Thailand is taking action against uninsured vehicles

The Thai government is going to take disciplinary action against uninsured vehicles. The country has taken this initiative to reduce the number of uninsured vehicles on the roads, especially motorcycles. As part of the government's efforts, the Thai Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) and the Department of Land Transport (DLT) will begin sharing real-time information on compulsory car insurance this year. 

The two companies have signed an agreement to develop an information technology (IT) system to track vehicle insurance status, according to a report in the Chiang Rai Times. This will allow DLT to verify whether a car has been insured through real-time information from insurance companies. As a result, owners of uninsured vehicles will not be able to renew their vehicle registration without any insurance cover. 

Motor insurance has been compulsory in Thailand for the past 28 years, but the lack of integration and information sharing has allowed many vehicles to travel on the road without insurance. Drunk driving, corrupt officials and poor enforcement of the law have further complicated Thailand's road safety problems. 

According to the World Health Organization, Thailand has one of the deadliest roads in Southeast Asia due to travel-related accidents. Accidents kill 22,941 people a year in the country. In this case, more than seven out of every 10 people (73%) died as motorcyclists. Many accidents happen on New Year's holidays, which is why this time is called 'Seven Dangerous Days'.