The Thai law that states that those who ride motorcycles without helmets should be fined, has been in operation since 1996, but the Phuket police finally became more visibly active in enforcing it on 1 July, 2010.

Following a two month campaign of roadside warning posters, including one of Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop and his wife wearing helmets, checkpoints were set up at various points around Phuket town.

One such checkpoint was at the Phuket Muang District Office intersection on 3 July and was manned by Traffic Control Chief Pol Sgt Maj Boonnit Nirattisai ,who said, ?I have seen almost 100% of passengers wearing helmets today which is good but I will fine any that are not wearing them.?

Traffic Police Inspector Pol Lt Col Narong Kittipongwiwat said that along with the 1996 law that stipulates a fine of no more than 500 baht to the riders who don?t wear helmets, not many people know of the existence of the 2008 law that decrees that passengers who fail to wear helmets should be fined no more than 500 baht.

Col Narong added, ?We can also fine the rider 500 baht for allowing his passenger to violate the law. So if a rider and his/her passenger do not wear helmets then we can charge them 1,500 baht.?

Col Narong also said that the police do reserve the right to show ?special leniency? in extreme cases and cited the example of three or more people riding on a motorbike.

He said, ?Even if they technically break the law, we can be flexible, as some people are extremely poor and therefore there?s a need for three people to be on a motorbike on the same time.?

So, as of 1 July, 2010 anyone who is found to be riding a motorcycle without a helmet will be fined and made to attend a seminar and watch a road safety documentary at their local police station.

Col Narong warned that although the checkpoints and campaigns are primarily focusing on Phuket town, the police would begin the enforcement in other areas very soon. He said, ?Phuket is a tourist destination so we have to make sure we provide positive guidelines not only for the locals but for the tourists who come to visit Phuket.?