webfact Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Phuket Governor declares war on motorbike-riders without helmets The Phuket News Any officials in Phuket caught not wearing a helmet while on a motorbike will see their superiors held responsible, warned Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub PHUKET: -- The warning came yesterday, when Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen revealed that Phuket was the worst province in the Southern Thailand – and second-worst in the country – for motorbike riders not wearing helmets. Governor Chockchai levelled the stern warning at officials at his monthly meeting with high-ranking officers at Provincial Hall yesterday (Nov 29). “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. “Government officials caught not wearing one will be punished regardless what good work the person has done for his or her office. “If any officials are found not wearing a helmet, that official’s superior will be held responsible,” he warned. Gov Chockchai also ordered a zero-tolerance of any motorbike riders not wearing helmets when visiting government offices. “The same applies for all government office premises. All people who come to government offices must wear helmets,” he said. Full story: http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-governor-declares-war-on-motorbike-riders-without-helmets-60066.php -- © Copyright Phuket News 2016-11-30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Briggsy Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Section 122 of the Traffic Act 1979. Phuket finally gets around to enforcing it (temporarily!) 37 years later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharp Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Sit outside any school when starting or finishing... Lol.. Sent from my SM-P555 using Thaivisa Connect mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arithai12 Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 So if I read correctly: the "war" is against government officers riding without a helmet, and members of the public riding without a helmet on the premises of a government office. I predict a lot of helmet on-helmet off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
d123 Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 If I may quote Santa.... "Ho, ho, ho" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catinthehat Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 So the fine print of the story admits that this directive is only directed at "officials" and people who visit gov't offices. Better build more "inactive post buildings" as that's as far as any punishment will go. And re-offenders maybe a slap on the wrist, 500thb fine (halved for a guilty plea), or maybe the worst of having to wear a pretty pink helmet. I expected a total crackdown. for what it's worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masuk Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 31 minutes ago, catinthehat said: So the fine print of the story admits that this directive is only directed at "officials" and people who visit gov't offices. Better build more "inactive post buildings" as that's as far as any punishment will go. And re-offenders maybe a slap on the wrist, 500thb fine (halved for a guilty plea), or maybe the worst of having to wear a pretty pink helmet. I expected a total crackdown. for what it's worth. I've said it before, but the Viet system works nicely. No helmet and your bike is impounded for 48 hours. Back to the police station with fine in hand plus helmet, and you get your bike back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
janhkt Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 How about telling the police to do their goddamn jobs and enforce the law. That goes for missing lights and excessive exhaust too, I guess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brain150 Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 No idea why anybody cheers on this complete and utter nonsense of being forced to to something because "it's good for you" BS !!! Quote: “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. ... why not let anybody decide what's good for anybody ? It does NOT harm anybody else so why would there be any reason to force somebody to it ? It does NOT make traffic safer as in fact it does NOT affect traffic at all [my motorbike drives the same way with or without a helmet ! It's NONSENSE and the decision is in anybody's own responsibility for one self !!! If I don't want to wear a helmet who the hell has authority to force me to wear one ? ... only slaves accept self appointed authority ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regyai Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Takes wholeheartedly to the mantra of idle authority: Dont do what you should Just do what is easy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phil2407 Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Coming up to new year - needs the money from the fines - have gifts to buy or palms to grease ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 1 hour ago, arithai12 said: So if I read correctly: the "war" is against government officers riding without a helmet, and members of the public riding without a helmet on the premises of a government office. I predict a lot of helmet on-helmet off. And let's not forget how many riders put the helmet on their head but leave the straps just dangling, including many of the RTP. Many times I've challenged my outer Thai family members on this. The response is standard, 'I'll lock the straps when I'm going to have an accident'. The other one, 'if the straps are not locked in place and you have an accident then the helmet will fly off / fall off your head'. Standard response 'how can that be possible'. My Thai son strongly scolded his aunt who never thinks about safety for telling his 10 daughter (who doesn't drive a m/c, father won't allow until she's 18 yrs old) to not worry about all of this and start riding now, because it's not possible for children to have m/c accidents, Buddha won't allow it to happen, so don't worry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambum Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 (edited) 2 hours ago, arithai12 said: So if I read correctly: the "war" is against government officers riding without a helmet, and members of the public riding without a helmet on the premises of a government office. I predict a lot of helmet on-helmet off. No,you do not read correctly! :- “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. However, as is often the case, further down the article:- "Gov Chockchai also ordered a zero-tolerance of any motorbike riders not wearing helmets when visiting government offices. The same applies for all government office premises. All people who come to government offices must wear helmets,” he said. Confusing, isn't it - but there again - TIT! Edited November 30, 2016 by sambum Additional text Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee b Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Anyone who is caught not wearing a helmet should be given a large fine ( not a pety 200b or similar ) and should have the bike taken away and put in holding for 1 month. That should also include the BiB who don't wear proper helmets. Yeah I know thats never going to happen though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Will go the same way as the "War on illegal signs and posters" on road verges which are public land...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sambum Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 24 minutes ago, lee b said: Anyone who is caught not wearing a helmet should be given a large fine ( not a pety 200b or similar ) and should have the bike taken away and put in holding for 1 month. That should also include the BiB who don't wear proper helmets. Yeah I know thats never going to happen though. It's 1000 baht on Koh Samui, and a similar fine for the passenger if not wearing one! Why do they not have the same rules all over the country and enforce them? (Sorry - I do realise that it's in the hands of the cop who stopped you, but my question stands - same as why do Immigration Rules vary from Office(r) to Office(r)?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deli Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 What about war on excess and rip off tuk tuk fares ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThailandLOS Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 6 hours ago, webfact said: “The same applies for all government office premises. All people who come to government offices must wear helmets,” Don't really see the need for this. The staff is occasionally inefficient , but seldom violent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drgoon Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 4 hours ago, brain150 said: No idea why anybody cheers on this complete and utter nonsense of being forced to to something because "it's good for you" BS !!! Quote: “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. ... why not let anybody decide what's good for anybody ? It does NOT harm anybody else so why would there be any reason to force somebody to it ? It does NOT make traffic safer as in fact it does NOT affect traffic at all [my motorbike drives the same way with or without a helmet ! It's NONSENSE and the decision is in anybody's own responsibility for one self !!! If I don't want to wear a helmet who the hell has authority to force me to wear one ? ... only slaves accept self appointed authority ! You miss the point completely. You are possibly also a selfish smoker who doesn't care about your own health for those around you... just guessing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anon4637435435 Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 5 hours ago, brain150 said: No idea why anybody cheers on this complete and utter nonsense of being forced to to something because "it's good for you" BS !!! Quote: “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. ... why not let anybody decide what's good for anybody ? It does NOT harm anybody else so why would there be any reason to force somebody to it ? It does NOT make traffic safer as in fact it does NOT affect traffic at all [my motorbike drives the same way with or without a helmet ! It's NONSENSE and the decision is in anybody's own responsibility for one self !!! If I don't want to wear a helmet who the hell has authority to force me to wear one ? ... only slaves accept self appointed authority ! Insurance claim issues when not wearing a helmet? There is debris flying around. Wouldnt want to get hit in the head/eye and scurry in the path of others. No family that value your life more than yourself? Some responsabikity to others could be a reason. Been riding competion since a child and can safely say its worth it. If your however suicidal than perhaps skydiving without a shoot would be the go. Not having a go at you. Good to see people stick up for rights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelepulse Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 This must be one of the standard mantras of an incoming governor. It doesn't ruffle any feathers and makes it appear like he's trying to accomplish something..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psimbo Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 Here we go again, another feeble attempt to enforce helmet laws. War, huahhh, what is it good for, absolutely nothing- Edwin Starr. I see from the national 'campaign' that well over 20k schoolkids are killed, injured or otherwise involved in motorbike incidents countrywide every year. Why not concentrate on the most vulnerable, charge their parents with endangerment and confiscate the bikes. Get the cops and teachers to work together as well. Kamala is awash with kids speeding around in school uniforms 2 and 3 up in uniform. What ever happened to all the yellow helmets that were distributed a couple of years back- have they been turned into plant pots? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psimbo Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 5 hours ago, sambum said: No,you do not read correctly! :- “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. However, as is often the case, further down the article:- "Gov Chockchai also ordered a zero-tolerance of any motorbike riders not wearing helmets when visiting government offices. The same applies for all government office premises. All people who come to government offices must wear helmets,” he said. Confusing, isn't it - but there again - TIT! I'm going to look pretty silly going to Immigration and the LTO in my truck then! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pattayadgw Posted November 30, 2016 Share Posted November 30, 2016 OK lets talk about helmets but lets first talk about quality of helmets. Isn't it about time Thai authorities enforce a minimum standard of helmets for riders... wearing an ice cream bucket on your head is about as handy / useful as an ashtray on a motor bike... get real Thailand, this is the year 2016 not 1816... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aj Mick Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 16 hours ago, scorecard said: And let's not forget how many riders put the helmet on their head but leave the straps just dangling, including many of the RTP. Most times I am out I see the odd RTP officer riding sans helmet. Immune to the law of the land, it seems, but the law of physics still apply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KarenBravo Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Full on police road-blocks in Phuket Town today. Only stopping people without helmets. No license, or tax check. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masuk Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 On 30/11/2016 at 6:42 PM, brain150 said: No idea why anybody cheers on this complete and utter nonsense of being forced to to something because "it's good for you" BS !!! Quote: “All motorbike riders in Phuket should wear helmets 100 per cent of the time for their own protection,” he said. ... why not let anybody decide what's good for anybody ? It does NOT harm anybody else so why would there be any reason to force somebody to it ? It does NOT make traffic safer as in fact it does NOT affect traffic at all [my motorbike drives the same way with or without a helmet ! It's NONSENSE and the decision is in anybody's own responsibility for one self !!! If I don't want to wear a helmet who the hell has authority to force me to wear one ? ... only slaves accept self appointed authority ! Why then are motor cyclists in some states of the USA fined for not wearing helmets? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokningar Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 Wish it was war on corruption instead. Would help Thailand a lot more then letting Darwin Awards sort out some of the traffic problem's here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brain150 Posted December 1, 2016 Share Posted December 1, 2016 2 hours ago, masuk said: Why then are motor cyclists in some states of the USA fined for not wearing helmets? Because BS is independent from nationality ? Or do you think just because something is done in the Empire US it's automatically good ? Wow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spidermike007 Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 A war is typically described as a sustained battle, that goes on until a specific objective is achieved, with great sacrifices made, in order to achieve the end result. Is this a real war? Are the authorities willing to do what it takes to achieve their objective, or are they simply trying to save face, due to the continued rising deaths on the road, and the embarrassment that comes with being in control of an area with so many casualties, and a nation with the number two road death rate in the world. It is exactly the same on Samui. The death rate from motorcyclists goes on, and on, from month to month. The authorities continue to jawbone about doing something to prevent it. A firm hand is all it would take. Large fines, confiscation of motorbikes, enforcing the use of licenses, and you have reduced deaths, and more safety. This is not a complicated problem. Now, the reason the authorities are not more concerned, is far more complicated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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