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Published on April 14, 2008

Alcohol sales will be banned over Songkran festivals in the future, if the road toll this year exceeds targets.

Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung will consult the public first, he says, but he's keen on prohibiting booze sales on the first and last days of the annual, traditional new-year celebration.

Alternatively, the hours alcohol can be legally sold could be tightened from the current restrictions.

The road toll for the first two days of Songkran this year reached 104 dead and 1,411 injured, according to the Road Safety Centre. However, the Narenthorn Emergency Medical Institute says the toll as at 5pm yesterday is 143 dead and many more injured.

The Road Safety Centre says Saturday saw 743 road accidents killing 59 and injuring another 854.

The so-called "seven dangerous days" of Songkran started on Friday.

 Transport permanent secretary and centre member Chaisawat Kittipornpaibool says the main cause of accidents, once again, is drunk driving, with alcohol responsible in almost 42 per cent of all accidents.

Emergency call outs have almost trebled from last year to more than 2,600, says Public Health Minister Chaiya Sasomsap.

But, again this year, emergency hotlines are besieged with at least one hoax call every minute.

Daily Xpress