BANGKOK – Thailand is facing a severe road safety crisis, with civil society groups highlighting a daily toll of approximately 40 fatalities and annual economic losses estimated at 600 billion baht. In a push for urgent reform, these organizations are advocating for stringent measures against drunk driving, including the confiscation of vehicles during the upcoming New Year 2026 holiday period.

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As the country approaches the traditionally high-risk “seven dangerous days” of New Year celebrations, networks including the Foundation Against Drunk Driving have raised alarms over the anticipated surge in road deaths. On December 22, 2025, representatives presented a formal proposal to Attorney General Ittiporn Kaewthip, calling for the immediate confiscation of vehicles from intoxicated drivers, harsher penalties for alcohol-related offenses, stricter enforcement against selling alcohol to minors, and legislative amendments to increase consequences for dangerous driving.

Experts point to drunk driving as the leading cause of the nation’s road trauma. Mr. Surasit Silapngam, manager of the Foundation Against Drunk Driving, emphasized the staggering economic impact, citing annual losses between 500 and 600 billion baht due to accidents. He also expressed concern that relaxed regulations permitting late-night alcohol sales are exacerbating road risks, creating a challenge for safety initiatives.

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Looking ahead, civil society groups are prepared to support legal actions that treat drunk driving as a serious threat to public safety. They are calling for extensive public awareness campaigns on the consequences of impaired driving and for amendments to the Traffic Act to impose more severe penalties, including mandatory imprisonment without probation for offenders who cause fatalities. The groups aim to foster collaboration between government and private sectors to radically reduce alcohol-related traffic incidents.

-Thailand News (TN)