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Russian fined in Pattaya for driving car lit up like Christmas tree.
Pattaya police fined a Russian tourist 500 baht (S$19.80) for driving a car decorated with colourful Christmas lights on a street of the resort city in Chonburi province on Dec 17.
Mr Invanov (full name withheld), 25, was stopped by local officers while driving a Toyota Vios wrapped in blinking, multicoloured lights on Sukhumvit Road near Chaiyaphruek intersection in Bang Lamung district.
The police reportedly explained to the confused tourist that putting flashing lights on a vehicle without permission is illegal, and he was punished with a fine of 500 baht.
Mr Invanov said he had decorated his car with lights to create a festive atmosphere, following the example of his friends in Bangkok. He claimed he was unaware it was against Thai law.
Pattaya police urged the public not to decorate their vehicles with lights or festive decorations such as fake reindeer antlers.
They explained that doing so risked causing confusion or blocking the visibility of other motorists, a violation of Sections 12 and 60 of the Motor Vehicle Act that is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 baht.
THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK