From today it is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving a vehicle on a road, unless using a hands-free device. Police want to publicise the ban before getting tough and will probably issue cautions at first.

''First, we'll warn violators to alert them to the danger.

''We will fine the stubborn ones from May 20 onwards,'' said deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Panu Kerdlarbpol.

Police have been told to take pictures of drivers who flout the ban, to serve as evidence.

After the grace period ends, offenders will be fined 400 to 1,000 baht.

They will also receive 10 penalty points.

Sixty points normally results in the suspension of a driver's licence. But drivers who break the phone ban a second time will also have their licence suspended.

hey will be told to attend a three-hour driving safety course, and required to sit an exam to get their licence back.

''These penalties are still too light,'' company employee Itipol Kanjanarat, said.

He demanded harsher action after he was nearly involved in a collision with a truck driver who was talking on his mobile phone.

The driver was so preoccupied on the phone that he could not decide whether to go straight or make a turn, he said.

Some countries in the Middle East jail offenders briefly, and impose fines. This would immediately reduce road accidents if it were applied here, he said.

However, Pol Maj-Gen Panu believes if officers enforce the ban strictly, the number of accidents will decrease. Only drivers who use hands-free devices such as Small Talk or Bluetooth will be exempt. Those devices allow users to chat on the phone without using their hands.

In Nakhon Ratchasima, hands-free devices have become popular since news of the ban spread. A local trader said sales had increased by up to 40%.

Bangkok Post - 8 May 2008