Bangkok: Halfway through Songkran 2025, accumulated drunk driving cases exceed 3,000 cases. The Department of Probation is taking proactive measures to correct risky behavior by having probationers monitor driving behavior through CCTV cameras, aiming to reduce road accidents.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Maj. Col. Suriya Singhakamol, Director-General of the Department of Probation, has implemented strict control measures during the Songkran Festival 2025. In coordination with local police stations, probationers charged with violating the Land Traffic Act-such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, and speeding-are supporting police missions by observing driving behavior via real-time CCTV cameras, alongside probation volunteers. These measures aim to change drivers' behavior to sustainably reduce road accidents.
From the implementation of these strict control measures during the Songkran Festival on April 14, 2025, the court has ordered probation in 1,718 cases. Of these, 1,674 cases (97.44%) involved driving under the influence, with 15 cases requiring electronic monitoring (EM). There were no cases of reckless driving, while speeding accounted for only one case (0.06%). Additionally, 43 cases (2.50%) involved driving under the influence, with one case requiring EM.
The cumulative total of cases during the intensive control period from April 11-14, 2025, reached 3,297, with 25 cases equipped with EM devices. The provinces with the highest number of drunk driving cases were Bangkok with 295 cases, Nonthaburi with 242 cases, and Samut Prakan with 226 cases. A comparison of the statistics with the 4th day of Songkran 2024 shows a decrease in drunk driving cases from 2,106 in 2024 to 1,674 in 2025, a reduction of 432 cases.
Furthermore, probation offices nationwide are open to receive cases and provide advice to probationers throughout the Songkran Festival. They also support public service points and checkpoints, totaling 37 locations with 737 personnel. Public relations campaign activities have been organized with 315 participants, and knowledge training has been provided for 97 participants.