Phone use must now be handsfree if driving

Chatree Watanakechorn, Bangkok deputy city clerk, raises a sign warning drivers not to use mobile phones while at the wheel, during the Songkran festival in April this year. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)

Motorists using a mobile phone must use a handsfree wireless connection under a new police regulation now in force nationwide, government deputy spokeswoman Tipanan Sirichana warned on Friday.

Ms Tipanan said making handsfree connection mandatory is intended to reduce accidents, injuries and loss of life resulting from motorists using mobile phones while driving.