TO ensure children are safe while travelling on the road, Thailand will enforce the use of child car seats in private vehicles effective September 5 this year. 

The amendment to the Land Traffic Act stipulates that children below six years old must use a car seat or booster cushion to prevent injuries. 

The amended law allows the use of seat cushion or booster cushion priced between ฿600 (RM76.04) and ฿700 compared with child car seats, which are over ฿10,000 each. 

Beside that, Thailand will impose the compulsory use of seat belts on drivers and all front and rear passengers or face maximum fine of ฿2,000. 

However, drivers and passengers with health-related reasons are exempt from wearing seat belts, but they must use alternative measures to prevent injuries in case of an accident. The same goes to children with health-related reasons. 

The amendment was published in the Royal Gazette and will take effect on September 5. 

Meanwhile, World Health Organisation’s Asia-Pacific Regional Network on Road Safety chairman Nikorn Chamnog said booster cushions would raise children’s sitting height so car seat belts fit them properly. 

He urged the authorities to spread awareness and guidance on child safety on the road. 

Nikorn said Thailand had studied the mandatory introduction of car seats in Malaysia and the Philippines. 

“The early phases of implementation could be difficult due to the high price of child car seats. However, it will take some time to adjust,” he said. 

He also urged the government to lower the import tax for child car seats and promote their local production. – Bernama, May 9, 2022.