Helmet checkpoints and the fine

Police checkpoints (ด่าน) are a regular part of riding in Thailand, especially in tourist areas such as Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Officers check for helmets (rider and passenger), a valid licence and, at night, drink-driving. A foreign licence or international permit must cover motorcycles; a car-only permit is a common reason for a fine. No-helmet fines are typically a few hundred baht and can be higher. Pull over calmly, take off your sunglasses, greet the officer with สวัสดีครับ/ค่ะ, and hand over your documents. Ask for the ใบสั่ง (ticket) and pay where it says. Courtesy won't erase a fine, but it keeps the stop short and pleasant.