Thailand is known for having some of the most dangerous roads in the world, with a high rate of traffic fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently ranked Thailand among the countries with the highest road traffic death rates per capita.
Contributing factors to this grim statistic include inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, poor road conditions, and risky driving behaviours.
During holiday periods like Songkran and New Year’s celebrations, road accidents spike dramatically. These are known as the “seven dangerous days” due to the significant increase in accidents, with drunk driving being a major factor.
But what are the laws and penalties regarding drink driving in Thailand?
How much is too much and at what point is a driver over the limit?
Below are the latest laws regarding being under the influence of alcohol while driving in Thailand.
What are the updated drink-driving laws for 2025?
If you enjoy social drinking, it’s crucial to understand how much alcohol consumption can legally put you over the limit. Stricter drink-driving laws have been introduced in 2025 to reduce accidents and save lives.
Legal alcohol limits in 2025
The updated drink-driving laws aim to curb road accidents caused by intoxicated drivers. These incidents remain a leading cause of fatalities and property damage. Driving under the influence is regarded as irresponsible and dangerous behaviour, posing risks to others and often resulting in injuries or loss of life. Penalties for drink-driving now include fines, licence suspension, and even imprisonment.
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and penalties:
- BAC of 50 milligrammes per cent:
- Up to 1 year in prison.
- Fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, or both.
- Licence suspension for at least 6 months.
- BAC of 20 milligrammes per cent (specific groups):
- Applies to drivers under 20 years old or those holding temporary licences (valid for 2 years). These drivers are considered legally intoxicated at this lower threshold.
Penalties for accidents caused by drink-driving
The holiday season, particularly New Year, often sees a spike in road accidents. Recent data reflects the trend:
- 2022: 2,707 accidents, 2,672 injuries, 333 fatalities.
- 2023: 2,440 accidents, 2,437 injuries, 317 fatalities.
- 2024: 2,288 accidents, 2,307 injuries, 284 fatalities.
Primary causes include speeding (40.6%), reckless overtaking (23.31%), and drink-driving (14.29%). The revised laws aim to deter drink-driving and reduce these figures.
Penalties for drink-driving incidents:
- Causing injury to others:
- Imprisonment: 1–5 years.
- Fine: 20,000–100,000 baht.
- Licence suspension for at least 6 months or permanent revocation.
- Causing serious injury:
- Imprisonment: 2–6 years.
- Fine: 40,000–120,000 baht.
- Licence suspension for at least 2 years.
- Causing death:
- Imprisonment: 3–10 years.
- Fine: 60,000–200,000 baht.
- Immediate licence revocation.
Additional penalties:
- First-time offences:
- Up to 1 year in prison or a fine of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both.
- Licence suspension for at least 6 months or permanent revocation.
- Repeat offences within 2 years:
- Stricter penalties, including up to 2 years in prison, fines of 50,000–100,000 baht, and licence suspension for at least 1 year or permanent revocation.
Driving under the influence without a licence
Driving while intoxicated without a valid licence constitutes two violations: drink-driving and unlicensed driving. Penalties include:
- For drink-driving:
- Up to 1 year in prison.
- Fines of 5,000–20,000 baht, or both.
- For unlicensed driving:
- Up to 2 years in prison.
- Fines of up to 40,000 baht, or both.
The combined penalties for these violations can lead to harsher punishments, including extended imprisonment and higher fines.
Refusing a breathalyser test
Refusing a breathalyser test when requested by the police is illegal and carries significant penalties. Police are authorised to conduct BAC tests as part of efforts to prevent drink-driving. Refusing a test is seen as obstructing law enforcement and is treated as an admission of intoxication. Even without BAC evidence, refusal will be prosecuted as drink-driving.
Legal implications of drink-driving
Drink-driving is classified as a criminal offence due to its potential to endanger public safety.
Operating a vehicle with a BAC above the legal limit violates traffic laws and carries severe consequences.
Does insurance cover drink-driving incidents?
Drivers often wonder whether insurance covers accidents caused by drink-driving. The answer is no. Most motor insurance policies exclude coverage for incidents where the driver’s BAC exceeds the legal limit. This exclusion reflects the high risks associated with drink-driving and serves as an incentive for responsible behaviour.
Refusing a breathalyser test or driving under the influence is not worth the potential legal and financial consequences—or the risk to lives. If you plan to drink, avoid driving altogether. Use public transport, call a taxi, or rely on a sober driver to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.