Police charge, warn 2,500 bikers on ‘no-bathing trip’

Traffic police have taken legal action against more than 2,500 motorcyclists who took part in this year's “no-bathing trip” in the North, accusing them of repeated violations.

The annual convoy celebrates the onset of the cold season, began on Friday and was due to end on Sunday.

Assistant national police chief Pol Lt Gen Nithithorn Chintakanon said 1,379 of the motorbikes lacked compulsory parts, 568 did not show a licence plate, 394 riders had no driving licence, 180 did not wear a crash helmet and 74 rode illegally modified motorcycles.

He said 510 motorcyclists got away with warnings from traffic police as their violations were slight and they were first-timers. Another 43 bikers had their motorcycles impounded for dangerous behaviour, for which the maximum penalty was imprisonment and/or fine and motorcycle confiscation.

Tens of thousands of young motorcyclists and bike modification enthusiasts take part in the yearly “no-bathing trip”. Destinations include Phu Thap Boek and Khao Kho mountains in the northern province of Phetchabun.

On Saturday there were five accidents involving motorcyclists taking part in the trip. One rider was killed and 12 injured, with three of them admitted to hospital.