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When an expected mum on the way to the hospital in Bangkok went into labour last Thursday (Aug 1) things weren’t looking good. Bangkok traffic at its best can be described as slow-moving, while at its worst it is little more than a huge multi-lane carpark.

Thanks to the quick action by staff in the emergency SOS call centre at Jor Sor 100 traffic radio station (JS100), the Royal Thai Police (RTP), and the cab driver though there was a happy ending.

Rapidly realising that he was likely to finish the journey with one more passenger than with which he began, the cabbie phoned the appropriately named SOS emergency hotline at JS100 and explained his situation. The staff there immediately sprung into action.

With Bangkok drivers having a horrible reputation for yielding road space to even emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks, all involved knew that the cabby’s horn blowing and headlight flashing would have little effect. As one team tracked the location of the cabbie others coordinated with the RTP.

Fortunately for all involved some motorcycle police from a Royally Initiated Traffic Project were on patrol not far away. If there’s one thing Bangkok drivers are well trained to get out of the way of it is motorcycle police travelling at high speed.

Royal motorcades have a reputation for travelling at extremely high speeds, the roadways ordinarily cleared of traffic well in their advance. Government ministers and the like also regularly travel with motorcycle police escorts, though at slower speeds and with roads prohibited from being closed for their passage.

Travelling as a group the motorcycle cops rapidly drew up alongside the cabbie and his distressed passengers before quickly taking up a classic escort formation in front, to the side and behind of them, forcing startled motorists to yield. At Phramongkutklao Hospital in Ratchathewi District, there was much waiing, saluting and photograph taking before the expectant mum was whisked away to the delivery suites.

Feature video @changpuaksiam

Related:

• High-speed Thai police chase ends: Saraburi traffic police get their man (video) (AEC News Today)
• Thai Policeman’s Booty Shaking Deescalation Technique a Hit (video) (AEC News Today)

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