Kuwaiti Students Flock to Pattaya for Summer Fun, Motorbike Mayhem Divides Locals
Kuwaiti students have been flocking to the popular Thai resort city of Pattaya for their summer break, attracted by lower temperatures, their higher spending power, and the opportunity to create online content. However, their reckless motorbike racing and accidents have caused divisions among the locals who both rely on their cash but also suffer the consequences.
The streets of Pattaya come alive at night as Kuwaiti students engage in motorized mayhem, racing their motorbikes and mopeds without licenses and speeding through the narrow lanes. The students, aged between 18 and 21, have arrived in their thousands since July to escape Kuwait’s scorching summer heat, which can exceed 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit).
The fascination with motorbikes has grown among Kuwaiti students, fueled by social media and their love for riding back home. Despite nightly police stops and a rising number of accidents, the students continue to disregard the potential risks. In the period between July 14 and August 15, the police issued 800 speeding tickets to Kuwaiti riders, impounded 272 bikes, and fined 153 bike rental shops for renting vehicles to individuals without licenses.
The Kuwaiti students are well-heeled compared to Thai standards and are eager to experience this summer’s must-have accessory – a moped or motorbike, often without wearing helmets. Their antics are shared and cheered on social media platforms, attracting attention and desire from their peers back home.
Pattaya, known for its uninhibited nightlife, is accustomed to catering to the desires of tourists. The Muslim Kuwaiti students, however, are not interested in the city’s go-go bars or nightclubs. Instead, they have block-booked hotels near Soi Yen Sabai, an area filled with Arabic restaurants and cafes, tour agencies, and bike rental shops. They have taken over the streets, engaging in dangerous and illegal motorcycle street races near underpasses.
The students’ actions extend beyond reckless motorbike racing, as they continually push the boundaries of acceptability, encouraged by social media. Pranks involving fake weapons and altercations with locals have added to the growing concerns among the Thai population. However, businesses in Pattaya are grateful for the influx of students during the low season, as their spending has provided a much-needed boost to the local economy.
Thailand’s tourism sector is constantly seeking new markets, aiming to reach 25 million tourist arrivals this year. While Indians, Malaysians, Hongkongers, and Russians have returned, China remains the largest source of visitors. This year, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a new market following the resolution of a long-standing diplomatic dispute. Middle Eastern visitors, including Kuwaitis, have long sought Thailand as a refuge from their scorching summer temperatures, as well as for medical tourism.
With a week remaining before the start of the new college term, the Kuwaiti students show no signs of slowing down. Despite the concerns and occasional injuries, they continue to enjoy their break in Pattaya, relishing the lower temperatures, delicious food, and affordable hotels. The city’s tourism industry is thrilled to have them, appreciating the boost in business during the off-peak season.
As Pattaya grapples with the challenges posed by the Kuwaiti students’ motorbike mayhem, there are differing opinions among locals. While some view them as a nuisance, others recognize the economic benefits they bring. The situation highlights the delicate balance between maintaining public safety and catering to the demands of tourists, even when their behavior raises concerns.
In conclusion, the influx of Kuwaiti students to Pattaya has brought both excitement and controversy. While their reckless motorbike racing and accidents divide the local population, their spending power provides a much-needed boost to the city’s economy. Pattaya continues to navigate the challenges posed by these affable yet boisterous new guests, trying to strike a balance between maintaining safety and accommodating tourists.
