The Court of Justice has issued a warning to motorists not to drive while drunk or under the influence of drugs this New Year's holiday, saying that penalties are severe.
The court said on Monday that every New Year holiday sees a surge in drunk driving cases.
Drunk drivers will face up to one year in prison, a fine of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both, along with a driver's licence suspension of at least six months or revocation. Penalties increase if harm is caused.
Cases involving bodily or mental injury carry sentences of one to five years' imprisonment and fines of 20,000–100,000 baht, while serious injury can result in two to six years in prison and fines of 40,000–120,000 baht.
If an offence results in death, penalties rise to three to ten years' imprisonment, fines of 60,000–200,000 baht, and permanent licence revocation.
Another frequent charge is driving under the influence of drugs.
This can result in a prison term of up to one year and four months or fines of up to 26,666 baht, along with licence suspension or revocation.
