A proposal to lift the maximum speed limit for many roads in Thailand from 90 kilometres per hour to 110km/h has drawn support from road safety experts and campaigners.
They also suggested the limit for roads in certain "sensitive" areas should be considered carefully, and that in all cases the speed limit must be more strongly enforced by traffic police.
Nikorn Chamnong, a member of the Leadership Council - Global Network for Road Safety Legislators, said he supported the idea as the conditions of the roads and the capacity of vehicles have changed over time.
"The speed limit must be set in consideration of the conditions in the community and the use of the road users. The types of vehicles must also be considered," he said.
He proposed that locals should identify and recommend a suitable maximum speed as they understand the local conditions better than others. He said the upper limit should be lowered for motorcycles and pickup trucks that carry passengers in the bed.
Pol Maj Gen Ekkarak Limsangkat, commander of Special Branch Police 3, said the Royal Thai Police, Transport Ministry and Interior Ministry are working together on a proposal to change the law on the speed limit for land transport. The law was first issued in 1979.
Cars are now allowed to drive at up to 80km/h in some city areas. Outside urban areas, they are allowed to reach up to 90km/h, or up to 120km/h on inter-city motorways like Bangkok-Pattaya and the Special Ringroad Highway (Kanchanapisek).
"The amendment was designed to adjust the law to suit reality. For inter-city highways, the speed limit might be raised to 105-110km/h," he said
"That would reduce disputes between police and commuters who face speeding charges," he added.