On September 6, 2023, at the Government House, the Network for Victims of Drunk Driving, led by Mr. Prasom Suksawang, President of the group, along with other affected members who have faced disabilities and life-altering consequences due to intoxicated drivers, met with Prime Minister Sathaporn Tweesin. Mr. Charin Rungthanakiat, a representative from the Prime Minister’s team, received their petition.

 

The group submitted proposals to reduce road accidents as part of the government's policy. Their suggestions stem from the significant number of disabilities resulting from drunk driving accidents, reported Siam Rath.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

Their propositions include:

1. Amend the law to reward whistleblowers with 50% of traffic violation fines, incentivizing citizens to report traffic offenders.

2. Modify regulations hindering governmental units and local organizations from providing helmets to children traveling on motorcycles.

3. Introduce penalties for establishments or individuals indirectly or directly enabling underage drinking (below 20 years) leading to fatal accidents.

4. Advocate for a policy requiring auto manufacturers to install front-facing cameras in every new vehicle, leveraging modern technology to monitor non-compliant drivers.

 

The Network for Victims of Drunk Driving hopes their suggestions receive earnest consideration for inclusion in government policies.

 

Picture: Siam Rath

 

-- ASEAN NOW 2023-09-07

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

I miss that the RTP has to start to do their job by fining no helmets, proper checks at checkpoints instead of only watch the taxreceipt on the window, take crazy drives of the roads, check the overloaded cars, trucks and pick ups, etc etc. 

 

And educate people/parents, not to let their kids drive motorcycles when they can't have a drivers license yet

 

Insurance companies has to stop paying damages if drivers have no driverslicense, helmet,s etc, in that case persons are self responsible and pay the damages out of their own pockets.. Even if they have to sell their cars, or houses for it..Judges should punish much harder

Never a mention of 'driving under the influence of drugs' here in LOS.

I suspect that they do not test for this.

In the UK, this offence is far more common than DUI in many areas. Cannabis and cocaine being the two most popular substances.

2 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

Never a mention of 'driving under the influence of drugs' here in LOS.

I suspect that they do not test for this.

In the UK, this offence is far more common than DUI in many areas. Cannabis and cocaine being the two most popular substances.

Damned druggies!

Sad that none of the propositions included "Have police patrols enforce drunk driving laws"

Or did I miss that?

All of that proposed there is a nonsense.

 

It is culturally acceptable to drink and drive here in Thailand. As long as it remains so, nothing will change.

 

Thailand needs a road safety campaign starting with properly punishing drunk drivers with long prison sentences and hefty fines. 

 

I don't think there is the will, courage, or resolution to do what is necessary though. They are too greedy and lazy to effect real change.

 

All good points, wait another 40 years they might catch on.

 

Law enforcement.

10 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I miss that the RTP has to start to do their job by fining no helmets, proper checks at checkpoints instead of only watch the taxreceipt on the window, take crazy drives of the roads, check the overloaded cars, trucks and pick ups, etc etc. 

 

And educate people/parents, not to let their kids drive motorcycles when they can't have a drivers license yet

 

Insurance companies has to stop paying damages if drivers have no driverslicense, helmet,s etc, in that case persons are self responsible and pay the damages out of their own pockets.. Even if they have to sell their cars, or houses for it..Judges should punish much harder

Do insurance companies pay out if drivers don't have a licence, helmets ect? I know the insurance doesn't cover you if you don't have a licence.  I can't see insurance companies paying out if they don't need to. 

Drink driving is only one part of the problem. It needs proper training, testing and enforcement.  A big ask here.

I would like to go a little further and limit all Thais to a horse and cart after the lunacy I witnessed today ????

Personal experience in Sri Lanka a few years back.  Gov't opened a new highway from airport to Colombo city, and prior to opening, did a blitz of TV and radio ads, teaching basics of highway safety, namely, staying on left side when driving slow, leaving right lane open for fast drivers, staying at least 5 car lengths away from car in front, etc. etc.

 

AMAZINGLY, the ENTIRE COUNTRY changed absolutely ridiculous driving habits, to a really acceptable level of compliance with the basics, taught to them on TV & radio!!!

I think all good suggestions, but number one is enforcement.