Law
Lopburi Police Chief Addresses 'Two-Thousand-Buri' Traffic Fine Controversy
Lopburi police leadership has ordered a review of traffic enforcement practices following public criticism over high fines.
On September 21, 2026, the Lopburi Provincial Police Commander, Major General Yanyong Santipreechawat, convened an urgent meeting with senior traffic officers to address growing public dissatisfaction. Local social media users had dubbed the province 'Two-Thousand-Buri'—a play on the city's name—to criticize the local police for allegedly imposing heavy, non-negotiable fines for minor traffic infractions.
During the meeting, the Commander clarified that while no evidence of corruption or extortion was found, officers must exercise better discretion. He emphasized that while serious offenses—such as vehicle modifications, loud exhaust pipes, reckless driving, street racing, and missing license plates—will continue to be strictly prosecuted, minor infractions like failing to carry a vehicle registration copy, missing a driver’s license, or not wearing a helmet should now be handled with warnings or lighter fines, depending on the circumstances.
For residents and travelers, this shift in policy is intended to align enforcement with current economic conditions. While the police maintain that their previous actions were within the scope of the law, the new directive aims to balance traffic safety with public sentiment. It remains to be seen how consistently these new discretionary guidelines will be applied by individual officers on the ground during daily traffic stops.
