No, riding unrestrained in a truck bed violates Thailand’s Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and Ministry of Interior (MOI) Notification No. 13 (2020), which prohibit passengers from occupying uncovered cargo areas unless seated in approved seating. The Royal Thai Police (RTP) and Department of Land Transport (DLT) enforce this under Section 57, citing crash risks and liability exposure. Recent 2026 amendments to the National Road Safety Master Plan tighten penalties, including fines up to 5,000 THB and potential license suspension for drivers.
Key Regulations for Riding in the Back of a Truck in Thailand
- Seating Requirement: Passengers must use fixed, enclosed seats with seatbelts; standing or sitting on edges is prohibited under DLT Technical Standard TIS 300-2563.
- Coverage Mandate: Trucks must have covered cargo areas if transporting people, per MOI Notification No. 13, with exceptions for agricultural or emergency vehicles with DLT approval.
- Driver Liability: Drivers face joint liability for violations, including fines (2,000–5,000 THB) and demerit points under the RTP’s 2024 Traffic Violation Point System.
Enforcement targets tourist-heavy routes (e.g., Pattaya, Phuket) and urban areas like Bangkok, where DLT conducts random inspections. Exemptions exist for military or law enforcement vehicles, but civilian use remains strictly regulated.