Stopped by police whilst riding motorbike... First time!

[arnold40844]

Not at all.. thanks for your sensible advice. Its easy to lose your head in frustration with Thai policies, and the way everyone gets around them with bribes, it worries me a lot. There should be a bin in the arrivals lounge at Suvarnabhumiairport for your moral compass.

Thank goodness for that. As it appears that you are legally married to a Thai lady just ask at immigration about a legal Thai marriage visa. Avoid agents, the last thing that you, your wife and children need is hassle. Good luck.......and please don't think I am being too critical


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[H1w4yR1da]

Paid the fine, collected the ticket, said "Krup Khun Kraap" and gave them all a Wai.

Wow! Maybe next you can get down on your knees a place a neat little kiss on their behinds. Waiing westerners!

I take it you haven't been here long. Not long enough to know all about Thailand's finest anyway.

[Clutch]

Never ever speak ANY thai to a BIB if you get pulled over for any reason. Just say 'hi, how are you going today?' 9 times out of 10 they'll tell you to go, because they put you in the 'too hard basket' to deal with.

[Sayonarax]

Here it is 80 baht for no helmet and 400 baht for no license.... Looks like you were hit for no license.

Biggest mistake you made was to speak Thai.

Most police can't be bothered with the frustration of trying to explain the procedures, just speak in your own language in future.... 9 out of 10 times, they just wave you on... Most police speak no English.

If i was in the UK doing the same thing it would have cost me closer to 50,000 THB, my bike would have been impounded and I would have had a few court appearances to look forward too. They are major extremes of 1 country going way too far and the other not going far enough.

I suppose when you think about the minimum wage here 400 THB is a lot of money to some people, there is such a big divide in the economy you can't have one rule for all. But if they put the fine up to 50,000 THB for farangs even by Thai standards it would be discrimination.

Overall though it was a good experience, I am glad it happened, made me think and come to my senses.

Sure you dont come from North Korea? 50k for no helmet, gimme a break.

[arnold40844]

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.
If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.
the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

[arnold40844]

No helmet, no licence, no registration cert or other documents, the bike would have been impounded and I would have probably been placed under arrest. They would have phoned through to find out the owner of the bike, check for a record of it being reported stolen, check insurance policy details. no insurance alone in the UK comes with a £600 fine. It was a rough estimate of costs, to be honest it was probably a bit on the low side.

Here it is 80 baht for no helmet and 400 baht for no license.... Looks like you were hit for no license.

Biggest mistake you made was to speak Thai.

Most police can't be bothered with the frustration of trying to explain the procedures, just speak in your own language in future.... 9 out of 10 times, they just wave you on... Most police speak no English.

If i was in the UK doing the same thing it would have cost me closer to 50,000 THB, my bike would have been impounded and I would have had a few court appearances to look forward too. They are major extremes of 1 country going way too far and the other not going far enough.

I suppose when you think about the minimum wage here 400 THB is a lot of money to some people, there is such a big divide in the economy you can't have one rule for all. But if they put the fine up to 50,000 THB for farangs even by Thai standards it would be discrimination.

Overall though it was a good experience, I am glad it happened, made me think and come to my senses.

Sure you dont come from North Korea? 50k for no helmet, gimme a break.

[arnold40844]

Hahaha i think i kissed enough ass to be fair... But are you saying that you think I should have acted in a disrespectful way?

Paid the fine, collected the ticket, said "Krup Khun Kraap" and gave them all a Wai.

Wow! Maybe next you can get down on your knees a place a neat little kiss on their behinds. Waiing westerners!
I take it you haven't been here long. Not long enough to know all about Thailand's finest anyway.

[bristolgeoff]

don,t worry it will happen again you will pay the police tea money again.get a thai license will help next time

[arnold40844]

i actually expected a lot worse to be honest I think the fines should be a lot higher and there should be more police on the roads... I was almost saying well done, you got me..... i have been very naughty... lol

don,t worry it will happen again you will pay the police tea money again.get a thai license will help next time

[sirchai]

My wife and I have 2 children with Thai/British nationality yet I have had struggled with visas. The dealing with consultants who say they can get whatever visa you want as long as you pay the piper enough dough. My point was that if i'm unable to get a genuine visa to stay here based on my situation then I would rather be here illegally than encourage this industry of backhand corruption... even if I was and i'm not about to hand over 50k, technically i would be here illegally.

Sorry, not my intention to destroy your 'funny" speaking "Thai" aeem...to the coppers story here.

Just reading between the lines made me think that you're only that happy that they didn't check on your visa status.

Not saying that you don't have one now. Please read your own posts. One of your posts that you're drinking with your mates, already half a bottle gin intus doesn't make you to a better driver/ father/ husband.

Please be aware that you can get a Non-O, based on your marriage in Sawannakhet/ Laos. No financial proof needed.

You'll need to go to Mukhadan, leave Thailand to Sawannakhet and apply for your Non-O at the Thai consulate.

Thought you should think about your kids future too. Cheers.-

[Neeranam]

"pom England Licence".

"Mai, Sonkran nam" "

"Chai Chai Chai, I pay fine".

I think he fined you for your use of Thaiglish.

Do you know you would be in serious sh1t if you caused an accident with no license.

I get stopped all the time and they nearly always smile and wave me on. In 20 years I've only been fined about 3 times. One for driving at 157 km/hr, once for going down a one-way street, once for going into the wrong toll way booth.

[duanebigsby]

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.

If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.

the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

Arnold, I'm just talking common sense as well.

I'm not suggesting the full body armour thingy either unless for competition riding etc.

But I've had a bee go up my shorts on the highway and sting my thigh. I could barely control the bike.

I've also had to lay down a Norton back home in Canada to avoid an accident and flip flops won't cut it.

I don't wear full cycle boots but I do wear jeans and shoes.

Thailand's roads can be dangerous. I advocate sensible measures and full attention to the road.

I'm not paranoid about riding here just sensible about the risk.

[Neeranam]

Think you did the right thing,maybe if you had your licence,it would have been 200 b ,thats my understanding of what the Thai's generally pay,maybe they fined you falang price,better not to argue with them,as it could work out more expensive and inconveinient[ie go to police station etc], plus i know the temptation of not riding with a helmet,but it only takes a few yards of travel to get hit,i rarley use the bike now always the car,also getting the Thai licence is easy just make sure you get a translation of your uk licence for them.

You don't need to get your UK license translated.

[arnold40844]

Hey Sirchia, I appreciate what sounds like genuine concerns for my families well being We are all well thanks and my visa status is all in check. I looked in to these various trips to places that "ignore certain rules" or just don't know about them.. Like I said its all in check and being taken care off. I am just waiting for a company purchasing to go through.

Also... In my defense we were watching the football, i was drinking gin and tonic, ended up staying for the later game, 6 hours in pub, half bottle of gin... Not a crime that im aware of... i just thought I would mention that the opportunity presented itself and it could have gone very badly had I lacked the common sense to decline the offer.

My wife and I have 2 children with Thai/British nationality yet I have had struggled with visas. The dealing with consultants who say they can get whatever visa you want as long as you pay the piper enough dough. My point was that if i'm unable to get a genuine visa to stay here based on my situation then I would rather be here illegally than encourage this industry of backhand corruption... even if I was and i'm not about to hand over 50k, technically i would be here illegally.

Sorry, not my intention to destroy your 'funny" speaking "Thai" aeem...to the coppers story here.

Just reading between the lines made me think that you're only that happy that they didn't check on your visa status.

Not saying that you don't have one now. Please read your own posts. One of your posts that you're drinking with your mates, already half a bottle gin intus doesn't make you to a better driver/ father/ husband.

Please be aware that you can get a Non-O, based on your marriage in Sawannakhet/ Laos. No financial proof needed.

You'll need to go to Mukhadan, leave Thailand to Sawannakhet and apply for your Non-O at the Thai consulate.

Thought you should think about your kids future too. Cheers.-

[arnold40844]

Firstly i can speak Thai a lot better that I made out in that post and secondly is that opposed to not being in deep sh1t if you do have a Thai licence???

I have been here since last July, first time in Thailand. Were not born with the knowledge of how to sort out a licence in Thailand and given that I have been here less than a year, technically speaking I thought my licence is still valid for me to drive here?? Or am I wrong, please correct if I am, do tourists need to apply for a Thai driving licence when they rent a car or motorcycle?

"pom England Licence".

"Mai, Sonkran nam" "

"Chai Chai Chai, I pay fine".


I think he fined you for your use of Thaiglish.


Do you know you would be in serious sh1t if you caused an accident with no license.

I get stopped all the time and they nearly always smile and wave me on. In 20 years I've only been fined about 3 times. One for driving at 157 km/hr, once for going down a one-way street, once for going into the wrong toll way booth.

[arnold40844]

Yeah sorry to be blunt. I have been getting progressively drunk since about 7pm, rational thought is the first thing to go. i would never ride a motorcycle in flip flips but am always whizzing up and down our Soi on our moped wearing sandals..

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.
If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.
the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

Arnold, I'm just talking common sense as well.
I'm not suggesting the full body armour thingy either unless for competition riding etc.
But I've had a bee go up my shorts on the highway and sting my thigh. I could barely control the bike.
I've also had to lay down a Norton back home in Canada to avoid an accident and flip flops won't cut it.
I don't wear full cycle boots but I do wear jeans and shoes.
Thailand's roads can be dangerous. I advocate sensible measures and full attention to the road.
I'm not paranoid about riding here just sensible about the risk.

[arnold40844]

Yeah sorry to be blunt. I have been getting progressively drunk since about 7pm, rational thought is the first thing to go. i would never ride a motorcycle in flip flips but am always whizzing up and down our Soi on our moped wearing sandals..

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.
If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.
the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

Arnold, I'm just talking common sense as well.
I'm not suggesting the full body armour thingy either unless for competition riding etc.
But I've had a bee go up my shorts on the highway and sting my thigh. I could barely control the bike.
I've also had to lay down a Norton back home in Canada to avoid an accident and flip flops won't cut it.
I don't wear full cycle boots but I do wear jeans and shoes.
Thailand's roads can be dangerous. I advocate sensible measures and full attention to the road.
I'm not paranoid about riding here just sensible about the risk.

[nifty11]

400 Baht fine is standard for not wearing a helmet. If you had 1 on they probably wouldn't have pulled you over. But in saying that if you have an accident and do not have an International License then any insurance claims you put will be rejected and laughed at.

[arnold40844]

Yeah sorry to be blunt. I have been getting progressively drunk since about 7pm, rational thought is always the first thing to go. i would never ride a motorcycle in flip flips though but am always whizzing up and down our Soi on our moped wearing sandals..

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.
If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.
the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

Arnold, I'm just talking common sense as well.
I'm not suggesting the full body armour thingy either unless for competition riding etc.
But I've had a bee go up my shorts on the highway and sting my thigh. I could barely control the bike.
I've also had to lay down a Norton back home in Canada to avoid an accident and flip flops won't cut it.
I don't wear full cycle boots but I do wear jeans and shoes.
Thailand's roads can be dangerous. I advocate sensible measures and full attention to the road.
I'm not paranoid about riding here just sensible about the risk.

[arnold40844]

Yeah sorry to be blunt. I have been getting progressively drunk since about 7pm, rational thought is always the first thing to go. i would never ride a motorcycle in flip flips though but am always whizzing up and down our Soi on our moped wearing sandals..

I think there should be a bit more perspective put in to this argument. Like if you are wearing full leathers, body armor, boots, spine protector, full face helmet to go and pick up some milk from the end of the Soi on a Honda Click one might consider it a bit over kill, yet if you are going 5 km further to a Bic C on a Hayabusa its sensible. Riding a Hyabusa in flip flops is probably not the best idea your going have to today... But this is what common sense is all about people.

I had an interesting opportunity the other day whilst out drinking with a few mates. Met a guy at the bar who had brand new Honda CR 250 parked outside, yes the scrambler! only a few weeks old. He insisted that I have a go and take it for a spin up the Soi, I had got through at least half a bottle of gin and obviously declined his offer.

Its just about using common sense and looking after yourself out there, accidents on roads dont really happen they are mostly caused by errors in judgement.

I was simply pointing out that flip flops and shorts are not appropriate gear to ride a motorbike.
If you want to not protect yourself from the possibility of accident, go ahead.
the "I did it and I'm ok argument" does not validate it.

Arnold, I'm just talking common sense as well.
I'm not suggesting the full body armour thingy either unless for competition riding etc.
But I've had a bee go up my shorts on the highway and sting my thigh. I could barely control the bike.
I've also had to lay down a Norton back home in Canada to avoid an accident and flip flops won't cut it.
I don't wear full cycle boots but I do wear jeans and shoes.
Thailand's roads can be dangerous. I advocate sensible measures and full attention to the road.
I'm not paranoid about riding here just sensible about the risk.

[Johnniey]

Sry to be blunt but I think your memory is going too.

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[arnold40844]

haha is that because i repeated the same post several times? I think it was some sort of DNS Protocol error with TV's website, or possibly some sort of update going on, also could have been my TRUE internet, it beggars beleif how many times it goes down in one day.

Sry to be blunt but I think your memory is going too.

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Theoutsider]

"I not have" classic.

[WitawatWatawit]

Sry to be blunt but I think your memory is going too.

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think arnold needs to go for a ride to clear his head.

But anyway, like the mod said before, nice mature conversation here. Well done arnold and the posters. One point - post 38 (I think it's 38 - not sure as that 3rd bottle of gin is kicking in at last) - keeping to the left. Yep, sure, but if you're in the outside lanes, make sure you have your right indicator flashing. I know this from extensive experience - like 25 years (sorry for that, not big-noting, but a timeline is necessary for some perspective).

I can understand how arnold came to be lulled into hopping on his bike to duck up to the shop without his helmet. It's happened to me, a 50-year bike rider (25 years in Thailand, most of it in Bkk). Only a few times, mind you, but like arnold, I soon kicked myself in the arse for being stupid, repented and promised to go to church on Sunday. But it's not the stupidity of the action, but the realisation that you are stupid and then correct your evil ways. Be thankful for that clarity of mind. It can save your life. I save evil for other "things".

Wit.

[arnold40844]

I got in to this terrible habit from being around people here who dont speak Thai but just say things in a very strong Thai accent whilst putting the words in a weird order like a Thai would things like "i have bill now" and "me not have".... Not proud of it..

"I not have" classic.

[duanebigsby]

Sry to be blunt but I think your memory is going too.

Sent from my GT-I9152 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I think arnold needs to go for a ride to clear his head.

But anyway, like the mod said before, nice mature conversation here. Well done arnold and the posters. One point - post 38 (I think it's 38 - not sure as that 3rd bottle of gin is kicking in at last) - keeping to the left. Yep, sure, but if you're in the outside lanes, make sure you have your right indicator flashing. I know this from extensive experience - like 25 years (sorry for that, not big-noting, but a timeline is necessary for some perspective).

I can understand how arnold came to be lulled into hopping on his bike to duck up to the shop without his helmet. It's happened to me, a 50-year bike rider (25 years in Thailand, most of it in Bkk). Only a few times, mind you, but like arnold, I soon kicked myself in the arse for being stupid, repented and promised to go to church on Sunday. But it's not the stupidity of the action, but the realisation that you are stupid and then correct your evil ways. Be thankful for that clarity of mind. It can save your life. I save evil for other "things".

Wit.

Wit,

I normally enjoy your posts for the off-beat sense of humour, but you usually show common sense as well.

Arnold's OP reminds us all to be as safe as possible while on Thailand's roads.

[KittenKong]

I doubt the sanity of anyone who rides a motorbike on a main road in Thailand. That anyone should choose to do so without a helmet is simply astounding. Being fined 400B should be the least of your worries. Death and serious permanent injury should be much higher on the list.

Still, it's your life to screw up as you wish.

So how should we travel around? Wearing a helmet prevents accidents does it? Maybe prevents the police stopping you!

I think the helmet is designed to reduce the chance of serious head injury when you fall off (which seems to be a very common occurrence in Thailand). Unfortunately it wont do anything to reduce life-threatening skin loss or broken bones, broken spine etc.

[nickmanchester2]

Right, did not know that.... Thanks. Will have to go get this sorted but to be fair its a lot of hassle just to avoid the possibility of an occasional small fine. Its like with my visa, a consultant the other day wanted 50,000 to sort me out with a 1 year visa, its only a 20,000 fine if I dont bother to get one at all.....

Also UK full licence does not cover scooters over 49cc so unless you have Motorcycle group pass then even with IDP, still invalid - if you live here just go get your licences...

Oh no!!! Arnold, are you seriously advocating living here without a visa in the belief that not having one will only incur a fine of 20,000 Bt? I have visited someone in the IDC (Immigration Detention Centre) before he was deported and blacklisted for lise I strongly suggest you learn a lot more about life here.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Its a bit harsh being deported for lise, crabs I can understand... oh well, nearly worked

[Theoutsider]

I got in to this terrible habit from being around people here who dont speak Thai but just say things in a very strong Thai accent whilst putting the words in a weird order like a Thai would things like "i have bill now" and "me not have".... Not proud of it..

"I not have" classic.

Same here, at least he tried to talk to the guy I would of said "me falang me not speak Thai, talk to the wife" ha

[louse1953]

A reminder, most accidents happen within a few kilometers from home.

I'm astonished by the tourists with no helmet, short pants, and flip flops. And they have zero riding experience.

Don't let the size of these little Hondas lure you into thinking it's safe. OP has a ton of experience so will be okay on the roads, but those tourists are ignoring helmets and drinking are accidents in the making.

OP it's easy to get your Thai license. Passport, Residency permit, medical certificate and you've got it.

Also use ziplock bags for things like DL, passport( or photocopies) wallet etc.

You forgot about the test,unless you have international licence.To many farangs think its ajoke when Thai cops cant read their out of date home licence,etc.One day they will have an accident and it wont be a joke then.