“This is a small issue, and I believe our officers acted appropriately,” he told The Phuket News.
The news broke late last week as postings went viral on Thai-language social media over one man being fined B1,300.
Pol Col Sien Keawthong of the Phuket City Police explained that the uproar involved a man, whom he chose not to identify, driving a motorbike on September 19.
“This man was charged for not wearing a helmet, driving without a license and driving an unregistered vehicle. Also, his passenger was not wearing a helmet. The fines totalled B1,300,” he said.
“While the police officer was writing the ticket, the man pleaded for the fine to be waived as he said he was a poor student with very little money, so the officer filled in the ticket, but loeft the amount to be paid blank so the student could make his case at the police station.
“In the end, police chose to fine him only B500,” Pol Col Sien said. “The man confessed to all four infringements. He accepted that he had learned his lesson and said that he was grateful to be let off with a warning.”
Pol Col Sien took the opportunity to point out that the driver of a motorcycle will be held legally responsible for any passengers not wearing a helmet.
“This applies to Thais and foreigners, including tourists. If the passenger doesn’t wear a helmet, the driver must pay the fine. People must take more care when they on motorbikes, or in any other vehicles,” he said.
Pol Maj Gen Pachara concurred: “If you intend to drive a vehicle in Thailand, there are several laws driving that are useful to know,” he said.
“This applies to tourists and foreigners. Phuket police will not allow any exceptions, as everyone is the same under the law.”