Not sure if u all were aware of the new law that went into effect monday across Thailand,

If u ride in the cab of a pick up truck u must wear a seat belt
So the past 2 days people have been riding on the hood of the trucks,on the bars next to the doors and even on the roof
Its been another case of amazing thailand..

CHIANG MAI: -- Villagers in Chiang Mai had a clear message for police at roadblocks in Chiang Mai set up to fine people for riding in the back of pick-ups.

"It's our way of life", said Orathai on the Chiang Mai to Fang road. "Don't enforce the law - give us some time to adjust".

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/977 ... sue-fines/

B

ANGKOK: -- Thai Rath commented strongly on the story on everyone's lips this week: the government's ban on travelling in the back of pick-ups.

Though PM Prayut has said that the implementation of the ban will be delayed until after the Songkran holidays Thai Rath said that the ban was effectively a slap in the face for the nation's poor who are obliged through one reason or another to travel in this way.

In reality the law banning travelling in the cargo bay of pick-up has existed for a long time and is known to the people, they said.

But everyone has accepted that it is not enforced. To suddenly announce that it would be enforced is unfair, especially to the poor.

The influential Thai media group said that 35 million people are expected to be on the move next week in buses, planes, trains, minivans and cars. There are thought to be more than 7,000 bus and van trips per day alone with upwards of 180,000 passengers per day using that mode of transport.

https://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/97 ... lands-poor


Law was repealed this morning

Meanwhille in phuket

Phuket transport chief confirms pickup passengers allowed, no seatbelts required in tuk-tuks

PHUKET: While Bangkok authorities this week debated whether or not people can ride in the back of pickup trucks – a common practice across Thailand – the Chief of the Phuket Land and Transport Office (PLTO) has confirmed to The Phuket News that it is beyond doubt legal to ride in the back of pickup trucks on Thai roads.


Read more at http://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-tra ... po6913x.99

Also be aware if ur riding a bike or driving a car in thailand ( especially in phuket ) that the police are out in force at various checkpoints and are making everyone at night take breathalyze tests . A few friends have been stopped recently an they have set the testers so low that 2 beers will set it off, The fine seems to be 1,000 baht and up!!!

There going to see if they can stop the carnage this songkran hoilday