Police blitz on motorcyclists not wearing helmets

[Gaybutton]

"The government’s latest move signals a renewed commitment to tackling this long-standing public health issue through education and enforcement."

I give it 2 weeks . . .
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Thailand’s new helmet law sparks questions from foreign residents

May 30, 2025

A new nationwide road safety campaign launching in Thailand on 1 June has sparked debate among residents and visitors alike, as authorities begin stricter enforcement of motorcycle helmet regulations in an effort to reduce road accidents and fatalities.

The “Safe Roads Project,” initiated by Thai traffic police, will see intensified checks on motorcyclists and passengers who fail to wear helmets, with violators now facing an increased fine of up to 2,000 baht — quadrupled from the previous 500 baht penalty. The campaign targets high-risk areas, particularly roads near schools and educational institutions, with a focus on building a culture of compliance with traffic laws.

Under the new directive, both drivers and passengers on motorcycles are legally required to wear crash helmets at all times, regardless of distance or location. Authorities say the regulation aims to tackle Thailand’s persistently high rate of road traffic injuries, particularly among motorcycle users.

The updated law has prompted questions among expatriates, with one foreign resident taking to social media platform Reddit to enquire about its application to motorcycles equipped with sidecars, commonly referred to in Thailand as saleng.

In his post, the man described a light-hearted disagreement with his Thai wife regarding whether passengers in a saleng are subject to the same helmet requirement. While his wife claimed the vehicle's configuration made helmets unnecessary, he argued that the saleng still qualifies as a motorcycle under Thai traffic law.

Although the Royal Thai Police have yet to issue a specific clarification on helmet requirements for saleng configurations, the current legislation makes no distinction between standard motorcycles and those fitted with sidecars. As such, all riders and passengers are presumed to be subject to the same safety provisions.

Authorities have also instructed provincial police forces to identify areas with frequent traffic violations or accidents and to focus enforcement efforts accordingly. Repeat offenders may face escalated penalties, and checkpoints are expected to become increasingly common throughout the campaign.

Thailand has one of the highest rates of road traffic fatalities in the world, with motorcyclists comprising the majority of those killed or seriously injured. The government’s latest move signals a renewed commitment to tackling this long-standing public health issue through education and enforcement.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... -residents

[Jun]

Thailand’s new helmet law sparks questions from foreign residents

What's new ? A larger formal fine? When it appears the normal practice is to pay a bribe.

[Gaybutton]

What's new ? A larger formal fine? When it appears the normal practice is to pay a bribe.

Tea keeps getting more and more expensive . . .

[Dodger]

If they really want to make an impact they should set up road blocks at both ends of Soi Yensabai when the Kuwaiti's are in town.

That would solve that problem!

[Gaybutton]

If they really want to make an impact they should set up road blocks at both ends of Soi Yensabai when the Kuwaiti's are in town.

They shouldn't be allowed to rent motorbikes in the first place without proper motorbike license documentation - meaning both their home country motorbike license and an international driving permit designated for motorbikes. And since now it's June, it won't be long before here come the Kuwaiti motorbike maniacs - again . . .

In other words, this "blitz" should also hold liable the places that rent out the motorbikes. Anyone who doesn't have the proper paperwork - all of it - should not be allowed to rent a motorbike. This has been talked about and promised, so how about living up to the promise. Any of these places that rent out motorbikes, but fail to check and hold copies of the proper paperwork ought to be shut down and have their motorbikes confiscated until they pay a fine - a very hefty fine that will convince them to obey the rules.

Do I think that will actually happen? Not a chance. As soon as the motorbike maniacs show up in Pattaya I will be very surprised if it isn't the same chaos that has been happening every year.

"It's deja vu all over again."
- Yogi Berra

[Gaybutton]

Whether the campaign can move beyond temporary roadblocks and sporadic checks to meaningful, sustained change remains to be seen.

Really? Is that so? Why do I think many just may already know the likelihood of sustained change? I'm looking forward to seeing just how sustained it will be, especially once the Kuwaiti motorbike maniacs arrive.

How about if the police officers take bribes?

IF . . . ?
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Pattaya gets tough on helmets with 2,000 baht fine — but some say it’s not enough

By Pattaya Mail

June 3, 2025

Pattaya has become a front-line zone in Thailand’s newly launched “Safe Roads Project,” a nationwide traffic enforcement campaign rolled out on June 1. The campaign aims to curb the alarming number of road fatalities—particularly those involving motorcycles, which account for over 80% of all road deaths in the country.

As part of the crackdown, traffic police in Pattaya and nearby Banglamung district have stepped up patrols at key intersections and along major roads. Officers are now strictly enforcing Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, which mandates that both motorcycle drivers and passengers wear helmets at all times. Violators face fines of up to 2,000 baht for drivers and up to 4,000 baht for passengers, with additional penalties for drivers carrying unhelmeted riders.

“Public safety must come first,” said Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kraiboon Suadsong, who confirmed that the Royal Thai Police are coordinating enforcement across 95 designated zones nationwide—including Pattaya, Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Bang Saen.

In Pattaya, where helmet compliance has historically been inconsistent, police have already been seen pulling over non-compliant riders, issuing warnings, and in some cases, tickets. Locals and tourists alike are being reminded that no helmet means no excuses—and now, a costly fine.

Public Reaction: Applause, Criticism, and Realism

The campaign has drawn a flurry of public comments—some supportive, others skeptical.

“Wearing helmets doesn’t prevent accidents, it prevents injuries,” one resident said. “To prevent accidents, you need to catch those who drive recklessly, speed, or drive under the influence. Then implement hefty fines and a point system, similar to the UK.”

Others questioned whether enforcement would be meaningful at all without broader reforms:

“First, you need a police force,” one comment bluntly noted.
“Out here in the Pisanulok area, it’s operations normal. Local cops will not do this.”
“First they have to get the police to work after 5 p.m.—that’s when most of the accidents happen. After 6 p.m. almost nobody wears a helmet and the population knows it.”

Some users suggested the campaign was misplaced:

“It’s not the helmets, check the tires—most are bald with cords showing. Tires first, helmets last. The safety checks are a joke here.”

Corruption also came up in the conversation:

“How about if the police officers take bribes? How will they be penalized? Because they are the ones who allow this to happen and turn a blind eye.”

Infrastructure issues weren’t ignored either:

“How about fixing the roads?” asked a resident of Khao Noi. “I don’t think Thais got the memo in Khao Noi and Khao Talo.”

Others took a more ideological stance:

“If you want a big brother state, go back to the UK, Australia, or Canada. Freeland is called this for a reason.”

“Then again, not wearing a helmet can remove the possibility of future accidents!”

Despite differing opinions, one thing is certain: Thailand’s traffic safety culture is under scrutiny.

Government agencies—including the Department of Highways, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and provincial authorities—are expected to support the campaign in tandem with police efforts. Education campaigns are also being encouraged to reach young people and rural communities.

Whether the campaign can move beyond temporary roadblocks and sporadic checks to meaningful, sustained change remains to be seen. As one local summed up: “Teach children, educate people—that’s the real long-term fix.”

https://www.pattayamail.com/news/pattay ... ugh-503422

[Gaybutton]

Now that this "blitz" is in full force, I have seen no difference in the numbers of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. From what I am seeing, most still are not wearing helmets. I see no observable increase in the numbers who are wearing helmets. Apparently it is common knowledge among the Thais as to where the police checking for helmets will be.

In other words, as far as I can tell nothing has changed.

[Dodger]

In other words, as far as I can tell nothing has changed.

I spent all day yesterday navigating around Pattaya - from north to south - and saw more motorbike drivers not wearing helmets than those wearing them...

[Gaybutton]

I spent all day yesterday navigating around Pattaya - from north to south - and saw more motorbike drivers not wearing helmets than those wearing them...

Did you see any police? So far I have seen none.

When this was first announced I said I give it 2 weeks. Up to now it seems more like 2 days - if it even lasted that long . . .

Anyone surprised?

[Dodger]

Did you see any police?

No...not a single one.

And I traveled from Bang Saray to Fed Ex in Naklua...to BKK Bank Central PTY...Friendship So. Pattaya...Jomtien Beach...and KFC Bam Amphur. No BIB but I must have passed a thousand motorbike drivers not wearing helmets.

If they would just stop publishing newspapers this would be the calmest place on earth.