BANGKOK, THAILAND – Nearly 3,000 motorists were caught driving under the influence during the first five days of Thailand’s New Year road-safety crackdown, authorities reported.
Thousands placed under probation after New Year checks
The Department of Probation reported an alarming interim tally on 3 January, covering the period from 30 December to 3 January. In those five days, 3,123 traffic offenders entered the probation system across the country. The vast majority of cases involved alcohol-related violations behind the wheel.
Alcohol behind 95 percent of offences
The most serious offence was drink-driving, with 2,957 cases, accounting for about 95 percent of all recorded violations. The province of Nonthaburi topped the list with 290 drink-driving cases, followed by Bangkok with 241 and Samut Prakan with 178. Officials noted that the true scale of impaired driving was likely much higher than the detected cases.
Drugs and speeding play minor role
Drug-related driving offences remained comparatively low, with only 160 cases registered, or 5.1 percent of the total. Reckless driving was recorded just four times during the period. The statistics listed only two incidents of illegal street racing, although increased speed was still considered a factor in some violations.
“The main danger clearly remains alcohol,”
said Police Captain Piya Raksakul.
New cases even on court holiday
On 3 January, which was a court holiday, 164 new cases were added to the probation rolls. All of these involved drink-driving. Authorities stressed that enforcement continued despite the holiday status of the courts.
Slight year-on-year decline in drink-driving
Compared with the previous year, the number of drink-driving offenders showed a modest decline. On the same reference date, there had been 223 alcohol-related cases in 2025, falling to 164 in 2026. This represented a decrease of 59 cases, which officials interpreted as a result of stricter checks and expanded public-awareness efforts.
Authorities say overall numbers remain unacceptable
Despite the reduction, officials said the absolute number of nearly 3,000 drunk drivers on the roads within five days remained unacceptably high. Each individual incident was described as a potential mortal danger for both drivers and other road users. The figures underlined the continuing challenges of changing driving habits during the holiday period.
“Seven Dangerous Days” and role of checkpoints
Thailand’s New Year period, known as the “Seven Dangerous Days,” has long produced a grim annual record on the country’s roads. According to authorities, alcohol remained the leading cause of accidents during this time. Intensive checkpoints and roadside inspections were designed to deter would-be offenders and remove dangerous drivers from traffic.
“Every prevented drunk driver is a potentially saved life,”
said a police spokesperson, adding that statistics showed the controls demonstrably saved lives.
Harsh penalties and long road back
Drivers caught over the limit faced heavy fines and the immediate revocation of their driving licence. Many were also given a suspended sentence, depending on the severity of the offence. In cases of repeat violations, offenders risked imprisonment as part of a no-tolerance approach to what authorities called reckless behaviour.
Probation, community work and therapy
Placement in the probation system brought reporting obligations and mandatory community service. Many offenders were also required to undergo alcohol treatment programmes. Officials described it as a long path back to normality for those convicted.
Police to continue checks beyond holidays
The latest tally indicated that the problem remained severe despite ongoing campaigns and public messaging. Police said roadblocks and sobriety checkpoints would continue even after the New Year holidays. They framed continued enforcement as essential to sustaining any downward trend in violations.
Clear appeal to motorists
Authorities issued a direct appeal to all drivers to completely separate alcohol and driving. They urged the use of taxis, ride-hailing services or designated sober drivers instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking. Each individual, they stressed, bore responsibility, and the next checkpoint could determine matters of life and death for themselves and others.