An academic is urging the government to review its liquor bill and implement regulations that make liquor stalls, restaurants or pubs liable for injuries caused by their patrons, such as drunk drivers.
The call came after Worawut Sukuna, Chon Buri Football Club goalkeeper, fatally hit a 62-year-old woman and injured her male companion in Chon Buri’s Muang early Wednesday morning. He admitted driving while intoxicated.
A test showed Worawut had a blood alcohol level of 184 milligrams per decilitre, well above the legal limit.
The incident prompted the resignation of his manager before Worawut himself was sacked by the club. Motorists with alcohol levels ranging between 100 and 199mg/dL should not drive.
Muhammad Fahmee Talib, a lecturer at Songkla University’s Faculty of Nursing in Pattani, said road accidents caused by drunk driving should not be such a recurring issue in Thailand. The road toll is too high, as many studies have acknowledged.
Dr Muhammad, in his capacity as a Centre of Alcohol Studies academic, urged the government to review its liquor bill.
Although the bill will allow Thais to engage in homebrewing to spur the economy, the government should review the details, Dr Muhammad said.
Homebrewing may lead to more issues involving alcohol, Dr Muhammad said.
He also urged lawmakers to issue liability rules to ensure everyone involved, including alcohol vendors, are accountable for drunk-driving incidents.
Similar rules are being enforced in foreign countries like Japan, he said.
“I accept that it’s not easy to make everyone accountable for incidents,” he said.
“But if the law can be issued, society will surely change for the better.”