Ban on karaoke singing and watching tv in car proposed

Justice Ministry permanent secretary Jaran Pakdeethanakul said these activities were even more dangerous to drivers than the use of cell phones.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved draft legislation prohibiting motorists from using mobile phones or any other communication apparatus while driving.

The draft is now being forwarded to the Council of State for review.

"The review process should not take a long time given that this is an urgent government policy," Jaran said.

He said that this draft would be written in a way that covered activities that would affect motorists' driving abilities. "It will thus cover karaoke singing and playing motion pictures in the vehicles too," he said.

Police spokesman Lt Gen Ronnarong Yangyuen said the draft impose a fine of between Bt400 and Bt1,000 for offending motorists.

He hoped the ban on cellphone use on the wheels would reduce the number of road accidents.

"Many accidents took place because drivers were speaking on the phone," he said.

If the Council of State gives the green light, the draft will go to the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation.

Ban on use of mobile phones at the wheel