At the traffic stop near me, on a daily basis farang are pulled over, helmet or no helmet. The police catch a lot of people who don’t have an actual motorbike licence. Of course, if no helmet then for sure a farang is stopped. Rarely do I see Thais pulled over although in low season it does happen occasionally.
So, wear a helmet and have the right licence. Then when you are pulled over, and you will be pulled over, there is no fine imposed and you can go on your way.
Of course, the alternative if you don’t have helmet or licence is to pay a fine and THEN go on your way. And THAT is the issue. The police shouldn’t let people they have just fined for no helmet and/or licence, just carry on riding just because they paid a fine. Make them walk and they won’t risk it again