Police blitz on motorcyclists not wearing helmets

[Gaybutton]

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

I never thought of that, but I think you're right. Nearly every time they publish something that causes people to hit the panic button - everything ranging from weather emergencies to police crackdowns - at least around here whatever it is hardly ever really happens or lasts long, and nowhere near to the extent they cause people to expect.

[Gaybutton]

Public Skepticism Persists as Thailand Enforces New Traffic Fine System

By snoop1130

June 13, 2025

Since the Royal Thai Police (RTP) implemented their overhauled traffic fines and sanctions on June 1, 2025, skepticism remains widespread among the Thai public. The revised system, aimed primarily at improving road safety, has yet to fully convince citizens despite its focus on critical areas such as helmet laws and unlicensed driving.

Key among the changes is the stringency concerning motorcycle helmet use. Under Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, both riders and passengers are mandated to wear helmets, with fines beginning at 1,000 baht. Notably, if both are caught without helmets, penalties can double. Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Chintakanon, commander of the Traffic Police Bureau, points out that these requirements are central to the "Safe Roads Project," which seeks to curb road accidents and fatalities—a pressing issue nationwide.

Motorcycle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in Thailand, largely attributed to insufficient helmet use. Many opt out of wearing helmets due to comfort concerns, despite the added danger. The RTP's firm stance on helmet laws is part of broader efforts to change this mindset and enhance road safety.

Further reinforcing this, the RTP has set sanctions for other risky driving behaviors such as driving on pavements, against traffic flow, or ignoring traffic signals, each incurring fines starting at 1,000 baht. Meanwhile, less severe infractions like undertaking or using mobile phones without hands-free devices while driving attract fines from 500 baht upwards, subject to the offence’s seriousness.

Public skepticism towards these measures stems partly from historical grievances against traffic law enforcement. Unclear regulations, inconsistent enforcement, and perceptions of being unfairly targeted by officers compound distrust. This sentiment is compounded by the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on February 5, which declared RTP's traffic fines issued post-July 2020 as unlawful. The court highlighted that these fines unduly restricted motorists' rights to contest tickets—fixing fine rates without due regard—thus breaching constitutional rights.

The RTP's publication of detailed traffic offences and corresponding fines represents a positive, albeit necessary, step towards transparency. While this initiative may improve trust gradually, deep-seated issues, including enforcement consistency and legal clarity, continue to cloud public perceptions.

Despite the initiative's forward strides, addressing the underlying causes of distrust is vital. Enhancing the system's fairness and clarity, alongside reinforcing respectful enforcement practices, is essential for truly effective traffic law adherence. For now, the RTP’s focus remains on mitigating safety risks, but winning public confidence remains a significant challenge.

https://aseannow.com/topic/1363558-publ ... ne-system/

[Dodger]

,,,and not a single word about how they plan to address the root cause, i.e. Lack of Enforcement.

[Jun]

The offence missing from the list is "Police Officer Soliciting or Accepting a Bribe".

[Gaybutton]

The offence missing from the list is "Police Officer Soliciting or Accepting a Bribe".

Of course. We all certainly know it goes without saying - no police officer would ever dream of doing such a thing . . .

I like numbers 15 and 16 on the fines list, especially number 15 - "Negligent or 'scary' driving". Is there any way that could possible be more vague?

Number 16 says "Reckless driving" - What is the difference between 15 and 16?

[Gaybutton]

As far as I can tell, this "blitz" is not only over, but never really began. I have seen no police enforcement anywhere and the number of people on motorbikes without wearing helmets has not noticeably changed.

[Jun]

During my holiday, I didn't see any evidence of a blitz on helmets. No roadblocks, no increase in people wearing helmets, nothing.

I did see one motorcyclist getting a ticket for some offence or other. He wasn't wearing a helmet.

I also saw lots of parking enforcement. This includes regularly shipping away motorcycles parked on the "bus stops". Even though there are no buses to use the bus stops.
But the simple task of enforcing helmet laws, which would save lives is too much for the police.

[Gaybutton]

But the simple task of enforcing helmet laws, which would save lives is too much for the police.

Yet they used to enforce it rigorously. I used to see them at busy intersections stopping helmetless motorbike drivers all the time. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen any of that in the last two years or so. Maybe there wasn't enough tea money in it.