On June 11, 2025, Mr. Kosonwat Inthuchanyong, Director-General of the Office of Rights Protection, Legal Aid and Enforcement (OAG-RLAE), revealed that due to increasing dangers caused by drunk driving, the Office of the Attorney General has issued a directive to improve legal actions against such offenders. This measure is aimed at addressing the escalating road safety crisis and reducing harm to lives and property.
The directive instructs prosecutors to assess whether the behavior of individuals charged with drunk driving qualifies as "driving without regard for the safety or trouble of others," an offense under Section 43 (8) of the Traffic Act. If so, and if the charge has not yet been filed, prosecutors are to direct investigators to add this charge. Additionally, in court proceedings, prosecutors should request vehicle forfeiture.
The directive, signed by Deputy Attorney General Mr. Jumpol Phansamrit on behalf of the Attorney General on June 9, 2025, references a previous document dated September 29, 2006, outlining offenses under Section 43 (8) and Section 160, paragraph three, of the 1979 Traffic Act.
This action is driven by the significant harm and fatalities from road accidents involving intoxicated drivers. To combat this, the Office of the Attorney General has formalized a prosecutorial approach to ensure effective legal processes aligned with the current road safety crisis.