Over 3000 People Nabbed for Impaired Driving on the First Day of Songkran 2018

BANGKOK – On the first day of  Songkran’s “7 dangerous days” a total of 3,339 motorcyclists and drivers of public transport and private cars were arrested by authorities for drink driving in a way which may cause road accidents on the first day of the long Songkran festival on Wednesday (Apr 11).

According to Colonel Sirichan Ngathong, deputy spokesperson of the National Council for Peace and Order, the alleged offenders include 1,457 motorcyclists and 1,259 drivers of private cars and public transport. 105 motorcycles and 41 cars were seized and 356 driving licenses of the cyclists as well as 82 driving licenses of the motorists were also seized.

She said that all the 3,339 alleged drink drivers and motorcyclists will face legal action.

She disclosed that, on the first day of the exodus of Songkran revelers, traffic on the main arteries namely Mitraparb, Petkasem and Paholyothin was very congested with cars moving slowly and, occasionally, coming to stop.

However, she said that police and other officials had been trying to facilitate traffic flow.

Meanwhile, Chiang Rai Province has recorded with highest traffic accidents (18 cases), and highest injuries (18 persons).