Crash helmets ?

[ac69uk]

Can anyone tell me if crash helmets are compulsory on Phuket ?

Also I'd like to hire a Honda Bros and was told that some are available in Patong, does anybody know of any and where to hire them/how much etc ?

[steve@thaib]

Crash helmets are supposed to be compulsary and the police set up road blocks most days to relieve you of a few hundred baht if you are not wearing one, 400baht last time I got stopped if memory serves.

You might also find it very useful to have your licence on you when out on a bike.

[easyrider_au]

Since you asked whether crash helmets are compulsory or not, leads me to believe that you may not be wanting to wear one?

Like Steve said,the fine is only small if you're caught not wearing one...........However you only get one head.............It aint "cool" to be riding without a lid.

What I did find last time I hired a bike was the helmet I was given was one o those skull cap type half helmet thingys that wouldn't have provided any protection whatsoever if I had a hit.

I am heading over next week & have a Harley all ready to go.........I'm bringing my own helmet over......Apart from protection, I really don't wanna be wearing a lid that's been used by every man & his dog/camel/goat !!

As for the bike hire (scooters) like you want..........There are places along the beach road & rat u thit road that hire them..........You won't have to look hard to find a bike hire place.....They are cheap to hire too....Expect to pay 200 baht or thereabouts for a day.......The golden rule is....if you drop it you own it....also if you're in an accident, being a farang, you're automatically at fault.....Insurance doesn't seem to come into the equation over there either.

If you're a competent rider back home, then I say go for it..........If you're a novice I say to stay well clear of riding a bike.

Enjoy your ride & stay safe............It won't be anything like you're used to back home.

[steve@thaib]

Pretty sage advice there...

[Nautilus]

Originally Posted by ac69uk

Can anyone tell me if crash helmets are compulsory on Phuket ?

Also I'd like to hire a Honda Bros and was told that some are available in Patong, does anybody know of any and where to hire them/how much etc ?

Dont forget your international driving license.


Also why is it that the person behind the bike doesnt have to wear helmet? I find the rule disturbing.

[cotambear]

Technically you`re supposed to have either a thai or idl. However in all the times I`ve been stopped, my UK one has sufficed. However, no DL will mean a fine - usually the copper takes your keys until you return fron the cop shop with a fine paid receipt.

[falanger]

Hi there ac69uk....

have a read through this...

http://www.phuket-info.com/forums/pa...ght=corruption

Happened in pattaya but i think your question will be answered about phuket
also.

[ac69uk]

Actually I dont like riding bikes without a crash helmet, the reason I asked is because I'm meeting my GF at the new Bkk airport after I arrive from London to fly down to Phuket and she was reluctant to bring our crash helmets with her from Pattaya. But now I can tell her she has to bring them because they are compulsory

I dont like wearing those crappy things they give you when you rent a bike, they remind me of the plastic toy soldiers helmet I had as a kid.

I've ridden bikes since I was a wee boy and usually hire or borrow a bike in Pattaya, I'm thinking of buying a Honda Bros to keep up there and so thought I'd try and hire 1 out in phuket to see if I like them.

[andy50]

Originally Posted by ac69uk

Actually I dont like riding bikes without a crash helmet, the reason I asked is because I'm meeting my GF at the new Bkk airport after I arrive from London to fly down to Phuket and she was reluctant to bring our crash helmets with her from Pattaya. But now I can tell her she has to bring them because they are compulsory

I dont like wearing those crappy things they give you when you rent a bike, they remind me of the plastic toy soldiers helmet I had as a kid.

I've ridden bikes since I was a wee boy and usually hire or borrow a bike in Pattaya, I'm thinking of buying a Honda Bros to keep up there and so thought I'd try and hire 1 out in phuket to see if I like them.

if u hire a bike from the street sharks you have to leave your passport as surity
ask at the hotel your staying at , if they do bike hire,--(some do) you don,t have to leave your p/port, (even if you do at least you know its safe in the hotel safe--)

[LivinLOS]

Originally Posted by ac69uk

Actually I dont like riding bikes without a crash helmet, the reason I asked is because I'm meeting my GF at the new Bkk airport after I arrive from London to fly down to Phuket and she was reluctant to bring our crash helmets with her from Pattaya. But now I can tell her she has to bring them because they are compulsory

I dont like wearing those crappy things they give you when you rent a bike, they remind me of the plastic toy soldiers helmet I had as a kid.

I've ridden bikes since I was a wee boy and usually hire or borrow a bike in Pattaya, I'm thinking of buying a Honda Bros to keep up there and so thought I'd try and hire 1 out in phuket to see if I like them.

You can get helmets for 200 baht or so if she doesnt want to carry them round..

I was told of someone selling a phantom a couple of days ago for real cheap.. maybe 50 for a clean one.. My housemate nearly bought it just as it was a steal price.. Cant for the life remember who now.. If your interested in one I will think..

[andy50]

it would probably be safer to wear a saucepan on your head (and more attractive), than those thai- plastic things they call "crash-helmets"

[cotambear]

Originally Posted by andy50

if u hire a bike from the street sharks you have to leave your passport as surity
ask at the hotel your staying at , if they do bike hire,--(some do) you don,t have to leave your p/port, (even if you do at least you know its safe in the hotel safe--)

DO NOT leave your passport. Offer them a photocopy of your passport, and if they dont accept it, walk way (though most will accept it). Your passport is proof of your status in Thailand. If you got into trouble with the police where would you want your passport to be - in your hotel room, or in the hands of a bike rental firm?
Also this gives you some protection from a scammer trying to claim damage to a bike and witholding passport until payment.

[easyrider_au]

I just purchased a new helmet, courtesy of my insurance co. after my Feb accident...........Cost me 12,000 baht......It's a full face & the good thing is the front will open up & tilt back to make it an open face type.....Like those BMW type helmets.

[andy50]

Originally Posted by cotambear

DO NOT leave your passport. Offer them a photocopy of your passport, and if they dont accept it, walk way (though most will accept it). Your passport is proof of your status in Thailand. If you got into trouble with the police where would you want your passport to be - in your hotel room, or in the hands of a bike rental firm?
Also this gives you some protection from a scammer trying to claim damage to a bike and witholding passport until payment.

exactly cotambear , i agree,
but on my last 2 trips i took a photo copy of my p/p and tryed to hire a big bike(not a moped) from the beach road mob
they wern,t interested , they all wanted my p/p or no deal, so i walked instead ,
i saw 2 bad accidents during mylast2 trips, so ive now decided walking is the safer option anyway!

[landofsmiles]

Also why is it that the person behind the bike doesnt have to wear helmet? I find the rule disturbing.

They DO. I was in Chalong Police Station today donating 500 baht to the days' takings and read the list of traffic offences and fines which included>>>>

Rider not wearing helmet......................300 baht
Passenger not wearing helmet......300 baht
No tax.............................................50 0 baht
No Licence........................................300 baht