Strap It or Pay Up – Thailand launches “Safe Roads Project” with zero tolerance for unhelmeted motorcycle riders. PATTAYA, Thailand – Starting June 1, the Thai government has officially launched a serious national road safety initiative — and this time, it’s no laughing matter. In both Bangkok and Pattaya, and across 94 critical road points nationwide, authorities are cracking down hard on traffic law violations, with a spotlight on motorcycle safety. Under the new enforcement campaign, both drivers and passengers are required by law to wear helmets. Failure to comply will result in a 2,000 baht fine. Police Lieutenant General Nitithorn Jintakanon, head of the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Task Force under the Royal Thai Police, confirmed the launch of the “Safe Roads Project”, a directive ordered by Police General Kraiboon Suadsong, Deputy Commissioner-General and Director of the Traffic Administration Center. The goal? Restore discipline, reduce accidents, and protect lives — especially in areas with high rates of traffic violations, frequent accidents, and those near schools. Out of the 94 designated enforcement areas: Bangkok has 11 critical zones under close monitoring. Pattaya, falling under Provincial Police Region 2, is included among the 9 priority areas for that region. In Pattaya, long-term residents and tourists alike are already seeing heightened police visibility, with officers stationed at popular intersections and tourist routes, stopping unhelmeted riders and issuing on-the-spot citations. Locals, often used to lenient enforcement, are expressing surprise — “This time they’re not playing,” said one motorbike taxi rider near Walking Street. In Bangkok, similar enforcement is underway in major urban districts, including Victory Monument and Lat Phrao, where traffic police are being praised for finally taking the rules seriously — though some commuters grumble that the sudden strictness is “years overdue.” Police warn that no exceptions will be made, and enforcement will be strict, persistent, and ongoing. If you see flashing lights or traffic stops in these zones, don’t expect a polite warning — expect a fine. For emergency traffic issues or information, the public is urged to call the Highway Police Hotline at 1193 or the Traffic Police Hotline at 1197, available 24 hours a day. Whether you’re heading out in Bangkok or cruising along Pattaya Beach Road — strap that helmet on, or prepare to pay.