Support for testing blood for alcohol levels

BANGKOK, Dec 23 (TNA) -- The Stop Drinking Network has pledged that it will provide support to test alcohol levels of suspects in DUI (Drinking Under Influence) incidences in road accidents as those found to have alcohol above permitted levels will be immediately charged. The Stop Drinking Network handed its official letter to Dr Sophon Mekthon, Advisor to the Minister of Public Health, as a move to show its support for the alcohol blood testing in road accidents. According to the 2551 (2008) Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, those tested with blood alcohol content over 50 mg per cent are deemed to be DUI. Dr Sophon stated that blood alcohol testing was first implemented during this year’s Songkran (Thai New Year) Festival but on a smaller scale as, at the time, blood alcohol testing was determined by police officers on a case-by-case basis at accident sites. Previously, blood alcohol testing was only required at accidents which involved fatalities and/or serious injuries. In such cases, police officers are required to take blood samples from suspects within four hours of said incidences. Blood samples taken past six hours are inaccurate as alcohol levels have already started to deteriorate. It is hoped that this measure will help provide clarity and solve road accident cases resulting in fatalities where no witnesses or evidence are available for suspected DUI crimes. (TNA)