A guide to Thailand’s new rules of the road

[webfact]

Thailand’s new traffic laws took effect on September 5. However, police have decided to be lenient for the first three months to give motorists time to adjust their road behavior. (Photo by Robert Eklund)

 

By Thai PBS World’s General Desk

The transition to new traffic laws, which list more types of offenses and harsher penalties for offenders, has already begun.

 

Here is what you need to know:

 

Three-month grace period

 

Although the new traffic laws took effect on September 5, police have decided to be lenient for the first three months to give Thais time to adjust themselves or improve their road behavior.

 

“We will fine traffic offenders based on the rates used since 2020 for the first three months,” said Pol General Preecha Charoensahayanont, deputy director of the Royal Thai Police Traffic Management Center. “We will also promote public awareness of the new laws during this period,” he added.

 

For example, instead of slapping a speeding driver with the new 4,000-baht maximum fine, traffic police will issue fines of 500 baht during the grace period.

 

Harsher penalties

 

Jumping a red light or failing to stop for pedestrians at a zebra crossing carries a maximum fine of 4,000 baht under the new laws – up from 1,000 baht. Driving against traffic and not wearing a crash helmet or safety belt, meanwhile, come with a maximum fine of 2,000 baht – a fourfold increase from 500 baht.

 

Those found guilty of driving without care for the safety or lives of others face a fine of between 5,000 baht and 20,000 baht and/or a maximum of one year in jail. The penalties are raised from a maximum three-month sentence and a fine of 2,000 to 10,000 baht.

 

Drunk driving is punished especially harshly under the new laws. Convicted drunk drivers face a fine of up to 20,000 baht and/or a jail term of up to one year. If they repeat the same offense in the two years after their first offense, the resulting fine will come with a mandatory jail term. The fine can be as high as 100,000 baht and the jail term as long as two years.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/a-guide-to-thailands-new-rules-of-the-road/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-09-13

 

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[ThailandRyan]

They still need to stop the people and explain just what would have happened and the fine they would have been given.  If they just say they are giving a grace period how will the offenders know to not violate the codes.  Oh wait that would require the police to actually enforce the laws. Just because the fees have increased does not mean the public will suddenly pay attention....

[richard_smith237]

9 minutes ago, webfact said:

Although the new traffic laws took effect on September 5, police have decided to be lenient for the first three months to give Thais time to adjust themselves or improve their road behavior.

And this apathy towards enforcement which simply enables continued poor traffic behaviour will continue indefinitely.... 

 

This attitude is the underlying reason for Thailands road fatalities - an underlying leniency.

 

Numerous announcements of crackdowns, harsh penalties followed by apathy and leniency sets the repeated tone that nothing really changes so no one pays attention anyway.

[richard_smith237]

12 minutes ago, webfact said:

Drunk driving is punished especially harshly under the new laws. Convicted drunk drivers face a fine of up to 20,000 baht and/or a jail term of up to one year.

So no real deterrent for someone driving a 1 million baht car.

 

12 minutes ago, webfact said:

If they repeat the same offense in the two years after their first offense, the resulting fine will come with a mandatory jail term. The fine can be as high as 100,000 baht and the jail term as long as two years.

When stopped at a road side for DUI and paying the BiB their tea-money (2000 baht / 6000 baht or whatever the going rate is)... how will anyone ever know this is a repeat offence ?

 

 

The only people who will be dealt with severely are those who are involved in accidents or kill people when DUI....  

 

There is no proactive prevention with the current manner in which the roads are patrolled (or rather not patrolled). And then, what patrolling policeman is going to pull over a Mercedes weaving all over the road anyway ??? 

 

[VinnieK]

Any new law about 5 year olds riding Motos all over?

Because it is obscene getting stopped and fined for being helmetles and a 3 year old passes by and not stopped.

 

 

 

 

[plus7]

Hi,

 

Why you think it will not take effect. I'm sure it will.

In the fight of money vs leniency, money may win.

 

However, when I see a young man riding a bike and holding 3-year old sleeping kid in this hand...I don't know... how would it help ?

Of course he would prefer to ride a small car, but he can't afford, probably.

 

[ezzra]

Old rules new rules will change nothing as long as the attitude of all drives will change and i don't see how and they will need thousands more policemen just to enforce the new laws, or any laws by that matter, when i drive down Sukhumvit Rd and the traffic is a chock of block and every one dose their best to get there faster by illegally overtaking and jumping red lights and not even one policeman in sight...

[Gottfrid]

41 minutes ago, webfact said:

For example, instead of slapping a speeding driver with the new 4,000-baht maximum fine, traffic police will issue fines of 500 baht during the grace period.

Just wonder. Are people so retarded, that a grace period for not breaking the law is necessary? That´s sad.

[2baht]

Be sure to keep a purple note in the back pocket! 

[scorecard]

26 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

They still need to stop the people and explain just what would have happened and the fine they would have been given.  If they just say they are giving a grace period how will the offenders know to not violate the codes.  Oh wait that would require the police to actually enforce the laws. Just because the fees have increased does not mean the public will suddenly pay attention....

"Just because the fees have increased does not mean the public will suddenly pay attention...."

 

Very true, totally true. And the current methods of 'informing' the public don't work, so there is no impact whatever.

 

And until there is a totally different method of educating the public about laws / offences / punishment, nothing will change.

 

The Zebra crossings 'situation' came up for discussion in my uni classes numerous times (all English programs), mostly raised by the European and Singaporeans students in the classes (all adults), who were shocked that cars, buses, motorcycles etc., don't stop.

 

Pretty much every time when this subject came up a Thai student would say 'but why do vehicles need to stop?' With a further response by a few Thais 'because it's the law!'   This would get a quick response by the majority of Thais 'No it's not the law, it cannot be the law!'

 

Many times I would then prompt 1 or 2 European students to share the laws re this situation in a couple of Euopean countries, and sometimes a Singaporean.

 

The Thais were shocked at how serious the laws are abroad, no flexibility and the severity of the punishments.

 

In one discussion as per above one of the Thai students said 'why don't you just refuse to stop and take some action to push for cancellation of these laws?'

 

This would prompt many of the Europena students to say 'I agree/I totally agree with these laws. People walking must have chance to cross the road without danger, it's their human right.'

 

During one discussion one of the Thai female students called her uncle, a senior Thai cop, speaks perfect English and she asked her uncle to tell the class, on speakerphone, that there's no such laws in Thailand.

 

Uncle responded (perfect English) 'Not Tue, Thai law is the same, the law says all venicles must stop when pedestrians are on the zebra crossing or it's obvious they are waiting to start to cross, and vehicles cannot move until the pedestrian(s) have reached the other side of the road'.  

 

 

[EricTh]

Thai people are notorious for breaking all these traffic rules. Let's hope that there will be enough enforcement this time or else it's just on paper and nothing improves.

 

 

[prakhonchai nick]

Why maximum fines?  The fine should be a fixed single amount for each separate misdemeanour, payable by all.

[EricTh]

26 minutes ago, scorecard said:

 

Uncle responded (perfect English) 'Not Tue, Thai law is the same, the law says all venicles must stop when pedestrians are on the zebra crossing or it's obvious they are waiting to start to cross, and vehicles cannot move until the pedestrian(s) have reached the other side of the road'.  

 

Many Thai people have never been to western countries. Most western countries do not have the road congestion level as in South-East Asia and China so of course, they can afford to stop at zebra crossing.

 

In reality, most people in South-East Asia do not stop at zebra crossing unless it is at a red-light junction.

 

It's so expensive to own a car and motorbike in Singapore because of the COE that only less than 5% of the population drives a car, they all use public transport. So you cannot compare the situation of one country with another when road conditions are different.

 

Imagining being stuck in traffic for an hour and then you have to stop at all zebra crossings.

 

Thai people do not have the patience, go to other countries in SEA and see for yourselves.

 

[Dialemco]

The problem is not the rules but bad habits that have become accepted practices driving on the wrong side of the road not stopping at Pedestrian Crossing etc. Many driving without licenses.

[ebean001]

i actually honor Thailand for their driving behavior. there has never been a police stop of an individual car that i have seen in 15 years i have lived here. in USA there has been mulitple murders at traffic stops. huge fines. The drivers here are well discipline compared to other countries. i guess i am missing something in my 15 years here.  

[vandeventer]

22 minutes ago, EricTh said:

Thai people are notorious for breaking all these traffic rules. Let's hope that there will be enough enforcement this time or else it's just on paper and nothing improves.

 

 

Who does the laws benefit? With all the prices going up on everything every day and Thais not getting any cost of living increases in pay. It will only make things worse and corruption more.

[onekoolguy]

19 minutes ago, EricTh said:

 

Many Thai people have never been to western countries. Most western countries do not have the road congestion level as in South-East Asia and China so of course, they can afford to stop at zebra crossing.

 

In reality, most people in South-East Asia do not stop at zebra crossing unless it is at a red-light junction.

 

It's so expensive to own a car and motorbike in Singapore because of the COE that only less than 5% of the population drives a car, they all use public transport. So you cannot compare the situation of one country with another when road conditions are different.

 

Imagining being stuck in traffic for an hour and then you have to stop at all zebra crossings.

 

Thai people do not have the patience, go to other countries in SEA and see for yourselves.

 

While in Singapore as a pedestrian,  traffic always stopped for me to cross streets. Quite a surprise!

In Thailand I stop at crosswalks but you really have to be careful not to get hit from behind! I also try to stop a little before the line to let pedestrians see around my vehicle as vehicles in other lanes often don't stop making it very dangerous for people trying to cross a busy street.

[richard_smith237]

1 hour ago, plus7 said:

Hi,

 

Why you think it will not take effect. I'm sure it will.

Because it never has in the past when exactly the same announcements have been made. 

 

1 hour ago, plus7 said:

In the fight of money vs leniency, money may win.

Money does win - the BiB get their 200 baht when they catch people...  

 

Do the BiB want to lose out on a revenue stream ???.... Don’t enforce the law properly and people will continue breaking the law - its a balancing act !

 

1 hour ago, plus7 said:

However, when I see a young man riding a bike and holding 3-year old sleeping kid in this hand...I don't know... how would it help ?

Of course he would prefer to ride a small car, but he can't afford, probably.

Thats also part of the issue... the ‘affordability’ aspect....   

That said, I’m sure many do have other options (i.e. leave the 1 & 3 year old at home with the wife, or take a Songthaew etc)... but prefer the convenience of the whole family on a bike. 

 

I saw a guy last week on our sub-soi....  trying to hold a shopping bag and a baby, also with 3 or 4 year old stood up on the step through section of the bike...  (no helmets on any of them of course).

[richard_smith237]

15 minutes ago, onekoolguy said:

While in Singapore as a pedestrian,  traffic always stopped for me to cross streets. Quite a surprise!

In Thailand I stop at crosswalks but you really have to be careful not to get hit from behind! I also try to stop a little before the line to let pedestrians see around my vehicle as vehicles in other lanes often don't stop making it very dangerous for people trying to cross a busy street.

Stopping for a pedestrian here is a strange experience. 

 

Its something I always *try to do....   But when I stop, the wait, they hesitate, I wave my hand and they still don’t want to cross....  I’m there saying to myself... “Go...  Go on then... what are you waiting for?... Cross already... Jaysus I’m not tricking you...”.... finally when I’ve just about had enough I give up and go to drive on just as they step out... then I look like the pillock !!!! 

 

 

*on my motorcycle on a faster section of road with traffic behind me I’m more conscious of being rear ended...  (I had being the first at lights or a crossing in this scenario - in my car I’m less conscious unless there are lorries behind)

[Classic Ray]

Will there be any figures produced of current numbers stopped/fined for each offence and then monthly updates of those dealt with under the new legislation?

 

No, didn’t think so.

[NorthernRyland]

50 minutes ago, ebean001 said:

 

i actually honor Thailand for their driving behavior.

 

The best joke I've heard in a while. Nice one.

[NorthernRyland]

Instead of passing even more useless laws how about importing police from countries that actually care about road safety? clearly the Thai's are not up for the job.

[ThailandRyan]

51 minutes ago, ebean001 said:

i actually honor Thailand for their driving behavior. there has never been a police stop of an individual car that i have seen in 15 years i have lived here. in USA there has been mulitple murders at traffic stops. huge fines. The drivers here are well discipline compared to other countries. i guess i am missing something in my 15 years here.  

I believe you are living in the twilight zone.  So you have never been through a checkpoint then where all traffic is stopped.  Well disciplined drivers, you made the coffee spew from my nose when I read that peach of a statement......

[richard_smith237]

54 minutes ago, ebean001 said:

i guess i am missing something in my 15 years here.  

Given your statement.... Yes... missing rather a lot... 

[Golden Triangle]

1 hour ago, ebean001 said:

i actually honor Thailand for their driving behavior. there has never been a police stop of an individual car that i have seen in 15 years i have lived here. in USA there has been mulitple murders at traffic stops. huge fines. The drivers here are well discipline compared to other countries. i guess i am missing something in my 15 years here.  

Do you actually drive ?? Have you actually got a licence ?? Or are you some famous comedian just trying to lighten the mood ?? If so you are doing a damn good job, I nearly choked on my cuppa T. ????

[Will B Good]

There's rules???

[ThailandRyan]

5 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

There's rules???

And then there's RULES.........................

[sead]

How can they keep up with all those rules changing every 3 hours. Just to be gone after 1 week 

[EricTh]

1 hour ago, onekoolguy said:

While in Singapore as a pedestrian,  traffic always stopped for me to cross streets. Quite a surprise!

In Thailand I stop at crosswalks but you really have to be careful not to get hit from behind! I also try to stop a little before the line to let pedestrians see around my vehicle as vehicles in other lanes often don't stop making it very dangerous for people trying to cross a busy street.

In Singapore, if 95% (instead of 5%) of the people drove private cars instead of public transport, the situation would be the same as in Thailand.

 

You can afford to stop because you are not in a rush. Thai people are in a rush to make ends meet.

 

The roads don't get any wider in Thailand while the volume of the cars increases.

[EricTh]

36 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

 Well disciplined drivers, you made the coffee spew from my nose when I read that peach of a statement......

Where is the lol emoticon?