A UK woman has issued a cautionary alert to travelers following a hefty fine she received in Thailand for parking incorrectly. Janelle Brown found herself facing a £52 charge after parking against the curb near a beach due to limited parking options.
Expressing her confusion over the penalty, Janelle stated that she was unaware of the specific rule that her vehicle must face a certain direction while parked. She learned that this regulation, although not commonly enforced, is a law in Thailand.
As the proprietor of an online marketing agency and beauty salon in Phuket, Janelle urged fellow Britons to familiarize themselves with local driving regulations before renting a vehicle. She recounted her experience online, highlighting her ignorance of the rule that applies not only abroad but also in the UK.
Detailing her situation, Janelle recounted parking across from the beach in Phuket, the sole available spot on the road, resulting in a 2000 baht (£45) fine and her wheel being clamped until payment was made at the police station.
Emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to foreign driving laws, Janelle stressed that regulations differ between countries. She pointed out that the rule she inadvertently broke in Thailand is also outlined in the UK’s Highway Code, specifically under Rule 239, which prohibits parking against the traffic flow and carries penalties ranging from fines to disqualification and imprisonment.
