The Traffic Police Center warns that driving against traffic direction risks severe accidents and carries heavy penalties including vehicle confiscation and imprisonment. This follows a recent case where highway police swiftly intercepted a 67-year-old woman driving the wrong way on the M81 motorway from Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi, who claimed she was returning home and chose not to follow the designated route.
Today (26 Jan 2026), Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the Traffic Operations Center, revealed that recent accident data show driving against traffic is a significant cause of severe accidents. This act is not only a violation of the Land Traffic Act of 1979 but also demonstrates driver negligence that can cause harm to others. For instance, in a recent incident, after receiving alerts from the radio and expressway traffic control center, highway police quickly intercepted a vehicle driving against traffic on Expressway No. 81, preventing serious accidents to other road users. The swift and systematic response of the highway police was commended.
The incident occurred on 22 Jan 2026 at approximately 19:53, when the expressway traffic control center detected a private car driving the wrong way from a rest stop on Expressway No. 81 outbound towards Kanchanaburi. They immediately alerted the radio center, which dispatched highway police to intervene. Officers promptly located and safely stopped the vehicle without any accidents or damage to life and property.
Upon investigation, the driver was identified as a 67-year-old woman who admitted to driving against traffic to return home, deliberately avoiding the designated route despite having the option to safely continue and use a proper U-turn. She was charged with "driving without regard for the safety of others" under the Land Traffic Act of 1979.
Police Lieutenant General Somprasong Yenthom, Assistant Commissioner of Police and Deputy Director of the Traffic Operations Center, stated that driving against traffic on expressways is extremely dangerous due to high speeds and heavy traffic volume. Such behavior risks severe accidents potentially causing loss of life and property. He emphasized that authorities will strictly enforce the law with no exceptions.
The offense of "driving without regard for the safety of others" under the Land Traffic Act of 1979 carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment or fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, or both. In every case, investigators must gather evidence and submit it to prosecutors, recommending the court consider confiscating the vehicle involved. This measure aims to deter and prevent risky behaviors to protect life and property on the roads.
Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Jintakanon, Chief of Education and head of the Traffic Police Image Enhancement Taskforce, said this incident highlights the importance of an integrated surveillance and command system linking control centers with local police, preventing harm to the public. He warned road users that temporary convenience from violating laws could lead to legal penalties and irreversible losses.
The Traffic Operations Center of the Royal Thai Police requests public cooperation to respect traffic laws, use routes properly, and prioritize safety to collectively reduce accidents and promote long-term road safety.