A mechanical fault in an automated parking system near Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya City led to damage on Wednesday, May 7, when a robotic lift arm broke through an exterior wall of the high-tech facility. The incident has sparked public concern over the reliability of smart infrastructure in one of Thailand’s busiest tourist destinations.
The event occurred around 12:30 p.m. during what was described as a routine vehicle retrieval. According to onlookers and facility management, the lift arm malfunctioned and struck a section of the concrete block wall, leaving a visible hole near the prominent clock tower. The structural breach attracted attention from passersby, with several tourists expressing unease over the technology’s safety.
Chukiat Wiwatthanakulthorn, the 53-year-old manager of the car park, stated that the malfunction happened while the robotic arm was positioning a customer’s vehicle. He emphasized that the wall gave way on impact, but no vehicles were damaged and no injuries occurred.
“The lift system stopped instantly upon detecting the fault,” said Chukiat, noting that built-in safety protocols, including an emergency shutdown mechanism, functioned correctly.
Operations at the facility have since resumed, and all mechanical and software systems reportedly remain operational. The damage was limited to one part of the exterior wall, which will be repaired using reinforced concrete.
Although no further risks have been identified, some members of the public voiced skepticism. One tourist was quoted by The Pattaya News questioning the dependability of automated parking technology following the incident.
The Pattaya City automated garage, among the first of its kind in the region, continues to operate while repairs are carried out. Officials, including those overseeing local infrastructure, have reassured the public that the event does not indicate a broader safety issue.
