Apps to combat street racers, illegal alcohol

Two mobile apps have been launched for the public to report motorcycle street racing and illegal alcohol outlets in Bangkok.

The apps are the brainchild of the Department of Juvenile Protection and Observation (DJPO).

Speaking at the launch of the apps on Wednesday, DJPO’s director-general Wisit Wisitsora-at said the first app has been introduced to help spot young motorcycle racers who cause trouble on public roads at 10,000 locations in Bangkok and its perimeter.

The second app would help identify entertainment venues which operate in prohibited areas or near educational institutes in the same target locations as well, he said, adding both apps were now available on Android. Besides Bangkok, the mobile apps were also introduced in some major provinces including Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Phuket.

The apps, which were now only demos, were jointly developed by the DJPO, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda).

Mr Wisit said the apps would be available on trial for two to three months. During their trial periods, authorities can only spot the location of illegal activities via the apps but cannot take legal action against offenders until full versions of the apps are implemented nationwide.

The digital tools would also help combat entertainment venues which have quietly reopened after being closed down by authorities for the same offence, Mr Wisit added. The URL for the app on street racers is http://bit.ly/2i99Vko. The other was unavailable at press time.

Meanwhile, Gp Capt Somsak Khaosuwan said the Geographic Information System (GIS), a key part of both apps, will help locate routes and entertainment venues based on databases collected by the Excise Department and City Hall.

The full versions would be developed into a real-time system which would link to a cloud-based system where storage and handling requirements are provided by a third party, he added.

Gistda deputy director Supapis Polngam said the public can report illegal activities with locations and video clips to authorities via both apps.

Meanwhile, more than 50 members of anti-alcohol networks have lodged a petition with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha, urging him to ban the sale of alcohol at concert venues during the Songkran festival next month to help cut the road toll.