Helmet Law

A sight seen daily.

In most places the government enacts traffic and vehicle laws for the sole purpose of protecting the traveling public. Not so here in forward thinking Thailand. Here, traffic laws are enacted for the sole purpose of extracting money from the traveling public. An example in the recently enacted motorcycle helmet law for Ban Phai.

I make this statement as all fines (if you are smart) are paid to the police office at the point of infraction. This fine does not go into the city coffers but rather the officer’s pocket. Though I am sure he has to share a portion with others in positions of authority to show his gratitude for allowing him to have such a fine job.

One month before the law went into effect the police were out and about reminding the good citizens of the necessity to purchasing a helmet and that the law would be stringently enforced on the given day. Who do you imagine has an investment in the store providing helmets? I don't know, just thinking.

Now please be reminded that only the operator of the motorcycle must be adorned with a helmet. No protective devices are required for any of the passengers. Consequent, it is not a rare sight to see a family of five on their 125cc Honda. Papa is in full compliance of the law with his $1.98 plastic helmet while an infant child hangs from mom’s hip, a toddler holds onto the handlebars with a death grip and the rest of the family ride behind in heavenly bliss.

The most comical sight that I have seen since the new law began has been an aged grandmother of well over 70 going to market on her motorcycle. Her helmet of choices was the popular German SS model with skull and cross bones, which appears to be right out of the toy section of Tesso Lotus.

I guess in the future we can look forward to child restraint devices in cars, no passengers in the back of trucks, or possibly something as simply as requiring vehicles to remain in their designated lane. Where there is a will there is a way to turn a buck without working.

Coming soon: Mr. Gordon