Parents and motorcyclists have expressed disagreement with the Office of the Consumer Protection's (OCP) proposed plan to ban young pillion passengers from riding on motorcycles.
The plan is drawing the ire of parents and motorcyclists, saying motorcycles are the best mode of transport in the city and an ideal choice for people who cannot afford cars.
They expressed their views Thursday after an OCP executive meeting on Wednesday. It was decided at the meeting that relevant state agencies be urged to help push for the ban.
Weerachai Chomsakorn, deputy secretary-general of the OCP, said meeting attendees had agreed to ban pillion passengers under the age of six from riding on motorcycles.
The move is in response to an increasing number of motorcycle accidents leaving children injured and killed, he said.
The members also agreed that the government should implement more stringent measures with children under 15 who ride motorcycles, he said.
A person under 15 is banned from riding a motorcycle in Thailand, according to the Land Transport Department.
Motorcycle taxi driver Anuwat Maneedit, 40, who opposes the plan, said the office should focus on promoting road safety and the importance of wearing helmets rather than banning young pillion passengers.
Mr Anuwat takes his wife and child to school and work every day on his motorbike as the vehicle provides a convenient means of transport for them, he said.
He said he is always aware of the danger of accidents when he carries young passengers.
He called on the office to work harder to reduce the price of protective gear, including motorcycle helmets, that boost safety for riders.
A 43-year-old resident of a Thon Buri neighbourhood identified only as Tukkae, who is also opposed to the idea, said many people would be affected by the regulation.
Motorbikes are a good choice for city residents who want to avoid traffic congestion, he said, adding that getting around is not easy for some locals and motorbikes can be perfect for navigating small sois.
However, Mr Tukkae supports the idea of banning people who are under 15 from riding a motorcycle.
He urged the government to take harsher measures against young riders and take action against parents who allow their children to ride motorbikes.
Mr Tukkae called on the office to review the plan and come up with more creative solutions to increase safety for young riders.
"The office is trying to solve a problem. It may even create a bigger problem," he said.
Bun, who sells garlands, said she uses motorcycle taxi drivers to take her child to school.
She and her husband understand the dangers of riding motorcycles but said they have no choice.
Sooksri, the owner of a motorcycle shop, supports banning people under 15 from riding motorbikes, saying they are too immature.
