Question:
Niclas writes: As I understand it, a person has to be the age of 18 and hold
a valid drivers license in order to be the driver of a motorbike. I also
understand that it is not legal to have more then two persons (driver & 1
passenger) on the kind of vehicle mentioned above (unless it has a sidecar
with seats for more persons), and person(s) are required to wear a
helmet(s).
A few days ago I read in another Thai newspaper that the police in Nakhon
Ratchasima gave a 10 year old boy a special permit in order to drive his
father’s delivery truck around the village.
My question is therefore: in order to go to/from school, are special permits
given to A. underage drivers of motorbikes, B. If A is yes, can underage
drivers carry more then one passenger, and C. if A and/or B is yes, not wear
helmets?
I do understand if Pattaya Mail does not want to pass this question
on to any official government agency, in order not to get into any
conflicts. We are quite a few concerned persons in the Pattaya farang
community who would be more then happy to receive an honest answer from a
responsible government official.
Answer:
You understand correct - it is Thai law that a driver has to have a valid
drivers license to ride a motorcycle and/or drive a car, and whilst doing
so, drivers must obey all driving laws. A person must be at least 18 years
old and not have any disabilities that would impair their ability to drive,
in order to apply for a license. So, whether it is Chonburi or Nakorn
Ratchasima, every driver must have a valid drivers license without
exception. (Information provided by Sub-division Chief of Pattaya City’s
Sanitation, Health and Environment Department, Chatchawan Chimtin)
Question:
Maurice asks: If you do not receive any action from city hall
regarding flooding in your soi that is the result of private construction
works, what could be the next appropriate course of action? Is there a
higher department in Bangkok or Chonburi that can be contacted?
Answer:
The department that is above city hall is the Chonburi
governor’s office. One can report a complaint direct to the governor.
(Information provided by Sub-division Chief of Pattaya City’s Sanitation,
Health and Environment Department, Chatchawan Chimtin)
