Thailand is in the heart of Southeast Asia and it showers travelers with both heritage and blissful beaches, delectable dishes. Families also come to visit, along with lots of tourists with kids. Navigating through unknown roads and means of transportation is never easy, but the safety of your child comes above all else. Read on to learn about Thailand carseat https://babyhillsthailand.com/product/carseat-protect/ laws, prepared so that the next time you need a stroller rental on your journey!
The Importance of Car Seats
World health organization (WHO) is a leading cause of death in children worldwide, road traffic injuries. Though they are not as common in Thailand compared to some other countries, car crashes can have devastating consequences. The best way to protect your child in case of a crash is by using a car seat. Car seats absorb the force of crash impact, which takes a lot of that “crunching” power away from babies’ and toddlers’ delicate little bones.
Law in Thailand for Car Seat
In 2017, Thailand revised the Land Traffic Act to stipulate that children younger than six years old or shorter than a meter-and-a-half in height be buckled up. The bill applies to all passenger automobiles, pickup trucks and minivans. Violators of this law are subject to fines up to 2,000 baht (about US $60).
**Please Note: Car seat laws in Thailand as they apply to public transportationA-a including buses and vans. Although you may not be required to do so by law, it is recommended that your child always ride in a car seat – and even when traveling or taxiing on an airplane.
Understanding Car Seat Stages
- There are different stages of car seats to match a child’s growing body and development. Above are the whole main stages related to this Thailand car seat in Thailand law case you referred to.
- Rear-Facing Infant Car Seat (birth to a year, or having reached the height/weight limits) – Infants are kept rear facing because it’s safest. The recommendation from experts is to keep your child rear-facing (as long as you can squeeze them in there!) until they meet the max weight/height limit for that seat, usually around 2 years old.
- Convertible Car Seat (Birth to 4 years or over height/weight restrictions): These comfy car seats can be rear-facing until your child has come of age and weight but must maintain hearing with manufacturer requirements. A convertible seat with a high rear-facing weight/height limit to maximize rear facing in Thailand.
- Front-facing baby car seat (1 to 4 years or if a youngster has outgrown the weight and height limits): The front-oriented car child safety seat is necessary for a kid, when he/she just isn’t tiny enough any more. Look for at least a five-point harness and neck & torso support.
- Pick the Best Child Car Seat: Always make sure that any car seat you buy meets all safety standards in Thailand Seek out car seats that conform to the ECE R44/04 standard, a European safety regulation accepted by most in Thailand.
Further Consideration to use Car Seats in Thailand
- Your car seat should provide the safety framework for your little one, but keep these other things in mind.
- Add-on Services: Taxis in Thailand generally do not offer car seats. Consider bringing your own car seat or using a ride-sharing service that provides car seats if you are willing to take the risk.
- Availability of Car Seats: Although child-friendly car seats are gaining popularity in Thailand, not every car hire company rents them out. If you are renting a car, make sure to ask about the ability to provide a child seat or just bring yours.
- Used Car Seats: Since they are a matter of life and death, Thai doctors never even recommend buying used car seats for safety reasons. You have no idea of the history of that seat, or if it has been structurally compromised in a crash.
Ensuring Car Seat Safety
Above and beyond the legal requirements, proper use of car seat can save lives:
- Proper installation: A car seat is only effective if it’s installed correctly. Install the car seat securely by using your vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system according to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions, as well as in your owner’s manual.
- Harness Tightness: The car seat harness should be tight; there shouldn’t be more than an inch of slack between the straps on your child’s chest.
- Positioning: Make sure your child is in the back seat of the car wearing a safety belt at all times.
Conclusion
The car seat law in Thailand is a huge leap towards better child passenger safety. Here we discuss the law and how to choose a baby or child car seat (https://babyhillsthailand.com/car-seat-for-baby/), as well as some tips on getting used to using one knowing you have installed it properly whilst in Thailand. That will hopefully push them to remember car seats are not just something a parent has to do by law, but rather an instrument that helps save lives.