Bangkok: On the first day of the seven-day period of heightened road safety concerns, nearly 300 people were arrested for drunk driving. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), through the Highway Police, made these arrests as part of an initiative to enhance safety and offer this as a New Year's gift to the public. The Highway Police Commander has ordered intensified enforcement of the law in all areas.
According to Thai News Agency, the Highway Police, under the leadership of Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornsak Laorujiralai, Commander of the Highway Police Division, is implementing the policies of Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panpetch, Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Natsak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau. Their aim is to strictly enforce the law to reduce road fatalities.
The results from the first day of the intensified safety campaign during the New Year's Eve 2026 festival showed a total of 279 arrests for drunk driving. This marks an increase of 197 cases compared to the same period last year, which had 82 arrests in 2025.
Traffic enforcement remains rigorous, with speeding being the most common offense, resulting in 5,243 arrests. Other risky behaviors observed included using a mobile phone while driving, with 200 cases, and overtaking in dangerous situations, with 198 cases.
Pol. Maj. Gen. Pornsak Laorujiralai emphasized that highway police will continue to strictly enforce the law against drunk driving to reduce road accident statistics during the 2026 New Year's holiday season, aiming to provide the public with the gift of safety this New Year.