Drink driving in Thailand: limits, fines and penalties
Thailand sets the limit at 50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood for most drivers and 20 mg for young and new drivers. Penalties include a fine, possible jail and a licence suspension, and refusing a breath test counts as being over the limit.
The legal limits
| Driver | Limit (blood alcohol) |
|---|---|
| Most adult drivers | 50 mg per 100 ml (0.05%) |
| Under 20, or on a temporary licence | 20 mg per 100 ml (0.02%) |
If you hold a first-year (temporary) licence, treat the lower limit as the rule that applies to you, whatever your age. The practical advice is simpler: after a couple of drinks, do not ride or drive.
Penalties
- First offence: up to one year in prison and a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 THB.
- Repeat offence within two years: up to two years and 50,000 to 100,000 THB.
- Injury or death: much heavier penalties, reported as up to 10 years and a fine of 200,000 THB, with the licence revoked.
- Licence: the court can suspend or revoke it.
What sources report: how long is the licence suspension?
- At least one year, or revocation: reported for a first offence. Thai PBS World
- At least six months, or revocation: given by a 2026 study guide. Exam-prep guide, Sep 2026
The court decides, so ask the police or a lawyer for the figure that applies to your case.
Checkpoints and breath tests
Police run breath tests at checkpoints, mostly at night and in the holiday periods around Songkran (April) and New Year. Officers use a breathalyser at the roadside. Refusing is treated as being drunk, so the same penalties apply. More about your rights at a stop in our police stop guide.
Insurance and accidents
Drinking can void your cover. Many policies, including travel insurance, exclude claims when the driver was over the limit, and a breath test after an accident is routine. If you have a crash, follow our accident guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the drink driving limit in Thailand?
50 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood for most drivers, and 20 mg for drivers under 20 or on a temporary licence.
Can I refuse a breath test in Thailand?
Refusing is treated as being drunk, so you face the same penalties as failing the test.
What is the fine for drink driving in Thailand?
Reported as 5,000 to 20,000 THB for a first offence, with up to a year in jail, and 50,000 to 100,000 THB for a repeat offence within two years.
Does the limit apply to motorbikes?
Yes. The same limits apply to cars and motorbikes.
Will my travel insurance pay if I crash after drinking?
Often not. Many policies exclude claims when the driver was over the limit. Check your policy wording.
Practise before the real test
470+ questions in English with the official Thai signs and road markings, and a mock exam for car or motorcycle. Free, no sign-up.
Related guides
Your rights at a police stop in Thailand
What traffic police can and cannot do at a checkpoint in Thailand: documents, tickets, fines, licence seizure, breath tests, paying and what to ask for.
Driving rules, speed limits and fines in Thailand
Thai driving rules for foreigners: drive on the left, speed limits by road, alcohol limits, fines, the 12-point licence system and junction priority.
What to do after a road accident in Thailand
Step by step after a road accident in Thailand: emergency numbers, the scene, the police report, insurance, Por Ror Bor and why you must not leave.
Motorcycle licence in Thailand for foreigners
Can you ride a scooter in Thailand on a car licence? What tourists and residents need, how the Thai motorcycle test works, helmet rules and insurance.
Sources
- Thai PBS World: drunk drivers in Thailand may face stiffer penalties
- Bangkok Post: breath test refusal equals drink driving
- Nation Thailand: government warning to drunk drivers
- Royal Thai Police: Road Traffic Act B.E. 2522, unofficial English translation
Requirements, fees and procedures change and differ by office. Confirm with the Department of Land Transport or your local office before you act.