On the first serious day, Korat police set up strict checkpoints enforcing the new traffic laws with a “strict arrest, strict fines, no warnings” approach, emphasizing the goal of reducing accidents and ensuring safety for road users.
At 10:00 a.m. today (1 April 2026), Police Colonel Sirichai Srichai Panya, Superintendent of Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station, instructed Police Lieutenant Colonel Athisan Phosri, Deputy Traffic Superintendent, to lead traffic police officers to set up a discipline enforcement checkpoint on Suranarai Road in front of the Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. This marks the start of strictly enforcing new traffic discipline measures under the new laws. This operation is the first day of the “strict arrest, strict fines, no warnings” policy, with traffic officers thoroughly inspecting road users to promote traffic discipline and reduce road accidents.
The 10 main traffic offenses targeted by officers include: 1. Speeding beyond legal limits, 2. Running red lights, 3. Not wearing helmets, 4. Not wearing seat belts, 5. Driving against traffic, 6. Dangerous or illegal overtaking including crossing solid lines, 7. Driving on sidewalks, 8. Using mobile phones while driving, 9. Failing to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and 10. Drunk driving.
Initially, authorities have publicized to road users that starting from 1 April 2026, no prior warnings will be given as before; any traffic law violations will be prosecuted immediately under the law.
Penalties for key offenses such as running red lights, driving against traffic, or dangerous overtaking carry fines up to 4,000 baht. Not wearing a helmet carries a maximum fine of 2,000 baht, and using a mobile phone while driving can incur fines up to 4,000 baht. Drunk driving carries severe penalties including up to one year imprisonment, fines between 5,000 and 20,000 baht, and possible license suspension.
Traffic police officers emphasized that the strict enforcement aims to reduce accidents and increase safety for all road users. They urge the public to strictly observe traffic laws to prevent potential losses on the roads.