Random checkpoint, flying checkpoint, mobile checkpoint, temporary roadblock, call it what you will, they all serve just one purpose -- to squeeze money from road users, and motorcyclists in particular.
In Bangkok, most traffic police checkpoints have no structure marking their purpose, no barrier, not even a sign. It's just a few traffic policemen holding a book of tickets in one hand, standing or jumping out into the middle of the road and fingerpointing randomly at passing vehicles to pull over.
These two-legged dodgems-in-brown show total disregard for their own safety, or for the safety of their prey.
This has become such a common practice on Bangkok streets, day after day, that it has been recognised as the norm. Most motorists do not complain because they are not the main target of these predators, who know it is harder to extort money from them. Moreover, they may get into trouble if they stop a motorist who happens to have connections with a phuyai in the police force or in political circles.
Motorcyclists are much easier to squeeze money out of, because they are mostly in the low-income bracket. Unscrupulous traffic cops are fully aware of this fact. But at the same time, they rarely touch motorcycle taxi drivers. I'm sure you know why.
Ask any motorcyclist how they feel about traffic police. The answer is almost always negative. They hate and despise the traffic police and, in particular, the checkpoints which seem to be the predators' cash cow.
The decision by the new national police chief, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaichinda, to put a stop to these mobile exortion traps will certainly be greeted warmly by road users, and motorcyclists in particular.
Under the new order, traffic checkpoints are still permissible but they must be supervised by an officer of the rank of inspector. A report must be filed with their superiors explaining when and where it will operate, and the checkpoint must have signs clearly visible to motorists and motorcyclists.
The move by the new police chief is indeed worthy of kudos as it will, hopefully, bring an end to one aspect of traffic police corruption. It also does a big favour to motorcyslists.
But enforcement of traffic law remains too lax and must be tightened up. It is open knowledge that motorcyclists are the chief offenders, clearly evident in the statistics of road accidents and casualties, especially during the Songkran festival.
We see motorcyclists defying traffic rules every day – going through red lights, travelling the wrong way, against the traffic, riding without crash helmets, the list goes on.
Hopefully, doing away with illegal checkpoints will not discourage traffic police from doing their job - properly for once.