TDRI Deputy Chairman Sumet Ongkittikul supports tougher helmet laws to reduce motorcycle fatalities. PATTAYA, Thailand – Motorcyclists and passengers in Pattaya should brace themselves as authorities step up rigorous enforcement of helmet-wearing laws. This intensified crackdown is part of a nationwide campaign spearheaded by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) and Royal Thai Police to improve road safety and achieve a bold national target: reducing motorcycle accident fatalities to just 12 deaths per 100,000 people by the year 2027. Helmet Law Enforcement Tightened Nationwide Since June 1, 2025, the police have been empowered to strictly fine riders and passengers who fail to wear helmets, with penalties reaching up to 2,000 baht per violation. In a notable addition to the law, if a passenger is caught without a helmet, the driver will be responsible for paying double the fine. This measure aims to encourage both riders and their passengers to comply fully with safety requirements. DLT Director-General Mr. Jirut Wisaljitr stressed the critical importance of helmet use, citing road accident data showing motorcycles are the leading cause of injury and death on Thai roads — particularly among youth and reckless drivers. According to the Ministry of Public Health, over half of motorcycle crash victims admitted to hospitals are seriously injured or killed due to not wearing helmets, as their heads sustain direct trauma when thrown onto the pavement or roadside curbs. Thailand’s Vision: Dramatic Drop in Motorcycle Fatalities by 2027 The government’s long-term vision through the DLT is clear: to foster a culture of safety and responsibility among motorcyclists, which will in turn bring down the alarming fatality rate. The target of 12 deaths per 100,000 population is ambitious, considering current rates, but authorities believe it’s achievable through a combination of strict law enforcement, public education, and technological innovations. The DLT has also launched “Safe Driving by DLT,” a comprehensive online platform to disseminate road safety information and promote best practices among drivers and riders across the country. DLT Director-General Jirut Wisaljitr urges motorcycle riders to wear helmets as police ramp up enforcement. Expert Support and Broader Safety Measures Experts such as Mr. Sumet Ongkittikul, Deputy Chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), have applauded the stricter helmet law enforcement, noting it is essential for reducing severe injuries and saving lives. He advocates expanding safety efforts to other important areas, such as increasing seatbelt use among rear-seat passengers in cars, which remains a neglected safety concern. What Pattaya Riders Need to Know For those riding motorcycles or scooters in Pattaya, the message is unequivocal: helmets are mandatory for both drivers and passengers. Police patrols have intensified their presence around popular routes and busy areas, including Beach Road and major intersections. Riders caught without helmets face immediate fines, and repeated violations could lead to harsher penalties. This crackdown reflects the government’s broader commitment to road safety, acknowledging that motorcycle crashes cause the most casualties in traffic accidents nationwide. By enforcing helmet laws strictly, authorities hope to reduce the heavy toll on families and communities caused by preventable deaths.