Regional News
Thailand’s Transport Ministry Get’s Tough on Bus Drivers
BANGKOK – Director-General of the Department of land Transport Thiraphong Rodprasert has reported that the Prime Minister’s Office has issued a ban on alcoholic beverage sales on the roads and pedestrian areas.
The ban also covers sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages at bus terminals.
Director Thiraphong Rodprasert said the ban was imposed since drunk-driving was the main cause of road accidents. Those who violated the ban were subject to imprisonment of up to six months and/or 10,000 baht fine.
He continued on to say, “Safety of public bus passengers has always been a priority of the department”. The department makes sure that drivers of all types of public buses have zero alcohol in their blood.
Drivers who are found to have more than zero milligram percent while on duty will be immediately replaced and face up to three-month imprisonment and/or fine of 2,000-10,000 baht. Their employers will also face fine of 40,000 baht.
The Department of land Transport will send officers to inspect alcohol sales and consumption at bus terminals and set up check points on the roads. The general public are urged to take part in promoting road safety by alerting officers if they see alcohol sales at bus terminals or public bus drivers drinking on the bus or while driving.