Traffic Public Skepticism Persists as Thailand Enforces New Traffic Fine System

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of BreizhAtao

 

Since the Royal Thai Police (RTP) implemented their overhauled traffic fines and sanctions on June 1, 2025, skepticism remains widespread among the Thai public. The revised system, aimed primarily at improving road safety, has yet to fully convince citizens despite its focus on critical areas such as helmet laws and unlicensed driving.

 

Key among the changes is the stringency concerning motorcycle helmet use. Under Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, both riders and passengers are mandated to wear helmets, with fines beginning at 1,000 baht. Notably, if both are caught without helmets, penalties can double. Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Chintakanon, commander of the Traffic Police Bureau, points out that these requirements are central to the "Safe Roads Project," which seeks to curb road accidents and fatalities—a pressing issue nationwide.

 

Motorcycle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in Thailand, largely attributed to insufficient helmet use. Many opt out of wearing helmets due to comfort concerns, despite the added danger. The RTP's firm stance on helmet laws is part of broader efforts to change this mindset and enhance road safety.

 

Further reinforcing this, the RTP has set sanctions for other risky driving behaviors such as driving on pavements, against traffic flow, or ignoring traffic signals, each incurring fines starting at 1,000 baht. Meanwhile, less severe infractions like undertaking or using mobile phones without hands-free devices while driving attract fines from 500 baht upwards, subject to the offence’s seriousness.

 

New traffic fines and sanctions, effective since June 1, 2025 | Photo via Royal Thai Police

 

Public skepticism towards these measures stems partly from historical grievances against traffic law enforcement. Unclear regulations, inconsistent enforcement, and perceptions of being unfairly targeted by officers compound distrust. This sentiment is compounded by the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on February 5, which declared RTP's traffic fines issued post-July 2020 as unlawful. The court highlighted that these fines unduly restricted motorists' rights to contest tickets—fixing fine rates without due regard—thus breaching constitutional rights.

 

The RTP's publication of detailed traffic offences and corresponding fines represents a positive, albeit necessary, step towards transparency. While this initiative may improve trust gradually, deep-seated issues, including enforcement consistency and legal clarity, continue to cloud public perceptions.

 

Despite the initiative's forward strides, addressing the underlying causes of distrust is vital. Enhancing the system's fairness and clarity, alongside reinforcing respectful enforcement practices, is essential for truly effective traffic law adherence. For now, the RTP’s focus remains on mitigating safety risks, but winning public confidence remains a significant challenge.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-13

 

 

[FlorC]

Is it for road safety or just to get more money ?

 

Not yet european style fines/theft , but getting there.

 

[Foppa99]

80% Drive without helmet here in Khon Kaen and the police  don't care.

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The revised system, aimed primarily at improving road safety, has yet to fully convince citizens despite its focus on critical areas such as helmet laws and unlicensed driving.

Fines achieve nothing except lining the RTP's pockets...

Impound the motorcycle for a month with storage charges and see changes in peoples habits.

[TigerandDog]

5 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Fines achieve nothing except lining the RTP's pockets...

Impound the motorcycle for a month with storage charges and see changes in peoples habits.

I'll go you one better.  Have the RTP appear at a high school at going home time for the kids and be at every exit from the school. Every kid riding a motorbike without a helmet or license is issued with a fine, the bike gets impounded and is not released from impound until a license and/or helmet is produced and the impound fee is paid. The impound fee needs to be a minimum of 5k baht. Start with the young ones as it will be the parents that have to bear the financial penalty, and the kids will soon learn they must follow the rules. Word will get out after this happens at a couple of randomly selected schools and police check points. It's the ONLY way they will learn.

[Olof Karlsson]

A system where the policemen can collect fines will relentlessly create corruption.

[DUNROAMIN]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of BreizhAtao

 

Since the Royal Thai Police (RTP) implemented their overhauled traffic fines and sanctions on June 1, 2025, skepticism remains widespread among the Thai public. The revised system, aimed primarily at improving road safety, has yet to fully convince citizens despite its focus on critical areas such as helmet laws and unlicensed driving.

 

Key among the changes is the stringency concerning motorcycle helmet use. Under Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, both riders and passengers are mandated to wear helmets, with fines beginning at 1,000 baht. Notably, if both are caught without helmets, penalties can double. Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Chintakanon, commander of the Traffic Police Bureau, points out that these requirements are central to the "Safe Roads Project," which seeks to curb road accidents and fatalities—a pressing issue nationwide.

 

Motorcycle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in Thailand, largely attributed to insufficient helmet use. Many opt out of wearing helmets due to comfort concerns, despite the added danger. The RTP's firm stance on helmet laws is part of broader efforts to change this mindset and enhance road safety.

 

Further reinforcing this, the RTP has set sanctions for other risky driving behaviors such as driving on pavements, against traffic flow, or ignoring traffic signals, each incurring fines starting at 1,000 baht. Meanwhile, less severe infractions like undertaking or using mobile phones without hands-free devices while driving attract fines from 500 baht upwards, subject to the offence’s seriousness.

 

New traffic fines and sanctions, effective since June 1, 2025 | Photo via Royal Thai Police

 

Public skepticism towards these measures stems partly from historical grievances against traffic law enforcement. Unclear regulations, inconsistent enforcement, and perceptions of being unfairly targeted by officers compound distrust. This sentiment is compounded by the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on February 5, which declared RTP's traffic fines issued post-July 2020 as unlawful. The court highlighted that these fines unduly restricted motorists' rights to contest tickets—fixing fine rates without due regard—thus breaching constitutional rights.

 

The RTP's publication of detailed traffic offences and corresponding fines represents a positive, albeit necessary, step towards transparency. While this initiative may improve trust gradually, deep-seated issues, including enforcement consistency and legal clarity, continue to cloud public perceptions.

 

Despite the initiative's forward strides, addressing the underlying causes of distrust is vital. Enhancing the system's fairness and clarity, alongside reinforcing respectful enforcement practices, is essential for truly effective traffic law adherence. For now, the RTP’s focus remains on mitigating safety risks, but winning public confidence remains a significant challenge.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-13

 

 

Just how are they going to enforce these new policies when the police do not patrol the streets.?????

[bendejo]

"You pay now!"

 

[kuzmabruk]

Zero (0) nil none non-existent here in Pattaya.   Once again Thailand decides to make itself look inept.   But that is why lots of people are here.   No laws or unenforced laws makes Thailand ripe for criminal activity.   

[Robert Smith 2]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Picture courtesy of BreizhAtao

 

Since the Royal Thai Police (RTP) implemented their overhauled traffic fines and sanctions on June 1, 2025, skepticism remains widespread among the Thai public. The revised system, aimed primarily at improving road safety, has yet to fully convince citizens despite its focus on critical areas such as helmet laws and unlicensed driving.

 

Key among the changes is the stringency concerning motorcycle helmet use. Under Section 122 of the Land Traffic Act, both riders and passengers are mandated to wear helmets, with fines beginning at 1,000 baht. Notably, if both are caught without helmets, penalties can double. Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Chintakanon, commander of the Traffic Police Bureau, points out that these requirements are central to the "Safe Roads Project," which seeks to curb road accidents and fatalities—a pressing issue nationwide.

 

Motorcycle accidents remain one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in Thailand, largely attributed to insufficient helmet use. Many opt out of wearing helmets due to comfort concerns, despite the added danger. The RTP's firm stance on helmet laws is part of broader efforts to change this mindset and enhance road safety.

 

Further reinforcing this, the RTP has set sanctions for other risky driving behaviors such as driving on pavements, against traffic flow, or ignoring traffic signals, each incurring fines starting at 1,000 baht. Meanwhile, less severe infractions like undertaking or using mobile phones without hands-free devices while driving attract fines from 500 baht upwards, subject to the offence’s seriousness.

 

New traffic fines and sanctions, effective since June 1, 2025 | Photo via Royal Thai Police

 

Public skepticism towards these measures stems partly from historical grievances against traffic law enforcement. Unclear regulations, inconsistent enforcement, and perceptions of being unfairly targeted by officers compound distrust. This sentiment is compounded by the Supreme Administrative Court's ruling on February 5, which declared RTP's traffic fines issued post-July 2020 as unlawful. The court highlighted that these fines unduly restricted motorists' rights to contest tickets—fixing fine rates without due regard—thus breaching constitutional rights.

 

The RTP's publication of detailed traffic offences and corresponding fines represents a positive, albeit necessary, step towards transparency. While this initiative may improve trust gradually, deep-seated issues, including enforcement consistency and legal clarity, continue to cloud public perceptions.

 

Despite the initiative's forward strides, addressing the underlying causes of distrust is vital. Enhancing the system's fairness and clarity, alongside reinforcing respectful enforcement practices, is essential for truly effective traffic law adherence. For now, the RTP’s focus remains on mitigating safety risks, but winning public confidence remains a significant challenge.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-06-13

 

 

Thais generally use their wits, not traffic laws..the transition is going to be painful...

[barrybike]

It’s About time they started acting on motorcycle helmet wearing  in Thailand , they need to do it country wide 

[Nickcage49]

Almost nobody wears helmets here in Pattaya. And the police presence is sparse.

 

What upsets me is when children don't have helmets on. That's inexcusable. I understand some of these people are poor, but that should be a very high priority.

[VocalNeal]

Quote

Zero (0) nil none non-existent here in Pattaya.   Once again Thailand decides to make itself look inept.   But that is why lots of people are here.   No laws or unenforced laws makes Thailand ripe for criminal activity.  

 

Or just riding up a divided highway the wrong way for 150m rather than a 1.5km U-turn round trip.

[Tarteso]

Duplicate all Fines, enforce the law and more punishment should  be more effective in Thailand.

[seajae]

this is great, all they have to do now is enforce these rules, to do that will require the police to leave their air conditioned offices and actually patrol the roads like they do in other countries. Unfortunately this is something thai police refuse to do unless they can pocket the fines/make money for themselves, the last thing thai police want to do is actually have to work for their money, this is the main reason thais join the police force or any govt job, to be able to make extra  cash from graft

[lordgrinz]

I would target wrong way drivers first, and other dangerous driving habits, helmets is at the bottom of the list.

[mikebell]

I am not a police lover and hold them 80% responsible for the daily death figures.  I have noticed a marked improvement in Pattaya centre (not so much in the sticks).  Vietnam manages 99% helmet use/enforcement; was this enforced by higher fines?

[newbee2022]

It's not scepticism but stupidity.

Everything is good what will enhance safety.

Thai will like it or not.

Time to learn, even by punishment

[EVENKEEL]

Well the good news is fine for DWI is still relatively low.

[maddermax]

The traffic rules are a joke. The police should take a trip up Khao Talo in Pattaya sometime. No helmets, excessive speeding and worst of all, non-existent motorcycle and car exhausts. The idiots driving these vehicles are completely selfish disturbing the population on a regular basis. RTP would win much kudos if they were to address these issues in Khao Talo. 

[lordgrinz]

Work on issues in this order:

 

1) Wrong way drivers

2) Stop sign and Red light runners

3) Dangerous and Illegal lane changes

4) Driving through Zebra crossing when pedestrians are inside of them.

5) Speeding

 

Then worry about helmets.

[G Rex]

There is almost NO police presence on the roads. Until that changes - nothing will change here.

In my area , the police drive 10-15 year old decrepit Isuzu utes, so they cannot apprehend wrong doers anyway!

The only ‘law enforcement’ I have seen, has been from speed or red-light cameras. (-and it appears that many people ignore these too)

[Peterphuket]

1 hour ago, Olof Karlsson said:

A system where the policemen can collect fines will relentlessly create corruption.

Indeed, it would be better to no longer allow cash payments on offences, but yes whether any money would come in is the big question.

[Peterphuket]

Regarding left-hand overtaking, which would not be allowed, the government has actually promoted it by instituting 3 different speeds on 3 lanes, namely, 80, 100, and 120 kmph.
Someone driving 110 in the right lane can then not be overtaken by someone who wants to drive 120.
The most ridiculous system I have ever seen.

[cjinchiangrai]

1 hour ago, TigerandDog said:

I'll go you one better.  Have the RTP appear at a high school at going home time for the kids and be at every exit from the school. Every kid riding a motorbike without a helmet or license is issued with a fine, the bike gets impounded and is not released from impound until a license and/or helmet is produced and the impound fee is paid. The impound fee needs to be a minimum of 5k baht. Start with the young ones as it will be the parents that have to bear the financial penalty, and the kids will soon learn they must follow the rules. Word will get out after this happens at a couple of randomly selected schools and police check points. It's the ONLY way they will learn.

Interesting idea, half the bikes are not registered, insured and inspected as well.

[Photoguy21]

6 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

Regarding left-hand overtaking, which would not be allowed, the government has actually promoted it by instituting 3 different speeds on 3 lanes, namely, 80, 100, and 120 kmph.
Someone driving 110 in the right lane can then not be overtaken by someone who wants to drive 120.
The most ridiculous system I have ever seen.

Left hand overtaking is known as under taking - maybe some relation to undertakers???

[Photoguy21]

2 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Interesting idea, half the bikes are not registered, insured and inspected as well.

Many bikes don't have a number plate which makes you wonder what illegal activities they are associated with.

[mancub]

47 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

I would target wrong way drivers first, and other dangerous driving habits, helmets is at the bottom of the list.

Absolutely, not wearing a helmet does cause an accident, nor does it hurt other toad users.

[Peterphuket]

2 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Left hand overtaking is known as under taking - maybe some relation to undertakers???

Then you could argue that it might be intentional, if not, it is stupidity.

[Photoguy21]

You have to go back to basics. Is the current driving test fit for purpose? I would suggest it isn't. I remember renewing my license and was waiting to get on the reaction test. A lady was in front of me and tried it at least 10 times and failed each time, but she walked out with a full driving license. No need to elaborate on that.