Over 500 drivers in Thailand have traffic points deducted on first day of new system

Thailand’s new driving penalty point system proved to be a challenge for over 500 drivers on the first day of its implementation. The new system came into effect yesterday, and 540 drivers in the country had points deducted.

According to the spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police Major General, Archayon Kraithong, the top three offences that got points deducted were:

1. Using vehicles without proper vehicle tax or proof of tax (233 drivers)
2. Using vehicles that had no driving license plates (81 drivers)
3. Driving over the speed limit (63 drivers)

Major General Archayon said drivers can check their points via the website E-Ticket PTM and via the application KHUB DEE, The Pattaya News reported.

Under the new points system, the majority of traffic offences are receiving a one-point deduction including:

• using a cell phone while driving
• not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle
• exceeding the speed limit
• not wearing a seatbelt
• riding a motorcycle on the pavement
• not giving way to emergency vehicles
• reckless driving
• failing to stop for pedestrians at zebra crossings
• driving without a license plate or with the plate covered
• not showing the road tax sign
• driving with unpaid traffic tickets
• failing to produce a driving license when asked by police
• failing to obey traffic signs
• parking in a no-parking zone
• not staying in the correct lane while driving

Two points are being deducted for:

• driving on the wrong side of the road
• failing to stop at traffic lights
• driving on a suspended license.

Three points are being deducted for:

• committing a hit and run
• driving without due attention and care
• incompetence

A maximum of four points are deducted from a driving license if the driver is found to be:

• drunk driving
• driving while under the influence of narcotics
• driving without regard for others’ safety.

The new points system aims to improve traffic law compliance, reduce accidents, and improve road safety, according to the commander of the Highway Police Division. The point system will be applied to every driver, but offenders will have a chance to reform depending on the situation. Points will be returned after one year, but if only six points remain, the driver can attend a training course to restore their points.

Across Thailand in 2021, 277 people were killed, and 2,357 were injured in almost 2,400 road accidents. Last year, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha announced a major goal of cutting the number of road deaths by almost two-thirds by 2027.

Will the new points system help to prevent road accidents, and cut the deaths and injuries? We’ll have to wait and see.