Failure to take the breathalyser now gives police officers the power to arrest the driver. Police are also empowered to set up traffic control lanes where they can ask drivers to get out of their vehicles and perform a sobriety test that involves walking in a straight line and back again.
Any refusal on the part of the driver puts them in contravention of Traffic Act Section 43. Violators are subject to maximum penalties of one year in jail, a THB20,000 fine, or both. As is the case with any changes to laws in Thailand, this amendment was posted in the Royal Gazette.
The change to the law regarding refusal to submit to a breathalyser test became necessary as motorists were only subject to a THB1,000 fine before. The new penalties are exactly the same now as they are for actually failing the breathalyser and being convicted of drunk-driving.
Thailand beefs up breathalyser law
News in Asia
New laws governing drink-driving in Thailand have been enacted and came into effect yesterday. Under the law, any driver stopped by police and suspected of being under the influence of alcohol has to comply with a request to take a breathalyser test.