15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Visitors staying long-term in Pattaya have been left puzzled by a common sight on the city’s streets—numerous motorbike riders forgoing helmets, despite Thai legislation mandating their use.

If you want to wear one do it... if you don't want to wear one realise there could be consequences.

Why protecting something (a brain) you don.t have?

13 hours ago, still kicking said:

No, that is the USA

 

Idealistic nonsense they propagate.  'Land of the free' is a marketing slogan, not America's reality.

Please explain Jaywalking to a Brit or Canadian.

Either you value your head and the brain therein, or not... up to you.

Either you love your family and friends and want to spare them grief, or not... up to you.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

For numerous riders, the tropical heat serves as the principal excuse.

 

I don't think heat has anything to do with locals not wearing helmets. The cover themselves to avoid the sun!!

More likely

- It messes with my hair

- No one can see me

- where do I put the helmet when I am not riding?

Et al.

 

On the odd occasion that my Thai lady accompanies me downtown on a scooter she covers her head with a scarf even though she has a new helmet.

Well, it's apparently high time that Thais give us safety education, wearing helmets in particular.🤗

Slow news day or a sprained wrist from writing copious amounts of complete drivel?

13 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Me thinks the Germans should mind their own business. 

So should you  !

 ''despite Thai legislation mandating their use'' this sentence, is an oxymoron to just about anything and everything here in this country.

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

The stats prove helmet use saves lives.  Ms Google points it out to easily.  Comparison of death & head injuries of states with or without helmet laws.  Simply Google:

 

... "statistics on death & injury of states with and without helmet laws usa" ...

 

 

All that study proves is that more riders wear helmets where it's a legal requirement.

 

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

With helmets priced at around 800 THB, they remain a small price to pay for safety.

For an egg shell with styrofoam... but better than nothing I guess.

I frequently use GrabBike around Rama 2 areas and many are now carrying a passenger helmet.

I had the pleasure of paying 2000 dollars for hospital treatment for a dumb Filipina who broke her leg riding on her father's bike. Both wore no helmet, Father died of head trauma, had he worn a helmet he'd be alive. 

13 hours ago, Cameroni said:

The German is right, helmets are a must but of course those who don't wear one get sorted out by the Darwinian principle.

 

Ideally Pattaya police should hire Germans to enforce the helmet policy. 

 Ideally Pattaya police should hire Germans to enforce the helmet policy be policemen!

Police don't want to sort the problem, what easier way to generate fines for the police force. Can simply set up a check point and let people come to you, issue a fine and let them continue their journey with no helmet, so safetyhasn'tbeen improved one bit... fastest way to fix the problem is to fine and confiscate the bikes of those riding without a helmet until they can return with a new helmet covered under safety standards 

11 minutes ago, Thumbs said:

an simply set up a check point and let people come to you, issue a fine and let them continue their journey with no helmet,

 

"Oh excuse me sir. Your license is out of date you should get a new one as soon as possible."

 

Living here is brilliant, isn't it?

16 hours ago, smedly said:

helmet use depends largely on what you are doing, if scooting around town at bicycle speeds it's not so important

true,then dying is not so important either !

14 hours ago, chawbdurian said:

Thailand means land of the free.

You're right. Americans are not free to cross the road where they want. They call it jaywalking.

Why do western countries tax you so much on energy?... Same same applies to anything other countries do...it's not your country, keep your big nose out and stop complaining all the time...it gets so tiresome, if you ain't happy go home!

14 hours ago, connda said:

Nobody, and I mean nobody wore a helmet.   🚲

I started riding in 1960 and I did - made of cork and glass re-enforced polyester (GRP)

I think Shark helmets are made in Thailand they offer great protection at a reasonable price. 

17 hours ago, smedly said:

helmet use depends largely on what you are doing, if scooting around town at bicycle speeds it's not so important

yeah right ..  neither is wearing shorts and flip flops and eye protection ...   

3 more totally stupid things to do when riding 

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

File photo for reference only

 

Visitors staying long-term in Pattaya have been left puzzled by a common sight on the city’s streets—numerous motorbike riders forgoing helmets, despite Thai legislation mandating their use.

 

This cultural phenomenon has come under scrutiny following a feature in the local Pattaya Blatt titled “Too Hot for Helmets? Pattaya motorists claim police let them off with a weather excuse.” German readers responded, emphasising the critical importance of helmet use regardless of external conditions.

 

One German motorbike enthusiast expressed astonishment, explaining, “Helmets are vital for head protection during accidents. In Germany, it’s unthinkable to ride without one. Here in Pattaya, many say it’s too hot, but I wear my helmet with a thin cap underneath for air circulation—you adapt to it.”

 

For numerous riders, the tropical heat serves as the principal excuse. Reports suggest that police might sometimes overlook helmet violations on scorching days, allowing many to ride unprotected. “I ride a moped myself and don’t really feel the heat due to the wind—at least not here in Pattaya,” he continued. “I’m uncertain how it is in Bangkok traffic, but you don’t drive fast there anyway.”

 

Road safety advocates highlight that while Pattaya's lenient enforcement may keep locals cool, it also contributes to elevated head injury rates. This laxity is puzzling for many newcomers from countries with strict traffic regulations.

 

The contrast in safety norms can be jarring. In Europe, stringent enforcement and awareness campaigns have made helmet use a non-negotiable habit for riders. In Thailand, however, where weather can be exceptionally humid, the practice seems more relaxed.

 

Further complicating the issue is the matter of enforcement. Many argue that consistent application of the helmet law could significantly reduce accident-related injuries. Yet, the cultural acceptance of lax enforcement poses a significant challenge to implementing such changes.

 

Conversations with locals reveal varied opinions. Some believe the law should be more strictly enforced, while others feel personal discomfort on hot days justifies the occasional breach. Juggling comfort and safety, especially in a tourist-heavy city like Pattaya, remains a delicate balance.

 

Understanding these cultural nuances isn’t always easy for foreigners. Yet, as tourism continues to flourish, bridging this gap grows ever more vital. With over 40 million tourists visiting Thailand annually, familiarising visitors with local laws and encouraging adherence might save lives.

 

For German tourists and others used to strict traffic rules, adjusting to Pattaya’s more carefree approach is as much an exercise in cultural understanding as it is a lesson in adapting to new surroundings.

 

What remains clear is the urgent need for ongoing dialogue and education around road safety. A stronger emphasis on enforcement, coupled with public awareness campaigns, could help align local practices more closely with international safety standards.

 

For now, the conversation continues as visitors navigate the complexities of Pattaya's roads, one helmet—or lack thereof—at a time. With helmets priced at around 800 THB, they remain a small price to pay for safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Pattaya Mail 2025-08-15

 

 

There's even much cheaper helmets on the market.

 

Plenty of cops can be seen not wearing crash helmets and senior cops are exempt from wearing helmets.

 

My Thai son has repeatedly asked his wife's large extended family 'you have a crash helmet (in the basket / hooked on the frame behind the drivers seat), why don't you wear it?

 

Always a laugh and a standard response 'I'll wear it when I'm going to have an accident'. And they seem to think this comment has made my son look stupid.

 

Seat belts are uncomfortable to some but they have become a standard item in Thailand. 

15 hours ago, smedly said:

who would do that ? LMAO

 

I suppose if your hands are tied behind your back you may or may not hit your noggin

 

motorbike accidents that kill are generally not at 15-20kph which is exactly my point

 

PS - I approve of helmet use, been riding big bikes for years including here in Thailand

example Honda wave 125 is 106kg  take that "zipping along at 15kph and gets whacked by a  Dmax which can be 2030kg

        

or if you need a visual of what happens .... 

Three tomatoes are walkin' down the street. Papa Tomato, Mama Tomato and Baby Tomato. Baby Tomato starts lagging behind, and Papa Tomato gets really angry. Goes back and squishes him and says: "Ketchup." 

17 hours ago, smedly said:

helmet use depends largely on what you are doing, if scooting around town at bicycle speeds it's not so important

Until you headbutt the concrete 

Third road Pattaya, heading south. Stopped at the Red light just over South Road. Counted 17 on bikes around me without helmets. Road laws in Thailand are a joke really, as is their enforcement. Nothing will change so just protect yourself! 

Should be no "dilemma"...

A   It's common sense

B   It's the law

 

9 hours ago, KhunLA said:

states with or without helmet laws

Are ”states” at all relevant?  Or do you mean “Changwat”??   

17 hours ago, EVENKEEL said:

Me thinks the Germans should mind their own business. 

I think you'd better take care of your business. Once you have done that, you can give your good advice to others.

17 hours ago, TedG said:

I genuinely don't understand why anyone would ride without a full-face helmet. People can get seriously injured even in a slow-speed tipover. In my early days of riding, I once face-planted during a low-speed U-turn. Thankfully, my full-face helmet saved me that day.

My experience in physiotherapy included intensive care, closed head injury and multi orthopaedic trauma rehabilitation.

When head injuries occur, 34% of the injuries are to the face and jaw owing to open faced helmets.

Helmets can also reduce brain twisting damage and concussion that may occur even at low speeds.

 

I ride a motor bike in Thailand (not a scooter), and used to have multiple bikes in Australia, including big bikes, plus I earned my living as a motor bike courier at one stage.

 

Thailand requires a very different skill set and orientation despite what you may be used to in your home country.

 

I always wear bike protective gear for on and off road, even for the shortest trips.

Even road rash is a major hassle.

 

Wishing  you all safe riding.

 

Remember, even the accident that is not your fault can ruin your day and maybe your life.

 

Gear up.