There are so many fantastic aspects to living life as an expat in Thailand; the year round warm climate, the amazing food, the low cost of living and a relaxing lifestyle are just a few of the things that us expats love about Thailand.
However, there’s one aspect about life in Thailand that most of us can agree is difficult to deal with and that’s the roads. For me it’s the one thing about living here that I struggle with pretty much on a daily basis. It sometimes defies belief how anyone could drive with such little care and consideration, not only for others, but also for themselves. It comes as no surprise that the statistics regarding road deaths here don’t make for happy reading.
So it was with interest that I read an article in the BK Post this week about the proposed introduction of a points system, much like the one we have in The UK. However; I couldn’t help but feel that the penalties were a little lenient, then again perhaps that’s just my English brain. We love a rule or regulation in The UK, you can be reprimanded for queuing in the wrong place.
Anyhow, here are some of the proposed penalties using the 12 points and you’re out system:
- Minor offences such as not wearing a helmet, not wearing a seat belt and speeding carry a penalty of one point.
- Moderately serious offences such as running a red light, driving on the wrong side of the road and driving over 130 km/h carry a penalty of 2 points,
- Severe offences such as drink driving, driving under the influence of drugs and driving over 160km/h carry a deduction of 3 points.
If all 12 points are deducted you lose your license for 90 days.
What do you think about this proposed system? Could this work or is there a better way?
