Bangkok: The Royal Thai Police has announced a stringent policy against drunk driving, emphasizing that there will be no warnings before imposing fines. "Refusing to take a breathalyzer test is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol," and offenders will face immediate legal action.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, stated that this policy aligns with the Royal Thai Police's administrative directives for the fiscal year 2026, as instructed by Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police. The focus is on strict enforcement and reinforcing traffic discipline across the nation, particularly concerning drunk driving offenses. Legal actions will be taken immediately upon detection without prior warnings.
The Deputy Commissioner General highlighted the severe risks drunk driving poses to public safety, necessitating strict, equitable, and transparent law enforcement. For instance, an incident on February 20, 2026, involved a driver who refused a blood alcohol test, attempted to flee, and assaulted a police officer. The driver's blood alcohol level was found to be 126 milligrams per cent, exceeding legal limits, leading to multiple legal charges.
Under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and its amendments, drivers exceeding the legal blood alcohol content face fines between 5,000-20,000 baht, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Their driving licenses may also be suspended or revoked. If the incident results in severe injury or death, penalties can include imprisonment for up to 10 years and permanent revocation of the driving license.
Repeat offenders within two years face harsher penalties, with imprisonment of up to 2 years, fines ranging from 50,000-100,000 baht, and further suspension or revocation of their driving license. Refusal to take a breathalyzer test is treated as drunk driving under the law, with similar penalties. Additionally, drivers may face charges for disobeying an officer's orders.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Nithithorn Chintakanon, Commander of the Education Division and head of the traffic police image enhancement working group, appealed to the public to adhere to the "Don't drink and drive" principle to reduce accidents and losses. He also praised traffic police officers for their resilience and commitment to law enforcement, even when faced with physical assaults while on duty.