As the holiday spirit stirs excitement and celebration, a fleet of ambulances stands ready, poised for rapid response in one of the most traffic-heavy times of the year. Looking back to last year’s New Year festivities, the ominous statistics of road accidents sound like an alarming drumbeat in the background. In an effort to change this narrative, the government is kicking off an audacious new road safety campaign with a focus on reducing accidents and emphasizing the dangers of drunk driving.
Led by the valiant efforts of the Royal Thai Police (RTP), this campaign is set to take on New Year 2025 with a message both straightforward and poignant: “Drink, Don’t Drive, Come Home Safe.” Sasikarn Watthanachan, deputy spokeswoman of the Prime Minister’s Office, paints a vivid image of what’s at stake. During last year’s festive cheer, a shocking 284 lives were tragically lost, a toll that the nation hopes to sharply reduce this time around.
The sobering theme of this year’s campaign does more than warn—it empowers. It’s a clear plea: celebrate responsibly. Last year’s roads were treacherously peppered with 20,917 individuals caught under the influence while driving. This sobering statistic underlines a serious societal flaw, but with campaigns like this, there’s hope for change. Repeat offenders are reminded that harsher penalties loom for those who don’t heed these warnings, a necessary move to keep streets safer for everyone.
Efforts from last year set a precedent, emphasizing the importance of holding accountable those retailers who illegally sell alcohol to minors. Parents, too, found themselves under the scrutiny of the child protection law, emphasizing their duty to rein in underage drivers and discourage reckless behavior.
The price for first-time offenders is steep—up to a year in jail, or a 20,000 baht fine. Repeat offenders face far grimmer consequences, with the specter of a two-year imprisonment dangling over their heads, an increased fine, and the icy chill of a one-year driver’s license suspension. Those who consistently defy the law might find their licenses revoked permanently—a tough but necessary deterrent.
Sasikarn’s earnest hope rings out clearly, “Our wish is that everyone doesn’t drink and drive so everyone all come home safe.” Last year, statistics painted a grim picture: Speeding led the pack of terrors at 40.6%, while daring maneuvers clipped the tails of others at 23.31%, and the pervasive specter of drunk driving haunted 14.29% of all accidents.
Adding to the litany of woes, a striking 87.01% of accidents involved motorcycles, with the heartbreaking reality that the young—a significant number of whom were aged 30 to 39—filled the ranks of those lost. Yet every cloud has its silver lining; the steady decline in road accidents over the past three years offers a glimmer of hope.
A resounding applause meets the falling statistics: From the 2,707 road accidents during New Year 2022, to 2,288 by 2024, each reduction a small victory. Likewise, injuries were also in decline, with numbers dropping from 2,672 to 2,307 over the same span. The death toll followed suit, decreasing from 333 in 2022 to 317 in 2023.
Building on this momentum, the RTP’s grand operational blueprint is unfolding just in time for Christmas and New Year. Under the strategic gaze of national police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch, efforts are divided into two comprehensive focuses: crime suppression and traffic safety. As of December 17, police have doubled down on diminishing crime, combating issues like gambling, drug-related offenses, and cybercrime.
As frivolous as some festive antics might seem, Pol Gen Kittharath reminds us of their potential for disaster, highlighting dangers like celebratory gunfire and flying lanterns. Not overlooked are activities inherent to long holidays, such as reckless road racing and youth altercations, extending to potential altercations at hospitals where injuries are treated.
On the roads, RTP’s dedicated central operation center is a hive of activity, tirelessly coordinating police efforts nationwide to stave off road mishaps until January 9. A special spotlight shines on combatting the top ten road offenses, with drunk driving leading the charge. Dotted along the streets, strategic checkpoints lie in wait, meticulously screening for unwarranted blood alcohol levels and diligently working to eradicate the perils of driving under the influence.
It’s about time the government gets serious about road safety! Lives shouldn’t be lost to something as preventable as drunk driving.
I agree, but is increased policing really the answer? Education might be more effective in the long run.
Education is important, sure, but sometimes tough laws make people think twice.
I hear you, Lara, but change often starts with strict measures. Hopefully, education follows.
The statistics are alarming. I’m skeptical about the effectiveness of these campaigns though. Aren’t these issues more systemic and socially rooted?
Isn’t any action better than none at all? At least they’re trying to do something.
Dr. Critical has a point. Cultural change takes time and isn’t solved by policing alone.
True, Maverick, but it’s more about implementation than just intention. Better strategies needed.
Fines and jail time for offenders sound harsh but necessary. Driving is a responsibility, not a right.
And what about the environmental impact of these high patrol frequencies and checkpoints? Overlooked, perhaps?
That’s a stretch. Human life is more important than a few extra patrols contributing to emissions!
I’m all for safety, but when will the focus expand to better public transport as a deterrent to drunk driving?
That’s a great point, Mo. Better transport options could reduce drunk driving.
My uncle was killed in a DUI accident. I wish these measures had been in place then.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hopefully, these changes will spare others your pain.
Thailand can’t be the only country dealing with this around holidays. What’s being done globally?
Good question! Different countries have varying levels of success. Maybe a shared global strategy could help.
Absolutely, Kiwi. Learning from others’ successes and failures could improve outcomes everywhere.
Why do we constantly blame drivers and overlook manufacturers? Safer cars could reduce fatalities.
Harsher penalties? Yes, please! Some people only think about the consequences when they hit rock bottom.
As a new driver, these penalties scare me straight! Better safe than sorry.
Motorcycle accidents being so high indicate a need for safer infrastructure, don’t you think?
True, better roads and bike paths could make a huge difference in safety.
It’s simple: don’t drink and drive. Why is it so hard for people to understand?
Not everyone makes rational decisions, especially when intoxicated.
True, Simone, but there must be a way to instill better self-control.
Penalizing parents seems a bit unfair. The focus should be on educating kids early on road safety.
Bike accidents are alarming! More protective gear needs to be mandatory.
Reducing road deaths is such a magical thought. If only we had a spell for it!
Hah! A spell would be helpful, but policies are the real magic here.
Reflecting on these numbers makes me wonder: does everyone know their limits?