Helmet Check
Is it worth 300?

- © by Travelers' Net
- Pictures and Text by Michael Bjorklund

There is a law in Thailand which is fairly easy to understand. When you travel by motorbike, you wear a helmet. If you do not, you will have your keys taken away from you only to be given back when you have a receipt from the police station that you've paid the 300 Baht fine.

The police makes no difference between farangs and Thai people. If you don't have a helmet, you get busted. Unfortunately, it can be very time consuming to get your keys back. First you have to get to the police station. Then you have to wait in line to pay your fine. Finally you have to show the police officer your receipt and then he'll give you the key back. This can take up to an hour and a half if it's a busy day at the police station.

                
Considering the traffic situation in Thailand you really should wear your helmet. Especially if you're not used to the Thai way of driving. Driving on the left side can be difficult in itself but doing it on Rat-U-Thit in the evening can be a real test of your skill. If you rent a motorbike, make sure you get a helmet to go with it. An please, make sure you wear it. If nothing else, at least you avoid paying 300 Baht...