nooch garden is the place for seeing scenery of the tropical garden. It has artificial waterfall and lake that you can go canoeing. Its a nice place with many different plants like orchid or cactus garden. Its easy to find many animals, from birds to butterfly and many other animals in this garden. You can relax and watch Thai traditional dance show, which is available 3 times a day, martial arts, and the Thais favorite cock fighting everyday. You can even ride and elephant or watch elephant shows. Nong Nooch garden also has accommodation for overnight stay with traditional Thai bungalows.
What to Do
Bhira Interanational Circuit Race Course
is an international car and motorcycle race course. It is situated on State Highway 36 (Pattaya-Rayong) about 15 kilometers from Pattaya City. Races take place regularly on Saturdays and Sundays.
Additional information may be obtained by calling (01) 323-0616.
Miniature Racetrack (Thais called it Go-Kart)
Go-Kart is the word for driving small little vehicle in the race track. Fun for people who like the thrill of speed. Two main places to go Go-Kart (ing). Here's a bit of a story about Go-Kart. I was told that once a girl who had a very long hair when for a Go-Kart drive. Her long hair got stuck in the wheel and it pulled her hair of, left her with only her skull. Eventually she died. So if you have long hair you might want to tidy it up first. Nevertheless it is fun.
Siam karting circuit
Located in the same area with Mini Siam, so you can do both things in one place.
Very fast car - 450 Baht/10 minutes
Medium speed - 350 Baht/10 minutes
Cars for kids - 250 Baht/10 minutes
Tel: (038) 727410
Pattaya kart speed way
Open from 9.30am - 6.30pm
250 Baht/10 minutes
Kids race track and for trainers 150 Baht/10 minutes
Here you can also enjoy a game of Paintball.
This is a real life game that assume you are trap in the war zone. Players have to wear masks and coat. The weapon of choice is gun with plastic bullets that once hit the target will be smashed into colors. Now if you are shot, you're suppose to pretend you're dead and is not allowed to participate for the rest of the game. Players are divided into 2 teams. The objective of the game is to capture the flag of the other team and bring it back to the base. It is fun and does not hurt.Located in Theppasit between Sukhumvit and Jomtien.
Pattaya Kart speed way Tel: (038) 422044
Paintball Tel: (038) 300608
http://www.karting-thailand.com for more detail
Pattaya Park
Pattaya park is a fun park located in Jomtien. The famous Pattaya park's swimming pool, whirlpools that are huge with big sliders. Have to buy a ticket to get in, 100 Baht for an adult and 50 Baht for a kid below 120cm tall. There's a lot more things to do here like, tower jump, sky shuttle, monorail and a lot more in Pattaya park funny land. Here you can also find the famous revolving restaurant, from this place you can see 360 degrees view of Pattaya from top of the tower, This place keeps rotating.
Tel: (038) 364110-20 http://www.pattayapark.com for more detail
Underwater world
Underwater aquarium, You can walk along the tunnel under the water to see many different marine animals. Located 200 meters away from Tesco Lotus in south Pattaya. Rates 360 Baht for foreigners , 130 Baht for Thais.
Wind surfing, paragliding
One of the place I know that you can go wind surfing, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, etc is Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre, located at 150 kilometers on Sukhumvit road.
Lakeland Water Cable Ski
On Sukhumvit Highway, Kilometer 150.5, about 5 kilometers from Pattaya City. This is another venue for amusement and recreational sports that Pattaya has to offer. It comprises an enormous fresh water lake, with cable skis, a sport that is fast-going popularity. Open daily from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Admissions fees: 300 Baht per person (for around 2 hours). Call (038) 232690-2 for more information.
Bamrung Sailing and Paramotor Centre
located at Huai Sak Nok Reservoir at Kilometer 150 on Sukhumvit Highway, turn left into the lane next to the green Way Golf Driving Range, for about 4 kilometers, Look for a sign indicating the entrance. Different types of aquatic sports are available and instructions are also offered for windsurfing, sailing, paramotors, para-gliders by course or by the hour. Certificates are conferred upon completion of the course by the Royal Yacht Association (RYC), a renowned British Institution. Restaurant facilities are offered and boats such as canoes, catamarans and kayaks are available for rent The atmosphere of the reservoir is relaxing and cool. Between the months of November and February thousands of teals, swallows, and herons migrate to this area. Those interested in these aquatic sports should call Khun Burnmng Ruamsap at 01-354-4986 or 946-7859, for additional information.
Alangkarn Pattaya show (Alangkarn = Huge and amazing)
This place showcase Thai culture, Thai handicraft with state of the art theatre that has been decorated in Thai-modern style. It is a modern Thai Multi-Dimension Extravaganza show. There's also a restaurant that serves both Thai and International food with a capacity of 1,000 seats. ALANGKARN is located 155 kilometers on Sukhumvit road Jomtien.
http://www.alangkarnthailand.com for more information.
The Mini-Golf Pub (The MG Pub)
Formerly Poltony's Located between South Pattaya & Jomtien just past the fly over on Thappraya Road and opposite Mr. Mac's & the Icon Hotels. The MG Pub offers the only 18 Hole Mini-Golf Course in Pattaya, set within a tropical garden with shade trees and ponds.
A perfect day out and great fun for the whole family or just with your significant other. A comfortable course to play day or night. After 18, relax in the air conditioned 19th Hole Bar and comfortable pub/restaurant. Large screen TV for all major sporting events. Great food, snacks, beer & wine, and ice cream for the kids served all day.
Opening hours: 10 am to when the last person leaves. Tel: 038 250318
The Blue Lagoon Watersports Club
Located 10 minutes south of Pattaya on Sukhumvit 155, just before the Ambassador Hotel. This is the first of its kind which offers a safe and friendly environment to enjoy all types of water sports from the novice to the professional. Enjoy windsurfing, kayaking and even kite-sailing. Come and relax in the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of the Blue Lagoon Watersports Club. Tel: 0-3825-5115 -6
Things you can do at the beach
Pattaya has many beaches, but the most famous one is probably Jomtien beach. Here is a list of things you can do.
Banana Boat - About 5-10 people can get on this both at a time. It is not really a boat but a long straight balloon that floats on the water. The speed boat will pull this banana boat in the sea. Its fun. Rates 700 Baht/ 30 minutes
Jet Ski - You can rent a jet ski for about 1,200 Baht/ hour
Water Ski - About 500-1,000 Baht, depending on availability.
Parasailing - 300 Baht for about 5 minutes or a round in the sea, not a very big round.
Ladyboy Show
Alcazar
Alcazar Cabaret of Pattaya is now well-known throughout most of the "International" in equivalence to both Lido & Moulin Rouge of Paris. But Alcazar is different that Drag queen stages it. Alcazar was not accepted at its early days of establishment when audiences misinterpreted our shows. After years of working hard & developing our technology, Alcazar of today is a world's acclaim. Alcazar can successfully blend the art of acting, stage design, costumes & the sequence of the shows so well to be impressed by every one of all ages. So Alcazar is a must to visit for both local & foreign visitors do not miss it ever.
Seat |
Price(Baht) |
Show time |
Normal Seat |
400 |
6.30 p.m.,8.00 p.m.,9.30 p.m. |
VIP Seat |
500 |
6.30 p.m.,8.00 p.m.,9.30 p.m. |
*saturday extra showtime 11.00 p.m. |
Tiffany Show
Tiffany's show is the First ever truly transvestite cabaret show in South East Asia. With over 28 years of stage experiences, the fame of TIFFANY'S SHOW is undeniable and become a recommended tourist destination of the successful growth of Thailand's most popular resort city , Pattaya City. Millions of international visitors from every part of the world had experienced our spectacular performances and enjoyed our marvelous, talented and beautiful Tiffany's performers.
Tiffany's show is a palace of decadence, spectacular elegance, and enjoyment not to be missed if you come to Pattaya City. We are recognized as the biggest Original Transvestite Cabaret Show in Asia. Come and experience the world-standard spectacular show by yourself!
seat |
Price(Baht) |
Show time |
VIP |
600 |
7.00 p.m.,8.30 pm.,10.00 pm. |
Deluxe |
500 |
7.00 p.m.,8.30 pm.,10.00 pm. |
Mezzanine |
400 |
7.00 p.m.,8.30 pm.,10.00 pm. |
*extra show time 5.30 p.m. (during holiday seasons) |
Jungle Bungee Jump
Located near Jomtien Beach 15 minutes from Pattaya, Jungle Bungee Jump provides a 50-metre jump positioned above a small lake. The jump has an electronic lift that raises you to the jump platform and trained staff help you along your way. Night jumping can be arranged and there is a garden bar where non-jumpers can enjoy the proceedings. The basic jump package costs 1,400 Baht including a pickup and return from anywhere in Pattaya. This outlet has branches in Chiang Mai and Phuket.
Tel: 0-6378-3880 Email: sales@thaibungy.com Website: http://www.thaibungy.com/
Pattaya Bungee Jump
Established for nearly a decade, the Pattaya Bungee Jump has introduced hundreds of people to bungee jumping and is one of the leading bungee jump sites in the kingdom. At 56 metres-high, this is the highest jump in Thailand. Safety is the highest priority. Staff are fully trained and under a qualified and experienced Jumpmaster. The site prides itself on international-standard equipment. Also, a ‘reverse’ bungee jump - a catapult that sends you 56 metres into the air! A video of your day’s proceedings is available to you.
Contact:248/10 Moo 12, Thepprasit Road, Nongprue, Banglamung, Chonburi, 20260
Tel: (038) 300-608
Website: http://www.paintballpark-pattaya.com/
How to Go
By car
Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.
By bus
Air-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66.
There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111.
In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.
By train
The State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.
By Air
Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).
Getting Around
Pattaya City is divided into four major zones: North Pattaya, Central Pattaya, South Pattaya and Chomthian. It should be noted that there is a small mountain known as the Hill, located between South Pattaya and Chomthian. For a visual illustration take a look at the Map of Pattaya and Chomthian with the Hill.
Motorbikes are the most popular mode of transport in Pattaya. However, transportation in the city is facilitated through the use of special cars (song taew), customized pickup trucks with passenger seats in a covered overhead back cabin. These pickups, known as Bahts-Bus, can easily carry 8-10 passengers in the back, plus 1 or 2 passengers in front. They circle around the city and are allowed to stop anywhere. In addition to motorbike-taxis, the Bahts-Buses are the only form of public transport permitted in Pattaya. If not occupied, they also can be hired as private taxis. In fact, they are private vehicles in most cases belonging to the drivers. There are so many of them that they end up looking for passengers.
This compact city consists of 3 major roads that parallel each other. Right along the beach is Beach Rd., which is a one-way road from the north to south that is a few kilometers long. Second Rd. is a hundred or so meters away and carries city transport mainly from the south to north, although it is partly a two-way road. The last road is Sukhumvit Rd, a continuation of the highway leading to Bangkok. Many small streets called Soi(s) cross the roads. And it's advisable to walk some of the small streets, which are enumerated from north to south, although some have names. Second Rd. continues on to South Pattaya and turns to Chomthian reaching Chomthian beach within 5 minutes, and continues alongside Chomthian beach, which is approximately 20 kilometers long with some secluded escapes.
Chomthian Beach Rd., which is a two-way road, also parallels Sukhumvit Rd and is the only road in the Chomthian area, except for some connecting streets. On the other side of Sukhumvit road are several country clubs, golf courses and typical Thai rural villages, providing charming escapes on the banks of sweet-water lakes and small streams in the leisurely and relaxing countryside.
Many kinds of motorbikes, convertible monster Jeeps, sport and passenger cars are offered for rent. A driver's license is not required for driving around Pattaya and vicinity, so many tourists are tempted get behind the wheel. It should be noted that in Thailand drivers drive on the left lane, as in England and Japan. |