and to add to that the lack of enforcement re wearing helmets, a while back in Phuket the police did start cracking down re helmets on a regular basis, and it was noticeable that Thais and foreigners alike started to wear them (better than the fine), then of course the police stopped the check points and went back to sitting in the police stations, and slowly everyone stopped wearing helmets .. and now everyone can drive passed a policeman, without a helmet, and not get stopped.