Article 44 invoked for street races
PRIME MINISTER General Prayut Chan-o-cha is using his absolute power under the interim charter’s Article 44 to crack down on street racers and drunk public-transport drivers, according to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) order No 46/2558 pu
The order – which went into effect on Wednesday – authorises traffic police and relevant state officers to impound vehicles of street racers and drunk public-transport drivers for at least seven days and seize their driver’s licences for up to 30 days.
The officers were also authorised to detain the motorists for a behaviour adjustment programme for at least seven days and up to 15 days.
After the detention period – which will not be considered a detention under the Criminal Code – is up and if there are sound reasons for prosecution, the officers can hand the motorists over to the police for action, the order said.
As for public-transport drivers, the Land Transport Department has been authorised to suspend the company’s licence or close the company for up to 15 days – unless the firm can prove that it did not have any knowledge of the driver’s behaviour and has applied enough measures to prevent a repeat.
Protection under the Public Administration in Emergency Situation 2005’s Article 17 is also provided to state officials who sincerely and rationally perform their duties according to this order.
Deputy police chief General Pongsapat Pongcharoen, meanwhile, said the measure would help enhance officers’ performance as it can be used on a long-term basis and will help prevent and cut casualties and damages.
Separately, detained drivers will be trained at a local police-training centre for seven to 15 days. The deputy police chief also warned parents to take care of their children and said that though there is no imprisonment, their profiles may be affected.
RELATED