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Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Anucha Mokhaves announced that road accidents on Friday had been 85 fewer than last year, with nine fewer deaths and 147 fewer injuries. Drunken driving was the major factor, he said, and most accidents involved motorcycles.

Rayong, Buri Ram, Chiang Mai, Tak, Suphan Buri, Samut Sakhon and Bangkok had the highest death tolls at two each, while Chiang Rai had the highest number of 21 accidents and 22 injuries. The 2,999 checkpoints on main roads and highways stopped 571,409 vehicles and arrested 46,651 people, 17,225 for driving without a licence and 14,906 for not wearing a helmet, he said.

Meanwhile the exodus from Bangkok filled Hua Lampong train station and Mor Chit bus terminal and choked Nakhon Ratchasima's Mitraparb Highway.

Film-director Nonsi Nimitbutr, 47, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving causing damage to property. He was released on Bt20,000 bail.

Police responding to a report of a Benz Sport CLK230 rear-ending a taxi during a quick U-turn on Paholyothin Road in Bangkok's Bang Khen district at 3am yesterday found the Benz driven by Nonsi, whose blood alcohol level was found to be 300 milligrams per centilitre, beyond the legal limit of 120.