In early 2023, Thailand’s Royal Thai Police will launch a traffic points system aimed at improving driving discipline and to curb road accidents.
Although efforts to improve Thailand’s horrendous road toll are to be applauded, there remains a need for the enforcement of traffic regulations, including the legal requirement for motor cycle riders to wear a helmet.
Starting January 9th next year, every driver will be given 12 points, which will be reduced if they violate traffic rules, according to Highway Police Division chief Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat Limsangkat. He says ‘’disruptive driving behaviours’’, such as speeding, failing to stop at zebra crossings and not fastening a seatbelt, can lead to a one-point deduction.
Two points will be taken away for running red lights or driving in the wrong direction on one-way streets, while three points will be taken away for illegal racing on public streets. Serious violations such as drunk driving carry a maximum penalty of four points.
A driver who loses all 12 points will have their licence suspended for 90 days, and the deducted points will be restored 12 months after they are removed.
Earlier this month, a new regulation resulting in an automatic 90-day suspension of driving licenses took effect. Such suspensions would apply for violations that pose a serious risk of danger to the public. This might be when violators attempt to flee after causing damage to others or public property during a road accident.
Driving without a license could result in a three-month jail term and a fine of 10,000 baht.
He also said that the prison term for repeat offenders caught driving under the influence has been increased to two years, with the fine raised from 50,000 baht to 100,000 baht.
More details can be found at https://ptm.police.go.th/eTicket or via the government e-wallet application called Pao Tang, Pol Maj Gen Ekkarat said.
