Lopburi Police Chief Orders Review of Traffic Fine Practices
Lopburi's police chief ordered officers to review harsh traffic fine practices after public complaints branded the province "the two-thousand baht city" for excessive penalties without warnings.
On September 21, Pol. Col. Yarnyong Santiprechawattana, commander of Lopburi Provincial Police, convened an emergency meeting of station commanders, traffic superintendents, and relevant agencies. The meeting was called following online complaints that dubbed Lopburi traffic enforcement "the two-thousand baht city" for imposing disproportionately high fines with no warnings. The commander instructed staff to balance traffic enforcement with public convenience, particularly during rush hours, and emphasized that previous enforcement had remained within legal bounds with no evidence of corruption, extortion, or intimidation. He directed officers to apply discretion when issuing fines to ensure they match current economic conditions. Traffic officials were briefed on the proper handling of serious violations—such as vehicle modification, loud exhaust pipes, suspension lowering, reckless driving, street racing, and missing license plates—which must continue to face strict enforcement. Minor infractions, including failing to carry vehicle registration copies, lacking a driver's license, or not wearing a helmet, should be handled with warnings or light fines at officers' discretion. This approach aligns with national police policy to issue graduated warnings from light to severe penalties, taking into account public welfare and economic hardship. The commander ordered traffic divisions to apply greater discretion in setting appropriate fine levels, trusting that most citizens understand and comply with traffic laws.
