The Royal Thai Police clearly emphasize that there will be no warnings before fines for "drunk driving." Refusal to take the breathalyzer test is equivalent to drunk driving and will result in immediate prosecution.
On 21 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Police General Samran Nualma, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, stated that according to the 2026 fiscal year administration policy of Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the National Police Chief, which mandates strict enforcement and enhancement of traffic discipline, the Royal Thai Police have instructed traffic police nationwide to strictly enforce the law, especially regarding drunk driving offenses, with no warning measures before fines; cases detected will be prosecuted immediately.
The Deputy National Police Chief said that driving under the influence is behavior that poses serious risks to the lives and property of the public, thus necessitating strict, equal, and transparent enforcement of the law.
For example, on 20 Feb 2026 GMT+7, a driver was found intoxicated, refused to undergo alcohol testing, attempted to flee, and assaulted traffic police officers before being detained. The driver’s blood alcohol level was measured at 126 milligrams percent, exceeding the legal limit. This conduct involved multiple legal violations and has been prosecuted accordingly.
Under the Land Traffic Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and its amendments, drivers with blood alcohol levels above the legal limit face fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, imprisonment up to one year, or both. Courts may also suspend or revoke driving licenses. If the offense causes serious injury or death to others, penalties increase, including imprisonment up to 10 years and license revocation.
Repeat offenders within two years face imprisonment up to two years, fines between 50,000 and 100,000 baht, and license suspension or revocation as prescribed by law.
Furthermore, if a driver refuses the breathalyzer test, the law presumes intoxicated driving, with penalties equivalent to drunk driving. They may also be charged with disobeying a lawful order from an officer.
Police Lieutenant General Nithithorn Jintakarnon, Chief of Education and head of the task force to enhance the image of traffic police at the Traffic Management Center of the Royal Thai Police, appealed to the public to strictly adhere to the principle of "Don’t Drink and Drive" to help reduce accidents and losses. He also commended traffic police officers for their patience and adherence to the law, even when assaulted during duty.
The Royal Thai Police request public cooperation in respecting traffic laws and jointly fostering a culture of road safety. For incident reports or traffic information, the public can contact the Traffic Police Hotline at 1197 or the Highway Police Hotline at 1193, available 24 hours.