Authorities tighten safety regulations for passenger vehicles

BANGKOK, Sept. 3 (TNA) – Thailand’s Department of Land Transport has issued new safety regulations for vans and large-size passenger vehicles in a bid to reduce casualties caused by traffic accidents in the country. Department’s director-general Sanit Promwong said the new regulations, which come into force on Jan. 1, 2018, will apply to all newly-registered vehicles and those with modified body parts, except for buses and "songthaew" pickup trucks used for public transportation. Sanit added that under the tightened rules, vehicles seat structure and the installation of seat belts in vehicles are required to meet the department's safety standards. The move is aimed at reducing casualties in road accidents, as well as to enhance safety of public transportation and improve the country’s automotive engineering to the international standards, he said. (TNA)