Thai court issues severe penalty warning for drunk, drug driving New Year

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Anyone think this will actually do any good? I, for one, will not be holding my breath.
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Court issues warning on drink, drug driving at NY

by Wassayos Ngamkham

December 30, 2025

The Court of Justice has issued a warning to motorists not to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs this New Year's holiday, saying that penalties are severe.

Court spokesman, Suriyan Hongwilai, said on Monday that every New Year holiday sees a surge in cases brought before the courts, particularly violations of the Land Traffic Act.

Among the most common offences is drunk driving under Section 43(2), which prohibits operating a vehicle while intoxicated by alcohol or other substances.

Drunk drivers will face up to one year in prison, a fine of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both, along with a mandatory driver's licence suspension of at least six months or revocation. Penalties increase if harm is caused.

Cases involving bodily or mental injury carry sentences of one to five years' imprisonment and fines of 20,000–100,000 baht, while serious injury can result in two to six years in prison and fines of 40,000–120,000 baht.

If an offence results in death, penalties rise to three to ten years' imprisonment, fines of 60,000–200,000 baht, and permanent licence revocation.

Another frequent charge is driving under the influence of drugs.

Section 43 prohibits the use of narcotics or mind-altering substances while driving, with penalties increased by one-third above those set under other laws. This can result in a prison term of up to one year and four months or fines of up to 26,666 baht, along with licence suspension or revocation.

Mr Suriyan said that during public holidays, courts nationwide remain operational for criminal cases, including detention requests, bail, warrants, and fine payments.

Khwaeng courts continue to hear cases with penalties of up to three years' imprisonment, such as drunk driving without injuries, which must be filed within 48 hours.

Juvenile and Family Courts also remain open for urgent legal proceedings, underscoring the judiciary's commitment that justice never takes a holiday.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/ge ... ving-at-ny