Respect other countries' laws, Malaysians reminded after bikers fined in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: The issue of traffic summonses issued to Malaysian motorcyclists in Thailand should not escalate into a war between the two nations, according to Jamil Manan Supri, founder and adviser of the Road Safety Expert Association. Instead, it should serve as an opportunity to evaluate enforcement integrity and road user maturity.

Jamil emphasized that riders must comply with Thai traffic regulations when riding motorcycles in Thailand, as they are no longer bound solely by Malaysian laws. He explained that Thai law requires foreign motorists to possess a valid license, including an International Driving Permit or a license issued by an ASEAN country. Therefore, claims that Malaysian riders were unfairly mistreated or that their complaints should not be examined without facts are not substantiated.

Jamil stressed that each country has its own jurisdiction, and thus, the argument that something is not an offense in Malaysia and should not result in a summons in Thailand lacks a strong legal basis. However, this does not mean that all summonses issued by Thai authorities should be accepted without question, as enforcement must comply with the law and proper procedures.

If Malaysian riders were issued summonses for non-existent offenses, non-compliance, misinterpretation, or improper procedures, the matter should be questioned.

The recommended approach is to investigate the offense, evidence, and procedures before appealing or lodging a complaint. Rather than boycotting Thailand or becoming angry, riders should seek appropriate channels, request details of the offense and official summons records, and gather evidence such as photographs or videos of the incident, the location, time, and officer's identity. They can also seek assistance from the Tourist Police, lodge an official complaint, and obtain Malaysian consular assistance if needed.

Jamil urged that the right to question a summons does not imply the right to disregard the law, while compliance with the law does not mean forfeiting the right to complain about improper enforcement. Thai authorities should enforce the law in a lawful, fair, transparent, consistent, and professional manner, while Malaysian riders are responsible for knowing, respecting, and complying with the laws of the country they visit.