Police have warned that a refusal to take a breathalyser test will be treated as equivalent to drink-driving.
Deputy national police chief Pol Gen Samran Nualma said the directive follows the 2026 traffic discipline policy, which prioritises the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws nationwide. He said drink-driving poses severe risks to public safety and must be addressed with transparency and consistency.
A recent case on Friday highlighted the dangers: a visibly intoxicated driver refused testing, attempted to flee and assaulted traffic officers before being apprehended. Tests later confirmed a blood-alcohol level of 126mg%, well above the legal limit. The suspect now faces multiple charges.
Under the Land Traffic Act, penalties for drink-driving include fines of 5,000 to 20,000 baht, imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Courts may also suspend or revoke driving licences.
If accidents cause serious injury or death, sentences can rise to 10 years in prison. Repeat offences within two years carry harsher penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 baht and licence revocation. Police say a refusal to undergo alcohol testing is legally presumed to be drink-driving, carrying the same penalties.
Source: Bangkok Post