A lively scene at Ngam Wong Wan Soi 51 in Bangkok in November 2023. Amid the city’s hustle and bustle, one can’t miss the sight of a dedicated police officer diligently conducting a breath test on a driver at a checkpoint. (Photo: Nutthawat Wichieanbut)
Beneath the glimmers of Bangkok’s city lights, a crucial movement is gaining momentum—an all-encompassing initiative to crack down harder on drunk drivers who endanger lives and cause road accidents. The torchbearer of this mission, the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation (DDD), has recently taken a significant step by filing a petition to a House committee. This committee is deeply engrossed in amending the Alcohol Control Act, a move that could drastically amplify penalties for those guilty of driving under the influence.
Committee Chairman Wisarn Techatheerawat eloquently detailed the foundation’s demands on a lively Tuesday afternoon. The foundation’s petition crystallizes a zero-tolerance stance towards irresponsible alcohol-related practices. It calls for stringent civil and criminal charges against shops that sell alcohol to minors involved in drunk-driving incidents, especially ones leading to fatalities. Penalties include revoking the operating licenses of such establishments.
But the foundation did not stop there. They propose that operators of these irresponsible establishments should be held accountable to compensate victims of drunk driving. In a bid to champion the cause, Mr. Wisarn remarked,
“It’s high time business operators shoulder their share of responsibility.”
This stirring rally for justice insists on collaboration between the committee and business operators to establish a relief fund, specifically designed to support victims impacted by excessive alcohol consumption and the ensuing rash actions of drunk drivers.
With a promise of action, Mr. Wisarn emphasized that the committee is committed to presenting this heartening petition to the House at its upcoming session, slated to open in July. The committee members also sought invaluable insights from Pol Gen Achirawit Suwanpesat, a seasoned former deputy police chief, ensuring the proposed law will be not just stringent but also resistant to the creeping malice of bribery.
Amid a tapestry of discussions and consultations, the 42-member committee has vowed to deliver the most balanced and equitable solutions that promise tangible improvements to public safety. These endeavours will continue through dialogues involving Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin, aiming to muster comprehensive support from the private sector.
To wrap it all up, Mr. Wisarn noted that the proposed amendments carry a unique promise of bipartisan support, transcending political divides in a heartening display of unity. The amended law, once enacted, promises to be a beacon of hope, metamorphosing society towards a safer, more responsible ethos.
Finally, someone is taking real action against drunk driving in Bangkok!
Absolutely! It’s about time we see some strict measures.
Stricter laws are good, but they need to ensure proper enforcement too.
True, we’d need dedicated officers and no corruption for this to work.
Holding shops accountable is overkill. They can’t control what customers do after they leave!
Disagree. If they sell to minors knowingly, they should face the consequences.
Selling to minors is one thing, but making them responsible for adult customers too? That’s a stretch.
Businesses profiting from alcohol sales should share some responsibility.
These laws will just make people go to illegal sellers. More harm than good.
Or it’ll make them think twice about driving drunk, which is the point!
It could backfire, but better regulation might prevent illegal sales from flourishing.
It’s not just about bars. What about education on responsible drinking?
Exactly! Prevention should start with education.
Schools should include this in their curriculum.
Education and stricter laws together would be most effective.
I’m skeptical. Politicians making promises doesn’t mean real change will happen.
Creating a relief fund is a wonderful idea!
It is, as long as it doesn’t end up being mismanaged like so many other funds.
True, transparency will be key to its success.
Accountability is essential. Hope they set up a proper oversight committee.
Bribery is a real issue. I doubt these laws will change that.
But at least they’re trying to institute change. It’s a start.
I’m just being realistic. Corruption is deep-rooted in the system.
Zero tolerance is the only way to deter people from drunk driving.
I feel bad for bar owners. This will kill their business.
Bars should operate responsibly. Maybe this will weed out the bad ones.
Why isn’t there more focus on public transport? Make it easier for people to go out without needing to drive.
Great point! Improved public transport could really help.
Public transport isn’t reliable here. I’d love to see that change.
If other countries can implement strict drunk driving laws, why can’t we?
Cultural differences. Enforcement and public attitudes vary.
Fair, but public safety should be universal.
Filing a petition is all well and good, but action speaks louder than words.
I hope this brings real change and not just another set of useless laws.
Business operators should indeed shoulder their share of responsibility.
Will these new measures actually lead to fewer drunk-driving incidents?
Only time will tell, but doing something is better than nothing.
Yeah, I guess as long as they stay committed, there will be improvements.