Patong –
An Indian motorbike rider was arrested in Patong for drunk driving on Tuesday early in the morning (April 2nd).
The Patong Police told the Phuket Express that they had set up a police checkpoint on the Taweewong Road. At 1:14 A.M., the suspect identified only as Rahil, 34, Indian national, was stopped at the checkpoint.
He was given an alcohol breath test that showed .80 milligrams percent of alcohol which was over the limit of .50. He was taken to Patong Police Station to face charges of drunk driving.
This was the second drunk foreign driver arrested in Patong this month. At least nine foreign drivers were arrested in Patong last month as seen below.
Patong Police have been especially focused on foreign drivers and tourists breaking Thai laws after a series of high profile cases of tourists and ex-pats behaving badly in Phuket and Thailand brought negative attention from local residents.
In Thailand, driving under the influence of alcohol is taken seriously, with strict penalties in place to deter such behavior. If caught driving while intoxicated, individuals can face the following consequences:
1. Jail Time: Offenders may be imprisoned for up to one year.
2. Fines: The fine for drunk driving ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 Thai Baht.
3. License Suspension or Revocation: Convicted drivers may have their licenses suspended or revoked for a period of up to six months
A Russian man was arrested for drunk driving in Patong early on Monday morning (April 1st).
An Iranian and Indian man were arrested in Patong for drunk driving on Thursday (March 28th).
An Indian, a British and a French driver were arrested in Patong for drunk driving.
