15 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

I've often seen vehicles pulled over by the highway patrol on the Bangkok- Pattaya motorway.

It is more likely that they broke down and the highway patrol came, than the possibility that they were actually pulled over for reckless driving. 

4 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

It would be interesting to see how many of those killed were motor cyclists.

 

The latest figures I saw showed that 83% of the deaths are motorcyclists and their passengers. It frightens me to ponder how many of those might be the babies and tiny tots tucked under arms and perched on shoulders etc.

The only way to improve is to remove Thai authority from the whole system top to bottom. Those in charge come from the same system reason there isn't any improvement.

An outside person, body with full authority and immunity not Thai to force the changes and to remove any outside influences.

It would take 10 years but improvement and lives can be saved immediately that within 1st to 2nd year take them out of top five in deaths alone.

 

On 12/23/2025 at 7:13 AM, mikebell said:

Here we go again - the bi-ann!!!ual police overtime bonanza where they sit around playing on their phones whilst ignoring the traffic mayhem yards from their comfort zone.  All the cops you never knew existed, crawl out of the woodwork, blinking at being exposed to sunlight after 50 weeks of A/C shade.

 

Why do some people put a THUMBS DOWN ??

 

This is REALITY  

No law enforcement, will continue every year.

Riding behind a traffic cop on his bike on a dual carriage way in Rawai this morning, both of us doing about 60 kmh.

Teenage Thai lad went past us at around 80 kmh at a guess, no helmet - cop didn't flinch

200 meters later Thai guy on a bike wobbling all over the road, no helmet and obviously not in full control, as we go past him he is on his phone texting or something - cop didn't flinch.

A few hundred meters down the road Thai guy on a moped coming the wrong way down the road towards us, no helmet - cop nodded to him as we went past.

 

They can't even get the basics of traffic policing right!! 

 

 

1 hour ago, TorquayFan said:

 

It's not a 'bar stool' myth Empty. The figures are released on a daily basis, so how can they include future deaths in Hospitals which may not have occured yet ? It's deaths at the scenes which are collected and reported.

From what I have read previously, the total number of deaths, when released periodically, include those who died in hospital.

1 hour ago, thailand49 said:

The only way to improve is to remove Thai authority from the whole system top to bottom. Those in charge come from the same system reason there isn't any improvement.

An outside person, body with full authority and immunity not Thai to force the changes and to remove any outside influences.

It would take 10 years but improvement and lives can be saved immediately that within 1st to 2nd year take them out of top five in deaths alone.

 

Ah, the beauty of totalitarianism. Let me guess, you are from the UK?

1 hour ago, spidermike007 said:

It is more likely that they broke down and the highway patrol came, than the possibility that they were actually pulled over for reckless driving. 

Possibly, don't know why the cop would have his flashing lights on though.

As a aside I have been breathalysed up country, and the lady driver I was with in Bangkok was stopped for not wearing a seatbelt. She had it under her arm instead of over the shoulder and the cop let her go. He was on the ball to notice it in the first place.

Seen many cops issuing parking tickets up country Isaan too.

I know it is easy to join the pile on and bash Thai cops, but my guess is that it is from those who don't get out much and regurgitate what they read in this forum. A lot I guess don't live in Thailand. Next time you're in trouble don't call a cop, call a criminal.

7 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Ah, the beauty of totalitarianism. Let me guess, you are from the UK?

If that is your opinion then here mines!

No I'm not from the UK, but the U.S. prior to being here 20 years I was in the transportation industry for 40 years during those years I worked along side the Dept of Transportation.

If you ever experience a love one dying by the hands of drunk driver you would be the first to drop the Total B.S. and cry the loudness. If that is the label you want to put it that is what is needed to stop the killing of the greatest resource of their nation

They have taken a weapon invented in the West along with the rules and turned it upset down so no one recognized how simple it really is to drive.

Enable to fix or curtail a problem one has to been taught an alternative here no one leader been reason why the same spin each year. A body can come in give them a whole set of rules and procedure, laws it won't work if you got no Enforcement and Enforcement is education because the penalty must he harsh enough to make the human think that though is Doubt! Because no country has enough manpower.

If my idea is too hard too strict that's tough <deleted> because there are many times when people even you live in a society have to follow for the greater good of everyone and whether or not you like it you do it everyday something you don't like for you own good because that's the price for not living on a island yourself. 

That being said the culture of this country prevent a simple fix and it's people like you too scare to stand up while you enjoy the benefit of those who do!🤣

Some tragic scenes for sure , you can still buy a drivers license and renew yours from abroad, so nothing being done that matters . Sadly.

 

Plenty of "Tham Boon merit stuff"--youd wonder what their familes think? do they realise that drunken thais killed thier loved ones...............do they just move on within a week, do they care? I dont know to be honest...............ask a Thai I guess

3 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

If that is your opinion then here mines!

No I'm not from the UK, but the U.S. prior to being here 20 years I was in the transportation industry for 40 years during those years I worked along side the Dept of Transportation.

If you ever experience a love one dying by the hands of drunk driver you would be the first to drop the Total B.S. and cry the loudness. If that is the label you want to put it that is what is needed to stop the killing of the greatest resource of their nation

They have taken a weapon invented in the West along with the rules and turned it upset down so no one recognized how simple it really is to drive.

Enable to fix or curtail a problem one has to been taught an alternative here no one leader been reason why the same spin each year. A body can come in give them a whole set of rules and procedure, laws it won't work if you got no Enforcement and Enforcement is education because the penalty must he harsh enough to make the human think that though is Doubt! Because no country has enough manpower.

If my idea is too hard too strict that's tough <deleted> because there are many times when people even you live in a society have to follow for the greater good of everyone and whether or not you like it you do it everyday something you don't like for you own good because that's the price for not living on a island yourself. 

That being said the culture of this country prevent a simple fix and it's people like you too scare to stand up while you enjoy the benefit of those who do!🤣

After twenty years in Thailand you must have noticed the culture. Death is not same as in the west. Sure it's upsetting, for a short time, but culturally it's not that big of a deal. The belief in reincarnation is very strong.

I do actually live on an island.

 

On my first visit to Thailand I was having dinner with some people who became very good friends. This was in Isaan on a country road with few houses around.

A couple of ambulances went past, lights and sirens. It grabbed my attention but the people I was with just shrugged their shoulders and said young men on motorbikes. Three killed as I understand it.

No amount of laws are going to stop young men doing what they do. It certainly didn't stop me and thankfully I survived.

Simply impossible to have police everywhere,all the time.

If you think otherwise you are deluded.

3 minutes ago, IrishInThailand said:

Some tragic scenes for sure , you can still buy a drivers license and renew yours from abroad, so nothing being done that matters . Sadly.

 

Plenty of "Tham Boon merit stuff"--youd wonder what their familes think? do they realise that drunken thais killed thier loved ones...............do they just move on within a week, do they care? I dont know to be honest...............ask a Thai I guess

In my experience, yes they do move on. It is a very different culture to the west. If it wasn't things would change. But it's not.

I spent quite a few years in Myanmar/ Burma and it's the same there. Death is no big deal. Sorry and sad that you have gone but you'll come back.

On 12/23/2025 at 7:01 AM, webfact said:

 

Thailand's road crisis is making headlines as civil society groups highlight the grim reality of 40 fatalities daily and losses reaching 600 billion baht annually. These groups are advocating for tough measures against drunk drivers, including vehicle confiscation during the New Year 2026.

 

In the lead-up to the upcoming New Year festivities, civil society networks, including the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, are raising alarm over the surge in road deaths, particularly during the "seven dangerous days."

 

On 22 December 2025, these networks presented a proposal to Mr. Ittiporn Kaewthip, the Attorney General, calling for vehicle confiscation from drunk drivers and tougher penalties for alcohol-related offences. They also demand stricter enforcement against those selling alcohol to minors and a push for legislative changes to increase legal repercussions for dangerous driving.

 

Experts, including Mr. Surasit Silapngam, manager of the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, stress the urgency, citing an annual loss of 500-600 billion baht due to road accidents. Drunk driving is identified as the leading cause. Relaxed alcohol regulations that allow sales until late hours have heightened concerns, potentially increasing road risks. The government’s current stance on alcohol sales presents a challenge amidst efforts to improve road safety.

 

In the future, civil society groups are prepared to back legal actions that treat drunk driving as a serious threat to public safety. They are also calling for widespread public awareness campaigns on the consequences of drunk driving and vehicle confiscation. Proposed amendments to the Traffic Act would impose more severe penalties for drunk driving causing death, ensuring offenders face prison time without probation. Collaborative efforts with both government and private sectors aim to radically reduce road traffic incidents related to alcohol, reported Siam Rath.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Civil society groups press for severe measures against drunk drivers, seeking vehicle confiscation and harsher penalties.
• Relaxed alcohol laws may exacerbate road risks during high-traffic periods like the New Year.
• Advocacy for legal amendments and public awareness campaigns aims at long-term road safety.

Related Stories:

Thailand Set to Enforce Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

Harsher Penalties for "Drunk Driving and Repeat Offenders" Demanded

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siam Rath 2025-12-23

 

 

 

 

The relaxed purchase laws have nothing to do with the accident rate, the drunks can get alcohol anytime they want it from mom and pop stores, stiffer penalties and jail time could help in the right direction.

 

2 hours ago, emptypockets said:

After twenty years in Thailand you must have noticed the culture. Death is not same as in the west. Sure it's upsetting, for a short time, but culturally it's not that big of a deal. The belief in reincarnation is very strong.

I do actually live on an island.

 

On my first visit to Thailand I was having dinner with some people who became very good friends. This was in Isaan on a country road with few houses around.

A couple of ambulances went past, lights and sirens. It grabbed my attention but the people I was with just shrugged their shoulders and said young men on motorbikes. Three killed as I understand it.

No amount of laws are going to stop young men doing what they do. It certainly didn't stop me and thankfully I survived.

Simply impossible to have police everywhere,all the time.

If you think otherwise you are deluded.

Your situation back home is of no relevance I conclude you do live on a island simply your reasoning process.

What is deluded and laws do matter enforcing them is necessary for everything what is done here is all talk no action and when they do talk there is no solution to have one one must been talk an alternative here driver come from the same school which is none, it is basically due to lack of people to enforce and what is the priority hoping the honor system work.

What you missed way over your head reason for your justification is again.

NO COUNTRY HAS THE BODIES TO ENFORCE WHAT THEY DO IS CREATE DOUBT, IF YOU ARE CAUGHT RUNNING A RED LIGHT, FINE, TRAFFIC SCHOOL, INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASED, ALL THOSE THING CREATE DOUBT, they fact whether you understand it or not survived because of that doubt. That same doubt is used to make sure citizens don't rob or kill as you know " don't do the crime if you can't do the time " this all covers driving.

Many people like you who talk about losing their freedom only concern about themselves who aren't the solution but the problem!

4 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

Your situation back home is of no relevance I conclude you do live on a island simply your reasoning process.

What is deluded and laws do matter enforcing them is necessary for everything what is done here is all talk no action and when they do talk there is no solution to have one one must been talk an alternative here driver come from the same school which is none, it is basically due to lack of people to enforce and what is the priority hoping the honor system work.

What you missed way over your head reason for your justification is again.

NO COUNTRY HAS THE BODIES TO ENFORCE WHAT THEY DO IS CREATE DOUBT, IF YOU ARE CAUGHT RUNNING A RED LIGHT, FINE, TRAFFIC SCHOOL, INSURANCE PREMIUM INCREASED, ALL THOSE THING CREATE DOUBT, they fact whether you understand it or not survived because of that doubt. That same doubt is used to make sure citizens don't rob or kill as you know " don't do the crime if you can't do the time " this all covers driving.

Many people like you who talk about losing their freedom only concern about themselves who aren't the solution but the problem!

You are thick aren't you?

Nothing will change until the Thai people want change.

 

Whinge,whine, and say what you want.

Until the Thai people want change nothing will happen.

 

But hey, knock yourself out, or go blue in the face holding your breath waiting for change, it won't happen until the Thai people want it.

 

I've said it three times. Do you understand yet?

On 12/23/2025 at 7:01 AM, webfact said:

 

Thailand's road crisis is making headlines as civil society groups highlight the grim reality of 40 fatalities daily and losses reaching 600 billion baht annually. These groups are advocating for tough measures against drunk drivers, including vehicle confiscation during the New Year 2026.

 

In the lead-up to the upcoming New Year festivities, civil society networks, including the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, are raising alarm over the surge in road deaths, particularly during the "seven dangerous days."

 

On 22 December 2025, these networks presented a proposal to Mr. Ittiporn Kaewthip, the Attorney General, calling for vehicle confiscation from drunk drivers and tougher penalties for alcohol-related offences. They also demand stricter enforcement against those selling alcohol to minors and a push for legislative changes to increase legal repercussions for dangerous driving.

 

Experts, including Mr. Surasit Silapngam, manager of the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, stress the urgency, citing an annual loss of 500-600 billion baht due to road accidents. Drunk driving is identified as the leading cause. Relaxed alcohol regulations that allow sales until late hours have heightened concerns, potentially increasing road risks. The government’s current stance on alcohol sales presents a challenge amidst efforts to improve road safety.

 

In the future, civil society groups are prepared to back legal actions that treat drunk driving as a serious threat to public safety. They are also calling for widespread public awareness campaigns on the consequences of drunk driving and vehicle confiscation. Proposed amendments to the Traffic Act would impose more severe penalties for drunk driving causing death, ensuring offenders face prison time without probation. Collaborative efforts with both government and private sectors aim to radically reduce road traffic incidents related to alcohol, reported Siam Rath.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Civil society groups press for severe measures against drunk drivers, seeking vehicle confiscation and harsher penalties.
• Relaxed alcohol laws may exacerbate road risks during high-traffic periods like the New Year.
• Advocacy for legal amendments and public awareness campaigns aims at long-term road safety.

Related Stories:

Thailand Set to Enforce Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

Harsher Penalties for "Drunk Driving and Repeat Offenders" Demanded

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siam Rath 2025-12-23

 

 

 

Serious subject but looking at the picture in the OP, the people in the front in wheelchairs are much more healthy than the rest and will probably live longer.  How did Thais become so unhealthy in a couple decades...

On 12/23/2025 at 12:01 AM, webfact said:

 

Thailand's road crisis is making headlines as civil society groups highlight the grim reality of 40 fatalities daily and losses reaching 600 billion baht annually. These groups are advocating for tough measures against drunk drivers, including vehicle confiscation during the New Year 2026.

 

In the lead-up to the upcoming New Year festivities, civil society networks, including the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, are raising alarm over the surge in road deaths, particularly during the "seven dangerous days."

 

On 22 December 2025, these networks presented a proposal to Mr. Ittiporn Kaewthip, the Attorney General, calling for vehicle confiscation from drunk drivers and tougher penalties for alcohol-related offences. They also demand stricter enforcement against those selling alcohol to minors and a push for legislative changes to increase legal repercussions for dangerous driving.

 

Experts, including Mr. Surasit Silapngam, manager of the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, stress the urgency, citing an annual loss of 500-600 billion baht due to road accidents. Drunk driving is identified as the leading cause. Relaxed alcohol regulations that allow sales until late hours have heightened concerns, potentially increasing road risks. The government’s current stance on alcohol sales presents a challenge amidst efforts to improve road safety.

 

In the future, civil society groups are prepared to back legal actions that treat drunk driving as a serious threat to public safety. They are also calling for widespread public awareness campaigns on the consequences of drunk driving and vehicle confiscation. Proposed amendments to the Traffic Act would impose more severe penalties for drunk driving causing death, ensuring offenders face prison time without probation. Collaborative efforts with both government and private sectors aim to radically reduce road traffic incidents related to alcohol, reported Siam Rath.

 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Civil society groups press for severe measures against drunk drivers, seeking vehicle confiscation and harsher penalties.
• Relaxed alcohol laws may exacerbate road risks during high-traffic periods like the New Year.
• Advocacy for legal amendments and public awareness campaigns aims at long-term road safety.

Related Stories:

Thailand Set to Enforce Stricter Penalties for Drunk Driving

Harsher Penalties for "Drunk Driving and Repeat Offenders" Demanded

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Siam Rath 2025-12-23

 

 

 

 

Unfortunaely so long as the authorities think that focussing on singles issues is the way to go, no significant progress will be made.

2 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

You are thick aren't you?

Nothing will change until the Thai people want change.

 

Whinge,whine, and say what you want.

Until the Thai people want change nothing will happen.

 

But hey, knock yourself out, or go blue in the face holding your breath waiting for change, it won't happen until the Thai people want it.

 

I've said it three times. Do you understand yet?

I'm hard headed you must be brain dead or just plain S!

In a society go back and read " to change the system must be taken away from the Thai leaders given to an outsider "  why as you noted they aren't going to change because they don't know of any solution. How do you provide a solution if one has never been talk one which is what I'm trying to get through your cement head!

People are dying Thai are while you worry about losing your freedom there are many times when waiting is over this is when leadership has to get tough and if taking ones freedom away helps Dave a life then it should!

This isn't being hard headed I can debate my views to any Thai leader any time any place on national TV if you want to set it up.

The problem with this conversation you don't get it just like the Thai, times you need to force change in the U.S. MADD, a organization has made a difference in reducing drunk drivers, in California 90's ballots passed to require helmets Hells Angel, motor cycle organizations club lobby against it but it still passed today no one is bitching about freedom because it has reduced deaths and the economic cost billions of those injure for life.

Instead of spending billions on caring for those who didn't die maybe Thai leaders and you should think about the bigger picture.

You got no chance! When it comes to this subject. Now slowly go...🤣

11 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

I'm hard headed you must be brain dead or just plain S!

In a society go back and read " to change the system must be taken away from the Thai leaders given to an outsider "  why as you noted they aren't going to change because they don't know of any solution. How do you provide a solution if one has never been talk one which is what I'm trying to get through your cement head!

People are dying Thai are while you worry about losing your freedom there are many times when waiting is over this is when leadership has to get tough and if taking ones freedom away helps Dave a life then it should!

This isn't being hard headed I can debate my views to any Thai leader any time any place on national TV if you want to set it up.

The problem with this conversation you don't get it just like the Thai, times you need to force change in the U.S. MADD, a organization has made a difference in reducing drunk drivers, in California 90's ballots passed to require helmets Hells Angel, motor cycle organizations club lobby against it but it still passed today no one is bitching about freedom because it has reduced deaths and the economic cost billions of those injure for life.

Instead of spending billions on caring for those who didn't die maybe Thai leaders and you should think about the bigger picture.

You got no chance! When it comes to this subject. Now slowly go...🤣

Blah blah blah... This is Thailand not the USA. It will change when the Thai people demand change.

Not whining farangs.

9 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Blah blah blah... This is Thailand not the USA. It will change when the Thai people demand change.

Not whining farangs.

And this isn't Burma, etc

You just been awarded

Asean  Now!

SMF of the year!

Hope your Freedom catches up to you real soon! Enjoy while you last! No whining Farang!🤣

34 minutes ago, thailand49 said:

And this isn't Burma, etc

You just been awarded

Asean  Now!

SMF of the year!

Hope your Freedom catches up to you real soon! Enjoy while you last! No whining Farang!🤣

Thanks!!

What does SMF mean?

6 hours ago, Ralf001 said:

 

That would be awesome!

thats what Australian roads use to be like in the 60s.

Just now, portisaacozzy said:

thats what Australian roads use to be like in the 60s.

Bull shiet.

Forty road deaths a day is a national emergency, not an unfortunate side effect of celebrations. Drunk driving is a known, preventable cause, and stronger enforcement and penalties are overdue. Vehicle confiscation and mandatory jail time for alcohol-related deaths may sound harsh, but they reflect the real human and economic cost of inaction. Public safety must come first.

As Drunk Driving Persists????  Just driving Period.

 

The transference of poor driving habits from motor bikes to cars & trucks. And the mind set giving motor bikes a pass on lots of illegal and dangerous practices.  

On 12/23/2025 at 9:19 AM, brian69 said:

The way Thais drive its hard to tell if they are drunk or sober......

Rubbish. I dont see much bad driving here in Korat. What there is is usually drunk drivers / visitors.

This was to be expected, as this is a campaign organized by those who oppose the liberalization of the sale of alcohol.

Whoever wants to find alcohol will find it, and it is not a law that will change things.

To answer those who criticize the Thai people's driving, I've been driving in Thailand for twenty-two years. Since I retired, I have been driving fewer kilometres, but before that, more than 35,000 km a year, sometimes 50,000. You have to adapt and be defensive, but the Thais don't necessarily drive worse than in other countries, for some, on the contrary.

They do not drive aggressively as in some other countries.

On 12/23/2025 at 10:56 AM, phil2407 said:

Not that difficult DUI 12 months ban 

Caught driving again while banned jail & vehicle impounded at drivers cost 

Caught again licence revoked 

There you go Thai government non of this 12 points <deleted> 

 

no license who cares they drive anyway  scooter hit us  in the back  no license no money  

no pay   end of story