77-Year-Old Woman Fined for Wrong-Way Drive, Police Warn Family
A 77-year-old woman was fined 3,000 baht after driving her Mercedes backward for one kilometer on Bangkok's Vibhavadi Road on September 8, mistaking a no-entry sign for a legal turnaround spot. Police have referred the reckless driving case
Police questioned the 77-year-old driver after she drove her Mercedes backward on Vibhavadi Road on September 8. Officers said she left a shopping mall and misunderstood the no-entry marking, believing it was a legal turnaround spot. She drove against traffic for approximately one kilometer before being stopped.
Police charged her with reckless driving that endangered others. She received three traffic violation fines totaling 3,000 baht, and her vehicle was impounded as evidence. The case will be forwarded to the Northern Bangkok District Court tomorrow for possible vehicle seizure.
When questioned, the woman said she heard a car horn but panicked and did not stop. Police noted she frequently uses this route because her home is in the Ratchada area and confirmed she has no medical conditions. Officers have already spoken with her daughter, who expressed concern about letting her mother drive alone in the future.
When asked about improving the area's signage, police said the no-entry symbol is already clear, with distinct main and secondary routes available. However, they plan to coordinate with relevant agencies to place traffic cones more prominently at the location. Whether the vehicle will be seized depends on the court's discretion, though there is a strong likelihood given the reckless driving charge. The defendant has the right to appeal.
