PHUKET police will begin the ''100 percent helmet'' crackdown across the island on the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.
People heading home on motorcycles from Phuket's two big rival celebrations - with top star performers in both Patong and Phuket City - will need to wear head protection whether they are driving or riding pillion.
The intention of police to enforce the helmet law across Phuket from the first minute of 2011 was emphasised today by Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong.
Two big Phuket holiday island celebrations of New Year will begin on December 29 in Phuket City and from December 30 in Patong.
Headlining Patong's New Year Countdown on a stage at the beach end of Soi Bangla after a warm-up by local acts on December 30 will be popular rock band Titanium.
In Phuket City, the football ground opposite Provincial Hall will mark the Colorful Phuket Countdown from 6pm on December 29 and again from 7.30pm on December 30, with Carabao as the headline act on December 29 and Jintara Takkatan on December 30.
Top of the bill on December 31 in Phuket City will be the singing sensations of Thai television series Academy Fantasia (AF). A large countdown clock is expected to be a key feature.
An organiser of the Colorful Phuket Countdown said that one in every three people at the event were expected to be expat residents or tourists, with the total cost of the three-night extravaganza expected to hit 10 million baht in stars and fireworks.
Phuket's wear-a-helmet campaign began in Phuket City earlier this year. Having been hailed as a success, it spreads island-wide from January 1.
Patong's controversial plan to reorganise beach road parking, providing more space for the public and less for motorcycle and vehicle renters, is due to be implemented on December 30.
Phuket Scamster Tries 'I'm the Governor' FraudPeople heading home on motorcycles from Phuket's two big rival celebrations - with top star performers in both Patong and Phuket City - will need to wear head protection whether they are driving or riding pillion.
The intention of police to enforce the helmet law across Phuket from the first minute of 2011 was emphasised today by Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong.
Two big Phuket holiday island celebrations of New Year will begin on December 29 in Phuket City and from December 30 in Patong.
Headlining Patong's New Year Countdown on a stage at the beach end of Soi Bangla after a warm-up by local acts on December 30 will be popular rock band Titanium.
In Phuket City, the football ground opposite Provincial Hall will mark the Colorful Phuket Countdown from 6pm on December 29 and again from 7.30pm on December 30, with Carabao as the headline act on December 29 and Jintara Takkatan on December 30.
Top of the bill on December 31 in Phuket City will be the singing sensations of Thai television series Academy Fantasia (AF). A large countdown clock is expected to be a key feature.
An organiser of the Colorful Phuket Countdown said that one in every three people at the event were expected to be expat residents or tourists, with the total cost of the three-night extravaganza expected to hit 10 million baht in stars and fireworks.
Phuket's wear-a-helmet campaign began in Phuket City earlier this year. Having been hailed as a success, it spreads island-wide from January 1.
Patong's controversial plan to reorganise beach road parking, providing more space for the public and less for motorcycle and vehicle renters, is due to be implemented on December 30.
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I wonder how success is defined on Phuket ?
Most riders do not wear helmets in and around Phuket town and when the night falls, just about nobody does.
If the current situation is hailed a success, I'd hate to see what would be called a failure.
It's been said over and over again - problem is not the law but the lack of law enforcement.
That happens to be the job of the police.
It'll be interesting to see what the situation is in February 2011.
Posted by Chris on December 28, 2010 19:00
Editor Comment:
The point is, Chris, that awareness needs to be inculcated before enforcement is possible. The days when people protested en mass because of the helmet law have gone. Children are wearing helmets to school. The old way is changing. Enforcement is a western concept. Gradual change is a Thai one.