Bangkok: The Department of Land Transport has revoked the licenses of three vehicle inspection stations and canceled the licenses of seven vehicle control officers for issuing false certificates. The department has warned that any vehicle inspection center found to be involved in similar offenses will face the highest legal penalties.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thitipat Thaijongrak, Director of the Automotive Engineering Division and spokesperson for the Department of Land Transport, stated that measures have been implemented to control and supervise vehicle inspection stations to ensure accuracy and transparency. The department has revoked a total of 87 licenses for offending vehicle inspection stations nationwide. In July-August 2016, a vehicle inspection station in Nonthaburi province was discovered to be issuing false inspection certificates.
The department has taken actions, including revoking the licenses of three vehicle inspection stations and the identification cards of seven vehicle inspection supervisors involved in the offenses. The Nonthaburi Provincial Transport Office has been directed to file a police report and pursue legal action against all involved parties.
Criminal proceedings will be pursued according to the Land Transport Act B.E. 2522, which includes penalties of imprisonment for up to 2 years and a fine of up to 40,000 baht. Those whose licenses have been revoked will lose the right to reapply for a new vehicle inspection station license for 5 years, and those whose identification cards have been canceled will lose the right to reapply for a new vehicle inspection supervisor identification card for 3 years.
The department has instructed provincial transport offices nationwide to oversee vehicle inspection stations, conduct random checks, and emphasize compliance to operators. Violations will result in strict legal action. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of vehicle inspections for public safety and maintaining standards to build public confidence and improve road safety.
The public is encouraged to report any non-compliance or false certification by vehicle inspection stations to the Department of Land Transport hotline at 1584 for further action.