BANGKOK, THAILAND – A Thai responsible-drinking group called for Bangkok’s nightlife venues to stop serving clearly drunk guests and help them get home safely after a deadly New Year accident toll.
Foundation unveils three-point safety plan
The Thai Foundation for Responsible Drinking (TFRD) set out a three-point list of demands aimed at bars and clubs. Its president Chatchada Chantharangsu sought full cooperation from venue owners, stressing existing legal obligations. The plan called first for a strict ban on alcohol sales to anyone under 20.
The second demand was an end to serving guests who were obviously intoxicated, in line with current law. The third element urged nightlife businesses to support safe journeys home by encouraging the use of taxis and ride-hailing services instead of drunk driving.
Deadly New Year statistics drive action
The initiative was driven by grim numbers from the last holiday period. During the so‑called “ten dangerous days” between Christmas and New Year 2024/25, there were 2,467 reported crashes. The toll reached 436 deaths and more than 2,300 injuries, with drink-driving named as one of the main causes.
“The fight against drink-driving requires cooperation from all sectors.”
said Chantharangsu, who described the hospitality industry as a key lever for change.
Restaurant sector signals backing
The industry’s response was largely supportive. Sorathep Rojpojanarat, head of the Restaurant Entrepreneurs Club, pledged his group’s participation in the effort. He said bar owners in Bangkok would be reminded to comply strictly with the alcohol control law ahead of the upcoming “seven dangerous days” for the 2025/26 New Year period.
The president of the Restaurant Association, Chanon Kerdcharoen, also underlined the legal duties of venues. He additionally called for fair pricing of ride-hailing and taxi services to make it easier for guests to choose a safe ride home.
Doubts over enforcement and recognition of intoxication
Despite broad agreement on paper, implementation remained uncertain. Staff in busy nightlife districts would have to reliably recognise when guests were too drunk to be served. In the full New Year’s Eve atmosphere, refusals to sell alcohol to intoxicated patrons could provoke resistance, while economic pressure on bar owners was already high.
The TFRD relied on persuasion and voluntary cooperation rather than new penalties. It was unclear whether this approach alone would be enough to break what was described as a persistent culture of drink-driving.
Signal to drivers and alcohol vendors
Supporters of the plan said it sent an important signal ahead of the year-end celebrations. Responsibility for safer roads was being placed not only on drivers but also on alcohol vendors. For tourists and locals alike, the measures could mean that some bars would actually refuse to serve more beer to visibly drunk guests.
Instead, staff were expected to direct such customers toward a taxi app or ride-hailing option. The organisers framed this as a small step for individual venues but a potentially significant contribution to overall traffic safety.
Countdown to a high-stakes New Year test
With only days left before the New Year, the plan was entering a practical stress test. The TFRD and allied associations needed to spread their message to every possible venue across the city. Police were also due to step up roadside checks during the holiday period.
Observers said that only the upcoming New Year statistics would show whether the mix of prevention in bars and stricter street controls could improve the devastating record. Each death prevented on the roads was described as a potential success for this unusual push for voluntary responsibility.