BANGKOK, Thailand – A 77-year-old woman who drove a Mercedes-Benz against traffic for about one kilometer on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road has been sentenced to a one-month prison term, suspended for two years, fined 4,000 baht and banned from driving for six months. The court also ordered the seizure of her car. The Northern Bangkok Kwaeng Court delivered its verdict on October 9, following an incident on September 7 that raised serious safety concerns among motorists. The woman had driven against the flow of traffic on the inbound carriageway of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road for approximately one kilometer, putting other road users at risk.
The court initially sentenced her to two months in prison and imposed an 8,000-baht fine. However, after she pleaded guilty, the court reduced both penalties by half, resulting in a one-month prison sentence and a 4,000-baht fine. The prison term was suspended for two years. As part of the ruling, the woman was placed on probation for one year and ordered to report to a probation officer three times. She must also complete 12 hours of community service. In addition to the criminal penalties, the court suspended her driving license for six months and ordered the confiscation of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the incident.
