How to lose (and regain) points under Thailand’s new driving scheme

Points. Not just for Thai students and shoppers anymore. Drivers can now covet them as well under a new system that came into effect today to improve traffic safety and confuse people with unnecessary complexity.

Here are some details on how the new points-based system works.

Drivers start with 12 points and can lose one or more for doing stupid things like texting behind the wheel. Committing a violation that results in accidents or fines can cost up to four points.

Here are some of the more interesting offenses and how many points they cost:

One point: using a phone while driving, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, speeding, not waiting for pedestrians to cross, or not making way for ambulances.

Two points: running red lights and driving the wrong way. Three points: Getting into an accident because of exhaustion/impairment.

Four points: driving under the…