Over 4,600 vehicles seized over drink, drive

BANGKOK, April 16 (TNA) -- Authorities have temporarily seized 4,609 vehicles on charges of drunken driving alcohol during the past one week despite the government’s attempts to reduce road accidents and casualties during Songkran festival, Thailand’s traditional New Year, said a deputy spokeswoman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). The deputy spokeswoman said authorities seized 3,488 motorcycles and 1,121 cars between April 9 – 15. Legal actions are taken against 50,271 motorcyclists and 31,270 car and bus drivers, she said. Owners of the seized vehicles could obtain their vehicles on the date specified by authorities. She said the NCPO, has taken control of state administration on May 22, 2014 because of the prolonged political deadlock, long-running protests, and violence is concerned over the safety of drivers and passengers as many of them are returning from upcountry to Bangkok to resume work next Monday. Songkran festival or water splashing festival is celebrated in several Southeast Asian countries including Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. It officially ended Friday in Thailand. (TNA)