Authorities Push for Harsher Penalties for Repeat Drunk-Driving

 Authorities Push for Harsher Penalties for Repeat Drunk-Driving Offenders

After a surge in repeat drunk-driving incidents during Songkran 2025, Thai authorities are calling for tougher enforcement and penalties for offenders who reoffend. The Thai Health Promotion Foundation, together with other agencies, is pushing stronger deterrents, more severe punishment, and better coordination among relevant bodies. Data show that from 2019-2023, over 284,000 people were killed or injured in crashes related to alcohol, with huge economic and social costs. Under the “From Repeat to Resolution” campaign, proposals include using offender databases for tracking, mandatory criminal checks, year-round enforcement (not just during holidays), and stiffer legal sanctions (including for breath test refusals). These efforts align with Thailand’s broader road safety master plan that aims to reduce road deaths to 12 per 100,000 by 2027.