Woman fined abroad for ‘unheard of’ parking rule that also applies in UK

Janelle has warned anyone heading abroad to ‘check the local rules’

A woman from the UK has warned people to be careful abroad after getting fined for parking the ‘wrong way’ in Thailand. Janelle Brown was hit with a hefty charge for a simple mistake after she parked against the curb as it was the only spot near the beach.

Unfortunately the parking cost her £52 – due to her vehicle not facing the correct way – a rule she had never heard of. “I was confused as to why I was fined,” said Janelle.

“The office explained that it is a law but not something that’s usually enforced. I wasn’t aware that Thailand had this rule.”

Janelle, who runs an online marketing agency and a beauty salon in Phuket, has now advised Brits to check the rulebook before renting a car. She shared her experience online – claiming she had never heard of the rule but was actually informed that it can also apply on home soil.

Janelle said: “I was in Phuket and parked across the road from the beach. It was the only parking space on the road. The fine was 2000 baht (£45) and my wheel was clamped I had to go to the police station to pay the fine.

“Driving abroad means there’s different rules than what there is in the UK. But apparently this is also a law in the UK – but not one that people usually get fined for.”

In the UK, Highway Code rule 239 says “So not park facing against the traffic flow.” Breaking Highway Code Rule 239 can result in varying penalties depending on the specific portion of the rule violated, ranging from a £1,000 fine up to disqualification and imprisonment