New rules invoked under Section 44 to curb illegal street racing and illegal night spots took effect Thursday with harsh penalties proposed including a five-year ban on pubs that allow entry to persons under 20 years.
The new measures signed by the junta leader, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, were published in the Royal Gazette on Thursday and take effect immediately.
The more stringent regulations came after Gen Prayut last month invoked powers under Section 44 of the interim charter to deal with social problems relating to juvenile street racers and night-entertainment venues.
Under the new orders, a gathering aimed at creating a street race is prohibited. Police and officials authorised under relevant laws can temporarily confiscate cars or motorcycles suspected of being used to race on the streets, and arrest suspects. Officials can also arrest those watching the illegal races unless they can prove otherwise.
Previously, police could arrest street racers only after they had started illegal races.
Parents who fail to restrain their children under the age of 18 from taking part in street racing face a maximum of three months in prison and a fine up to 30,000 baht — the same penalties imposed under the Child Protection Act.
Justice Minister Paiboon Koomchaya had said earlier the law was rarely implemented as officers felt sympathy for parents and did not want to prosecute them.
However, the latest Section 44 orders, seen by observers as a "strong dose of medicine" to try to solve the continuing problem, stress that all concerned agencies must strictly enforce the new regulations and the current law simultaneously as well as introduce preventive measures to tackle the problems urgently.
Parents of juvenile street racers are urged to warn their children and force them to comply with criteria stipulated under the Child Protection Act.
Owners of motorcycle accessory shops found by authorities to service cars or bikes for street racing face a maximum of six months in jail — an increase from one month under the industrial products standards law — and a fine of up to 20,000 baht. Their businesses will be temporarily shut down or their licences will be revoked immediately.
As for pubs and nightclubs, any operators that allow entry or sell alcohol to young people aged under 20, or operate beyond legal hours will have their licences revoked, or ordered shut for five years.
Officials will permanently revoke the alcohol licences of violators whose businesses are situated near educational institutes.
Gen Prayut’s orders prevent pubs and bars from operating near schools, universities and student dormitories, but do not specify the distance.
Operators who are the subject of complaints about noise pollution from residents are given 30 days to tackle the problem and must stop creating noise during that period.
Officials who violate regulations on issuing operating licences for night-time entertainment places will face administrative, civil and criminal penalties. Action will also be taken against their superiors who fail to punish them.