A UK woman recently shared a cautionary tale about parking regulations in foreign countries after receiving a fine for incorrectly parking in Thailand. Janelle Brown was surprised to be charged £52 for parking against the curb, a rule she was unfamiliar with, while trying to find a spot near the beach.
Expressing her confusion, Janelle stated, “I was puzzled by the fine.” She later learned that this law, although not commonly enforced, exists in Thailand, a detail she was unaware of before.
As the owner of an online marketing agency and a beauty salon in Phuket, Janelle now advises fellow Brits to familiarize themselves with local regulations before renting a vehicle. She highlighted her experience online, revealing her lack of knowledge about the rule and its potential application even in the UK.
Recalling the incident, Janelle mentioned, “I parked across from the beach in Phuket, the only available space on the road. I was fined 2000 baht (£45) and had my wheel clamped, requiring a visit to the police station to settle the penalty.”
She further emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to traffic laws when driving overseas, noting the differences between rules in the UK and other countries. Interestingly, she discovered that the same parking regulation exists in the UK, even though it is not commonly enforced.
In the UK, Highway Code rule 239 explicitly states, “Do not park facing against the traffic flow,” with penalties for violations ranging from fines to disqualification and imprisonment based on the severity of the offense.