Thai Police have reiterated that motorists who refuse to undergo a breathalyser test will be prosecuted as if they were drink-driving, warning that attempts to evade testing will not spare offenders from punishment.
Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nualma said the directive is part of the 2026 traffic discipline policy, which mandates strict and uniform enforcement of traffic laws across the country.
He stressed that drink-driving remains one of the leading threats to public safety and must be addressed through firm, transparent, and consistent legal action.
The warning follows a recent incident on Friday that underscored the risks involved. Police stopped a driver who appeared heavily intoxicated, but the suspect refused to take a breathalyser test.
He then attempted to flee the scene and assaulted traffic officers before being subdued and taken into custody. Subsequent testing confirmed a blood-alcohol concentration of 126 milligrams per cent, significantly exceeding the legal limit.
The driver now faces multiple criminal charges, including drink-driving and assaulting officers.
Under the Land Traffic Act, motorists convicted of drink-driving face fines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 baht, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Courts also have the authority to suspend or revoke driving licences. In cases where drink-driving results in serious injury or death, prison sentences can be extended to a maximum of 10 years.
Police further warned that repeat offenders within a two-year period face tougher penalties, including fines of up to 100,000 baht and permanent licence revocation.
Authorities emphasised that refusal to submit to alcohol testing is legally presumed to constitute drink-driving and carries the same penalties under the law.
