riverhigh

This is part of Thai culture concerning the lesser of two evils, so to speak. Its based on the need for Thai students to go to school in places where there is lack of transport or the distance to schools is far. See it as an incentive to go to school and teaching resposibility of looking after a motorcyle ... smile. As to the helmet part of your comment, it is not possible to fine +/- 13yr old without a license. Like it or not this is the way it is and always remember Thailand is for Thais. Similar to me you are just a guest.

From the original article: "Mr. Martin was reportedly confused and refused to give a statement to the press." Also, from the original article you can see Mr, Martin, nicley pressed shirt and trousers, stone-faced sitting calmly in a chair. Of course he wants to play the role of a confused and spooked old-fart. And so do the police want you to think that he is spooked and confused and, hence, the reason why they have not charged him. It is not in the best interests of the police to let the Thai justice system run its natural course while there is still time for money negotaition. There is a reaon why the police put in their report that "Ms. Savitree Seesun, 25, who (at time of accident) was offering food to a monk on the side of the road". They are going to put the screws on him when the negotiations start at the police station. I doubt very much that he will be charged with anything if he can come up with the money. Before you expat sympathsizers get your hump up, remember it could have been you crossing the street or driving your vehicle while this selfish $%$!! was crashing into you while trying to escape the police.

Love the thumbnail photo of the two journalists doing a dramatic and sincere wai. They should be given an academy award. No wnder they were only fined 5,000 baht. After seeing that photo I am positive they will never "unknowingly" break the law again.

Looking at the photo I feel like I'm in a high-end seafood restaurant on Walking Street. Two waiters in white explaining the seadood menu,

Agree. But even more so in this case. My understanding is that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and emphysema doesn't happen ovenight. I have freinds who suffer from similar conditions and refuse to change their lifestyle and get help. 77 years old, fixed in his own world, wants to live in warm climate, doesn't want to change, hoping negative things will just go away by themselves. I have more sympathy for his daughter. Just my opinion and I could be 100% wrong in this matter.