Thai Revenue releases personal income tax data. Thai Revenue, as is well known, is taxing assessable overseas income, no matter when sent to Thailand, starting on January 1 2024. Foreigners and Thais who believe they have tax to declare should include their overseas taxable income during 2024 on their tax form for 2025.- Pattaya Mail

Thai Revenue releases personal income tax data

Barry KenyonJanuary 7, 2024

Most Thai citizens and foreigners do not have a tax ID number issued by the Revenue.

The Thai tax authority has announced, in its fiscal report for last year, the scooping up of a total of 395 billion baht (circa US$11 billion) in personal income taxes. This was in addition to huge sums raised via value-added tax on sales and corporate or company taxes. Thai Revenue, as is well known, is taxing assessable overseas income, no matter when sent to Thailand, starting on January 1 2024. Foreigners and Thais who believe they have tax to declare should include their overseas taxable income during 2024 on their tax form for 2025.

Significantly, the Revenue also reports that the number of people filing personal income tax forms during the last 12 months amounted to 11 million, mostly Thais, and only about a quarter of the adult working population. In other words, the vast majority of Thais and foreigners do not register with the Revenue via a tax identification number. Personal income taxes in Thailand are collected in arrears and require registration and the filling in of a tax form in the following fiscal year. Contrary to numerous inaccurate reports on the internet, international cash transfers to Thailand are not taxed on arrival.

Very many Thai expats are concerned about the tax implications of sending money from abroad now that January 2024 has arrived. Any taxes due won't be payable until the tax year 2025 and will require registration to obtain a tax identification number. In other words, there is time for more detail to emerge before any taxes would be payable. Many tax accountants in Thailand believe that foreign transfers from pre-taxed savings, pensions and gifts will not be taxable again, although the Revenue has not specifically addressed that issue or the implications of double-taxation treaties with 61 countries.

The main aim of the Revenue is to close tax loopholes which formerly allowed Thais and some wealthy foreigners to reap huge profits from overseas investments, currency speculations and cash buildups in offshore accounts often held for years. Separately, the Revenue has published new reporting rules for digital platform operators to allow it to collect information on sellers' total income from their online activities, aiming to nudge more online product and service providers into the tax system.

Many experts believe that the recent words of Lavaron Sangsnit are highly relevant to all recent tax announcements: "The world is getting smaller, more connected and traceable because of digitalization. In the past, it may have been impossible to detect tax evasion, but now it can easily be detected." Now that Thailand has joined the Common Reporting System (CRS) of around participating 120 countries, financial institutions round the world will inform member governments of individuals' transactions to fight tax evasion and protect the integrity of tax systems. In other words, when you send money abroad it is no longer a private affair.

Bangsaen Koff Fest to Take Place from Jan 20th-21st - The Pattaya News

Bangsaen Koff Fest to Take Place from Jan 20th-21st

Tanakorn PanyadeeFriday, 5 January 2024, 15:09

Chonburi —

Mark your calendars! The "Bangsaen Koff Fest" is brewing up something special again, this time happening from January 20th to the 21st, 2024, on the idyllic sands of Bangsaen Beach.

From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, prepare to immerse yourself in a world of all things coffee, tea, cocoa, and delectable baked goods.

Over 80 vendors will be waiting for you at this year's Bangsaen Koff Fest, ready to tantalize your taste buds with an array of brews, beans, and blends. Dive into the latest coffee trends with expert baristas and passionate enthusiasts, who will be sharing their knowledge and brewing secrets in exciting workshops.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Get your competitive spirit brewing with the barista competition, featuring skilled coffee artists battling for the top spot. Relax and recharge with free live music, vibrant art exhibitions, and a charming handmade market, all against the backdrop of Bangsaen Beach's serene atmosphere.

For those seeking an extra dose of excitement, head to Bangsaen Beach near San Jao Pho San Shrine two weekends from now to attend this event. Whether you're a seasoned coffee addict or just a curious newcomer, the Bangsaen Koff Fest promises a weekend of caffeinated fun, discovery, and friendly community.

Summary of Thai visas available: January 2024. Pattaya Mail gives at the beginning of every year a summary of the current Thai visa regulations. The emphasis below is on English speaking countries (UK, US, Australia) whose nationals form the bedrock of the overseas readership. We refer to them in this article as visa-exempt arrivals.- Pattaya Mail

 Summary of Thai visas available: January 2024

Barry KenyonJanuary 5, 2024

Visa rules and regulations are always in flux in Thailand.

Pattaya Mail gives at the beginning of every year a summary of the current Thai visa regulations. The emphasis below is on English speaking countries (UK, US, Australia) whose nationals form the bedrock of the overseas readership. We refer to them in this article as visa-exempt arrivals.

What to expect in 2024
The Thai government is committed to tourist expansion and more visa hurdles are likely to fall in the next few months. Already, only in Bangkok and potentially in Phuket, some visa extensions can be applied for online and there are likely to be more similar projects in provincial immigration. The bothersome 90 days reporting and the notification of address after arrival in the country are likely to remain with us, partly as a consequence of visa retraction. Rumors in 2023 that all expats will soon be required to have their own medical insurance appear to have retreated. Fears that your immigration record will be dragged into the still-confusing Thai Revenue taxation of foreign assessable income also appear false. Some countries are already experimenting with replacing visas and even passports by biometric data for use at airports and immigration bureaux and there will be the start of a long debate in Thailand too about the pros and cons.

Visas in retreat
Tourists from several countries, notably China, Russia and India, no longer require a prior visa to visit Thailand. This is an attempt by the Thai government to boost arrivals from countries believed to have huge expansion potential. Although there have been rumors that citizens of UK, US, EU and Australia will have their visa-exempt status improved from 30 days to 90 days without visiting local immigration, there has not been any announcement.

Extending a visa
Visa-exempt arrivals with a 30 days stamp can obtain a further 30 days on application at immigration with a fee of 1,900 baht. They must fill in an extension form, provide a passport photo and – crucially – provide evidence of their local address on a separate form known as TM30. Evidence would normally be a receipt from the hotel or a property lease, or proof of ownership of a condominium or residence. This proof of address is required as soon as possible after arrival and must be renewed every time the tourist re-enters Thailand. Many hotels and condominiums automatically register their guests online with immigration. If so, they will have an official confirmation from immigration which the tourist will need if requiring a service from immigration such as extending their stay, or as part of the bureaucracy to open a bank account.

Border runs
Visa-exempt nationals can obtain a further 30 days by visiting the border, usually with Cambodia, on a border run. This basically involves a minibus day trip by a tour organizer and the cost is typically 4,000-5,000 baht. Thai immigration has a limit of two entries by land in a calendar year. There is no formal limit on the number of entries by air from any country, although there will be problems if an individual tries to "live" in Thailand by too-frequent arrivals at the Thai airport without an authorized, pre-arranged visa.

Visas from embassies
Increasingly visa applications are online at Thai embassies which offer longer-stay visas including 60 days tourist visas, which can be extended for 30 days at local Thai immigration, together with various three months' and annual visas for Thai family, marriage or retirement purposes. They can also arrange 10 year retirement visas, 5-20 year Elite visas and the 10 year Long Term Residence visas. Most of these can also be obtained whilst in Thailand at immigration or via the Thai tourist authority for Elite. These visas are expensive, may involve heavy financial investment in Thailand and some require comprehensive medical insurance. The detail is too complex to cover here but embassies, immigration and competent agencies can assist. There is comprehensive discussion on the internet, although not always truthful.

Medical insurance
Mostly visitors to Thailand do not need medical insurance. A few visas do require it, namely O/A retirement visas initially awarded by embassies, 0/X 10 year retirement visas and Long Term Residence visas. The hospital cover now required is US$100,000 or just over three million baht. It's worth noting that the O retirement visa issued by immigration does not require medical cover although changing from O/A to 0 cannot be done without leaving Thailand. Foreigners with work or labor permits are covered by the Thai national insurance scheme. Currently, the Thai government has a fund to offer compensation where "tourists" (not defined) are injured or killed through no fault of their own. But the fund is discretionary and is used mostly to pay funeral costs and compensation to relatives in sensational cases such as major traffic accidents.

Student visas
The former practice of enrolling as a student of Thai and then attending classes rarely or never is now frowned on. There have been a number of scandals reported involving heads of language schools and deviant immigration officers. It is unwise to seek student status on a non-sincere basis. Those interested in becoming a serious student should contact a language school of their choice to ascertain costs and requirements. Many student and volunteer visas issued during the covid pandemic were shown to be fraudulent.

Working in Thailand
If a foreigner is offered a job, the host company will be responsible for organizing the required visa (non-immigrant B) and Labor office permit. Alternatively, a foreigner can set up his or her own company with capital, acquire Thai partners, register with the Thai tax and health authorities and deal with Thai immigration and the Department of Employment. An informed lawyer is the key to this bureaucracy. For example, many foreign-run restaurants are established through a company set up correctly.

When things go wrong
Working without a permit can lead to deportation and blacklisting. Overstaying a visa for a limited period can be cancelled by fines – 500 baht a day to a maximum of 20,000 baht – but overstays for more than three months will likely lead to deportation and blacklisting. Thailand in recent years has become more strict about drunk driving (especially with accidents) and possession or trafficking of illegal substances. Whilst bail is usually offered by the court, the time scales involved in trying criminal cases can be months or even years if an appeal is involved.





The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on Friday (January 5th), a total of 284 deaths, 2,307 injuries, and 2,288 road accidents in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign in Thailand.- The Pattaya News

Thailand Sums Up In Total 284 Deaths in New Year Seven Days of Road Safety Campaign

Goongnang SuksawatFriday, 5 January 2024, 11:29

Thailand –

The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on Friday (January 5th), a total of 284 deaths, 2,307 injuries, and 2,288 road accidents in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of the New Year Seven Days Road Safety campaign in Thailand.

The highest total number in seven days (December 29th, 2023 – January 4th, 2024) of road accidents and injuries was in Kanchanaburi (82 times, 89 injuries). The highest fatalities were in Bangkok (19 deaths).

The DDPM reported on the seventh day of the campaign (January 4th) that there were 17 deaths and 205 injuries in 200 road accidents.

Accidents were mostly caused by excessive speeding (48.60%). Most accidents involved motorbikes (88.72%). Forty-two percent of road accidents occurred most on national highways. Most accidents occurred between 7:01 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. (8%).

The highest number of accidents and injuries were in Tak (12 times, 15 injuries). The province with the highest number of fatalities were Roi-Et and Suphan Buri (3 deaths).

The original version of this article appeared on our sister website, The TPN National News, owned by our parent company TPN media.



Thais accept ‘shrinkflation’ trends, while global survey finds mixed sentiments. A recent survey by Ipsos (Thailand) shed light on the phenomenon of “shrinkflation” in the Thai market, where businesses subtly reduce product sizes or alter ingredients to maintain the original price. “Interestingly, 50% of Thais think it is acceptable for businesses and retailers to reduce the size of their products while keeping prices the same,” Ipsos said. The Nation

Thais accept 'shrinkflation' trends, while global survey finds mixed sentiments

A recent survey by Ipsos (Thailand) shed light on the phenomenon of "shrinkflation" in the Thai market, where businesses subtly reduce product sizes or alter ingredients to maintain the original price.

Covid-19 cases reach nearly 6,000 a day. The number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand has been on the rise in recent weeks, reaching nearly 6,000 cases per day on January 2, the highest reported caseload since August 2023. The increase in COVID-19 cases in Thailand is a cause for concern, with the ministry monitoring the situation closely and will take action as needed. The Nation

Covid-19 cases reach nearly 6,000 a day

The number of Covid-19 cases in Thailand has been on the rise in recent weeks, reaching nearly 6,000 cases per day on January 2, the highest reported caseload since August 2023.

300,000 visitors spend 2.5 billion baht during Pattaya Countdown 2024 - Pattaya Mail

300,000 visitors spend 2.5 billion baht during Pattaya Countdown 2024

Pattaya MailJanuary 2, 2024

A sea of people celebrates the Pattaya Countdown 2024 with music and fireworks on Pattaya Beach.

PATTAYA, Thailand – Pattaya and Koh Larn Island, two of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, welcomed the New Year with a grand celebration that attracted over 300,000 visitors and generated more than 2.5 billion baht in economic circulation. The event, dubbed "Pattaya Countdown 2024", was a joint effort between the city of Pattaya and the Provincial Administration Organization of Chonburi, with support from the public and private sectors.

The event, which ran from December 29 to 31, featured a variety of activities and attractions for both Thai and international tourists, such as concerts, fireworks, food stalls, and light shows. The event was held for the first time on Pattaya Beach, under the theme "The Fantastic Beach", to showcase the beauty and charm of the seaside city. The event also included free trade spaces for local vendors, who were able to sell their products and services to the visitors, creating an additional income source and stimulating the local economy.

The event was a resounding success, with accommodation bookings in Pattaya exceeding 90% of available rooms, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The event also drew huge crowds to the beachfront, where a spectacular fireworks display lit up the sky on the final night. A photo taken from a hotel showed a kilometre-long stretch of people enjoying the music, the views, and the food on the beach road.

The event not only brought joy and excitement to the local residents and tourists, but also boosted the tourism sector and the overall economic outlook of the country, which has been recovering from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The event also left a lasting impression on the visitors, who praised the quality and safety of the event, and promised to return to Pattaya and Koh Larn Island in the future.

The city hall and the local police ensured the security and order of the event, deploying guards and checkpoints to prevent any incidents. However, the event also caused traffic congestion on all three days, as many vehicles and motorcycles flocked to the area. The authorities advised the visitors to use public transportation or alternative routes to avoid delays.

60,000 revellers were thrilled by New Year's Eve concerts, inside the arena and overflowing onto beaches and roads.



The first three of the New Year break’s so-called “seven dangerous days” saw 128 people killed and 1,151 injured in 1,150 road accidents nationwide, the road safety centre said. nationthailand.com

The first three of the New Year break's so-called "seven dangerous days" saw 128 people killed and 1,151 injured in 1,150 road accidents nationwide, the road safety centre said.

The centre called a press conference on Monday at the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department to announce the figures derived from its monitoring of roads nationwide from December 29.

Read more:

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40034302

 

Comforting words from Hailey about foreigners and Thai income tax - Pattaya Mail

 Comforting words from Hailey about foreigners and Thai income tax

Barry KenyonDecember 31, 2023

Hailey Hicks, has offered to Thailand's worried expats almost 100 percent reassurance that they need not sweat. But it may be wiser to wait and see.

A new YouTube video posted by accomplished speaker Hailey Hicks, director of HH Premium Visa Consulting and based at San Diego State University in California, has offered to Thailand's worried expats almost 100 percent reassurance that they need not sweat. She also actively markets the Thailand Elite visa, whilst pointing out that this gives no special protection on the income tax front.

Under the heading "5 Myths about Tax in Thailand", she soothingly promises that the January 1 starting point won't apply to most expat tax residents, namely those living in Thailand for at least six months a year. They won't be taxed on money sent from one personal account abroad to one in Thailand as, we are told, that is simply moving money between accounts and is not "assessable" income. Thus they won't be taxed on cash sent to purchase Thai property. Nor will overseas pre-taxed pensions be taxed in Thailand, possibly because of double taxation treaties (which are very briefly mentioned).

The video argues that the new regulations are designed to catch rich Thais and a handful of foreigners who have been exploiting tax loopholes in the past. But is the soothing message actually true? We all hope so. But it has to be conceded that there is no verifiable documentation provided, simply a screenshot of the bald Thai Revenue announcement last September. And that won't get you very far.

Significantly, Thailand Privilege (which owns Elite) stated in November 2023, via advisors Hawryluk Legal, that "currently there is no distinction between earnings and savings for tax purposes," which suggests a very different interpretation from that in the San Diego video is possible. Perhaps Hailey knows something the rest of us don't. But it may be wiser to wait and see.



Thailand’s popularity as a retirement destination nearing crunch point. The fiscal move may indeed be aimed at wealthy Thais with offshore bank accounts or profits from overseas businesses, but the typical expat risks being trapped in the crossfire. The Thai tax authority is still mulling the detail. Officers know that whatever tax is due on cash transferred to Thailand during 2024 won’t appear on an individual’s tax return until 2025. So no hurry in their eyes.- Pattaya Mail

Thailand's popularity as a retirement destination nearing crunch point

Barry KenyonDecember 29, 2023

The Thai taxation changes are upon us, but we are none the wiser.

The tweak in the Thai Revenue rules, affecting both Thai and foreign tax residents, means that income derived from assessable foreign sources is to be taxable from new year's day 2024. The exact impact and scope remain fog-bound, but it is no exaggeration to say that the move has put the cat firmly amongst the expat pigeons who spend six months or more in the kingdom in a calendar year. The fiscal move may indeed be aimed at wealthy Thais with offshore bank accounts or profits from overseas businesses, but the typical expat risks being trapped in the crossfire.

The Thai tax authority is still mulling the detail. Officers know that whatever tax is due on cash transferred to Thailand during 2024 won't appear on an individual's tax return until 2025. So no hurry in their eyes. Most expats, of course, have barely heard of a Thai tin (tax identification number), let alone filled one in. And that's part of the problem. Many older expats hate the idea of being ensnared in Thai financial bureaucracy and, potentially, needing to hire a tax lawyer. Or, of course, leave the country for pastures new.

It may not come to that. For example, the Revenue has not issued a ruling on whether foreign income (such as pensions) are taxable under the enforcement decree. It may come down to the detail in double taxation agreements which Thailand has made with scores of countries. But they are all different in scope and most readers will require an expert to decipher the meaning of some of the clauses. Many Bangkok-based accountancy and legal firms are already anticipating a huge rise in the number of troubled clients.

What is at stake, of course, is Thailand's future as a retirement base. Over the years, Thailand has built up a reputation as a safe and attractive home for expats. Many have bought condominium units or set up a company to purchase a house. In future, there is no guarantee that foreigners sending money for these purposes won't be taxed on the lump sum. If so, the prospects for the Thai property market might well take a downward swing without precedent. Whether the Thai government has thought out all the consequences of the Revenue decree seems unlikely.

The Thai Board of Investment has suggested that the solution is for foreigners to apply for the 10 year golden visa, Long Term Residence, as this permits most overseas income to be brought into Thailand without any taxes together, as well as granting other financial and immigration perks. But the LTR isn't available for retirees unless their annual income is at least US$80,000 a year or they are prepared to invest mega-cash in Thai banks or securities. There is no shield from the Revenue in Elite visas or one year extensions of stay based on retirement, marriage etc.

Although no formal government statistics are issued, there are believed to be 400,000 to 500,000 longstay foreigners in Thailand who could be affected by the latest Revenue move. Some of these hold authorized work permits and already have a tax identification number for their local salary. Others are freelancers conducting online activities and earning from international clients. But most are older expats, retirees existing mainly or solely on pre-taxed pension and social security payments. The challenge for Thailand now is how to maintain competiveness in the global market.

In the meantime, the internet is awash with wrong information such as a fabricated claim that retirees have to prove to immigration that their 800,000 cash lump sum has already been taxed in the home country or that all visa holders over 50 must have a tax identification number when renewing their annual permit. Optimistic bloggers say that the whole Revenue business is a chimera and that nothing will happen in practice, whilst pessimists predict that any foreign cash will have 35 percent automatically deducted on arrival. None of that is true, but continued silence about the government's intentions can only boost falsehoods, innuendos and gossip. That's no way to run a taxation system or to market a country to the outside world.



Bangsaen Beach Prepares for Cosmic Countdown. Bangsaen Beach is gearing up for an extraordinary New Year’s event – the Bangsaen Space Countdown 2024. Scheduled for December 30th-31st, 2023, this cosmic extravaganza promises a stellar experience at Laan Laem Taen on Bangsaen Beach.- The Pattaya News

Bangsaen Beach Prepares for Cosmic Countdown

Tanakorn PanyadeeThursday, 28 December 2023, 16:57

Bangsaen —

Bangsaen Beach is gearing up for an extraordinary New Year's event – the Bangsaen Space Countdown 2024. Scheduled for December 30th-31st, 2023, this cosmic extravaganza promises a stellar experience at Laan Laem Taen on Bangsaen Beach.

The Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization is collaborating with Saensuk Municipality to make the event possible. The Bangsaen Space Countdown 2024 will transform the Bangsaen beachside into a celestial wonderland, with lights, colors, and sounds creating an atmosphere that feels like a journey into space.

One of the highlights of this celestial celebration is the diverse array of delectable street food offerings. A fleet of food trucks will be serving up a tantalizing selection, ensuring that all attendees are full while exploring the event.

The Bangsaen Space Countdown 2024 will also feature a marketplace with a myriad of shops offering an extensive range of products. As the night unfolds on December 31st, the countdown event will reach its pinnacle with an electrifying concert featuring renowned Thai superstars including Hopeful, Moving and Cut, Bedroom Audio, and Slot Machine.

Starting at 5:00 PM and lasting until the clock strikes midnight between December 30th to 31st, the Bangsaen Space Countdown 2024 is more than just a New Year's party; it's a cosmic adventure, a chance to celebrate life under the glittering sky, and create memories that will last a lifetime.





Thailand enters the annual “seven dangerous days” today (Dec 28) with sirens already sounding over efforts to meet its 2027 goal of cutting the appalling death toll from traffic accidents. Road traffic fatalities currently stand at 25 for every 100,000 people – more than double the 12 per 100,000 targeted within the next four years. Also worth noting is that these figures do not reflect the thousands of accident victims left disabled for life. Thai PBS World

Experts flag doubts over road-safety masterplan as Thailand braces for 'Seven Dangerous Days'

views  100

Thailand enters the annual "seven dangerous days" today (Dec 28) with sirens already sounding over efforts to meet its 2027 goal of cutting the appalling death toll from traffic accidents.

Road traffic fatalities currently stand at 25 for every 100,000 people – more than double the 12 per 100,000 targeted within the next four years. Also worth noting is that these figures do not reflect the thousands of accident victims left disabled for life.

The seven dangerous days occur over the New Year holidays when Thais hit the road in their millions for holidays or visits to their hometowns.

Last year, the seven days from December 29 to January 4 produced 2,440 accidents, killing 317 people and injuring 2,437 others. The most common causes of accidents were speeding (37.5%), drunk driving (25.49%), and swerving between traffic lanes (18.69%). Alarmingly, tests showed that over 50% of road accident victims had alcohol in their blood.

Annual road safety campaigns designed to reduce the deadly toll are being cranked up as the seven dangerous days approach.

However, experts say these efforts are being hampered by rules that allow vehicles to speed at 120 kilometers per hour on motorways, nighttime entertainment venues to stay open until 4am, and motorbike owners to postpone the installation of anti-lock braking systems. They also point to lax law enforcement and punishment, including relatively small fines for most traffic offenses.

Obstacles and recommendations

Dr Wittaya Chartbanchachai, a specialist on a World Health Organization panel on injury prevention, pinpoints government policies he claims are hindering efforts to meet goals in Thailand's Road Safety Masterplan (2022-2027).

"An estimated 17,000 people will die in road accidents over the coming 'seven dangerous days', a toll that matches the previous year. Based on this, it is difficult to see how our country can fulfil the masterplan's goal," he said.

The masterplan calls for a cut in road fatalities to 12 for every 100,000 people by the end of 2027, or about 8,474 deaths per year.

"If we were on track, we would have already cut road fatalities by 3,000 this year," Wittaya said.

He urged the government to establish a single command to monitor road safety operations and consider using other measures instead of just fines to combat traffic violations.

He also called for more traffic CCTV cameras, automatic issuance of traffic penalties, improved road conditions, and mandatory anti-lock braking for motorcycles.

Prevention better than cure

This year's Global Status Report on Road Safety recorded 1.19 million deaths in road accidents, with the highest fatality rate in low and middle-income countries. Southeast Asia accounts for 28% of global road fatalities.

In Thailand, only 52% of motorcyclists and 21% of their passengers wear crash helmets, compared with 80% and 70% worldwide, according to Dr Sirirat Suwanrit, director of the Disease Control Department's Injury Prevention Division.

"The use of safety belts in Thailand is also around 35.7% – far lower than the world average," she said. Even more worrying are statistics showing that safety-belt usage in Thailand has been on the decline in recent years.

Sirirat said efforts to increase helmet and belt-wearing are major challenges in curbing road casualties.

Public Health Ministry data shows that 45% of people injured in road accidents were not wearing helmets. The vast majority of road accidents in Thailand involve motorcycles. Statistics also show that up to 71% of victims sustained injuries from accidents related to drunk driving.

Often-ignored problems

Montri Pramnak was hit by a pick-up truck while driving his motorcycle in Suphan Buri's Song Phi Nong district in early 2021. Police said the pick-up driver was drunk.

The accident left Montri severely injured – bedridden, unable to speak and being fed through a tube. The court handed the pick-up truck driver a suspended sentence of two years and ordered him to pay 300,000 baht in compensation to the victim.

The victim's family says Montri has only received 50,000 baht of that payment so far.

More shocking still is that the same pick-up truck driver crashed into another victim on the same road just eight months after hitting Montri. The second accident shattered the leg bones of 27-year-old victim Kan-ornpat Chaosuwan, leaving her disabled for life. Despite receiving surgery, she has been in a wheelchair for more than two years now.

"He has never taken any responsibility," Kan-ornpat said of the driver.

The court sentenced the pick-up driver to two years in jail over the second accident and ordered him to pay one million baht in compensation. However, the victim's father says he has only received 10,000 baht to date and has heard that the perpetrator is free after being granted bail ahead of his appeal.

Are punishments too light?

Under Thai law, drunk driving causing the death of a person is punishable with a jail term of three to 10 years, and/or a fine of 60,000 to 200,000 baht, and loss of the driver's license.

A drunk driver who causes serious injury faces between two and six years in jail and/or a fine of 40,000 to 120,000, plus suspension or loss of their license.

Dr Pracha Kanyaprasit, a neurosurgeon at Chiangmai Ram Hospital, said alcohol consumption lowers a person's ability to make snap decisions while reducing mobility, sense awareness, memory and rational decision-making.

"So, the more you drink, the higher the risk of an accident," he said.

As such, many experts have expressed concern at the government's recent decision to allow entertainment venues to open until 4am. Statistics show that under midnight closing rules, drunk-driving accidents mainly occur in the hours before 3am. Experts warn that switching closing times to 4am risks extending the drunk-driving carnage to the 7am rush hour and placing students and workers in the firing line.

By Thai PBS World's General Desk