Road safety rule strictly enforced for public safety: Government spokesman

BANGKOK, April 6 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has decided to postpone a strict enforcement of road safety regulations, one day after its enforcement, following public criticisms, said a spokesman of the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday. Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the strict enforcement was aimed at motorist safety but Gen Prayut had decided to postpone road safety regulations to a certain period. Under the new rules which became effective Wednesday, passengers are no longer allowed to sit and travel in the cargo section of pickup trucks. The driver and passengers, both private sedan and taxi, must also wear safety belts while travelling. Lt Gen Sansern said the government intended to lower road accidents and casualties by imposing the stiff regulations and there was “no hidden agenda.” But after wide public criticisms, the government decides to postpone the enforcement of the law to a certain period and will launch more public relation works to enable the people to better understand about the new law, said Lt Gen Sansern. During the current grace period, only driver and passenger of private sedan sitting in the front and do not wear safety belts will be fined while those sitting at the back will receive warning. But for public transportation, the driver as well as passengers must wear safety belt while travelling, he added. (TNA)