Thailand week in review: New traffic law officially implemented, flooding hits several provinces throughout the week, and more

PHOTO: Matichon

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, August 5th to the 11th, with some commentary. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication.

PHOTO: Post Today

1. New traffic law that requires all passengers in vehicles to wear seat belts and several traffic regulations put into effect on Monday

The regulations published in the Royal Gazette in May are now officially implemented from last Monday. Apart from the seat belt and kid car seat requirements, several fines and punishments were also increased which became debatable among some politicians and the public, saying that the fines were hefty while the police said that the increase is to enforce safety for drivers and pedestrians. Meanwhile, overall enforcement has been placed on hold for three months.

New Thai traffic law that requires all passengers in vehicles to wear seat belts and several traffic regulations put into effect today

2. Several areas facing flooding this morning after constant heavy rains battered most parts of Thailand on Tuesday evening

Most parts of Thailand were suffering from constant heavy rains as well as flash floods and overflowing during the last week. Flooding was reported in 13 provinces, 18 districts, 23 sub-districts, 33 villages, and 62 households last Tuesday, including Bangkok and Chonburi. Flooding is still a major concern in several parts of Thailand as the Maon storm continued to prevail over the country.

Several areas facing flooding this morning after constant heavy rains batter most parts of Thailand on Tuesday evening

3. Thai Constitutional Court orders more evidence from House of Representatives to rule on Prayut’s PM term limit controversy

The first meeting of the Committee of the Judge of the Constitutional Court began on Thursday to consider the controversy, proposed by oppositional MPs. However, the meeting did not conclude with the verdict but ordered the House of Representatives to provide more evidence when drafting the latest Constitutional Amendment in 2018. The House must submit additional evidence by this Tuesday before the Court reviewed the petition again on Wednesday, September 14th.

Thai Constitutional Court orders more evidence from House of Representatives to rule on Pratyut’s PM term limit controversy

And, that is all for this week. Thank you as always for reading the Pattaya News/TPN News!

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Nop Meechukhun
National News Writer at The Pattaya News from September 2020 to October 2022. Born and raised in Bangkok, Nop enjoys telling stories of her hometown through her words and pictures. Her educational experience in the United States and her passion for journalism have shaped her genuine interests in society, politics, education, culture, and art.