A UK woman has issued a cautionary message to travelers after receiving a fine for parking incorrectly in Thailand. Janelle Brown faced a substantial penalty for parking in the opposite direction of traffic flow, a rule she was unaware of when she parked near the beach against the curb.
Expressing her confusion, Janelle stated that she had never heard of the regulation before being fined. She learned from authorities that although the law existed, it was not commonly enforced, leaving her surprised by the consequences.
Janelle, who manages an online marketing firm and a beauty salon in Phuket, now advises fellow Brits to familiarize themselves with local driving regulations before renting vehicles. Sharing her experience online, she highlighted the importance of knowing such rules, even back home.
Recalling her experience, Janelle described parking across from the beach as her only option, resulting in a 2000 baht (£45) fine and her wheel being clamped. She had to visit the police station to settle the penalty.
She emphasized the need to understand and adhere to different driving laws while abroad, noting that similar regulations exist in the UK but are not commonly enforced.
In the UK, Rule 239 of the Highway Code prohibits parking facing against the traffic flow, with violations potentially leading to fines, disqualification, or even imprisonment based on the severity of the offense.
