Will the driver’s licence point system work?

[webfact]

 

A new hope in the effort to make Thailand’s roads safer, a demerit point system has been introduced by the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department.

 

These two major organisations will eventually connect their systems and attempt to curb traffic violations and dangerous driving, in the hope of increasing driver discipline on our infamous roads.

 

 

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-the-drivers-licence-point-system-work/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-17

 

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[webfact]

Will Thailand’s driver’s licence point system work?

 

 

Two years ago, a driver’s licence point system was introduced in Thailand, in an attempt to decrease road accidents. There is, however, scant evidence that the system really works, as road traffic accidents and deaths in 2022 increased from the previous year.

 

Data from the Department of Disease Control, at Ministry of Public Health, showed that 16,957 people died in traffic accidents in 2021, while there were estimated 17,791 fatalities in 2022. Nevertheless, the system is now being enforced nationwide, effective January 9th, 2023.

 

Dr. Witaya Chadbunchachai, a Thai road safety expert and the director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, pointed out that, according to the WHO, Thailand has two weaknesses. Firstly, a management problem, with our leading organisations not performing effectively. Secondly, there is the “Road Safety Thailand” body, who are responsible for this issue, but it operates as a committee, not as an institution with a clear mandate and responsibilities.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/will-thailands-drivers-licence-point-system-work/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-01-17

 

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[ukrules]

No it won't work, it will fail miserably.

[Jerno]

With weak fines, poor enforcement, and cash handed over on the spot when stopped, point system won't change anything. 

[HappyExpat57]

First, I imagine the majority of drivers aren't even aware of this point system. Second, there is no tangible bite to this bark. Third, who could really think that the average driver gives a damn about safe driving? This is a fail before it even gets out the gate.

[Geoffggi]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Will Thailand’s driver’s license point system work?

In a word NO!!! - There will be more chance of the well known Red Bull cop killer being brought to justice ..........

[scubascuba3]

To work it needs to be linked to the insurance system, but it might just deter people from getting proper insurance 

[ikke1959]

It will never work... First of all as long as there are a lot of drivers who drive without a license, no proper education in driving and behavior on the road, and no enforcement of the laws and / or the corruption  by the police, it will fail.

They should start at the beginning.. helmets on motorcycles instead of masks, proper checks at checkpoints( not only tax payment). heavy fines for speeding, dangerous driving, alcohol, druksabuse and overloaded trucks and cars..and although many crackdowns on blacksmoke cars there are many on the road.mEnforcement of laws 24/7/365

[ThailandRyan]

Unless vehicles are seized from unlicensed drivers who are stopped or from those stopped who now have the magic number of points for a suspension then No this dill not work. Hell the RTP don't even conduct proactive traffic enforcement by stopping people who are driving poorly, have defective vehicles with no operating headlights, taillights, and a multitude of other violations unless they drive into a checkpoint or by a Police box. 

[Lucky Bones]

1 hour ago, HappyExpat57 said:

First, I imagine the majority of drivers aren't even aware of this point system. Second, there is no tangible bite to this bark. Third, who could really think that the average driver gives a damn about safe driving? This is a fail before it even gets out the gate.

I would add that likely 1/2 the RTP aren't aware of the system & the other half will ignore it and continue to extend arm with palm facing up.????????

[Lucky Bones]

1 hour ago, ikke1959 said:

It will never work... First of all as long as there are a lot of drivers who drive without a license, no proper education in driving and behavior on the road, and no enforcement of the laws and / or the corruption  by the police, it will fail.

They should start at the beginning.. helmets on motorcycles instead of masks, proper checks at checkpoints( not only tax payment). heavy fines for speeding, dangerous driving, alcohol, druksabuse and overloaded trucks and cars..and although many crackdowns on blacksmoke cars there are many on the road.mEnforcement of laws 24/7/365

But...but     a mask can save your life.

Any other infringements (helmets, DUI, speeding, confusing ambition & ability) will only result in collateral damage.????????

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

 

A new hope in the effort to make Thailand’s roads safer, a demerit point system has been introduced by the Royal Thai Police and the Land Transport Department.

Will it work.. simple answer

NO

[VinnieK]

I won't comply with any of this sh!t as long as I'm overtaken by a 10 year old on a bike..or an ancient, half-blind village woman on a tricycle.

Get your priorities right Thai police...and stop school kids riding to school on their own.

 

[hotchilli]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Dr. Witaya Chadbunchachai, a Thai road safety expert and the director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, pointed out that, according to the WHO, Thailand has two weaknesses.

#1 Ineffective police force

#2 Do as you please public.

[2baht]

Should be about as effective as the helmet and driving with a licence rule! Enforcement is not something the RTP do well!...................Demerit Points!...................Yeah right! ???? 

[klauskunkel]

Quote

Will the driver’s licence point system work?

Of course it will work.

The first driver with no points left will be featured in the police bulletin and receive a basket of chicken essence.

[arick]

Has speeds limits now gone back down to 90km/h on all roads accept the highway to Pattaya . It's crazy how the speed limit can go from 120&110 to 90 in a matter of 18 months 

[herfiehandbag]

36 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

I won't comply with any of this sh!t as long as I'm overtaken by a 10 year old on a bike..or an ancient, half-blind village woman on a tricycle.

Get your priorities right Thai police...and stop school kids riding to school on their own.

 

If you are being overtaken by ten year olds and geriatrics then you are obviously not driving with sufficient panache!

[herfiehandbag]

One of the most endearing and yet irritating features of this society is that it beavers away with great effort and skill creating institutions, systems and legal provisions whose titles and declared aims mimic those of many other countries. This is the case in so many fields.

 

They are like those Hollywood film studio "back lots" - convincing facades held up by scaffolding.

 

The driving licence points scheme is a classic example.

[Orinoco]

Quote

in the hope of increasing driver discipline on our infamous roads.

Ok. 

[Lucky Bones]

57 minutes ago, VinnieK said:

I won't comply with any of this sh!t as long as I'm overtaken by a 10 year old on a bike..or an ancient, half-blind village woman on a tricycle.

Get your priorities right Thai police...and stop school kids riding to school on their own.

 

Yes, this happens regularly in my Soi.

The Soi is approx 120 metres long.????????

[Lucky Bones]

43 minutes ago, klauskunkel said:

Of course it will work.

The first driver with no points left will be featured in the police bulletin and receive a basket of chicken essence.

Don't forget the photo opportunity for 12 RTP's and the time line flow chart on that vinyl/plastic thingy.????????

[ThailandRyan]

1 hour ago, Lucky Bones said:

But...but     a mask can save your life.

Any other infringements (helmets, DUI, speeding, confusing ambition & ability) will only result in collateral damage.????????

Mask wearing while riding a motorbike in Bangkok is a reality. Exhaust fumes from cars, buses, trucks...if your averse to wearing a mask while in the city riding, well then let's just say...your life expectancy from lung issues is not good and your foolish.

[ThailandRyan]

26 minutes ago, herfiehandbag said:

If you are being overtaken by ten year olds and geriatrics then you are obviously not driving with sufficient panache!

Hard to do while driving your 4 wheel mobility scooter

 

[flyingtlger]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

 

"A new hope in the effort to make Thailand’s roads safer"

Wishful thinking....

[stoner]

22 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

Mask wearing while riding a motorbike in Bangkok is a reality. Exhaust fumes from cars, buses, trucks...if your averse to wearing a mask while in the city riding, well then let's just say...your life expectancy from lung issues is not good and your foolish.

hahahah i love this nugget

 

and when they are without a mask while at home in houses that are not protected against the pm2.5 for a substantially longer amount of time and with far more damage being done ? 

 

 

[stoner]

they have a point system on lawless roads am i reading this right ? 

[LennyW]

Make no difference whatsoever, as they all say....i need keys to drive my vehicle, not a licence!

[thailand49]

Based on Thailand governing system segregation like everything in regards to DLT and police will fail. 

As noted in this story key words " eventually "  no way to check by the time they do it is too late.  Outside of BKK what are the chances of getting stop and if you do see any manner how they will check.  Can't enforce what you don't know.  

Overall, replace is the only answer but I guess more money in a band-aid approach.

[lujanit]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Data from the Department of Disease Control, at Ministry of Public Health,

Why is the Dept of Disease Control involved in road fatality?  My mind boggles.

 

It will fail and the BIB will see this as another opportunity to gather 'tea money'.