A picture of a fine bill for THB400 went viral on Facebook earlier this month, and the fine was given because a man didn’t stop his car to show love for the country, as “good Thai citizens should do.”
“This is just because I didn’t stop my car to show respect for the national anthem. I was fined THB400. Look at this, folks,” Facebook user Winyoo Sreewipuck captioned the photo, which was shared on Facebook on July 1 from Chonburi.
Many netizens commented on this post. Some pointed out that this might be just a hoax, considering that the fine bill is not stamped and there’s no officer’s name written. However, others believed this was real, and condemned the man for “not loving the country.”
According to Daily News, Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy chief Adul Narongsak urged that the fine bill posted on Facebook be thoroughly scrutinized. The officer added that it’s plausible that a fine bill like this might be given in the provinces, where they might be less stringent about stamps and signatures.
Moreover, the officer explained that there really is a law stating that you must stop your car if you hear the national song and/or see the country’s flag being raised. Those who disobey could face up to a THB4,000 fine and two years in prison. But, not stopping your car is allowed in case it would cause a traffic jam.
Wow. Learning to drive is hard enough. But, learning to be a Thai driver is even harder.
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