During the New Year’s celebration, the Thai government has encouraged the people to avoid excessive drinking and driving while intoxicated.
According to Rachada Dhnadirek, Deputy Administration Spokesperson, the government has adopted efforts to guarantee traffic control and reduce the frequency of accidents caused by drunk driving, which can result in injury or death. Anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 50 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) should not drink, according to the Royal Thai Police. Drivers under the age of 20 with a BAC of 20 mg/dL are considered intoxicated by law, as is anybody who refuses to submit to a blood alcohol test.
The government recently stated that repeat drunk driving offenders will face harsher punishments. According to the 13th Amendment to the Land Traffic Act, first-time offenders may face up to a year in jail or a fine of 5,000-20,000 baht. Repeat offenders who transgress within two years of their prior crime face up to two years in jail and a fine of 50,000-100,000 baht. Those whose drunk driving causes harm or death face up to ten years in prison and a 200,000 baht fine, with their driver’s license potentially suspended or revoked.
The administration wished everyone a safe and happy New Year and urged everyone to obey the law and prioritize road safety during the holiday season.
Those in need of assistance can call the Highway Police Division at 1193, Traffic Police (Bangkok metropolitan region) at 1197, or Thai Royal Police at 191 or 1599 at any time.
