Effect of enforcing Thai motoring legislation

[Big Boy]

A step in the right direction. A 2,000฿ fine for driver and/or passenger(s) is a much bigger deterrent. Some of the school kiddy bikes on school runs could easily net 20,000฿ for repeat offenders.

Police blitz on motorcyclists not wearing helmets

Police will begin a nationwide blitz on motorcyclists and their passengers not wearing crash helmets from June 1, with offenders facing fines of 2,000 baht.

It is part of a broader campaign to reduce road accidents and improve traffic discipline.

Pol Lt Gen Nitithorn Jintakanon, head of the traffic police image enhancement taskforce, on Tuesday announced the launch of the “Safe Roads Project”.

It aims to instil road safety awareness and ensure more effective traffic management. The initiative includes stricter enforcement of helmet use, particularly in high-risk areas and near schools.

Provincial police have been instructed to identify key roads with frequent traffic violations or accidents and to focus enforcement efforts there, Pol Lt Gen Nitithorn said.

The campaign also targets roads near schools and educational institutes, where compliance with traffic laws will be closely monitored.

Under the directive, both motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear helmets at all times while riding. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of 2,000 baht, with repeat violations potentially incurring double penalties.

The regulation is intended to reduce fatalities and injuries, which remain high among motorcyclists in Thailand.

The fine has been increased from the previous 500 baht.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ng-helmets

[brianks]

HO, HO, HO; Merry Christmas everyone. Fat chance any of this will happen as 90% of the riders in my area are not wearing helmets and the police just ignore it when they pass by.

[Big Boy]

Unfortunately, you are probably right. In areas where they have actually enforced previously, it has been quite successful, and helmets are regularly worn. Such a shame if it doesn't work because it results in so many unecessary deaths every year, but life doesn't mean much in Thailand.

The only thing in the legislation's favour now is that enforcement could be a great earner at 4,000฿ a head for repeat offenders.

[Dannie Boy]

I don’t travel to Bangkok very often, but whenever I do, the utilisation of helmets is a high%, which I assume is due to better enforcement, so it can work and with higher penalties, the message should get round pretty quick if the BIB get out there and do what they’re paid to do!!

[Big Boy]

Plus, 2,000฿ to 4,000฿ a hit is quite a disincentive to a Thai wage earner. I'm not poor, but I'd be pretty P'd at having to pay that sort of amount.

I'm not sure it stopped many, but hiking the drink driving penalties raised a few eyebrows, and I do know a couple who think twice about drink/driving now. I also know a few that have spent a night in the cells as a result.

[Big Boy]

I do wonder what happens if riders are stopped wearing a different kind of helmet e.g. cycle helmet or construction safety helmet. I often see them worn around town. What about the police baseball caps many police officers wear whilst riding their motorcycles? Do the police accept those?

[Dannie Boy]

Plus, 2,000฿ to 4,000฿ a hit is quite a disincentive to a Thai wage earner. I'm not poor, but I'd be pretty P'd at having to pay that sort of amount.

I'm not sure it stopped many, but hiking the drink driving penalties raised a few eyebrows, and I do know a couple who think twice about drink/driving now. I also know a few that have spent a night in the cells as a result.

You also see quite a few farangs who believe that wearing helmets doesn’t apply to them - hopefully they’ll be targeted first!!

[Big Boy]

There is already a police officer that rides around town stopping Farangs not wearing their helmets. I've never seen him stop a Thai. Unfortunately, the deterrent is laughable until 1st June.

[404cameljockey]

I also know a few that have spent a night in the cells as a result.

BB, you either have a very wide circle of acquaintances, or you associate mainly with drink/drivers! I have taken the odd chance after a couple of large beers (I used to never even worry about it in years past), but I only know one other farang who would do the same. Admittedly my circle of friends is generally over retirement age.

[404cameljockey]

On the topic in general (compulsory helmet wearing) I still believe that nannyism like this is unacceptable. Even for pillion passengers, it's their choice to ride or not if a helmet isn't provided.

[Big Boy]

I also know a few that have spent a night in the cells as a result.

BB, you either have a very wide circle of acquaintances, or you associate mainly with drink/drivers! I have taken the odd chance after a couple of large beers (I used to never even worry about it in years past), but I only know one other farang who would do the same. Admittedly my circle of friends is generally over retirement age.

Maybe I'm more observant.

I know 3 (all Farangs) that have spent time in the cells overnight - not because of the crime, but because they couldn't pay the fine immediately. They were released when the fine was paid (most likely to drive home ).

It's always a strange thing about Thai law - pay the fine, and you can continue your journey - the offence goes away, especially if riding without a helmet.

[Hahuahin]

I don’t travel to Bangkok very often, but whenever I do, the utilisation of helmets is a high%, which I assume is due to better enforcement, so it can work and with higher penalties, the message should get round pretty quick if the BIB get out there and do what they’re paid to do!!

I can't remember the last time I saw a police officer out enforcing the law here . Only when there are accidents. However, we were on a trip to Phuket last year, and even in local areas far from the tourist areas, you didn't drive far before you saw a police officer.
hahuahin

[buksida]

There is already a police officer that rides around town stopping Farangs not wearing their helmets. I've never seen him stop a Thai. Unfortunately, the deterrent is laughable until 1st June.

hopefully they’ll be targeted first!!

This is pretty deplorable and sums up this country in a nutshell.

[Dannie Boy]

I don’t know about every western country but certainly in the UK, wearing helmets has been compulsory for decades, so why do British tourists and/or expats think it’s wise not to wear them here?

[Big Boy]

I can't remember the last time I saw a police officer out enforcing the law here . Only when there are accidents. However, we were on a trip to Phuket last year, and even in local areas far from the tourist areas, you didn't drive far before you saw a police officer.
hahuahin

All that I can say is you are going to the wrong places. Maybe not as prevalent as a few years ago, but they are definitely there.