Thailand’s Land Traffic Act B.E. 2565 (2022AD), which mandates that all passengers in private and public transport vehicles, except buses, wear safety belts, will be enforced once the Royal Thai Police have issued an edict within 90 days of the act coming into effect on September 5th, according to Land Transport Department Director-General Chirute Visalachitra.
Chirute’s statement today (Saturday) was intended to address social media hype claiming that, from September 5th, passengers in all pickup trucks, including those sitting in the rear seats, will be required to wear safety belts or face a fine of 2,000 baht each.
Chirute said the department will consult the Royal Thai Police over the drafting of an edict regarding the mandatory wearing of safety belts, including exceptions, adding that, once the draft is completed, it will have to be approved by a committee before it is promulgated.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, meanwhile, said that the issue of safety belt wearing for all in private cars, taxis, private and public passenger vans is not yet finalised, adding that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has advised that the new regulation should not place an undue burden on the people, even though it is intended to ensure better safety.
