Pattaya —
Pattaya Police came out to warn that they will tighten up enforcement on traffic laws during the Seven Dangerous Days campaign of Songkran festival from April 11th-17th.
30 police officers set up traffic checkpoints on Pattaya Second Road in North Pattaya at 1 AM this morning, April 11th, to inspect cars and motorcycles and randomly measure blood alcohol levels of drivers.
The operation was in line with the Seven Dangerous Days campaign, which marked the first day on April 11th. Deputy police chief of the Pattaya Police Station Pol. Lt. Col. Surachet Aneksri told The Pattaya News that Pattaya Police will increase surveillance on traffic offenses by randomly checking suspected drunk-driving individuals and searching vehicles for illegal substances or weapons.
He said the police will also urge the public to use transportation services after partying or drinking.
If caught for drunk-driving, violators will be imprisoned for no more than 1 year or face a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 baht. However, under the new law, drunk-drivers caught for the second time within 2 years from the date of the first offense will face an increased penalty of imprisonment for not more than 2 years and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 baht. The court may also suspend the offender’s driver’s license for not less than 1 year or revoke it entirely.
Lt. Col. Surachet said that one drunk driver with over 225 milligrams per cent of alcohol level was caught at the checkpoint this morning. The alcohol limit for drivers in Thailand is 50 milligrams. Police are proceeding with legal action against the person, who was not identified.
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