Report Debate Erupts Over Police Chase in Helmet Incident in Bangkok

[Chris1950]

12 hours ago, PaoloR said:

They were being chased for their failure to stop at a police check - not for their failure to wear a helmet.

Failure to stop when instructed to may have many reasons (carrying drugs, outstanding warrants etc.). It is considered a far more serious crime in law than failure to wear a helmet and warrants more than a ticket.

Agreed.

[moose7117]

14 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

It was their fault they had an accident. It would never have happened had they worn helmets. If you can afford the bike you can afford a helmet.

 

I concur, the last two bikes i have purchased in Thailand i have received a new helmet with each.

[moose7117]

12 hours ago, impulse said:

 

Back home, traffic violations are not considered crimes unless they lead to someone (or property) being injured.  Helmet law violations are considered civil infractions, not crimes.

 

There's a reason the cop in the OP apologized.  He's in the soup for violating checkpoint policy.

 

 

 

well we are not back home are we.

[Luuk Chaai]

15 hours ago, Thumbs said:

When they do stop someone for having no helmet what do they do? Either issue a ticket or some other monetary punishment and then simply allow them to proceed their journey but still not wearing a helmet... zero change to actual road safety has been achieved. 

fine and conficate the scooter ............ end of story 

 

and yes,   you do ride differntely when wearing a lid

[spidermike007]

12 hours ago, Screaming said:

Actually, what is idiotic is anyone riding a motorbike in Thailand without a helmet and anyone who supports them with idiotic posts. 

I completely agree about riding without the helmets. It is the inconsistency of the RTP and the consistent lack of deterrence that creates a problem. 

[tandor]

16 hours ago, SS1 said:

 

It's an interesting logic: wear a helmet to protect your head in case it gets smashed to the ground. Solution: the police will try and crush your head to the ground if no helmet?? 

 

At CNX checkpoints; Traffic Police + Volunteers have been kicking bikes out from under 'runners' for decades. With the penalty for no helmet now set at up to 2,000b expect to see more of it IMO.

[UbonEagle]

Seems a little overzealous, but fleeing a checkpoint you are opening yourself up to whatever comes...I imagine the cops presume drugs etc and pursue 

[SS1]

I take my earlier comments back.

 

Looks like the rider ran a red light: https://www.facebook.com/reel/675045872020447

 

This completely changes the story. Someone not wearing a helmet is only dangering themselves, but red light runners are scum and deserve to get run over. 

 

That said, the police should still consider the innocent passenger. 

[Cat Boy]

On 6/13/2025 at 8:07 AM, impulse said:

 

Who were they putting at risk by not wearing helmets vs the cops putting everyone at risk with a poorly conducted chase?

 

 

Generally the rationale is that they are "putting at risk" the public coffers, along with their families. Given a severe head injury they will be using emergency services - ambulance, hospital care, possible surgery, protracted in-patient care. To their families loss of income, even future albeit income if they are sill a school age minor, possible burden and long-term care in home if incapacitated or permanently paralyzed or otherwise disabled. If they are mortally injured, a burden to the family for post-mortem care and funeral costs, and again loss of income to the family, care for elderly parents/grandparents, etc.

Obviously, police went overboard with this chase.

Random and roaming roadblocks should be sufficient. Minimal enforcement of helmet laws is a huge step forward. The absurdity of these "crack-downs" where enforcement goes beyond the fray, then everyone forgets and moves on, speaks for itself, as Thailand maintains its lead in roadway mortality, particularly among motorcycle drivers and passengers, and particularly in the provinces, moreso than Bangkok. 

[quake]

No Lid  = Have problem.

Wear a Lid = No problem.

very simple.

But not for some riders. 

 

[Free the 115]

On 6/13/2025 at 2:14 PM, impulse said:

 

There's a victim in shoplifting.  I'd be more forgiving if the cops accidentally injured someone chasing a criminal where there's an actual victim. 

 

To a point, anyway.   I'd definitely object if they started spraying bullets at a fleeing shoplifter.  But that's not what we're talking about.