Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen announced the warning at a meeting held yesterday (Nove 2) to give an update on the “If you drink and drive you'll be struck for sure” campaign (Mao laew khab thuk jab nae) that was introducedon October 1.
The campaign has been set up with police being given the task of arresting a specific number of drink drivers in their dedicated areas per month. The numbers are as follows:
Phuket Town, Kathu, Karon and Thalang police must arrest at least 20 cases per month
Chalong, Thung Thong and Vichit 15 cases per month
Cherng Talay and Thachatchai 10 case per month
Kamala 5 cases per month.
“Every station can achieve their targets. We are entering the high season now and New Year is next and that’s when there are high numbers of accidents. More measures need to be taken,” Maj Gen Teeraphol explained.
He also urged each police station chief to study their own areas for traffic congestion and road conditions or anything that is likely to increase the chances of an accident.
“I want to do this all the time, not only for the high season. Most accidents occur because of construction in the area and not enough lights on the road. Each station must study their own problem and solve them case by case,” Maj Gen Teeraphol added.
In addition, Phuket police will now stop any driver seen driving erratically and will ask them to take a breathalyser test.
“Motorist must now be aware that police will not only conduct breathalyser tests at check points. Any policeman can now stop you and ask you to take a breathalyser test when they feel it is necessary,” Maj Gen Teeraphol continued.
He also believes that from November – December police will arrest more drinking drivers, and now that more police can arrest or stop motorists from drink driving it will reduce the amount of deadly road accidents in Phuket.
“We don't really want to arrest Phuket people or tourists, but at the same time we also don’t want any drink drivers sharing our roads.
“Drink drivers are dangerous because they not only risk their own lives but those of others,” Maj Gen Teeraphol concluded.
The penalty for drinking and driving is up to two years in prison and/or up to a B10,000 fine or both.