The Land Transport Federation of Thailand on Tuesday requested Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha to exercise his power under Section 44 of the interim constitution to get rid of corruption, especially "online bribes", in the transport and logistics sector.
Federation adviser Thongyu Khongkhan and other members made their request in a letter handed to the public complaints centre near Government House on Tuesday.
Mr Thongyu said he would like the prime minister to immediately take measures to end the corruption in the land transport and logistics system. He asked the prime minister to look into complaints and suggestions submitted previously by the federation to various agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Justice and office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
He said the Highway Act of 1992 should be amended immediately so that action can also be taken against those who hire others to commit offences through abuse of the transport system.
There must also be rest areas for truck drivers and their vehicle along highways, to reduce traffic congestion and prevent accidents, he said.
He said the prime minister was asked to exercise his power under Section 44 of the interim charter to get rid of "online bribes" in the transport and logistics sector.
Mr Thongyu said the "online bribes" affect national security and the planned liberalisation of transport for the launch of the Asean Economic Community, but did not elaborate further.
However, it has been reported the practice involves transfers of money to officials' bank accounts. Once informed of the money transfers online they then allegedly allow contraband to go through checkpoints to another country without being examined.
Those who paid monthly bribes would receive tips through their smartphone apps about where and when overloaded trucks could travel without being caught.