The campaign comes amid concerns over increasing reports of underage students riding modified motorbikes without licenses, Thalang Police Chief Pol Col Nikorn Chuathong told students, parents and teachers at several events held earlier this week.
Officers were recently alerted by the public to a group of students gathering at a local petrol station with illegally modified bikes, including those lacking side mirrors and fitted with loud exhaust pipes.
Some riders were found to be underage and without valid driver’s licenses, Pol Col Nikorn explained.
In response, police conducted an inspection, temporarily seized the motorcycles and invited the students’ parents to discuss the issue. Students will be allowed to reclaim their vehicles if they can provide the motorcycle manual and reinstall side mirrors in accordance with traffic laws.
Pol Col Nikorn said the approach prioritises education and safety over punishment. “We are not here to arrest or penalise, but to protect students and other road users,” he stated.
“Creating a shared understanding among students, schools and parents is key to long-term prevention,” he added.
Thalang Police have partnered with local schools to run the ‘5-minute flagpole’ programme, a short daily session to teach traffic laws and the dangers of illegal vehicle modifications or unlicensed driving. Officers also participate in parent meetings to reinforce the importance of safe behaviour on the roads, Pol Col Nikorn explained.
In addition, patrol teams have been deployed in high-risk areas near schools to monitor for street racing, loud gatherings, drug use and the possession of e-cigarettes. These patrols aim to maintain order and provide early intervention when necessary, he told the gatherings.
Thalang Police will ensure that all enforcement actions are guided by fairness, equality and a strong commitment to public safety, Pol Col Nikorn noted.
“We are calling on parents to support the initiative by ensuring their children obey traffic laws and avoid using motorcycles if they are unlicensed,” he said.
“Together, we can build a culture of road safety that protects not just students, but the entire community,” Pol Col Nikorn assured.