Proposal for all cars and motorcycles to have GPS by law – “Big Brother” storm brewing

Transport minister Saksayam Chidchob has ordered the Department of Land Transport to investigate the possibility of requiring that all privately owned vehicles including motorcycles have GPS by law. 

He has said that the plan would lessen road accidents and crime. 

But the minister is bound to face criticism of being a snooping “Big Brother” in monitoring everyone’s whereabouts, notes Thaivisa. 

Saksayam told Springnews that the cost of GPS is cheaper these days coming in at around 3,000 baht with a 300 baht operating cost. The cost is coming down all the time and would need to do so. 

He said that if all vehicles had the technology then the DLT would be able to monitor speeds. 

And the added benefit would be that the location of the driver would be known at all times meaning that crime could be lessened too. 

He said that the public would need to be consulted and that it would need to be ascertained if the move impinged on people’s human rights. 

A decision would need to be made as to whether it was a ministerial regulation or law. 

He said that discussions would take place over the next year but that if implemented Thailand would be the first country in the world to have such legislation. 

He was quoted as saying that while the proposal may have some negative impacts for the people, they would accept it if it was for the common good. 

Thai Visa / Picture: Springnews

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