New Thai law means traffic police cannot confiscate driving licences

PHOTO: Pattaya Today

From September 20, a driver stopped for a traffic violation under Thailand’s new Land Traffic Act can no longer be asked to surrender his or her licence to the police.

However, the new law stipulates that drivers must carry a driving licence, a photocopy of the licence, or electronic information about the licence at all times and be able to show it to the police on request.

Thai PBS World reports that traffic police will still have the authority to hand out on-the-spot fines and when the driver is not present, such as in the case of illegal parking, a ticket may be left on the vehicle or posted to the registered address of the owner, along with evidence of the traffic violation.

SOURCE: Thai PBS World