Bangkok police launch drunk driving crackdown near nightclubs
Traffic police have established checkpoints in front of entertainment venues as part of the Breath Before You Drive, Get Home Safely initiative. The campaign encourages tourists to refrain from driving under the influence, aiming to reduce road accidents.
Last night, officials, including Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Police Major General Thawat Wongsanga, alongside the traffic police division led by Police Major General Damrongsak Sawang-ngam, joined forces with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, and Bangkok police to promote road safety.
The campaign included setting up an alcohol testing checkpoint in front of the Onyx RCA entertainment venue, followed by positive public awareness activities inside the venue.
Police Major General Thawat explained that the initiative is designed to mitigate road accident risks while promoting the don’t drink and drive culture among tourists.
By providing information and alcohol testing services, it is hoped that individuals will choose safer ways to travel home, benefiting drivers and passengers.
In the previous year, Traffic Police Division 5 apprehended 3,639 drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit. The penalty for drunk driving includes imprisonment for up to one year, a fine between 5,000 and 20,000 baht, or both, along with a driving licence suspension of no less than six months and mandatory community service.
Blood alcohol content exceeding 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres incurs similar penalties, while a level of 20 milligrams per 100 millilitres applies to those under 20 or with a temporary licence.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Thawat further clarified that refusing to take a breathalyser test is equated to drunk driving. This refusal is punishable by up to one year of imprisonment, a fine ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 baht, and a driving licence suspension of at least six months.
The court may also suspend or revoke the driving licence, with the possibility of vehicle impoundment for up to seven days, reported KhaoSod.
Latest Thailand News
