Pattaya’s Songkran: Locals Doubt Alcohol Checkpoints’ Impact

[snoop1130]

 

In the vibrant city of Pattaya, amid the lively Songkran festival, doubts are surfacing over the effectiveness of police alcohol checkpoints. As the Thai New Year celebrations continue, local residents are questioning whether roadside checks can truly curb the pervasive issue of drunk driving and associated road accidents.

 

This concern arises during the annual 7 Dangerous Days campaign, where local authorities amplify road safety efforts by implementing more checkpoints and conducting alcohol breath tests. However, many Pattaya residents remain sceptical. The ongoing festivities, known for their round-the-clock parties and free-flowing alcohol, complicate efforts to regulate drink driving.

 

Despite a visible police presence, locals argue that these measures alone fall short in preventing the surge in road mishaps. Critics point out that many drunk drivers evade capture by travelling outside peak hours or using alternative routes to dodge checkpoints.

 

 

 

Songkran, celebrated with fervour and marked by street parties and traditional water fights, attracts throngs of revelers who indulge freely. This unique atmosphere poses a significant challenge to law enforcement trying to ensure safety.

 

In light of this, some community members advocate for a more comprehensive strategy. They suggest enhancing public awareness campaigns, intensifying police patrols in nightlife hotspots, and promoting safe transport alternatives like ride-hailing services to dissuade intoxicated driving.

 

While alcohol checkpoints play a role in reducing risk, Pattaya locals believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary to truly address the complexities of road safety during Songkran, a cherished yet challenging festival, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-16

 

 

[mikebell]

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Despite a visible police presence,

Missing for the other 50 weeks.

[newbee2022]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

They suggest enhancing public awareness campaigns, intensifying police patrols in nightlife hotspots, and promoting safe transport alternatives like ride-hailing services to dissuade intoxicated driving.

Yes, that might be a good step up 

[TheFishman1]

To be in their cars patrolling and checking how people are driving checkpoints I think are basically a waste of time

[thesetat]

58 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

To be in their cars patrolling and checking how people are driving checkpoints I think are basically a waste of time

True... but they do not really set up checkpoints to actually check bad drivers. Especially in Pattaya. Their checkpoints are to stop foreigners and collect money. They will allow a Thai to pass through without checking but always stop the foreigners. 

I am sure the DUI checkpoints stop some Thais.. But the majority, i doubt. 

[Guderian]

Given how suicidally many of them behave driving motorbikes when they're sober, often with three young kids hanging on as well and not a crash helmet in sight, I should think a lot of people don't regard drunk driving as any more risky, just a Thai cultural norm in the Land of the Free.

[Toby1947]

A comprehensive driving licence test and ability, might help. I had the misfortune to watch a couple of halfwits taking their test an absolute joke. No. 1 they never went near a road. No. 2 drove round and around a compound doing everything wrong, I won't mention the reverse parking exercise oh go on then I will 😅🤣😅 enough said. Until eventually the examiner finally gives up deciding it was near enough. No 3 finally given a licence off they go in their shiny new red plated SUV to cause havoc. I honestly believe not one Thai the length and breadth of Thailand would pass a UK driving test. 

[watchcat]

1 hour ago, thesetat said:

I am sure the DUI checkpoints stop some Thais.. But the majority, i doubt. 

 

But think of it like this, eventually the ones that aren't stopped will at some point hit an eiectric pole, a tree or a passing train that would reduce their numbers = less idiots on the road.

[JAS21]

23 minutes ago, Toby1947 said:

A comprehensive driving licence test and ability, might help. I had the misfortune to watch a couple of halfwits taking their test an absolute joke. No. 1 they never went near a road. No. 2 drove round and around a compound doing everything wrong, I won't mention the reverse parking exercise oh go on then I will 😅🤣😅 enough said. Until eventually the examiner finally gives up deciding it was near enough. No 3 finally given a licence off they go in their shiny new red plated SUV to cause havoc. I honestly believe not one Thai the length and breadth of Thailand would pass a UK driving test. 

Almost correct …MrsJ actually passed her UK test first time. I have to admit the first time she attempted a roundabout it frightened the **** out of me ..lol

[Captor]

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

 

In the vibrant city of Pattaya, amid the lively Songkran festival, doubts are surfacing over the effectiveness of police alcohol checkpoints. As the Thai New Year celebrations continue, local residents are questioning whether roadside checks can truly curb the pervasive issue of drunk driving and associated road accidents.

 

This concern arises during the annual 7 Dangerous Days campaign, where local authorities amplify road safety efforts by implementing more checkpoints and conducting alcohol breath tests. However, many Pattaya residents remain sceptical. The ongoing festivities, known for their round-the-clock parties and free-flowing alcohol, complicate efforts to regulate drink driving.

 

Despite a visible police presence, locals argue that these measures alone fall short in preventing the surge in road mishaps. Critics point out that many drunk drivers evade capture by travelling outside peak hours or using alternative routes to dodge checkpoints.

 

 

 

Songkran, celebrated with fervour and marked by street parties and traditional water fights, attracts throngs of revelers who indulge freely. This unique atmosphere poses a significant challenge to law enforcement trying to ensure safety.

 

In light of this, some community members advocate for a more comprehensive strategy. They suggest enhancing public awareness campaigns, intensifying police patrols in nightlife hotspots, and promoting safe transport alternatives like ride-hailing services to dissuade intoxicated driving.

 

While alcohol checkpoints play a role in reducing risk, Pattaya locals believe a multi-faceted approach is necessary to truly address the complexities of road safety during Songkran, a cherished yet challenging festival, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-04-16

 

 

Why only during Songkran? That 7s only a few days out of the whole years 365 days!

[watchcat]

On 4/17/2025 at 12:49 AM, mikebell said:

Missing for the other 50 weeks.

 

I heard that they do MC checking for helmets an DL quite frequebntly on tourists.