Thai road safety groups challenge extended bar hours over drink-driving fears

Alcohol temperance and road safety groups are challenging the new government decision to allow late-night bars and clubs in major Thai cities to extend opening hours until 4am. The critics argue that the authorities failed to make necessary arrangements to avert potential alcohol-related mishaps.

This protest follows an announcement made by the Interior Ministry nearly a week ago, permitting bars and clubs in Bangkok, Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui on Surat Thani to extend opening hours until 4am, effective from December 15.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt recently clarified that the revised timings would be tested along Silom Road, Royal City Avenue (RCA), Ratchadaphisek Road, and venues within hotels in Bangkok.

“We are committed to partnering with local authorities to ensure these venues refrain from admitting anyone under 18. We will request the police to establish checkpoints to monitor drink-driving and drug usage to prevent accidents.”

While businesses have given a thumbs up to this policy, alcohol temperance campaigners argue that the government must reconsider its plan to prevent a potential rise in road fatalities.

During a meeting arranged by Pheu Thai MP Khattiya Sawatdipol, Theera Watcharapranee, president of the Stop Drinking Network, voiced concerns that without proper preparations, this new policy could lead to an increase in road fatalities rather than boosting the economy.

Drawing on accident data from major cities such as Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Bangkok, and Phuket, Thanapong Jinvong from the Road Safety Academic Centre revealed that drink driving accounted for at least 2,118 deaths last year. Nearly half of these unfortunate incidents, around 1,004 cases, occurred in Bangkok.

“Fatal road accidents in these four provinces alone last year resulted in losses of approximately 6.5 billion baht. These losses cannot be compensated by the potential economic gains from this scheme.”

Udomsak Sae-Ngow, from the Centre of Alcohol Studies (CAS), expressed concerns about an increase in violent crimes associated with extended drinking hours, citing a study conducted in Norway.

Similarly, Tairjing Siriphanich from the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation (DDD) emphasised the necessity of stricter enforcement of drink-driving laws, as many drivers seem to dismiss these laws casually.

At the same time, Jetsada Yaemsabai, DDD chairman, urged law enforcement to establish additional checkpoints in high-traffic areas to ensure public safety once the extended hours come into effect, reported Bangkok Post.