In Thailand, failing to wear a seat belt in any seat of a vehicle may soon be penalized by a 2,000 baht fine. The rule will take effect 120 days following its publication in the Royal Gazette on September 5, 2022.
According to Dr Thanapong Jinwong, manager of the Academic Center for Road Safety, Section 123 of the Land Traffic Act compels persons aboard vehicles, including drivers and passengers on all seats, to use safety belts or risk a fine of up to 2,000 baht.
Passengers in the back who don’t wear seatbelts are more likely to strike the front seats in a collision, therefore he estimates that the mandate will cut road fatalities in half.
The necessity for back seat belts was established at the international level. Malaysia did so in 2018, and road fatalities reduced considerably, according to Dr. Thanapong.
In order to prevent injuries in the case of an accident, parents will be expected to ensure their children wear seat belts for the length of their trip.
Section 123 of the Road Traffic Act (No.13) 2022 requires drivers and passengers to obey the following guidelines when driving:
The driver must wear a seat belt at all times when driving.
All front seat passengers, as well as passengers in the rear or any other row, are required to wear a seat belt at all times when traveling in a vehicle.
Passengers under the age of six must always ride in a child safety seat to avoid injury in the event of an accident.
Passengers under 135 cm must use a seat belt at all times when traveling to avoid harm in the case of an accident.
Drivers and passengers who are unable to use a seat belt due to medical reasons are excluded from Section 123. However, that individual must also implement additional safety precautions to prevent injury in the case of an accident.
Initially, police would issue warnings to those failing to comply, to make the requirement more widely known. Strict enforcement would follow. Failing to wear a seat belt carries a maximum fine of up to 2,000 baht.
Author: Editorial Staff
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