From today, a new points system comes into effect for Thailand’s motorists, although the authorities say they’ll initially be adopting a “gentle” approach to enforcement.
According to a report from the National News Bureau of Thailand, the police say they’ll place more emphasis on creating awareness of the new system intially, to ensure it’s properly understood by the public.
Ekkarat Limsangkat, commander of the Highway Police Division, says the new system is designed to improve compliance with the rules of the road, to improve road safety, and to reduce the number of accidents.
All motorists will start out with 12 points on their licence, but will have points deducted for traffic violations. The more serious the violation, the more points deducted. If a driver loses all 12 points, their licence will be suspended. If they receive 3 suspensions in 3 years, their driving licence will be revoked.
Violations that could see you lose points include speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or not wearing a helmet while on a motorbike. In those cases, one point will be deducted. Drivers who flee the scene of an accident will lose 3 points, while drink-driving will result in a loss of 4 points.
In addition to the deduction of points, drivers will also face prosecution and could also be given a prison sentence and/or a fine, depending on the violation.
According to Ekkarat, the system will apply to all drivers, but he says offenders will be given an opportunity to reform, depending on the circumstances.
SOURCE: National News Bureau of Thailand
