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Thai traffic police have been ordered to stop wearing balaclavas and other face coverings that hide their identity while on duty. The written order, issued on 25 October 2026, also tells officers to give warnings before fines in many cases, to check a motorist's warning history first, and not to pressure drivers into paying on the spot. Asking for money or any other benefit is strictly prohibited. Here's what it says and what it could mean for visitors on Koh Lanta.
Who issued the order
The order was issued in writing on 25 October 2026 by Nithithorn Jintakanon, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Metropolitan Police Bureau. It follows a direction from Royal Thai Police Commissioner Samran Nuanma. It's part of a wider push for transparency in traffic enforcement. Earlier coverage also mentions a warning-first rule that was rolled out for early 2026.
No more hidden faces
Traffic police must stop wearing balaclavas and other coverings that hide their identity while on duty. The aim is transparency and public confidence, so motorists can see and identify the officers dealing with them.
A few things are still allowed:
- Surgical masks and sunglasses are fine for protection against dust or sun.
- Officers must remove them when approaching a motorist or writing a ticket.
- Royal Initiative Project traffic police and official royal family escorts are exempt, because they ride fast on expressways and need wind protection.
Warnings before fines
Officers must warn before fining, especially in the case of minors and first-time offenders. Before deciding to fine, they must check the motorist's warning history in the Police Ticket Management (PTM) system.
Some offences are excluded from the warning-first approach, and a fine can be issued directly for:
- Driving against the traffic direction
- Running a red light
- Drink-driving
- Racing on public roads
No pressure, no soliciting
Officers may not pressure, threaten or force motorists to pay fines on the spot. They must explain the payment deadline and the lawful payment methods. Asking for money or any other benefit from motorists is strictly prohibited.
What this means for tourists
- Police at checkpoints should now have visible faces and be identifiable. If there's a dispute, you can note the officer's name or badge.
- First-time minor offences (for example no helmet or a licence issue) should get a warning rather than an immediate fine, though this depends on the PTM record. Tourists are likely to have no record.
- There's no leniency for red lights, wrong-way driving, drink-driving or racing.
- You shouldn't be pressured to pay cash at the roadside. Ask for the payment deadline and the official payment channels.
- Any request for money or favours is against the order.
- The article doesn't say how well this will be enforced in practice.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.