BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Thai Police have announced stricter measures against street racing on public highways following a multi-car collision involving 11 vehicles on the Si Rat–Udon Ratthaya Expressway in Nonthaburi province early on August 16. Three people sustained minor injuries, and all drivers tested negative for alcohol.
Preliminary investigations indicate that reckless driving at high speeds likely caused the accident. Police are conducting a full investigation to gather evidence and determine all potential violations. If the incident does not qualify as illegal street racing, authorities will pursue charges such as reckless driving endangering life or property and other related offenses.
The National Police emphasized strict enforcement, including prevention and suppression of illegal street racing, with all relevant divisions, including the Traffic Police Bureau, Nonthaburi Provincial Police, and Forensic Units, collaborating to collect evidence and ensure proper prosecution.
Legal penalties under Thai law for street racing and related offenses are clear:
Street racing on public roads: up to 3 months imprisonment, or a fine of 5,000–10,000 baht, or both.
Organizing, promoting, or assisting racing without permission: up to 6 months imprisonment, or a fine of 10,000–20,000 baht, or both.
Attempted racing: two-thirds of the penalties for full racing.
Reckless driving endangering others: up to 1 year imprisonment, or a fine of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both.
Under Penal Code Section 33, vehicles used in illegal racing may also be forfeited by court order. Authorities will submit all seized vehicles for review to determine whether they were used in criminal activity.
The police urged the public to report accidents or suspected street racing immediately via 24-hour hotlines: 191 or 1599 nationwide, 1197 in Bangkok, and 1193 for national highways. (TNA)
