Uneasy riders: Thai troops complain over new motorbike rule

[ATAdmin]

Having tried bullet-proof versions of Thailand's three-wheel "tuk tuks" and armoured sentry-boxes, the Thai army has come up with a new security solution for troops in its restive south: the back-to-front motorbike team.


AFP/File Photo



Soldiers riding pillion have been told to sit facing backwards to counter the threat of separatist gunmen in the kingdom's Muslim-majority south. Some 315 people have been killed this year.


Despite complaints from troops about the awkward riding position and difficulties keeping the bike upright, Thai Army General Palangoon Klaharn said it would be much safer for the men.


"If we ride backwards, it will more difficult to be attacked or if it happens, we can respond immediately," Palangoon told AFP.




He said the idea was the brainchild of Defence Minister Chetta Thanajaro. Chetta has also mooted banning pillion passengers among civilians after a two-man gun team on a motorcycle emerged as a favoured tactic of separatists following a resurgence in violence since January.

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