Authorities to tighten enforcement on traffic rules

[Geko]

Thai authorities to tighten law enforcement on traffic rules at eight major tourist destinations

Why Not Hua Hin?

Bangkok, 10 March, 2016 – Thai authorities have put in place measures to tighten law enforcement on traffic rules and regulations to improve road safety at eight major tourist destinations– Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ko Samui, Phuket, Hat Yai, Samut Prakan, and Ayutthaya.

Effective from 1 March, 2016, the Royal Thai Police and its related divisions – Tourist Police, Traffic Police, Strategy Division, Foreign Affairs Division – in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Department of Highways are strengthening the enforcement of traffic laws on motorists and motorcyclists.

The strict enforcement will cover 10 key traffic rules and regulations including driving on the pavement, driving without a license, driving against the traffic/not giving way to pedestrians at crossings, driving without wearing a seatbelt/helmet, careless or inconsiderate driving, driving under the influence/driving while intoxicated, illegal car accessorising, and parking in a prohibited space.

The move came in response to the Royal Thai Government’s announcement in late January requesting the Royal Thai Police to tighten law enforcement on traffic rules and regulations across the country, as part of the broader effort to upgrade safety and security standards, and to boost trust and confidence among the public.

http://www.tatnews.org/thai-authorities ... tinations/

[Dannie Boy]

Indeed why not Hua Hin and the surrounding area........and no mention about clamping down on speedsters, a significant cause of accidents.

[PeteC]

Too many wealthy, influential people and their kids out and about in HH no doubt. Pete

[Big Boy]

I applaud the above initiative, but wonder how they are going to change an entire culture. I guess extra BIB on the streets and zero tolerance would work eventually, but TIT, and generally the nation is lazy e.g. how often do you see a police officer after 2pm? If this were to work, it would have to be a 24/7 initiative.

The one element that really concerns me however is, "Not giving way to pedestrians at crossings." If you've ever tried it, driving along Petchkasem Road for example, you will realise with the Thai mindset and the idiot tourist copycats, giving way to anything is likely to result at least in an accident, and at worst a pedestrian's death. There are always idiot motorcycles coming down either side of any car/truck, often not visible to the pedestrian - they will rarely stop.

[buksida]

Hua Hin already has more traffic cops and road blocks than any other town in Thailand so I doubt they need any more 'enforcement' here.

Agree with the above though - why not target speeding, it causes the most accidents and deaths on the road here. Putting a bit of extra bling on your bike or not wearing a belt are hardly heinous crimes.

[Big Boy]

No, that is totally wrong. We may have a lot of cops, but outside of the cash cow in front of Salesian School, road blocks are rare here nowadays.

My comment still stands - basically, if you want to break the law, don't ride past Salesian School between 9am and 2pm. Outside of that, Hua Hin traffic policing is virtually non-existent these days. You may get the odd keen policeman doing traffic duty near schools at start and chucking out times.

[buksida]

Unless things have changed since I was last there six weeks ago, you and I are driving in a different town, there were cops on virtually every corner.

[Big Boy]

They must have known there was a Prachuab supporter coming to town

Seriously, and I hope others will confirm, outside of the Salesian cash cow, they don't bother anybody any more.

[HHTel]

This week there has been lots of 'road block' activity along Petchkasem. One day going to the school I had to go through two on the way there and two on the way back. A visit to Makro a couple of days ago and there was another. Maybe it's just one of those weeks!

[hhinner]

There was a check on inbound Phetchkasem by Hua Hin Hospital yesterday. If they used radar guns there they could make a fortune.

[Big Boy]

I'm not doubting your reports - I've obviously been lucky then. I've not seen anything outside of the Salesian cash cow for months.

[usual suspect]

I've just seen a video that's been doing the rounds on social networks..it shows countless pedestrians being knocked over by Thai drivers..mainly outside schools!! And yes indeed..time & time again the 2 lanes of cars stop at the crossing..but the school kids are still mown down by the kid on a motorbike steaming past them all..!!!
Only today on Petkasem Rd..south of BKK Hospital..there is a pedestrian crossing..BUT:- the black & white markings on the road are worn off, there is no prior warning for motorists..just a drop-kerb in the central res.
Yes there was tyre-squealing, & very almost 4-5 minor bumps as a Thai couple stepped out to cross!
Bring back the footbridges is what I say, because Thai will not stop for pedestrians.

[Big Boy]

Bring back the footbridges is what I say, because Thai will not stop for pedestrians.

And neither will I unless I'm 100% sure there isn't an idiot on a motorcycle within destruction range, or a car too close to my backside.

[hhinner]

^^ Sounds similar to the video I saw at Pranburi dlt when renewing my licence a few months ago. Would probably be better shown as a warning to tourists on planes prior to landing for all the good it will do for bike riders here.

[lomuamart]

It might help if some of the stupid old idiots actually had a licence. They simply should not be in control of a motor vehicle.