The cabinet on Tuesday approved a move to prolong indefinitely the use of Section 44 to temporarily seize licences and vehicles of drink drivers, to curb road fatalities.
The order, issued on Dec 30 under Section 44 of the interim charter, initially was intended to be used only during the "seven dangerous days" campaign of the New Year holiday period, and was to have ended on Monday.
Government spokesman Maj Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd announced the order would now be implemented continuously, and have the same status as traffic regulations.
The order gives authorities the power to seize licences of drink drivers who violate the law for a maximum of 30 days and impound their vehicles for a minimum of seven days. Drink drivers may also be arrested and detained, then sent to attend a behavioural adjustment programme for a maximum of 15 days.
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The "seven dangerous days" campaign wrapped up Tuesday with higher tolls than a year ago in all three major categories: 380 deaths, compared to 341 deaths in 2015, 3,379 traffic accidents and 3,505 people injured.
The increase in the number of accidents does not discourage the government, Maj Gen Sansern said, adding that all necessary measures had been taken to avoid a higher toll.
He argued that since 2003, the number of car accidents per year has gradually decreased from 500-600 accidents to a little over 300, despite there being a higher number of cars and increased road travel now.
"Therefore, we can say that our measures have been successful to a certain extent," Maj Gen Sansern said. He added that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha regretted each life lost to road accidents and urged authorities to continue their work. According to the government spokesman, 30% of accidents in 2014 were due to drink driving, as opposed to 24% in 2015.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) acting representative to Thailand Nima Asgari said the agency acknowledged the gradual improvement in road safety in the country.
Thailand was ranked as the country with the second highest number of road traffic fatalities in the "Global Status Report on Road Safety 2015". Libya had the most.
The police yard at Boonyachinda Stadium in Bangkok's Laksi district. Police impounded 3,413 motorcycles and 1,259 cars and pickups during the 10-day crackdown against careless and drink-driving.
Thai laws have enforced the use of helmets and seat belts as well as prohibited drink driving, he said. However, the WHO report said the seat-belt law only applies to drivers and front-seat passengers, not those in the rear.
"Thailand has many policies in place already. But there are some that do not meet [the WHO's] recommended level," said Dr Asgari.
Under Thai law, the speed limit in urban areas in Thailand is 80kph, he said, adding the WHO's recommended speed limit is only 50kph.
A maximum of 0.05 gramme of alcohol per litre of blood is set for drivers permitted to drive legally in Thailand. The WHO recommends blood alcohol levels be set at a lower level for young and novice drivers, which is not yet in Thai law.
Dr Asgari pointed out the unusual situation in Thailand where the majority of road fatalities involve vulnerable road users -- 73% are passengers or riders of two- or three-wheeled motorbikes, 8% are pedestrians and 2% are cyclists. Only 17% of road fatalities are drivers or passengers of four-wheeled vehicles.
This is in contrast to the global situation where motorcyclists and four-wheeled vehicles make up 23% and 51% of all road deaths respectively.
Dr Asgari said law enforcement should be stricter, suggesting the speed limit must be lowered, seat belts must be compulsory for everyone in vehicles, and helmets must be worn on bikes.
Changing the mindset of people is important too. It is "tougher but more durable" and will have more of an impact over the long term, he said.