Thai police banned from demanding on-the-spot fines and wearing balaclavas at checkpoints

Thailand has introduced a new national policy prohibiting police officers from demanding on-the-spot fine payments at traffic checkpoints. The directive also bans officers on duty from wearing balaclavas or face coverings that obscure their identity.

The update was confirmed by the government's Anti-Fake News Center (in Thai), which outlined the new administrative policy for traffic police nationwide, stating: "ห้ามตำรวจทั่วประเทศ บังคับจ่ายค่าปรับที่ด่าน และห้ามใส่โม่งปิดบังใบหน้า" (Police nationwide are banned from forcing fine payments at checkpoints and banned from wearing face-covering balaclavas).

For years, paying cash directly to an officer at a roadside checkpoint has been a common, if legally ambiguous, experience for foreign drivers and riders in Thailand. This new directive explicitly instructs traffic police to stop the practice of forcing immediate payments at the checkpoint itself.

What this means for you

If you are pulled over for a traffic violation—such as riding a scooter without a helmet or failing to produce a valid driving license—the interaction should now follow a stricter protocol.

• No cash at the checkpoint: Officers should issue a formal traffic ticket (ใบสั่ง) rather than asking for or accepting cash on the side of the road.
• Visible identities: Officers manning checkpoints are no longer permitted to wear balaclavas (often called "moong" in Thai), ensuring you can see their faces and identify who is stopping you.
• Standard payment methods: Fines should be paid through official channels, which typically include local police stations, post offices, or via Thai mobile banking apps by scanning the QR code on the ticket.

Next steps for drivers

While this is an official national policy, changes in roadside enforcement can take time to filter down to every local precinct. If you are stopped and asked for an on-the-spot cash payment, remain polite and calm. You can respectfully request a formal ticket to pay at the station.

Ensure your documentation is always in order before driving in Thailand. For expats, this means carrying a valid Thai driving license or a proper International Driving Permit alongside your home country license, as well as up-to-date vehicle tax and insurance decals.