In the stillness of a moonlit night in Patong, the tranquility was suddenly replaced by the whir of engines and the chatter of pedestrians. Amidst the exotic aromas of late-night street food and the faint hum of nightlife in full swing, a stern operation took place. Local traffic police had set up a checkpoint at Laem Phet Monastery, their intentions clear: ridding the roads of impaired drivers. The night of March 26 began with a mission—one woven with both a sense of duty and an almost cinematic suspense.
As the clock struck half past midnight, the checkpoint unfolded like a meticulously orchestrated scene. Between 12.30am and 2.30am, officers honed their focus, gazes sharp under the fluorescent lights, as they tested one driver after another for alcohol consumption. It was a night that would reveal unsettling truths. Police Colonel Chalermchai Hirasawat, Superintendent of Patong Police Station, took the lead, his expression a blend of authority and concern.
“The results of the checkpoint were concerning,” Colonel Hirasawat shared, a hint of exasperation in his voice. From 45 drivers tested, four were found exceeding the legal alcohol limit. Among these offenders was a driver surnamed Mourts, whose audacity was matched only by his blood alcohol concentration—66 milligrams per percent, a sharp spike over the legal mark. This driver, now facing charges of driving under the influence, stood as both a cautionary tale and an example of police vigilance.
The scene grew grimmer as further tests reported alcohol levels of 23, 32, 44, and 49 milligrams per percent in other drivers. It was a clear indication of impaired driving stubbornly persisting in the area’s bustling streets. The night was young for some, but for the police detail led by Pol. Col. Hirasawat and aided by Police Lieutenant Colonel Somporn Surin, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, and Pol. Lt. Col. Chamnan Trapsin, Traffic Control Superintendent, it was an operation to remember.
This decisive action was more than just law enforcement; it was a heartfelt campaign to enhance road safety in Patong, famed for its thrumming tourist spots and vibrant nightlife. The checkpoints were a key player in a broader initiative to curb drunk driving incidents—a relentless endeavor to usher in safer streets for both locals and the flocks of visitors drawn to its distinctive charm. With determination etched on their faces, officers vowed to intensify their crackdown, ensuring roads would shimmer with safety rather than peril.
Recent efforts weren’t isolated to Patong. A few weeks prior, traffic police erected checkpoints in front of nightlife hotspots as part of the “Breath Before You Drive, Get Home Safely” initiative. The aim was to foster a culture of caution among tourists and curb road mishaps. Joining forces with names like Deputy Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Police Major General Thawat Wongsanga, and Police Major General Damrongsak Sawang-ngam, officers, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, championed an awareness drive outside the Onyx RCA entertainment venue.
This vibrant campaign wasn’t merely about breath tests and checkpoints; it included public awareness inside venues, turning late-night revelries into bastions of safety advocacy. It’s a bold ambition to make every taxi ride, every car journey, one of sober consciousness.
With determination underpinning their every move, the police force in Thailand remains steadfast in their quest—to transform each moonlit drive from a potential risk into a night of stars gently guiding every driver safe and sound to their destinations.
I think this crackdown is long overdue. Drunk driving is a menace on the roads and Patong, being a tourist hub, should be even more vigilant.
I agree, but don’t you think it might harm tourism? People come here to have fun, and a police state atmosphere can be off-putting.
Tourism should never come at the cost of safety. A tragedy hurts tourism more than a night of strict enforcement.
This operation highlights the flaws in our society. People should know better than to drive drunk. It’s a matter of education, not just enforcement.
As a local, I applaud the efforts. Driving drunk endangers everyone. I’ve seen too many accidents that could’ve been avoided.
Completely agree. No excuse for it. These checkpoints can be lifesaving.
Absolutely. There’s always a safer option – take a taxi!
I was in Patong last month and didn’t see any checkpoints. Are these operations frequent?
They’re trying to do them more regularly now. It’s part of a bigger safety campaign.
People need to chill. A few drinks don’t make you a bad driver.
It’s more than just getting caught; it’s about creating a culture shift. Public awareness is key.
Do you think awareness campaigns inside venues really work?
They can be effective when coupled with enforcement. It makes people think twice.
Cultural awareness hasn’t stopped problems elsewhere. Why would it work here?
It’s a start. Nothing changes overnight, but any step is progress.
It’s a shame we need these measures. People should take responsibility for their actions.
What are the penalties for getting caught? Are they strict enough?
Not sure about Thailand, but elsewhere, fines and license suspensions are common.
Maybe more public transportation options at night would help keep people off the roads.
That’s a practical solution. But will people actually use it if they’re not used to it?
Tourism should include responsible partying. Maybe hotels should inform guests more about local laws.
Oh please, partying responsibly is such a buzzkill!
Buzzkill or not, it’s better than dealing with the police or worse, an accident.
I support the checkpoints if they mean safer streets. Heard horror stories about accidents here.
Efforts like these are necessary everywhere. It’s not just about Patong, it’s about making every place safer for everyone.