Thai penalties for traffic offenses to increase from September 5th

National —

Thailand has finally amended the archaic, notorious Land Traffic Act with new penalties for speeding or failing to stop at pedestrian crossings hiking from 1,000 baht to 4,000, effective next Monday, September 5th.

The announcement of the amended Land Traffic Act was made by Pol. Gen. Damrongsak Kittiprapat, deputy national police chief and director of the traffic management center, yesterday, September 2nd, which highlighted the changes as follows:

• Drivers guilty of drunk driving will face no more than a one-year jail term and/or a fine of 5,000-20,000 baht. If drivers repeat the same offense within two years, the penalties will increase to a fine of 50,000-100,000 baht and a two-year jail term. Also, repeat offenders will always receive both a fine and a jail sentence from the court.
• Fines for traffic law offenders such as speed driving, jumping red lights, or not stopping at pedestrian crossings will be increased from no more than 1,000 baht to no more than 4,000 baht.
• Fines for driving backwards, parking in restricted areas, and not wearing a helmet will be increased from 500 baht to 2,000 baht.
• Drivers convicted of driving with no regard for others’ safety and lives will face up to one year in prison and/or a fine of 5,000-20,000 baht. The present penalties are three months in prison and/or a fine of 2,000-10,000 baht.

Additionally, the penalties for street racers, organizers of street races, and operators of bike modification shops have also been adjusted as follows:

• Motorcyclists who gather with more than five people are considered attempting to illegally race motorbikes if they fall under one of the three conditions: 1. have a pre-scheduled appointment to race 2. possess an illegally modified motorbike 3. show an intention to race. The penalties for street racers are a jail term of up to three months and/or a fine of 5,000-10,000 baht.
• Organizers of street races will face a jail term of up to six months and/or a fine of 10,000-20,000 baht.
• Operators of bike modification shops will face a jail term of up to three months and/or a fine of 5,000-10,000 baht.

The amended Land Traffic Act will go into effect on Monday, September 5th.

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