I remember when we were informed it was against the law to use the bed of a Pickup Truck to convey people. I was living in Central Thailand rural area where if this law was to be obeyed it would have ruined the livelihood of many Ban residents.
The gimicks that politicians and Civil Servants devise seem boundless. This seems to be a worldwide trait with these professions!
Have you noticed the road sign which states "REDUCE SPEED" when approaching an urban area. I have not seen one that states that one can resume normal traffic speed.
I think there is more than one "Big Joke" in uniform.