Why is Surachai fishing?
Surachai had had enough. He was fed up with the lack of action from the local authority in repairing the many potholes in the sois around his home. A puddle-protest was called for.
The roads are always busy, so the nuisance is far from just personal.
Drivers crawl along, bracing for motorcyclists who swerve at the last second to dodge a crater.
Rightly or wrongly, the rider would not be blamed. The motorist would pick up the tab for any damage or injury. In this country, the person assumed to have more money than the poor motorcyclist always pays.
Here in Thailand, it’s simple: whoever looks richer pays.
Why is Somchai fishing?
Directly and formally complaining wasn’t going to work; face must be maintained.
After a night of rain, Surachai set up a chair beside the biggest puddle and cast his fishing rod. Was this fishing stunt going to work?
He was only there for one hour during which time he caused a lot of laughter and merriment from those passing along the soi.
By evening, a repair crew arrived — Surachai’s puddle‑fishing had worked better than any complaint.
The link below takes you to a serious “how to” article on how to catch fish in a puddle
https://www.bing.com/search?pglt=299&q=fishing+in+puddles&cvid=839192543d304bdfa87d5a52bea87514&gs_lcrp=EgRlZGdlKgYIABBFGDkyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPNIBCTI3OTM4ajBqMagCALACAA&FORM=ANNTA1&PC=ACTS
Thais value freedom above everything else. That is why Somchai, in the post you’re now reading, “Why is Somchai fishing?” is able to challenge his local authority’s failure to repair potholes. He knows he’s free to challenge them so long as he does it in an informal humourous way. His puddle protest, his fishing stunt, hit exactly the right note.
https://mattowensrees.com/2025/11/11/how-thais-value-freedom-2/
Somchai is not alone in criticising local authorities.
Visitors, both Thai and farang are not only criticising Pattaya’s bureaucrats over poor planning, but also pointing out that regulations to ensure the safety of pedestrians are simply not being enforced.
Despite previous promises, city officials in Pattaya have failed to prioritise the safety of those who walk its sidewalks. They remain dangerous for all who use them. It’s one reason why tourists are not coming back to Pattaya.
A Typical day on Pattaya’s badly planned footpaths
Thais and visitors criticise local officials for at least 3 dangerous footpaths in Pattaya.
They see riders on motorbikes race illegally along footpaths, dodging walkers every day.
Street sellers clutter the sidewalks with their advertising boards and tables, just to invite passers-by to stop and eat. Not an enjoyable meal when there are bikers speeding past.
One walker said, “there’s no enforcement. You’re constantly either watching your back for a motorbike or stepping over junk just to walk twenty metres or so”.
This photo shoes officials talking about the sand that’s used as a base for the paving slabs. When there’s heavy rain and flooding, the sand rises and the slabs lift up. If walking at night, you won’t see the danger. You’ll trip and fall over, sometimes receiving serious injuries.
One resident said, “When it floods, the sand washes away and the pavements collapse. What’s missing is proper drainage. Rainwater should be channeled out to sea every 100 metres to protect the pavement. And this is just one of the 3 dangerous footpaths in Pattaya”.
Another photo. Another set of town bureaucrats pointing and talking.
why is somchai fishing? Conclusion
Of course, Somchai is not really fishing. He has found a way of making his local authority repair a very dangerous pothole.
Not by making a formal complaint. Not by making officials lose Face. But by making a humourous gesture–his puddle protest. As well as causing merriment to those who had gathered round to watch the spectacle, he got the action that everyone wanted.
That’s the Thai way. Don’t upset anyone. Don’t give anyone cause to complain about what you’re doing. That’s the way to get results. And all in the name of Freedom to do as one wants.
The puddle was repaired.
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