Thailand’s Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has introduced new prosecution guidelines for drunk driving cases in the country, which are aimed at “ensuring effectiveness in line with current road safety issues and the significant damage to life and property”.
Among others, the guidelines allow for the prosecution to confiscate the accused’s vehicle with a court order.
Thailand authorities will seize the vehicles of an accused in drunk driving cases
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According to the Thai-based publication The Nation, the new prosecution guidelines emphasised the confiscation of vehicles if the motorists exhibit behaviour that disregards the safety of others.
The prosecution guidelines were issued in a circular notice signed by Deputy Attorney General Jumpon Phansumri, which highlights the severe hazards on Thai roads caused by drunk drivers.
The guidelines prescribe that upon receiving a case file, the prosecution must assess whether the accused’s driving behaviour showed a disregard for the safety of others, as per Section 43(8) of the country’s Land Traffic Act BE 2525 (1982).
Moreover, if the accused was found to have driven without regard for the safety of others or caused harm, and the charge has yet to be presented, the prosecutor must instruct the police to add the appropriate charge.
Besides that, the prosecutor is also required to request that the court order the confiscation of the vehicle involved in the drunk driving case.
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So, what do you guys think of the new prosecution guidelines for drunk driving cases in Thailand? Do share your thoughts with us in the comments.Ā
