Crackdown on sidewalk riding: 18 million in fines collected – 7 million in last three months alone

Despite a widespread campaign by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to stop motorcyclists riding on the footpaths and sidewalks of the capital riders continue to break the law.  

That was the message from BMA deputy Sakonthee Phatthiyakun when he spoke to Naew Na in Klong Samwa district – one of the places where there are most offenders. The others are Wattana, Pom Prap Satru Phai and Chatuchak. But Sakonthee said that a survey shows that most members of the public and the “win” riders (motorcycle taxis) agree with increases in fines and removal of jackets for three years.

Since the campaign to end sidewalk riding started in 50 districts in July of 2018 fines totalling 18,734,300 baht have been collected. Some 4,225 people have received warnings, 18,751 have been prosecuted and 2,069 are pending. In the last three months since fines were raised from 1,000 baht to 2,000 baht a total of seven million baht has been collected in fines. More than 90% of the public and “wins” surveyed agreed with the action and increase in fines with more than 70% agreeing with the removal of “win” jackets for three years. The removal of the jackets for so long has been criticised by some riders as too punitive, notes Thaivisa.

Thai Visa / Naew Na

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