The government warns that the leniency measure, "Warning Before Fines," will end on 31 March, ahead of the nationwide start of strict traffic law enforcement on 1 April, aiming to ensure the safety of all road users.
On 26 March 2026, Ms. Airin Panrit, Deputy Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, stated that the government places the highest priority on road safety, especially during high-travel festivals. The goal is to reduce the fatality rate to just 12 deaths per 100,000 population by 2027 through an integrated proactive approach involving legal measures, reducing risk factors from roads and vehicles, and campaigns to promote traffic discipline.
Ms. Airin said that the government, through the Royal Thai Police, has implemented measures to reduce road accidents by enforcing laws and promoting traffic discipline among the public in three phases. Currently, they are in Phase 1, the "Warning Before Fines" period, which runs until 31 March 2026. This phase focuses on public awareness and warnings about traffic laws and discipline. Since January, there have been 196,028 warnings issued via the PTM system. After this warning period ends on 31 March 2026, traffic police will strictly enforce laws in Phase 2, targeting 10 main violations that are primary causes of road accidents.
"According to statistics from the Road Accident Prevention and Reduction Center for the 7 Dangerous Days of the 2026 New Year festival, there were a total of 1,511 accidents, 1,464 injuries, and 272 deaths. The main causes of accidents were speeding, drunk driving, and abrupt lane cutting. The government urges the public to check and adjust their driving behavior to strictly comply with the law in preparation for full enforcement starting 1 April 2026, to build a safer driving society for all."