EXPATS who violate traffic laws this Songkran Festival in Patong are for the first time paying fines of the same scale as Thais usually pay. However, different interpretations at different police checkpoints around Phuket mean that both expats and Thais are being fined at different rates for the same offences.

National laws are set for maximum fines for the standard offences. But Phuket's police interpret the weight of the cash penalties for the same offences differently. The lack of a common set of standards means a lack of consistency across Phuket.

Queues are now forming daily at police stations around the island because the Songkran New Year crackdown, aimed at limiting deaths and injuries on the roads, also produces more fines and revenue than at any other time of the year.

It's standard for the fines to be paid at police stations, although often, when police are less busy, the fines can be paid on-the-spot. But the fines vary from Patong to Phuket City to Chalong, a Phuketwan survey has found.

New Kathu Police Superintendent Colonel Arayapan Pukbuakao has made the imposition of fines in the Patong region fair for all, but he says there are also fewer warnings being issued about parking violations. So fines are increasing all year round, at reduced rates for some.

Parking violations generally produce most revenue from non-Thais, he said.

The Songkran crackdown, though, usually earmarks non-helmet and non-seatbelt wearers, as well as people who ride or drive without licences.

Here's what the Phuketwan survey revealed, showing that if you are pulled over for an offence, you are going to pay less for your violation in Phuket City than in Chalong or Patong.

PATONG

Maximum nationwide fine for no helmet: 500 baht. Now Patong police ask 300 baht from everyone. Previously, expats paid 500 baht while Thais paid 300 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for incorrect parking: 500 baht. Now Patong police charge 300 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for no licence or expired licence: 1000 baht. Now Patong police charge 300 baht.

Police say 70 percent of offenders in the Patong region are non-Thais. About 100 people a day are fined most days, increasing to 300 a day at Songkran.

CHALONG

Maximum nationwide fine for no helmet: 500 baht. Now Chalong police ask 500 baht from everyone.

Maximum nationwide fine for incorrect parking: 500 baht. Now Chalong police charge 500 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for no seatbelt: 500 baht. Now Chalong police charge 500 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for no licence or expired licence: 1000 baht. Now Chalong police charge 300 baht, and the fine will increase if riders or motorists speak impolitely or appear to take exception to the fine.

Chalong police say 60 percent of offenders are tourists or expats. A normal day produces 200 or more fines. This increases at Songkran.

PHUKET CITY

Maximum nationwide fine for no helmet: 500 baht. Now Phuket City police ask 300 baht from everyone, Thai or expat.

Maximum nationwide fine for incorrect parking: 500 baht. Now Phuket City police charge 300 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for no seatbelt: 500 baht. Now Phuket City police charge 300 baht.

Maximum nationwide fine for no licence or expired licence: 1000 baht. Now Phuket City police charge 300 baht, and the fine will increase if riders or motorists speak impolitely or appear to take exception to the fine.

Phuket City police say 90 percent of offenders are Thais. A normal day produces 60-70 fines. This increases at Songkran to about 200 with checkpoints.