Bangkok:-- Foreigners applying for a driver's licence may soon be required to take their test
in the Thai language and display an ability to read Thai text on traffic signs.
Speaking yesterday at the Road and Traffic Authority's headquarters in Bang Phra, director
Konyai Nangtalort said that, whilst Thailand's driving licence test would remain multiple choice,
the agency was currently considering offering test questions in Thai only.
He said the changes were being mulled due to an increasing number of incidents involving foreign
drivers unable to read Thai signs or fully interpret local road laws.
"We accept that some of our road rules are not easy for foreigners to comprehend but their lack of
precise knowledge is causing disruption on the roads, particularly in the tourist hubs. We are
therefore proposing that all licence tests for foreigners be conducted in the Thai language.
It seems to be the only real way to ensure they understand and follow the rules exactly the way they
are written", Konyai said.
Under the proposal applicants would also be tested for their ability to read the Thai text on road signs.
"Naturally, this additional requirement would only apply to foreigners - Thai drivers can already
read them", he said.
"It is becoming clear that our signage is a source of frustration for non-Thai drivers. In fact, we've
received numerous complaints over the years from drivers fined for offences they weren't even
aware they'd committed.
"As another example, a European man recently narrowly escaped injury when he was rammed
from behind on Pattaya's Second Road. He hadn't understood that he need not stop before turning
left at that particular red light, yet the sign was right in front of him", Konyai explained.
Funds would be allocated for the establishment of a special purpose language centre in
Samut Sakhon where applicants will be taught to read Thailand's unique signage prior to sitting
their test.
Asked whether the reading lessons might be difficult for older foreigners, he replied, "Thai is an
easy language but we certainly don't expect them to be fluent in it. They would simply need to
recognise a few hundred words.
"Anyway, what's important here is getting them up to speed so everyone's on the same track.
Up until now foreign drivers pulled over by police patrols have been able to plead ignorance. There
will no longer be any excuses."
He added that he was yet to hold discussions with related agencies concerning the fee for the
mandatory three-day language course but assured that it would not exceed THB2000 per applicant.
