Bangkok: A recent survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) shows that the majority of the public supports the penalties imposed for ten major traffic offenses that came into effect on April 1, 2026. The survey, conducted on April 7-8, 2026, involved 1,310 respondents nationwide, covering various demographics such as age, education, occupation, and income.

According to Thai News Agency, the survey revealed public opinion on the appropriateness of penalties for traffic violations. For driving without regard for safety, 74.66% of respondents agreed with the fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht and imprisonment for up to a year. Similar support was seen for drunk driving penalties, with 70.38% approval.

The survey also highlighted that 60.15% of respondents found the fine for not wearing a seatbelt, capped at 2,000 baht, appropriate. Additionally, 60.08% supported the penalty for failing to stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, which can reach up to 4,000 baht.

Other offenses such as driving against traffic, not carrying a driver's license, not wearing a helmet, and using a phone while driving without a hands-free device also received majority support for their respective penalties. However, when it came to speeding, 54.43% of respondents felt the fine was excessive, although 40.69% agreed with it.

The survey's demographic analysis showed a diverse representation. Residents ranged from Bangkok to various regions across the country, with a gender distribution of 47.94% male and 52.06% female. Age-wise, the majority were aged 46-59 years, and the largest religious group was Buddhist at 95.04%. Educational backgrounds varied, with 33.28% holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and employment sectors included both private and public spheres.

This comprehensive survey underscores the general public's agreement with the strict enforcement of traffic laws, aiming to enhance road safety and reduce accidents across the nation.