Thai transport minister considers tougher DUI penalties

The Thai Ministry of Transport, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, recently made public his contemplation to escalate the penalties for fatal accidents due to driving under the influence (DUI). The proposed amendment in the law, announced on December 27, would see the current imprisonment duration of three to ten years potentially increase to a substantial 12 to 15 years.

This initiative was purportedly in response to a request by Dr. Taejing Siripanich, a representative from the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation. Dr. Taejing appealed to the Thai Ministry of Transport to draft bills that would reinforce the legal consequences for those responsible for fatal accidents as a result of drunk driving, reports the Pattaya News.

Dr. Taejing’s appeal came on the heels of an announcement by the Thai government to extend the operational hours of nightlife services to 4am. While he acknowledged the…