Popular Singer Convicted Of Drink Driving

Popular singer convicted of drink driving

BANGKOK: -- A popular Thai singer and television presenter was today ordered to pay a fine and undertake community service after being arrested for drink driving.

Mr. Methanee Buranasiri, better known as ‘Nino’, was convicted by the Bangkok's Northern District Court of driving under the influence of alcohol on the night of 20 February.

A breathalizer test showed that the singer’s blood alcohol level was 50 milligram/percent over the legal limit.

The court handed down a custodial sentence of two months, commuted by two years, as well as a fine of Bt4,000.

‘Nino’ will be required to report to probation officers for the next year, as well as undertake 24 hours of community service.

The case comes at a time when the government is desperately trying to crack down on drink driving, responsible for a large proportion of road accidents.

‘Nino’ admitted that he had been drinking, but said that he did not feel drunk when setting off in his car.

Nonetheless, he promised to take part in campaigns against drink driving.

“I’m calling on road users not to drive if they’ve been drinking alcohol, as it could cause accidents”, he said.

--TNA 2005-02-21