Bangkok: The Department of Medical Sciences has released significant findings from blood alcohol tests conducted during the Songkran festival of 2026, revealing that 47% of individuals tested had alcohol levels exceeding the legal limit.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, the Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, disclosed that during the Songkran festival, the department analyzed 526 blood samples over a 7-day intensive control period from April 10-16, 2026. The findings showed that nearly half of these samples surpassed the legal alcohol limit. The most affected age group was identified as those aged 20-29. The department reported the analysis results to the relevant agencies within 24 hours, emphasizing the critical importance of refraining from drinking and driving to safeguard lives and property.
Even after the festival, the department continues to offer blood alcohol testing services using the Headspace Gas Chromatograph (HS-GC) for precise results. These tests meet ISO 15189 and ISO/IEC 17025 certification standards, supporting effective law enforcement to mitigate accident-related losses. Testing services are available at the central service center of the Department of Medical Sciences and at 15 other medical science centers across the nation.
Additionally, during the Songkran festival, the department deployed regional Emergency Response Teams (LERT) to assist the public. These teams provided guidance on using breathalyzers, distributed research-based products such as essential oils and mosquito repellents, and collaborated with local agencies at checkpoints to enhance public safety efforts.