National—
On December 27th, 2023, Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, the Thai Minister of Transport, publicly revealed consideration in increasing penalties in fatal accidents from DUIs, with up to 12 to 15 years of imprisonment.
Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation representative Dr. Taejing Siripanich requested for the Thai Ministry of Transport officials to draft bills regarding the increasing penalties for fatal accidents resulting from drunk driving cases.
After the Thai government announced the extension of nightlife service hours to 4 AM, it is a good policy to stimulate economic and financial values, however, it is undeniable that there will be a higher rate of road accidents from DUI cases, said Dr. Taejing.
Dr. Taejing petitioned the Thai government to consider the following law amendments.
- A mandated alcohol test should be conducted every time an accident occurs resulting in injuries or fatalities. The police officers who neglect to conduct alcohol tests must face proper discipline.
- An amendment to the law to increase penalties for DUI individuals causing fatal accidents, from 3 to 10 years imprisonment to 12 to 15 years, and avoid long waits for criminal prosecution.
- An amendment to the law to hold entertainment service providers accountable in cases where they negligently allow intoxicated individuals to drive, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Therefore, the Royal Thai Police officials would consider the bills after the draft is finished and potentially enforce the new measures in the future, remarked the Thai Minister of Transport.
