Thread: Bikers without helmets face up to THB 2,000 fine starting June 1

Starting June 1, 2025, both motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets or face a fine of up to 2,000 baht, announced the Royal Thai Police (RTP) on Tuesday.


This is part of a broader initiative to improve road safety and enforce traffic discipline nationwide, said Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn Chintakanon, Commander of the Traffic Police Bureau and Head of the RTP’s Traffic Police Image Enhancement Taskforce.

Nithithorn explained that the initiative, under the "Safe Roads Project," is being implemented across the country, focusing on high-traffic areas, roads with frequent violations, accident-prone zones, and locations near schools. The goal is to ensure strict compliance with road safety laws, especially the mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists and their passengers.


He added that Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act requires both riders and passengers to wear helmets to prevent injuries. Violations carry fines of up to 2,000 baht, which double if a rider is found without a helmet while carrying a passenger who is also not wearing one.

The Ministry of the Interior and local authorities are working together to publicize the "Safe Roads Project" and encourage public compliance. The campaign involves local governments, educational institutions, and public-private partnerships, all collaborating to enhance road safety.

For more information or to report traffic-related issues, the public can contact the Traffic Police Hotline at 1197 or the Highway Police at 1193, available 24/7.

No more excuses! Bikers without helmets face up to THB 2,000 fine starting June 1

Fair enough

Feck it I'm just going to stay on the pavement then.

A Farang tax that.

I remember riding past a road block with no helmet behind about 5 Thais riding without one too...and being the only fucker stopped. Think the fine was 500 baht.

Originally Posted by klong toey

Feck it I'm just going to stay on the pavement then.

I don't know about Thailand, the UK RTA definition of a road includes pavements.

If only schools insisted that any students arriving by motorcycle must be wearing a helmet, that would be a start. It's not hard to do, they have teachers on the gates giving students a hard time about their haircuts or skirt lengths, they could be a bit more useful.

the law already states helmets must be worn, its police that don't enforce it unless its tea money time. Increasing the fine will just allow the lazy useless fukers to increase the tea money, they won't enforce the law any further.

Originally Posted by Shutree

t's not hard to do

and nearly all don't have a license or insurance and they don't own the bikes.

Originally Posted by malmomike77

and nearly all don't have a license or insurance and they don't own the bikes.

You don't need to own a motorbike to be legally allowed to use it. And you don't need vehicle insurance for a motorbike or private car either, only the por ror bor, which doesn't cover the vehicle or any other vehicle involved in an accident with the vehicle.

Originally Posted by Shutree

If only schools insisted that any students arriving by motorcycle must be wearing a helmet, that would be a start. It's not hard to do, they have teachers on the gates giving students a hard time about their haircuts or skirt lengths, they could be a bit more useful.

Many students wold then just carry a helmet with them until they get to the school and pop it onto their heads as they approached the school gates.

^ I know that but insurance is useful don't you think, perhaps not

Originally Posted by Neverna

Many students wold then just carry a helmet with them until they get to the school and pop it onto their heads as they approached the school gates.

They might. Or they might find it just as easy to wear as to carry. Schools have a responsibility to educate, they should at least try.

I think more Thais are wearing helmets than say 20 years ago. They're slowly trending in the right direction. Perhaps some of you old-timers who've spent more time in LOS than me might disagree.

People riding without helmets I can accept not a good Idea but TIT . I still get a stomach turning feeling when I see a pillion holding a very young baby in their arms.That is definitely an offence worthy of punishment.

Thailand Plans to Start Major Motorbike Helmet Law Enforcement Blitz From June 1st

Starting June 1st, 2025, Thailand’s Royal Thai Police (RTP) will launch a nationwide “Safe Roads Project” aimed at reducing the staggering number of motorcycle-related deaths by enforcing strict helmet laws.

Motorcyclists and passengers caught without helmets face fines of up to 2,000 baht (approximately $79), with penalties doubling to 4,000 baht if a rider carries an unhelmeted passenger. The initiative, led by Police Lieutenant General Nitithorn Jintakanon, targets high-traffic areas, accident hotspots, and zones near schools and universities, showing compliance with Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, which mandates helmet use for both riders and passengers.

Thailand has one of the highest road death rates in Southeast Asia, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting a rate of 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Motorcycles, a primary mode of transport for many Thais, are involved in 77-84% of crashes, with head injuries being the leading cause of fatalities. According to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, 82.5% of road accident fatalities in 2024 were motorcyclists, with 79% of those deaths attributed to head injuries. Alarmingly, only 43% of motorcyclists nationwide wore helmets, with just 21% of passengers complying.


During the 2025 Songkran festival (April 11-17), the Ministry of Interior recorded 1,538 crashes, resulting in 1,495 injuries and 253 deaths, with motorcycles involved in up to 84% of cases. The “Seven Dangerous Days” of Songkran saw 1,377 accidents and 200 deaths, primarily linked to speeding, drink-driving, and not wearing helmets.

Research consistently highlights helmets’ effectiveness. The Thailand Accident Research Centre notes that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 72%, while the WHO estimates that strict helmet laws could cut deaths by up to 40%. Vietnam’s success with stringent helmet regulations since 2007 serves as a regional benchmark. Yet, Thailand struggles with low compliance, particularly among passengers.


The RTP’s campaign aims for 100% helmet compliance, with increased patrols and educational drives in collaboration with local governments, schools, and private organizations. Police General Kraibhun Trawadsong, Deputy Commissioner-General, has ordered all units to prioritize enforcement, with officers patrolling busy streets and known danger zones. The public can report violations via the 24-hour Traffic Police Hotline (1197) or Highway Police Hotline (1193). The initiative also addresses a common practice of carrying helmets without wearing them, which now incurs the doubled fine.

The announcement, widely shared on social media platforms, has sparked varied reactions. Many users support the crackdown, citing the clear link between helmet use and reduced fatalities. One user commented, “Helmets are proven to reduce head injuries. It’s like wearing seatbelts in cars, a simple, life-saving practice.” Another explained the wider impact: “One reckless rider can cause accidents involving others. Helmets reduce the aftermath.” Educational efforts alongside fines were also praised, with a user noting, “If young people start practicing this habit early, it could lead to a cultural shift.”


However, skepticism about enforcement is rife. Some question the RTP’s commitment, pointing to past crackdowns that fizzled out due to inconsistent enforcement or corruption. One X post remarked, “These laws will just make people resentful. Making rules without educating is pointless.” Another user argued, “I think it’s hypocritical. The police should focus on catching real criminals instead of harassing bikers.” Concerns about corruption were echoed: “Hefty fines are good but won’t work if the enforcement is corrupt and inconsistent.”

Others raised practical issues, such as the cost of helmets for low-income riders. “Helmets are expensive, and for many, the law is an economic burden they can’t afford,” one user wrote, prompting suggestions for government subsidies to address both safety and affordability. Tourists, often cited for flouting traffic rules, were also a point of contention, with one commenter noting, “Many appear oblivious to traffic rules. Will this new law apply to them?” The RTP clarified that all road users, including tourists, must comply.


Some expressed libertarian views, arguing for personal choice: “This is just pure control. People should decide for themselves if they want to take the risk.” Others countered that public safety outweighs individual freedom, with one user stating, “Preventing accidents is just as important! Being proactive saves more lives in the long run.”

Thailand’s helmet laws, enacted in 1994 for drivers and 2007 for passengers, have historically faced enforcement challenges. A 2010 study revealed a nationwide helmet use rate of 43.7%, with Bangkok at 81.8% but much lower rates elsewhere, particularly among passengers. Enforcement disparities across provinces and weaker compliance at night have persisted. Previous studies, such as one from Khon Kaen (1994-1997), showed that while helmet use increased five-fold after the 1994 law, it did not significantly reduce fatalities among injured motorcyclists, suggesting that proper helmet use and quality are critical.


Corruption and inconsistent enforcement have long undermined efforts. The United Nations has urged Thailand to halve road deaths by 2030, but past initiatives have often lacked follow-through. The current campaign’s success hinges on sustained enforcement and public buy-in, with ThaiHealth’s AI-integrated CCTV monitoring and community education programs signaling a larger approach.

The June 1st crackdown is a big step toward addressing Thailand’s road safety crisis, backed by compelling statistics on helmet efficacy. While online sentiment reflects hope for safer roads, skepticism about enforcement consistency and economic barriers highlights the need for a balanced approach combining strict policing with education and accessibility.

Thailand Plans to Start Major Motorbike Helmet Law Enforcement Blitz From June 1st - The Pattaya News

Originally Posted by misskit

“This is just pure control. People should decide for themselves if they want to take the risk.”

Which is a very selfish viewpoint. If a motorcyclist without a helmet were to hit my truck and die in front of me then I too would be a victim of his selfishness. One did hit me, he ran into the back of me, nothing I could do, but I still get flashbacks of his wife lying in the road. Fortunately no serious injuries. I can't imagine what it's like for the police and others who have to scrape up bodies every day.

That said, this area is not wealthy, most villagers rely on motosais or 'sa ling' to get around. A family with three children is going to find it difficult to comply with helmet laws.

How about these electric scooters which are becoming very popular with the older villagers? Will they be treated as bicycles?

"Some question the RTP’s commitment, pointing to past crackdowns that fizzled out due to inconsistent enforcement or corruption."


Aaaah, but this is a BLITZ.

Originally Posted by harrybarracuda

"Some question the RTP’s commitment, pointing to past crackdowns that fizzled out due to inconsistent enforcement or corruption."


Aaaah, but this is a BLITZ.

On the scale of police enforcement, I guess 'crackdown' is the lowest level, then recently we had 'stomping out' which sounds sort of intermediate, and now we have 'blitz' which must surely be the top level. The question will be: Is this a one-day blitz or the full week?

Anyone might think from this that the helmets here give more protection than a baseball cap.