Some groups want the government to rethink its plan to allow bars, clubs and other entertainment venues to operate until 4am, saying authorities have not taken the necessary precautions to prevent alcohol-related accidents.
The calls come about a week after the Interior Ministry issued an announcement allowing bars and clubs in Bangkok and Phuket, Chon Buri, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui on Surat Thani, to open until 4am starting from Dec 15.
In Bangkok, the extended opening hours will be tested along Silom Road, Royal City Avenue (RCA), Ratchadaphisek Road and venues within hotels, said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt.
"We will work with local authorities to ensure these venues don't admit anyone under the age of 18. We will ask the police to set up checkpoints to check for drunk-driving and drug use to prevent accidents," he said.
The Stop Drinking Network said without adequate preparations, the policy will cause road deaths to soar instead of stimulating the economy.
Meanwhile, citing accident data from Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Bangkok and Phuket, the Road Safety Academic Centre, said drunk-driving was to blame for at least 2,118 deaths last year. Almost half of the accidents, or 1,004 cases, took place in Bangkok.
The Centre of Alcohol Studies raised concerns about impact of the longer operating hours on the incidence of violence, after a study in Norway found the longer the drinking hours, the higher the number of violent crimes.
The Don't Drive Drunk Foundation said drink-driving laws must be strictly enforced, as many drivers do not take drink-driving laws seriously.
