The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has announced it will review its latest proposal to significantly increase fines for driving without a licence after netizens and pundits blasted the move for being too harsh on the public.
DLT deputy director-general Kamol Buranapong made the comments yesterday during a press conference to address the proposal, which most notably involves a maximum 50,000-baht fine for driving without a licence.
The conference was also attended by members of the Royal Thai Police and road safety experts.
"The DLT is currently compiling feedback from the public regarding the proposed changes to its laws to be submitted to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) for consideration," Mr Kamol said. "During this time, we will review various points raised, namely if the fines are too high."
Mr Kamol said yesterday the DLT's plans have been implemented as a measure to increase safety on the country's roads and discourage irresponsible driving. According to him, many of the current land transport laws are outdated and the penalties too low to be an effective deterrent.
Mr Kamol told the media it will ultimately be the court's decision whether to impose the full 50,000-baht fine, depending on the severity of the case discussed.
Meanwhile, road safety experts present at yesterday's conference on the whole reacted positively to the DLT's proposed plan.
Dr Thanapong Jinvong, secretary-general of the Road Safety Policy Foundation, supported the DLT's initiative in introducing stricter penalties for road offences.
"This is a step in the right direction, as drivers must realise how important driving licences actually are," he said. "The licences must also be difficult to obtain in the first place.
"We have conducted surveys comprising 1,200 children who were involved in motorcycle crashes in 12 hospitals across the country, and found that the average age they started riding was as low as nine," he said.
"With fines like these, at least the parents of these children will be hesitant to allow them to ride from such a young age."
According to the Transport Ministry, there are over 21 million registered motorcycles in Thailand, yet only around 13 million motorcycle licences have been reported by the DLT.
The World Health Organisation ranks Thailand as the second-deadliest country in road death rates behind Libya. Thailand recorded over 22,000 road deaths last year.
