Mystic Car Decked with Sacred Symbols Sparks Legal Concerns in Nonthaburi

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

A car adorned with mystical symbols and religious paraphernalia has caused a stir online after it was spotted speeding through Nonthaburi late at night.

At around 23:00 on 24 April, a news team travelling along Chaiyapruek Road, outbound near the Rama IV Bridge, encountered a striking Toyota that immediately caught their attention. Nearly every surface of the vehicle, save for some parts of the windows, was covered in traditional Thai script and sacred yantra symbols.
 

Most notably, the roof of the car featured what appeared to be an elaborate shrine, including statues of Phra Mae Thorani (the Earth Goddess), a revered hermit sage, a Buddha figure, garlands of marigolds, and a selection of fruit offerings.

Footage of the vehicle quickly went viral on Thai social media platforms, prompting public curiosity and concern. On 25 April, local reporters sought clarification from Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong Phuengmee, Traffic Inspector at Pak Kret Police Station, regarding the legality of such modifications.

According to Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong, the car’s adornments fall foul of Thailand’s 1979 Motor Vehicle Act, specifically Section 12, which prohibits alterations to registered vehicles that may pose a danger to others. Offenders can face fines of up to 2,000 baht under Section 60 of the same Act.

“The items placed on the car’s bonnet, roof, and rear, even if affixed with double-sided tape, can become dangerous projectiles if they detach while the vehicle is in motion,” he explained. “This could cause accidents, particularly to motorcycles or other vehicles following behind.”

He further warned that in the event of an accident caused by such modifications, the driver could also be charged with negligence. Even in the absence of an incident, the vehicle’s decorations are still considered illegal.

“While personal beliefs and preferences are respected, they must comply with traffic laws and must not endanger other road users,” Pol. Lt. Col. Thapanapong added. “Traffic officers are authorised to stop and inspect any vehicle that appears to be unsafe, and repeat offenders may face legal action if they fail to remove the offending items.”

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-04-26.