Thailand's Stricter Traffic Laws Take Effect Sept. 5

Motorists and drivers are expected to follow Thailand's stricter traffic laws, which came into effect today, Sept 5.

The Royal Thai Police has urged motorists and drivers to be familiar with the 13th Amendment to the Land Traffic Act, which carries harsher penalties, according to a report by the National News Bureau of Thailand yesterday.

All drivers and passengers in vehicles are required to wear safety belts. Drivers of pick-up trucks and front-seat passengers must also wear their safety belts, while only a certain number of people can sit on the truck bed. Violations of the safety belt can result in a fine of up to THB2,000, as per the report.

The new penalties are the following

• A fine of up to THB4,000 for those who speed, run red lights, or fail to stop at zebra crossings
• A fine of up to THB2,000 for driving opposed to traffic and failure to wear a helmet or seatbelt
• Up to a year in prison and/or a fine of THB5,000 to THB20,000 for driving with no regard for others' safety
• Up to a year in prison and/or a fine of THB5,000 to THB20,000 for the first drunk driving offense. Repeat violations of drunk driving within two years of the first offence carries a penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of THB50,000 to THB100,000.