Police babysat booze over Songkran

THAILAND: In a bid to cut the number of accidents during this year’s Songkran Festival, Thailand’s highway cops launched an innovative scheme: ‘Entrust Your Liquor With The Police’.

Drinkers who couldn’t trust themselves to stay off the wheel were invited to leave their booze collections at any of 227 Highway Police offices around the country.

The service was free, with the boys in brown promising to return all bottles untouched.

Deputy Commander of the Highway Police Phinit Maneerat said drink driving was the number one cause of accidents over the Songkran holidays.

“When it comes to the major festivals, especially Songkran, wherever people go, they intend to get drunk. They buy alcohol to take with them in their car, and if they stop for something to eat on the way they crack it open,” Col Phinit said.

“When they go to fairs with films and performances, they drink alcohol too and then drive their motorbikes or pick-ups to see their friends or their girls despite being drunk,” he added.

Col Phinit said he wasn’t sure if many would entrust their liquor with the cops, but hoped the campaign would make people consider the dangers of drink driving.

To kick off the campaign, Thai film star Arun “Sumo Tui” Phawilai – who is no stranger to drink driving charges – entrusted a prized bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky to the safe hands of the Commander of the Highway Police, Maj Gen Somyot Phromnim.

While the damage may already be done this year, if you are using the roads next Songkran and worry your demons may get the better of you, Thailand’s finest will be waiting to take the booze off your hands.