A UK woman issues a cautionary tale after receiving a fine for incorrectly parking in Thailand. Janelle Brown faced a substantial penalty for parking in the opposite direction of traffic flow while seeking a spot near the beach.
The parking violation cost her £52, a consequence of her vehicle not adhering to the local regulation, which she was unaware of. “I was puzzled by the fine,” Janelle expressed, as she had never encountered this rule before.
Having a business in Phuket, Janelle, who operates an online marketing agency and a beauty salon, now advises fellow Brits to familiarize themselves with local driving regulations before renting a car. She shared her experience online, emphasizing that this rule might also apply in the UK, even though it is seldom enforced.
Recalling the incident, Janelle recounted, “I parked across from the beach in Phuket since it was the only available space. I received a 2000 baht (£45) fine and had my wheel clamped, requiring a visit to the police station for payment.”
She added, “Driving in a foreign country entails different rules compared to the UK. Surprisingly, this regulation also exists in the UK but is rarely enforced.”
In the UK, Rule 239 of the Highway Code explicitly prohibits parking against the direction of traffic flow. Violating this rule can lead to various penalties, ranging from a £1,000 fine to disqualification and imprisonment.