Does anyone actually care about traffic laws?
I recently publicly mentioned how I would like to research whether Thais even want traffic laws enforced. I used motorcycles riding on sidewalks as my example because no one in Ekkamai, my old neighbourhood, seemed to care about the flagrant violations. I suggested that, if Thais expressed a desire to have laws enforced, the police would react accordingly.
When an idea like this is expressed out loud, almost immediately we receive affirmation that we weren’t crazy to think of it. An editorial in The Nation (“It’s nice to have our sidewalks back”, February 2) said pretty much the same thing. It explained that the city has put up notices that a 25-year-old law barring motorised vehicles from sidewalks will now be strictly enforced. It will be enforced – at least for awhile – and the fine will be Bt5,000, steep for Thailand.
The last portion of the editorial made my case: “There is an attitude too prevalent in our society that the violations discussed here are ‘petty offences’ unworthy of prosecuting, let alone punishing. It is common to see offenders taking personal affront when they’re reprimanded … Too often we hear people claiming the right to do this or that.”
Yes, I feel extra smart for saying the same thing the day before The Nation did.
Motorcycle drivers and passengers are required to wear a helmet. Outside my condo today three policemen were watching the many motorcycle-taxis come and go – at least 20 driving up and down the soi as I watched, with at least three drivers not wearing a helmet and none of their passengers.
Bikers don’t ride on the sidewalks here. Maybe only one law will be enforced at a time and the others will still be ignored. It is a strange way to set an example for the 30-40 motorcycle-taxi drivers that work there.
John Kane
