Comparative Criminological Perspectives on Drunk Driving Policies and Law Enforcement: Thailand, England, and Japan

Abstract

This article compares drunk driving policies and legal enforcement in three countries: Thailand, England, and Japan. It employs a criminological framework including Social Norms Theory, Deterrence Theory, Rehabilitation, and Procedural Justice. The research uses qualitative comparative analysis based on secondary documentary sources from the past ten years. The findings indicate that Japan emphasizes social control and holds all related parties legally accountable. England applies conditional sentencing, balancing deterrence with rehabilitation. Thailand, however, still lacks consistent enforcement and behavioral rehabilitation measures. The study also reveals that Civil Law systems in Thailand and Japan tend to impose fixed penalties, while the Common Law system in England allows for more judicial discretion. Policy recommendations include implementing behavioral treatment programs for offenders, integrating surveillance technology with a demerit point system, and fostering community-based mechanisms to prevent recidivism—aiming to reduce drunk driving and enhance road safety.