As of the 1st of September, 2019 a new set of laws regarding driving in Thailand has been proposed especially with regard to drink driving.

1. A person with a driving licence covering 2 years may not have more than 0.02 alcohol reading. I was stopped at a check point yesterday and as I had drank only 2 small bottles of beer I assumed I had no problem. My reading was 0.031, well under the legal limit and then they checked my licence. As I had a 2 year licence I had to park the car and the head bloke explained as I was a novice driver I was over the limit and would have to go to the police station. I stood there in the sun for 2 hours and I called my lawyer and he suggested I just wait and see what happens. He also told me that I should get my licence back as the police could not retain it and I politely asked and my request was refused.

Anyway after 2 hours the police van mostly full of Yaba freaks drove off and I was left standing there with the head policeman and he told me to drive to Banglamaung police station. My wife was with me so she drove.

When I arrived I was told to sit on some cement garden furniture and wait for the head guy. He arrived and once again explained that 2 small beers was over the limit because I was a novice driver with only a 2 year licence. He finally agreed to retest me and my reading was 0.011 and he handed my licence back and apologised profusely for the inconvenience. No money changed hands.

2. A policeman may ask for your driving licence but after viewing it he must hand it back to you immediately. He/ She has no legal right to retain it as of the 01/09/2019.

You can download the new laws from the relevant government site but be careful.