A total of 1,740 people were arrested for drink-driving and 28 vehicles impounded at road checkpoints nationwide over the weekend as people began returning to their home provinces to celebrate Songkran, National Council for Peace and Order deputy spokeswoman Sirichan Ngathong said on Monday.
Col Sirichan said of the 1,740 arrested for drink-driving from April 9-10, 1,540 were charged with reckless driving and 174 had their driver's licence confiscated.
Officials temporarily impounded 28 vehicles -- 25 motorcycles and three cars -- from drunk drivers.
The checkpoints - manned by soldiers, police and civilians - have been instructed to strictly enforce the NCPO's policy to arrest drink-drivers and impound vehicles as deemed necessary to prevent and reduce road accidents during the Songkran holiday period, she said.
The Songkran Festival holiday is officially April 13-15 this year, followed by a weekend, but many people take a few days extra leave to enjoy an extended vacation.