Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Driving and riding in Hua Hin and Thailand, all topics on cars, pickups, bikes, boats, licenses, roads, and motoring in general.
User avatar
buksida
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 22473
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 12:25 pm
Location: south of sanity

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by buksida »

Tougher driving tests, medical check eyed in road safety push

The Department of Land Transport is set to adopt more stringent standards for driving tests to improve road safety.

Among the new procedures expected to be implemented next year is a full electronic testing system, said Kamol Buranaphong, the department's deputy director-general.

The system could help reduce arguments between applicants and testers, he said.

In addition, a finger-scanning system will be used to authenticate the identity of drivers who sit the exam.

In another move, the department also intends to review an individual's medical history as part of the application.

Applicants with health problems which could pose an obstacle to their ability to drive safely will be prohibited from obtaining a driving licence, said Mr Kamol.

Health conditions that may disqualify applicants include severe hypertension, epilepsy and diabetes.

Those who have undergone heart or brain surgery who doctors find unfit to drive will also be disqualified from taking the test, said.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/genera ... afety-push
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by Big Boy »

There's something on Thai news now confirming the stricter licensing requirements, so if the original criterion sticks, I guess my driving days are numbered, Also saying the medical certificate can only be obtained from a registered hospital in future. Oh well sh*t happens.

Just have to wait to see how it all pans out, but I think my driving days could be limited to 14 more months.

I guess it'll save me a lot of money, and get me walking more.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
User avatar
404cameljockey
Ace
Ace
Posts: 1780
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 5:14 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by 404cameljockey »

Big Boy wrote: Thu Feb 15, 2018 7:22 am There's something on Thai news now confirming the stricter licensing requirements, so if the original criterion sticks, I guess my driving days are numbered, Also saying the medical certificate can only be obtained from a registered hospital in future. Oh well sh*t happens.

Just have to wait to see how it all pans out, but I think my driving days could be limited to 14 more months.

I guess it'll save me a lot of money, and get me walking more.
Waiting for the glorious Mrs BB to furnish us with a translation then!
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by Big Boy »

You've got all you're getting for now. I guess the first we'll hear is when the first member tries to re-new, or obtain a licence for the first time. I was watching the pictures on the screen, and the forms looked pretty comprehensive.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
User avatar
buksida
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 22473
Joined: Tue Dec 31, 2002 12:25 pm
Location: south of sanity

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by buksida »

A new form of medical certificates to be introduced March 1 for driving license applications
Starting March 1, applicants for a driving license will be required to produce a new form of medical certificate from qualified doctor certifying that he/she is free from five diseases namely elephantiasis, tuberculosis, alcoholism, leprosy and drugs addiction.

On top of that, Land Transport Department director-general Sanit Promwong said applicants for a driving license must fill in his/her medical record, record of accidents and surgeries and treatment in hospitals.

Also, he said the doctors who issued the certificates to the applicants must certify that the applicants are not disabled to the extent that they cannot perform their duties; do not suffer from mental illness or being mentally disabled or showing symptoms of drug abuse or chronic alcoholism and do not have symptoms of leprosy which are communicable and symptoms of tuberculosis in dangerous stage.

Mr Sanit added that any motorists who have already had driving licenses but who might suffer from seizure disorder or symptoms from high blood pressure which might cause accidents, might have their licenses revoked the registrars for public safety.

Meanwhile, Medical Council deputy secretary-general Dr Itthiporn Khanacharoen said that the Medical Council had endorsed the new form of medical certificates which has two parts.

One of the two parts is to be filled in by the applicants specifying his diseases that are not detected by doctors. The second part is to be filled in by doctors certifying the diseases examined.

http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/new-fo ... lications/
Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed? - Hunter S Thompson
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by Big Boy »

Thank you, if that is right, then I'll be fine at renewal time.

A shame, because I'd certainly rather walk short distances (anywhere in central Hua Hin), but Mrs BB won't hear of it.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
robcar
Professional
Professional
Posts: 411
Joined: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:28 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by robcar »

Just an invitation here for having even more unlicenced/no insurance muppets on the roads :banghead: :banghead:
hhinner
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 4288
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2012 2:17 pm

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by hhinner »

^^ But increasing the revenue raising possibilities.
User avatar
StevePIraq
Rock Star
Rock Star
Posts: 3043
Joined: Sat Jun 28, 2008 1:21 pm
Location: Ting Tong Land

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by StevePIraq »

Can you imagine the queue at hospitals for examinations and the following blood tests for elephantiasis, tuberculosis, alcoholism, leprosy high blood pressure, mental illness, being mentally disabled and drugs addiction.

Is there a test for alcoholism only liver function as far as I know and other aspects can influence that. Plus they will need a psychologist to determine if you have a mental illness.

Typical Thai bull, so glad I am overseas.
"Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right." Muhammad Ali
User avatar
Big Boy
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 44945
Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 7:36 pm
Location: Bon Kai

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by Big Boy »

Actually, I think the tests are quite reasonable. If you have any of those problems, you should be getting treated, so tests shouldn't be required - you simply fail. If you go to a one-off medical facility, it should sound alarm bells, and of course tests should be carried out.

If you're not getting treated, again, you probably need a few tests.

The one thing I don't understand is the timing issue. Under the original criterion (press scaremongering)I would have lost my licence. However, I wouldn't have lost it for another 14 months. If it's dangerous for me to drive in 14 months time, why isn't it dangerous today? This doesn't apply solely to Thailand - I've seen various legislation throughout the world saying that a particular practice becomes illegal on xx/xx/xxxx - until then, it's not a problem.

Of course, Thailand being Thailand, even more people won't bother with licences, so it'll become even more unsafe.
Championship Plymouth Argyle 0 - 1 Preston NE :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Points 41; Position 18
User avatar
migrant
Addict
Addict
Posts: 5856
Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 6:15 am
Location: California is now in the past hello Thailand!!

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by migrant »

If I have to fill out record of surgeries and hospital treatment it better be multipage!
The proper function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
handdrummer
Addict
Addict
Posts: 5389
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:58 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by handdrummer »

No mention of being able to drive safely with or without one of those illnesses. I wonder how many drivers with elephantiasis have caused accidents. If you get to close to elephants can you catch elephantiasis?
User avatar
404cameljockey
Ace
Ace
Posts: 1780
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 5:14 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by 404cameljockey »

handdrummer wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 2:50 am No mention of being able to drive safely with or without one of those illnesses. I wonder how many drivers with elephantiasis have caused accidents. If you get to close to elephants can you catch elephantiasis?
Is elephantiasis never forgetting stuff? I certainly don't have it.
handdrummer
Addict
Addict
Posts: 5389
Joined: Mon Mar 03, 2014 11:58 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by handdrummer »

404cameljockey wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 3:20 am
handdrummer wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 2:50 am No mention of being able to drive safely with or without one of those illnesses. I wonder how many drivers with elephantiasis have caused accidents. If you get to close to elephants can you catch elephantiasis?
Is elephantiasis never forgetting stuff? I certainly don't have it.
I don't remember. We'd better get out of here before the topic police arrive.
User avatar
404cameljockey
Ace
Ace
Posts: 1780
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2016 5:14 am

Re: Driver's licence health rules to become stricter

Post by 404cameljockey »

handdrummer wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 8:34 am
404cameljockey wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 3:20 am
handdrummer wrote: Sat Feb 17, 2018 2:50 am No mention of being able to drive safely with or without one of those illnesses. I wonder how many drivers with elephantiasis have caused accidents. If you get to close to elephants can you catch elephantiasis?
Is elephantiasis never forgetting stuff? I certainly don't have it.
I don't remember. We'd better get out of here before the topic police arrive.
I'd better drive then! :)
Post Reply