National —
On December 22nd, 2024, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikarn Watthanachan announced the government’s “Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign for New Year 2025.
The initiative aims to reduce accidents and fatalities, with stricter law enforcement from December 27th, 2024, to January 2nd, 2025. Accident statistics from the past three New Year holidays show a consistent decline:
- 2022: 2,707 accidents, 333 fatalities.
- 2023: 2,440 accidents, 317 fatalities.
- 2024: 2,288 accidents, 284 fatalities.
Key causes include speeding (40.6%), sudden lane changes (23.31%), and drunk driving (14.29%), with motorcycles involved in 87% of accidents.
Thai authorities emphasize harsher penalties for repeat drunk driving offenses, with fines of up to 100,000 baht and license suspension or revocation. Measures also target shops selling alcohol to minors and negligent guardians.
The government urges everyone to stay safe, avoid drinking and driving, and enjoy the holidays responsibly, remarked Sasikarn.
