Songkran Drink-Driving Cases Exceed 1,300 in Just Two Days
The Department of Probation has reported a sharp rise in drink-driving cases during the first two days of the Songkran festival, with over 1,300 offenders facing legal action.
Latest Statistics (April 11–12)
On April 13, Police Lieutenant Colonel Suriya Singhakamol, Director-General of the Department of Probation, revealed that 1,037 cases were added on April 12 alone, the second day of strict holiday road safety monitoring. These included:
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982 drink-driving cases (94.7%)
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55 cases of drug-impaired driving (5.3%)
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6 individuals ordered to wear electronic monitoring (EM) devices
Across the two-day period:
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Total cases: 1,363
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Drink-driving: 1,258 (92.3%)
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Drug-related driving: 102 (7.48%)
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Reckless driving: 3 (0.22%)
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EM monitoring orders: 15 people
Compared to the same period last year, drink-driving cases have dropped from 1,131 to 982 — a reduction of 149 cases.
Provinces with the Highest Drink-Driving Cases:
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Samut Prakan – 123 cases
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Bangkok – 115 cases
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Nonthaburi – 110 cases
Nationwide Enforcement in Full Swing
The Department of Probation, in coordination with local police, volunteers, and network partners, has activated eight service points and community checkpoints, involving nearly 500 people. Probationers are also assisting authorities by monitoring CCTV footage to track driving behaviour on major and secondary roads.
Following the directive of Justice Minister Pol. Col. Tawee Sodsong, 12 additional operations were carried out on April 12 with 131 participants, promoting road safety and public awareness during the Thai New Year.
Authorities urge all citizens to celebrate Songkran safely and responsibly, avoiding dangerous activities such as drink-driving and prioritizing mindfulness and discipline on the roads.
