Thailand's New Year Campaign Battles Drunk Driving amid Road Struggles

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand is launching the "Don't Drink and Drive, Get Home Safely" campaign to reduce road accidents during New Year celebrations. The campaign includes public service messages, random sobriety checks, and increased police patrols to combat the rise in alcohol-related road deaths during the holidays. A government spokesperson urged people to avoid driving after drinking.

 

However, the campaign faces challenges like Thailand's cultural norm of social drinking and inconsistent law enforcement. Police often struggle with enforcing laws, reducing the campaign’s effectiveness.

 

 

Transport options pose another issue, particularly outside Bangkok where public transit is limited at night. With taxis and ride-shares being costly during peak times, many people have no option but to drive. Economic constraints, along with peer pressure and party atmospheres, often lead drivers to underestimate the effects of alcohol.

 

Critics suggest this campaign risks being seen as a mere PR move without visible, lasting change. Experts believe that while the initiative is commendable, it must be accompanied by stricter enforcement, better public transport, and cultural awareness to make real progress in road safety.

 

-- 2024-12-24

 

 

[petermik]

Just regurgitating the same old story... don't drink and drive... until they get an efficient Police force nothing will change...🙄

[Will B Good]

5 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

inconsistent law enforcement.

 

'nonexistent' is nearer the mark.....combined that with paltry forms of punishment and they'll never stop DUIs.

[Tropicalevo]

52 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Critics suggest this campaign risks being seen as a mere PR move without visible, lasting change.

And the critics are not wrong.

But again, drug driving is ignored.

[ikke1959]

Random??? IN my country if there is a checkpoint you are obliged to blow....Not looking if you have paid your tax and drive on but everybody... young, old, local, foreigner.... and there is a drivers license check... Nothing random and 24 hour a day

[Will B Good]

All laws/punishments have to take into account two things......

 

1. What are the chances of being caught?

2. What are the consequences of being caught?

 

If there is a low chance of being caught the penalty must be severe.......

 

If the the chances of being caught are high, then the penalty doesn't have to be too severe.

 

Thailand very cleverly combine low chances of being caught with mild penalties.....hence the number of deaths experienced on the roads.....!!!!!

[still kicking]

19 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Random??? IN my country if there is a checkpoint you are obliged to blow....Not looking if you have paid your tax and drive on but everybody... young, old, local, foreigner.... and there is a drivers license check... Nothing random and 24 hour a day

I guess I live in the same or similar country

[CallumWK]

15 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

Thailand very cleverly combine low chances of being caught with mild penalties.....hence the number of deaths experienced on the roads.....!!!!!

 

Thais don't have to be drunk to cause a rampage on the roads, I see it every day