Effective today (August 1^st), motorcyclists caught riding on public sidewalks will face a maximum fine of 2,000 baht, up from the old rate of 1,000 baht.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Sakonthee Patthiyakul said today that, although the 1,000 baht fine is already regarded as high, there are still many violators and, hence, the need to increase the fines.

He said that people who witness violations and alert officers with their evidence will receive 50% of the value of the fine imposed on the violator.

18 violators have been arrested today and they were fined 2,000 baht each.

According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, city police made 20,659 arrests of motorcyclists for riding on public footpaths from July 9th last year to July 21st this year. During the same period, a total of 4,197 motorcyclists were warned, 14,978 violators were prosecuted and 1,784 violators are awaiting prosecution. Total fines amounted to 11.2 million baht.

Wang Thong Lang district ranks first among the top five with the highest rate of violations, followed by Chatuchak, Wattana, Khlong Toei and Bangkok Noi.